[Octavian is not the baby, for the record. That's not why he's here. Though this is still technically the first Valentine's Day and/or generically titled V-Day that's ever been even slightly of note to him, that still isn't the reason he's come to this event.
No, he's come to do some field testing for a joint personal project, actually. A local has insisted on pinning a paper heart to his dork-ass sweatervest and he's left it there as he follows around a small, about knee-height robot (imagine a more clean/polished look than this... also a familiar Blue Glow in the eyes iykyk) a few strides behind as it wanders around the event space. The little robot has the pathing capabilities of an advanced Roomba, so every so often Octavian has to duck down and lift it and turn it around when it gets stuck on a piece of furniture or maybe a person. Oops. Sorry about his child.
Eventually the robot manages to walk right up to people and hold something out; most often one of the paper decorations, sometimes a snack, maybe even a question card swiped from speed dating— and then it waits for its delivery to be accepted. Upon acceptance it will turn and go off to pick up something else; refuse and it will start to beep, quietly but insistently.
Octavian is there, very visibly in charge of this little thing, but he won't interrupt unless someone looks like they're going to be mean to it. Or if it falls over. But if you look at him while dealing with the robot, he will simply say:]
He is on a special assignment.
annoying guy at speed dating
[This, too, is not why he came here. He's since taken the time to write "No Advances Please" on the paper heart stuck to his vest in small, mostly-legible handwriting, which he figures is good enough.
But he's still sat down at this table and has a small stack of questions. The robot is also here, glowing blue eyes staring over from his side of the table. It's fine.
Octavian doesn't stop for greetings, simply looking down at his questions. It says, What’s the hardest thing about being in love? and Octavian scoffs quietly, puts it down on the table, and says instead,]
What is your favorite alchemical compound?
[If that gets no immediate response, and we're talking Immediate, he goes for,]
Did you know a goldfish's age can be determined by its scales?
[And then,]
What is the next number in the following sequence: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21?
[If you try to get up and just leave this nonsense, he leans forward and puts a hand on your wrist. Gently. But intently.]
We have four minutes and seven remaining seconds to bond.
misc/wildcard
[lol. hey. as his handwritten not-a-nametag says, he's here for platonic things only, so all may approach. jojoveller if you need me!]
speed dating because i thought it'd be funny to shove a skeleman at the ghost
[Look, he might have answers to those questions, clearly this guy has no standard in terms of waiting for a response. The sheer impatience! Just when he considers bailing, that's when Octavian catches him.
Son of a bitch. It's tempting to force him off, but Phosphorus isn't convinced that this isn't some whacky training simulation that he's being forced through yet. So, like, what if he fucks it up and gets a nasty shock? That would suck.]
Y'know, for a guy not looking for a romantic getaway, you're pretty demanding. Relax, man.
[If this game came with a secret shock under the chairs or something, at least it would make sense. Octavian thinks the whole affair is rather pointlessly dull, and without even a drop of the usual sinisterness to make it feel, hm, typical? The usual?
So maybe shock chairs would improve the party. Regardless.]
I am relaxed. [.......And,] Raise your standards for romance.
[This is absolutely the lowest bar to clear, anyone in this room could be more romantic than he is at this game.]
Silver nitride, or fulminating silver. Whichever name you wanna go with. Kinda surprised to hear someone bring up alchemical compounds. Old school, aren't you?
[And here is Richard! Looking at the unusual duo with his brows knitted in a confused frown. Now, one might think that it was the little robot that waddled towards him with a little gift in it's tiny metallic hands that earns such response from him. But no. With all these weird welcoming bots and other beeping metallic devices and what not had already kinda desensitized him somewhat.
No, it's Octavian that leaves him puzzled. Because what is he even looking at?]
[Hi, Richard, please keep up with his myriad magical improvements. Octavian glances up from robot babysitting to see Richard, waiting for him to accept the little gift... Don't keep his son waiting...
But oh, does he? He looks down at himself, plucking at the front of his sweater vest, which is a whole physical vest and not just a spectral memory of one. Really exciting times.]
They insisted I wear this paper decoration, [he says, about the paper heart pinned to him festively. This, surely, is what Richard is talking about.] My assistant has one for you as well.
[Pressing his lips together Richard actually does look down at the little robot. He might not greet the mechanical wonder but he does take the offered gift. That's at least some recognition, right??
He turns the paper decoration in his fingers and raises his gaze to look at the ghost -- or what is he supposed to call him at this point?]
I see that you have been practicing dark arts. [Surprisingly enough? There's no judgement in his voice. Just an observation.]
[The little robot looks up at him for a long moment... then turns and trots away to find its next gift to bring to someone else, apparently satisfied. Octavian watches it go with equal satisfaction, then looks back at Richard.
Dark arts. God, it must be exhausting to be Richard. But whatever, he affects a little half-bow, complete with gesture down at himself. Yes, he's a sweet-ass vessel-construct until this body breaks down, thanks for noticing.]
Always. The work is unrelenting and endless. [This is said like it's a good thing, don't think too hard about it,] And you have been... around.
[he doesn't honestly know what richard has been up to, uhhhhh]
[ of course they are eventually sat at the same table. viktor never had any intentions to participate, but one of the locals pulling him in despite his protests messed with those plans, and well, here he is — and octavian and their little robot opposite him is enough to make him smile, for the first time since he'd been roped into this whole charade.
and he keeps smiling as octavian fires the questions at him, and then starts in reverse order, ]
34. No. [ a pause. the side of his mouth quirks up at the same time as his eyebrow. ] Colcothar. [ ferric oxide — notably red, though he maintains its various phases are fascinating... but the main point here is that it's red like octavian's home planet, hence that it reminds him of octavian. this is how scientists flirt, apparently, ]
[Finally they're at the same table, so Octavian can stop catching Viktor's eye from seats away and making little faces at him; a quirked eyebrow here, a can-you-believe-this split-second eyeroll there— the usual fare for the two of them in public. He just wants to make eyes at Viktor the whole time, until Viktor is there in front of him, and he leans forward on his elbows to listen to his question answers.
Ooh, he's so intelligent, swoon—]
Bluestone. [Ha ha. Get it. Or rather he instantly clocks that ferric oxide bit, raising his eyebrows in fond amusement, so this is the only appropriate answer. Otherwise he might say something like alkahest, which is fun, but not as flirty.]
It is true though. Like rings on a tree. Remarkable fish. [And, because nerd4nerd,] 55.
[ those little moments have been making going through this entire charade at least bearable — but now that they are facing each other, finally, viktor exhales in relief and thinks he really, really doesn't want to be matched with anyone else, anymore.
especially as octavian matches his answer; he ducks his head and smiles, pleased. yes, he does get it.
about the fish, though, ] Biology has never been my strong suit. [ he's dabbled, but not much.
and then, ] 89. Shall we keep going, or do you have another sequence? Or a riddle? [ a pause. ] Or shall I think of something?
I am more well-versed in human anatomy. Obviously.
[Compared to general biology, that is, and this is actually just a normal thing to say and not flirting at all, also obviously. He picked up some fish facts at some point, but he wouldn't consider himself a biologist either.
He slides a hand across the table to pluck at Viktor's sleeve and then thread their fingers together. He does have some more sequences, but—]
I think it is your turn. A riddle would be intriguing.
[Read: please please please pleasepleaseplease a cool riddle—]
[ at some nebulous time after he has received his little trinket box containing not just the holiday-appropriate trinket but the bracelet, too, after he's got clinging to his boyfriend out of his system (for now), he's back here, mostly to do what octavian has been doing way before him — touching everything, because there's a delight in being able to feel textures, temperatures, to actually interact with the world and feel the world in return.
perhaps most importantly, though, that world means people, and more specifically people who matter to him. and so when he sees octavian, following his little robot around, charles changes direction immediately and beelines for him. ]
Octavian!! [ it's an exuberant yell, but so is what follows: charles, promptly forgoing greetings to instead just draw octavian into a hug, with enough enthusiasm to actually lift him up — octavian isn't too much shorter than him, but enough for this, apparently. ]
[Octavian is, of course, watching Wobbles, so even if he's noticed Charles milling about the place, he hasn't stopped to greet him. Charles has so many friends and that boy he talks about nonstop, he will surely make his rounds whenever he has the time, so— robot attention, for now.
And so when Charles yells Octavian is not surprised, but he is startled to be hugged hard enough to be raised off the ground. He can only boggle, quite literally with Charles hugging him this tightly, but after a few seconds he manages to twist one of his arms to pat Charles' arm a little uncertainly. What is happening, little nephew...]
Oh, sorry, [ he says a little sheepishly as he lets octavian back down again. oops, he got a little carried away, there.
but he's also fairly sure this will never get old — actually being able to truly feel the hug, instead of just the vague imprint of it in his mind. and to that end, he lets go, only to draw back his sleeve and show octavian the bracelet. ]
See this? I can actually feel things when I'm wearing it. Brills, innit?
[ so yes, very exciting!! never mind that he's, hm, unable to get it off right now... ]
Oh? Let me see. [—and immediately just reaching for Charles' wrist to pull it closer and get a good peer in at this bracelet. That's not entirely the same gift from on high as his temporary body, but then, it could be a midpoint. A step in the overall process. His and Charles' relative ghostliness differences aside, let him peek and see if he can spot anything on this bracelet that shows how it works...]
That is very lucky. Though I am surprised you pried yourself off of your young man long enough to come and see me.
[Ha ha. He's earnestly very happy for Charles, ghost2ghost, so naturally he must tease about this.]
[It took a little bit of coaxing from Caitlyn to talk Vi into attending such an event. It was a little sappy sounding to both of them, but Caitlyn's point was that they both deserved a break, and it would be nice to have an actual date. She finally won.
So here she is, dressed in a purple off the shoulder sweater and black slacks, and being extra nice and wearing one of the eye patches over her left eye given to her by Jinx. She's minding her own business while Vi wandered off to fetch them a few drinks, meandering some just to get a feel of the party. She doesn't have to go far when a small robot rolls it's way up to her, and her singular blue eye blinks in surprise.
She crouches down to be closer at its level, tilting her head some at its offering of a paper decoration.]
Why thank you. [She takes it, being sure to be gentle with the paper, but her gaze still lingers on the machine very curiously. Those blue eyes.... she knows that glow. What the-- ???]
[The little machine whirs at her when she takes the paper, standing there for just another beat, measuring— before it turns and trots off to find something else to pick up, a machine on a mission. Its absence reveals Octavian a pace behind, watching it thoughtfully before he looks back at Caitlyn. He blinks.
He recognizes her, he thinks; Viktor has been thorough in describing all the people from his home, and thanks to another one Octavian has even had the unfortunate opportunity to see a bunch of them tied to chairs in a dream. The tall woman with the eyepatch is... Caitlyn, if he recalls, and it's mostly due to Viktor speaking well of her that he doesn't simply wander off after his robot.]
Hello. He may return with more.
[Fair warning, more random objects might be in your future, please enjoy.]
[Caitlyn flips the paper in her hand, still watching the machine curiously as it starts to trot off, continuing it's mission of terrorizing those with it's gifts.
It's only as it's moving away that she notices the man behind it, watching her as curiously as she did with the robot.]
Not to worry. [She will gladly carry all the paper he decides she needs. She stands again, gesturing to the machine that's once again earned her gaze]
Is he yours? He's lovely. An automaton? [It seems to have.. some kind of intelligence, but maybe not fully sentient. Those blue eyes, though. It reminds her too much of that famous hextech glow for her comfort. But that would be crazy, yes?]
[Shaw asks, eyeing the little guy with distaste. She's still not taking the question card, despite knowing full well what the repetitive beeping is prompting her to do. She's stubborn. The robot clearly is, too. Let's see who can out-stubborn the other first.]
[Please, the beeping is so earnest. He is trying so hard.]
To retrieve items and deliver them. The rest is unspecific.
[And the beeping continues; Octavian looks down at the little robot with a slight frown, having now joined this stubbornness competition but only insofar as he might get annoyed at the beeping before either of them cave, so a little different. He added the beeping himself and yet...
Well, the beeping-to-prompt-acknowledgement works on him, which he supposes is what counts.]
This is merely a field test. One day he will run proper errands.
[Okay, that's... actually something that Shaw can see the utility of, at least to the point of not wanting to take out her generalized annoyance at the dumb party on Octavian. She huffs, but she also takes the paper, reading it out loud.]
"How do we know we're doing the right thing".
[She looks up at Octavian, raising an eyebrow.]
This is the kind of question they're asking speed-daters?
[ despite his veneer of polite affability, jayce would honestly much rather be in the lab or forge rather than at this gathering - he's had enough dodging flirtatious attempts in the last seven years to last the rest of his life, thanks all the same. unfortunately, he also suffers from the incurable affliction of being unable to say no to anyone about anything (highly illegal experiments aside), so it wasn't exactly difficult for one of the locals to drag him into the festivities.
which is why he immediately makes a beeline for the little robot when he spots it, grateful for the distraction. he'd be eager to examine such a remarkable creation regardless of circumstances, and as an excuse to avoid small talk with actual humans? even better. ]
Well, hello there! Aren't you a...
[ he trails off when he notices the signature blue glow in its eyes, his own expression stiffening. for a moment, he wonders - or perhaps hopes - if this is another coincidence of worlds colliding. there's plenty of people here from other universes where magic exists, after all. convergent evolution would dictate the possibility of at least one of those worlds possessing a source of energy similar enough to his own to manifest in such a familiar manner.
but. he's spent the vast majority of his life seeing that blue glow behind his lids every time he closes his eyes, every night he dreams. he's broken it apart every single day of the past decade, studied every aspect he could possibly delve into. for seven years, he's become intimately aware of not only the sight, but the buzz, the hum, the taste of the heart of hextech in the air.
he'd be a piss poor excuse for a scientist if he didn't recognize his own work the second he saw it. ]
...huh. [ he flicks his gaze up at octavian, eyes wary. ] Unusual energy source, isn't it? Did you build it yourself?
[ please...please don't tell him there's even more stolen hexgems out there...he's gonna have a breakdown. again. ]
[Octavian recognizes Jayce— not from their okcindr conversation or anything like that, but because Viktor has described in detail each of the people here in Aldrip who come from his world, and as there are so many of them somehow, Octavian has made a concerted effort to actually remember.
So he knows this is Jayce, and he knows Jayce will recognize the glow emanating from his darling little robot, and when he steps forward to put a hand on the robot's head, it is a bit defensively. Not that he has the, hm, physical ability to defend himself or this robot, but he's overprotective anyway.
The robot beeps, meanwhile, because Jayce hasn't accepted this offer of a glittery paper cupid-looking thing.]
"Unusual." You lack subtlety. Viktor gave it to me.
[Beep beep. Please take the paper. Octavian pats the robot's head fondly.]
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expiationlogs2025-02-10 12:12 pm
octavian howe | original | existing character
speed dating because i thought it'd be funny to shove a skeleman at the ghost
Son of a bitch. It's tempting to force him off, but Phosphorus isn't convinced that this isn't some whacky training simulation that he's being forced through yet. So, like, what if he fucks it up and gets a nasty shock? That would suck.]
Y'know, for a guy not looking for a romantic getaway, you're pretty demanding. Relax, man.
You want me to answer or not?
no subject
So maybe shock chairs would improve the party. Regardless.]
I am relaxed. [.......And,] Raise your standards for romance.
[This is absolutely the lowest bar to clear, anyone in this room could be more romantic than he is at this game.]
But yes. Please answer.
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[Honestly he's expecting nothing!]
Silver nitride, or fulminating silver. Whichever name you wanna go with. Kinda surprised to hear someone bring up alchemical compounds. Old school, aren't you?
No, I did not know that, thanks for sharing.
21.
Do I get a prize?
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I am an alchemist. I would not know about "old school" or not. That would depend on your perspective.
[And you're welcome, he has plenty of Fun Facts on the docket if need be. That said,]
No prize. Unfortunately. That is not the correct number. Do you want to try again? There are "sweet prizes" in your future.
[Ha ha. Get it. Because-- ha ha.]
1
No, it's Octavian that leaves him puzzled. Because what is he even looking at?]
You look different.
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But oh, does he? He looks down at himself, plucking at the front of his sweater vest, which is a whole physical vest and not just a spectral memory of one. Really exciting times.]
They insisted I wear this paper decoration, [he says, about the paper heart pinned to him festively. This, surely, is what Richard is talking about.] My assistant has one for you as well.
[greet the robot!!!!]
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He turns the paper decoration in his fingers and raises his gaze to look at the ghost -- or what is he supposed to call him at this point?]
I see that you have been practicing dark arts. [Surprisingly enough? There's no judgement in his voice. Just an observation.]
no subject
Dark arts. God, it must be exhausting to be Richard. But whatever, he affects a little half-bow, complete with gesture down at himself. Yes, he's a sweet-ass vessel-construct until this body breaks down, thanks for noticing.]
Always. The work is unrelenting and endless. [This is said like it's a good thing, don't think too hard about it,] And you have been... around.
[he doesn't honestly know what richard has been up to, uhhhhh]
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hello im here finally,
and he keeps smiling as octavian fires the questions at him, and then starts in reverse order, ]
34. No. [ a pause. the side of his mouth quirks up at the same time as his eyebrow. ] Colcothar. [ ferric oxide — notably red, though he maintains its various phases are fascinating... but the main point here is that it's red like octavian's home planet, hence that it reminds him of octavian. this is how scientists flirt, apparently, ]
Yours?
twirls u
Ooh, he's so intelligent, swoon—]
Bluestone. [Ha ha. Get it. Or rather he instantly clocks that ferric oxide bit, raising his eyebrows in fond amusement, so this is the only appropriate answer. Otherwise he might say something like alkahest, which is fun, but not as flirty.]
It is true though. Like rings on a tree. Remarkable fish. [And, because nerd4nerd,] 55.
no subject
especially as octavian matches his answer; he ducks his head and smiles, pleased. yes, he does get it.
about the fish, though, ] Biology has never been my strong suit. [ he's dabbled, but not much.
and then, ] 89. Shall we keep going, or do you have another sequence? Or a riddle? [ a pause. ] Or shall I think of something?
no subject
[Compared to general biology, that is, and this is actually just a normal thing to say and not flirting at all, also obviously. He picked up some fish facts at some point, but he wouldn't consider himself a biologist either.
He slides a hand across the table to pluck at Viktor's sleeve and then thread their fingers together. He does have some more sequences, but—]
I think it is your turn. A riddle would be intriguing.
[Read: please please please pleasepleaseplease a cool riddle—]
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wildcard uncle time
perhaps most importantly, though, that world means people, and more specifically people who matter to him. and so when he sees octavian, following his little robot around, charles changes direction immediately and beelines for him. ]
Octavian!! [ it's an exuberant yell, but so is what follows: charles, promptly forgoing greetings to instead just draw octavian into a hug, with enough enthusiasm to actually lift him up — octavian isn't too much shorter than him, but enough for this, apparently. ]
nephew...... 😫
And so when Charles yells Octavian is not surprised, but he is startled to be hugged hard enough to be raised off the ground. He can only boggle, quite literally with Charles hugging him this tightly, but after a few seconds he manages to twist one of his arms to pat Charles' arm a little uncertainly. What is happening, little nephew...]
Hello. You are having an exciting holiday?
no subject
but he's also fairly sure this will never get old — actually being able to truly feel the hug, instead of just the vague imprint of it in his mind. and to that end, he lets go, only to draw back his sleeve and show octavian the bracelet. ]
See this? I can actually feel things when I'm wearing it. Brills, innit?
[ so yes, very exciting!! never mind that he's, hm, unable to get it off right now... ]
no subject
Oh? Let me see. [—and immediately just reaching for Charles' wrist to pull it closer and get a good peer in at this bracelet. That's not entirely the same gift from on high as his temporary body, but then, it could be a midpoint. A step in the overall process. His and Charles' relative ghostliness differences aside, let him peek and see if he can spot anything on this bracelet that shows how it works...]
That is very lucky. Though I am surprised you pried yourself off of your young man long enough to come and see me.
[Ha ha. He's earnestly very happy for Charles, ghost2ghost, so naturally he must tease about this.]
(no subject)
baby's first v-day
So here she is, dressed in a purple off the shoulder sweater and black slacks, and being extra nice and wearing one of the eye patches over her left eye given to her by Jinx. She's minding her own business while Vi wandered off to fetch them a few drinks, meandering some just to get a feel of the party. She doesn't have to go far when a small robot rolls it's way up to her, and her singular blue eye blinks in surprise.
She crouches down to be closer at its level, tilting her head some at its offering of a paper decoration.]
Why thank you. [She takes it, being sure to be gentle with the paper, but her gaze still lingers on the machine very curiously. Those blue eyes.... she knows that glow. What the-- ???]
no subject
He recognizes her, he thinks; Viktor has been thorough in describing all the people from his home, and thanks to another one Octavian has even had the unfortunate opportunity to see a bunch of them tied to chairs in a dream. The tall woman with the eyepatch is... Caitlyn, if he recalls, and it's mostly due to Viktor speaking well of her that he doesn't simply wander off after his robot.]
Hello. He may return with more.
[Fair warning, more random objects might be in your future, please enjoy.]
no subject
It's only as it's moving away that she notices the man behind it, watching her as curiously as she did with the robot.]
Not to worry. [She will gladly carry all the paper he decides she needs. She stands again, gesturing to the machine that's once again earned her gaze]
Is he yours? He's lovely. An automaton? [It seems to have.. some kind of intelligence, but maybe not fully sentient. Those blue eyes, though. It reminds her too much of that famous hextech glow for her comfort. But that would be crazy, yes?]
(no subject)
robot!!!
[Shaw asks, eyeing the little guy with distaste. She's still not taking the question card, despite knowing full well what the repetitive beeping is prompting her to do. She's stubborn. The robot clearly is, too. Let's see who can out-stubborn the other first.]
no subject
To retrieve items and deliver them. The rest is unspecific.
[And the beeping continues; Octavian looks down at the little robot with a slight frown, having now joined this stubbornness competition but only insofar as he might get annoyed at the beeping before either of them cave, so a little different. He added the beeping himself and yet...
Well, the beeping-to-prompt-acknowledgement works on him, which he supposes is what counts.]
This is merely a field test. One day he will run proper errands.
no subject
"How do we know we're doing the right thing".
[She looks up at Octavian, raising an eyebrow.]
This is the kind of question they're asking speed-daters?
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baby!!
which is why he immediately makes a beeline for the little robot when he spots it, grateful for the distraction. he'd be eager to examine such a remarkable creation regardless of circumstances, and as an excuse to avoid small talk with actual humans? even better. ]
Well, hello there! Aren't you a...
[ he trails off when he notices the signature blue glow in its eyes, his own expression stiffening. for a moment, he wonders - or perhaps hopes - if this is another coincidence of worlds colliding. there's plenty of people here from other universes where magic exists, after all. convergent evolution would dictate the possibility of at least one of those worlds possessing a source of energy similar enough to his own to manifest in such a familiar manner.
but. he's spent the vast majority of his life seeing that blue glow behind his lids every time he closes his eyes, every night he dreams. he's broken it apart every single day of the past decade, studied every aspect he could possibly delve into. for seven years, he's become intimately aware of not only the sight, but the buzz, the hum, the taste of the heart of hextech in the air.
he'd be a piss poor excuse for a scientist if he didn't recognize his own work the second he saw it. ]
...huh. [ he flicks his gaze up at octavian, eyes wary. ] Unusual energy source, isn't it? Did you build it yourself?
[ please...please don't tell him there's even more stolen hexgems out there...he's gonna have a breakdown. again. ]
no subject
So he knows this is Jayce, and he knows Jayce will recognize the glow emanating from his darling little robot, and when he steps forward to put a hand on the robot's head, it is a bit defensively. Not that he has the, hm, physical ability to defend himself or this robot, but he's overprotective anyway.
The robot beeps, meanwhile, because Jayce hasn't accepted this offer of a glittery paper cupid-looking thing.]
"Unusual." You lack subtlety. Viktor gave it to me.
[Beep beep. Please take the paper. Octavian pats the robot's head fondly.]
Aided in the construction as well.