[Scott's tone only slightly changes, but it's enough for Zekarion to pick up on. Now, as their numbers dwindle. Now, to make sure, when there may not be another opportunity.]
No time like the present...
[He trails off, uncharacteristically. He doesn't know why the thought feels important—none of it will matter in the end, most likely.
... Ah, screw it. He wants to, when it comes down to it. If it doesn't matter either way, why not?]
Would you mind if I tagged along? Perhaps I'll get some ideas of my own.
Not quite a reaction that he expected from Altius. There's something about the older man that really seems contemplative, like he's considering something. Someone. He wants to get ideas-- a gift, but for who? Wait, is that what is really happening here?? Is there someone in Aldrip that he likes in the same way that he loves Kotone?
Holy shit.
He doesn't quite zoom right into his personal space, but he does the equivalent to that anyway with his focus-- eyes fully on him as his mouth parts and blurts out the first thing on his mind.]
[He raises his eyebrows at that grin, like the reaction didn't occur to him as a likelihood. Then again, Scott has always seemed surprised when Altius gets into... normal life things?
... not that he had expected this development for himself, to be fair. But he plays it off casually.]
What, is it that much of a surprise? I suppose you thought you'd hogged all the affection in Aldrip for yourself. [nerd]
[No amount of teasing from Altius is going to distract Scott from his new mission to get information from him. He wants to know!! This is big news!! It feels like it at least. A development so surprising to Scott that he's even delaying his big gift to Kotone... just for a few minutes.
Still!! Pretty big in Scott World.
That grin hasn't lessened even the slightest as he prods at him.]
[He hums as if thinking about how to answer, if to answer, tapping his finger to his lip.
But it's just another tease. Besides... there's a part of him that wants to brag on his... partner? Is that what they are now? As much as Scott likely wants to about Kotone.]
Dante and I recently got together. [There's a fond smile on his face as he says it, genuine in a way most of his smiles haven't been, his eyes softer.]
[That surprised tone immediately shifts into... another surprised tone, but it's almost flabbergasted, because he never would've imagined that Altius would get together with someone that has a clock for a head. But you know what? Cool, awesome. Clock people deserve love too or whatever, he ain't judging.
It's clear by Altius's smile that he genuinely likes Dante too... so yeah. Good for the both of them.]
Okay, you have to tell me the whole story behind this. Unless you decided that you like clocks for heads.
The person who happens to have a clock as their head, [he says with a mild admonishment,] yes.
[But sure, it's unconventional—nothing he would have expected for himself. But then he wouldn't have expected feelings like this for much of anyone, and yet here he is.]
Well, how did you find yourself drawn to Ms. Shiomi? Don't tell me it was only because you saw her and immediately decided to ask her out.
[He's not saying no to telling the story; he supposes he can share a few bits and pieces, the rest of it kept for only himself, with not even Dante aware of the entire picture. They're a few of his darker moments, after all...]
[Delaying his story... he sees how it is. Fine. Okay. Altius is just warming up-- probably shy talking about how he ended up falling for Dante. It's fine, he can talk about him and Kotone. Not like that's a hardship for him. Still, he definitely wants to hear from Altius after this, because he never would've thought this would happen.
But it's with that same smile that Scott starts answering.]
We first met at the inn, actually. I just got here. Was pissed about a lot of things... and she dragged me from my seat to dance with her. I had fun for the first time in a while.
[And okay, it's also because she's really cute. He has eyeballs.]
[He knows the type. Presents himself as one, in many ways; is one, in a few others. He can picture it perfectly well, not least because he would have been in the same sort of mood had he arrived here at Scott's age.]
You've certainly paid it forward. [He's reminded vaguely of their disastrous first meeting.] But I can see how that would endear her to you from the start, rather than just because you thought she was cute.
[See? It's about the personality, Scott. Only after he's certain his point is made will he move onto potentially telling his own stories.]
[Kotone is definitely the type to try and help everyone she finds, even if part of it is her ignoring her own problems/depression and... yeah. She's gotten far better about it, of course, but some things never really fade away. He can only be there to support her, catch her, make sure that she doesn't push herself too much... remind her that it's okay to just focus on herself.
In a way, he's also become a problem solver, huh? Was it her influence? Or something always inside him? Maybe a little bit of both. But instead of saying any of that, he just nods, smile smaller, but still it's clear how much he cares and loves his girlfriend.]
She was always there for me. And I want to do the same.
[It's hard to go very long in this place and interact with either of them without seeing how much they care for each other, he thinks. Scott, at least, wears his heart on his sleeve—in a sense that's easy enough for Altius to see, anyway.]
Alright, alright...
[Altius holds up a hand as if to ask Scott for patience, then pauses thoughtfully.]
It's similar, I suppose. Dante reached out to me when I particularly needed it, even though they were struggling too. [Struggling that was caused by Zekarion himself, no less, which only made it more significant.] Even when we met just after I arrived, they helped make me feel more... grounded.
[In several ways it just felt like a strain to pretend given the circumstances, but there's something to the facade that he didn't realize made him feel... safe? Especially in comparison to having it ripped away by that fortune teller, which he's only really come to appreciate after the fact. Dante's allowed him to wear the mask easily in a number of circumstances, so perhaps he was partly drawn to them because it felt like the path of least resistance...
... but it was largely something else. Even if Dante was aware that Altius knew of that horrible power of theirs and the way they stood tall despite all that death—was aware of that moment where he truly started looking at them—it's not something he'd bring up. That's Dante's alone to share.]
I wanted to make sure they knew what that meant to me. ... though they admittedly weren't fantastic at taking the hint for a while.
[He says it with some fond exasperation. He can't blame them for it, but it felt like he had to drag things out before reaching an appropriate moment to speak of his feelings.]
[Scott stays patiently quiet as Altius regales the story of him and Dante meeting up. Growing closer. Honestly, there's a few things that feel pretty similar, points that Scott himself can understand due to his relationship with Kotone. Reaching out when he needed it, even though she was probably struggling, feeling grounded because of her. Then not quite reversing their roles, but providing that same support she gave him. Grounding her when she needed it. Seeing through the happy mask that she gives everyone.
Dante probably saw the sad lonely man Altius 100% is. Uh-huh. The businessman works hard and is often very well composed, but... Scott knows that there's more to him than just that. Memories of their first encounter still remind him that there's definitely shit he keeps under wraps.
Well, it's good that he has someone now? Someone to talk to and share things with. Jeez, he really sounds mushy, huh?]
So, that's the story, huh? That's cool man. I didn't know you two knew each other for that long.
[He really is happy for them... just trying to be cool in expressing that.]
And getting them a gift is definitely necessary. [Dante seems like the type that takes a while to get the hint too...] You know they're probably going to be super embarrassed when you get them something.
[don't call him out like that in your brain, scott, that's just rude.
He nods to the initial remarks. Altius is absolutely here to be mushy whenever appropriate. It is, after all, one of the easiest ways to fluster people.]
Do you think so? [Between the reaction to being called handsome and how they responded to his feelings, he can't entirely be sure, but it does feel like a possibility.] I'm glad you agree with the idea, I suppose.
[He doesn't know how relevant Scott's approval is to his feelings about it, but enthusiasm is better than the alternative...? He's not going to back down from the thought now, either way.]
I'll have to look around and see what looks best. Perhaps I can help you find the proper setting for yours in the process, hm?
[Between his greater experience with jewelers and Scott's familiarity with Kotone's preferences, they'll certainly be able to get something worthwhile.]
[Wow??? But Scott keeps grinning at Altius, his approval clear. It sounds like this is will be the first time Altius is gifting Dante something and first impressions are everything! Clearly, he needs Scott's support in all this, so he doesn't buy something dumb. ...Granted, fashion and stuff never seemed to be his weakness, but he's going to give his support anyway.
He's nice like that.]
And I already know what I'm going to get Kotone, earrings. Which. You can't use that idea.
[Because Dante can't wear earrings?? They don't have ears!!] A necklace?
Excuse me? [Altius isn't sure if the offense he puts into his expression is completely or only partly fake, and he puts a hand on his hip. What do you mean few!!!] I wouldn't be a millionaire if most of my ideas were poor, Mr. Summers.
[But fine. Loser. And yes, obviously he wasn't interested in getting Dante something they couldn't even wear—how embarrassing that would be, if not outright insulting. He shrugs with his opposite hand and gives a mild shake of his head.]
A necklace seems like a better option. [He is NOT getting them a watch, no matter how useful that might be.] Something that won't necessarily get in the way of whatever errands they get up to...
[Blah blah, whatever. Also look, Altius is already warming up to his idea. This is why he's here.]
Uh, exactly? Glad that you're following along. [He motions Altius towards the door to the shop, the mutant already ahead of him and grinning.] Come on, let's see what they have and maybe you'll be able to pick something out.
[...] Are you gonna go with a customization? As your first present? Pretty bold.
Hm, probably not, [he answers as he steps alongside Scott.] I don't feel like I know enough about them yet to be confident in whatever my poor creativity might come up with.
[How can one lad be so smug. Incredulous:]
Do you already know exactly what you're asking for? Metal and shape and style all of that?
[THIS BRAT... at least he'll hold open the door for Altius before walking inside himself, the teen taking a good quick glance around the store before looking up at the older man.]
Well, I know what 'gem' I want to be in there. Probably something small? I don't think Kotone wants to start with huge dangling earrings since she hasn't worn them before. [In other words... he has a general idea, but nothing super concrete yet.]
[Scott is really earning the stink eye from Altius today, that's for sure. Is this what he gets for encouraging him to gush about his sweetheart??? His hands are in his pockets as he examines the displays with more scrutiny.
... a gem, hm. That gives him a thought.]
So you're one step ahead of me, is it. [Come back down here off your pedestal, boy.] Well. Hearts are a classic cut, if you don't care about the cliché.
[Scott has the advantage of not only the time with Kotone, but also the girl already wearing earrings. Dante might not even know what they like in terms of jewelry, if anything. He hasn't exactly seen them decorate themselves...]
[Sometimes, it really is fun to earn that stink eye from people. Especially from grumpy old adults. A reminder of his old self-- that the super cool rebellious Scott Summers is still around. He's having a lot of fun and that's what matters the most.]
Heart may be a little too cliché. Want to go for something... elegant, I guess. But nothing too fancy.
[Still cute, for her. Does that make sense? Scott will know what he wants when he sees it-- know what Kotone may like the most.] Ruby quartz cut in a sphere...
That would be less flashy. [The one singular facet of a sphere as opposed to the more common cuts—letting the material speak for itself.] Better paired with a more complex setting, I'd think.
[He strides towards a few of the earrings on display, eyes scanning over them. No, these sets are too long... these are too ostentatious...]
[If Altius starts getting a blank look from Scott... ignore it. What. He doesn't really know all the terminology when it comes to jewelry and everything! He just figured that he'd find something that looks nice and ask the jeweler to make a custom piece with the ruby quartz he's providing. Sounded like a good plan to him!]
A teardrop? [He repeats, arms folding across his chest as he squints and thinks about this option. Well...] I don't want her to seem like she's crying though. I mean, I know it would go on her ears and it would be red, but...
[Scott is lucky he misses that blank look entirely in his investigation. He would make it particularly embarrassing as he explained—though something like that could still be in the cards, given the exasperated look he turns to the young man, shrugging with one hand.]
It's just the name of a shape, Scott. No one wears them because they feel like crying.
[Of course he has to defend his very stupid remark!! Just also ignore the fact that Kotone definitely doesn't cry a lot... even when she probably needs to. But that's something he doesn't want to bring out in the open.]
Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that I'm going to pick something else for her. She hasn't worn earrings before.
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expiationlogs2025-06-09 09:13 am
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No time like the present...
[He trails off, uncharacteristically. He doesn't know why the thought feels important—none of it will matter in the end, most likely.
... Ah, screw it. He wants to, when it comes down to it. If it doesn't matter either way, why not?]
Would you mind if I tagged along? Perhaps I'll get some ideas of my own.
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Not quite a reaction that he expected from Altius. There's something about the older man that really seems contemplative, like he's considering something. Someone. He wants to get ideas-- a gift, but for who? Wait, is that what is really happening here?? Is there someone in Aldrip that he likes in the same way that he loves Kotone?
Holy shit.
He doesn't quite zoom right into his personal space, but he does the equivalent to that anyway with his focus-- eyes fully on him as his mouth parts and blurts out the first thing on his mind.]
You like someone here. Oh my god.
[Cue also shit eating grin.]
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[He raises his eyebrows at that grin, like the reaction didn't occur to him as a likelihood. Then again, Scott has always seemed surprised when Altius gets into... normal life things?
... not that he had expected this development for himself, to be fair. But he plays it off casually.]
What, is it that much of a surprise? I suppose you thought you'd hogged all the affection in Aldrip for yourself. [nerd]
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[No amount of teasing from Altius is going to distract Scott from his new mission to get information from him. He wants to know!! This is big news!! It feels like it at least. A development so surprising to Scott that he's even delaying his big gift to Kotone... just for a few minutes.
Still!! Pretty big in Scott World.
That grin hasn't lessened even the slightest as he prods at him.]
Who do you like?
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But it's just another tease. Besides... there's a part of him that wants to brag on his... partner? Is that what they are now? As much as Scott likely wants to about Kotone.]
Dante and I recently got together. [There's a fond smile on his face as he says it, genuine in a way most of his smiles haven't been, his eyes softer.]
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[That surprised tone immediately shifts into... another surprised tone, but it's almost flabbergasted, because he never would've imagined that Altius would get together with someone that has a clock for a head. But you know what? Cool, awesome. Clock people deserve love too or whatever, he ain't judging.
It's clear by Altius's smile that he genuinely likes Dante too... so yeah. Good for the both of them.]
Okay, you have to tell me the whole story behind this. Unless you decided that you like clocks for heads.
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[But sure, it's unconventional—nothing he would have expected for himself. But then he wouldn't have expected feelings like this for much of anyone, and yet here he is.]
Well, how did you find yourself drawn to Ms. Shiomi? Don't tell me it was only because you saw her and immediately decided to ask her out.
[He's not saying no to telling the story; he supposes he can share a few bits and pieces, the rest of it kept for only himself, with not even Dante aware of the entire picture. They're a few of his darker moments, after all...]
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But it's with that same smile that Scott starts answering.]
We first met at the inn, actually. I just got here. Was pissed about a lot of things... and she dragged me from my seat to dance with her. I had fun for the first time in a while.
[And okay, it's also because she's really cute. He has eyeballs.]
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[He knows the type. Presents himself as one, in many ways; is one, in a few others. He can picture it perfectly well, not least because he would have been in the same sort of mood had he arrived here at Scott's age.]
You've certainly paid it forward. [He's reminded vaguely of their disastrous first meeting.] But I can see how that would endear her to you from the start, rather than just because you thought she was cute.
[See? It's about the personality, Scott. Only after he's certain his point is made will he move onto potentially telling his own stories.]
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[Kotone is definitely the type to try and help everyone she finds, even if part of it is her ignoring her own problems/depression and... yeah. She's gotten far better about it, of course, but some things never really fade away. He can only be there to support her, catch her, make sure that she doesn't push herself too much... remind her that it's okay to just focus on herself.
In a way, he's also become a problem solver, huh? Was it her influence? Or something always inside him? Maybe a little bit of both. But instead of saying any of that, he just nods, smile smaller, but still it's clear how much he cares and loves his girlfriend.]
She was always there for me. And I want to do the same.
[But anyway!] Okay, now tell me about Dante.
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Alright, alright...
[Altius holds up a hand as if to ask Scott for patience, then pauses thoughtfully.]
It's similar, I suppose. Dante reached out to me when I particularly needed it, even though they were struggling too. [Struggling that was caused by Zekarion himself, no less, which only made it more significant.] Even when we met just after I arrived, they helped make me feel more... grounded.
[In several ways it just felt like a strain to pretend given the circumstances, but there's something to the facade that he didn't realize made him feel... safe? Especially in comparison to having it ripped away by that fortune teller, which he's only really come to appreciate after the fact. Dante's allowed him to wear the mask easily in a number of circumstances, so perhaps he was partly drawn to them because it felt like the path of least resistance...
... but it was largely something else. Even if Dante was aware that Altius knew of that horrible power of theirs and the way they stood tall despite all that death—was aware of that moment where he truly started looking at them—it's not something he'd bring up. That's Dante's alone to share.]
I wanted to make sure they knew what that meant to me. ... though they admittedly weren't fantastic at taking the hint for a while.
[He says it with some fond exasperation. He can't blame them for it, but it felt like he had to drag things out before reaching an appropriate moment to speak of his feelings.]
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Dante probably saw the sad lonely man Altius 100% is. Uh-huh. The businessman works hard and is often very well composed, but... Scott knows that there's more to him than just that. Memories of their first encounter still remind him that there's definitely shit he keeps under wraps.
Well, it's good that he has someone now? Someone to talk to and share things with. Jeez, he really sounds mushy, huh?]
So, that's the story, huh? That's cool man. I didn't know you two knew each other for that long.
[He really is happy for them... just trying to be cool in expressing that.]
And getting them a gift is definitely necessary. [Dante seems like the type that takes a while to get the hint too...] You know they're probably going to be super embarrassed when you get them something.
[Which means Altius definitely has to do this.]
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don't call him out like that in your brain, scott, that's just rude.He nods to the initial remarks. Altius is absolutely here to be mushy whenever appropriate. It is, after all, one of the easiest ways to fluster people.]
Do you think so? [Between the reaction to being called handsome and how they responded to his feelings, he can't entirely be sure, but it does feel like a possibility.] I'm glad you agree with the idea, I suppose.
[He doesn't know how relevant Scott's approval is to his feelings about it, but enthusiasm is better than the alternative...? He's not going to back down from the thought now, either way.]
I'll have to look around and see what looks best. Perhaps I can help you find the proper setting for yours in the process, hm?
[Between his greater experience with jewelers and Scott's familiarity with Kotone's preferences, they'll certainly be able to get something worthwhile.]
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[Wow??? But Scott keeps grinning at Altius, his approval clear. It sounds like this is will be the first time Altius is gifting Dante something and first impressions are everything! Clearly, he needs Scott's support in all this, so he doesn't buy something dumb. ...Granted, fashion and stuff never seemed to be his weakness, but he's going to give his support anyway.
He's nice like that.]
And I already know what I'm going to get Kotone, earrings. Which. You can't use that idea.
[Because Dante can't wear earrings?? They don't have ears!!] A necklace?
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[But fine. Loser. And yes, obviously he wasn't interested in getting Dante something they couldn't even wear—how embarrassing that would be, if not outright insulting. He shrugs with his opposite hand and gives a mild shake of his head.]
A necklace seems like a better option. [He is NOT getting them a watch, no matter how useful that might be.] Something that won't necessarily get in the way of whatever errands they get up to...
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Uh, exactly? Glad that you're following along. [He motions Altius towards the door to the shop, the mutant already ahead of him and grinning.] Come on, let's see what they have and maybe you'll be able to pick something out.
[...] Are you gonna go with a customization? As your first present? Pretty bold.
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[How can one lad be so smug. Incredulous:]
Do you already know exactly what you're asking for? Metal and shape and style all of that?
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[THIS BRAT... at least he'll hold open the door for Altius before walking inside himself, the teen taking a good quick glance around the store before looking up at the older man.]
Well, I know what 'gem' I want to be in there. Probably something small? I don't think Kotone wants to start with huge dangling earrings since she hasn't worn them before. [In other words... he has a general idea, but nothing super concrete yet.]
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... a gem, hm. That gives him a thought.]
So you're one step ahead of me, is it. [Come back down here off your pedestal, boy.] Well. Hearts are a classic cut, if you don't care about the cliché.
[Scott has the advantage of not only the time with Kotone, but also the girl already wearing earrings. Dante might not even know what they like in terms of jewelry, if anything. He hasn't exactly seen them decorate themselves...]
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Heart may be a little too cliché. Want to go for something... elegant, I guess. But nothing too fancy.
[Still cute, for her. Does that make sense? Scott will know what he wants when he sees it-- know what Kotone may like the most.] Ruby quartz cut in a sphere...
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[He strides towards a few of the earrings on display, eyes scanning over them. No, these sets are too long... these are too ostentatious...]
You might consider a teardrop as another option.
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A teardrop? [He repeats, arms folding across his chest as he squints and thinks about this option. Well...] I don't want her to seem like she's crying though. I mean, I know it would go on her ears and it would be red, but...
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It's just the name of a shape, Scott. No one wears them because they feel like crying.
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[Of course he has to defend his very stupid remark!! Just also ignore the fact that Kotone definitely doesn't cry a lot... even when she probably needs to. But that's something he doesn't want to bring out in the open.]
Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that I'm going to pick something else for her. She hasn't worn earrings before.
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He stops and watches Scott for a moment. Narrows his eyes slightly.]
... you are aware of whether her ears are pierced at all?
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