Inbox for duplicity

[chopoffyourhead]

Username: rosehearts

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un: rose<3scocks, misfire video

[chopoffyourhead]

[Riddle realizes that this might be a misfire... a little too late in that his attention is now wholly occupied by the show in front of him.

But... the intense discomfort quickly becomes apparent, and his expression soon becomes more focused, as if trying to figure out what's happening.

Azul is thin, he notices. His clothes usually covered it up pretty well, but now it's very apparent. Why?...

He murmurs quietly:]

What isn't working?

Live not-nudes

[dealing_fine]

Riddle? What do you-

[Yeah, that's about the time Azul sees the thumbnail for the video message that was sent. His mouth snaps shut and he pales visibly for a second in horror before going painfully red.]

Nothing, unless you count these devices.

[Lies.]

[chopoffyourhead]

[Ah. That's... A very strong reaction. Not that he wouldn't have his own but...

The only time he thinks he's seen Azul actually turn pale like that was during flight lessons.]

They're obnoxious. And they'll likely continue to be for awhile.

Might we continue this conversation in person?

[dealing_fine]

I may begin keeping mine in a drawer until this is over.

[There's definitely hesitation to Riddle's request. Not over 'in person', but...]

If this conversation really must be continued, I suppose that's best.

[chopoffyourhead]

[There's a pause at that. Riddle's rather used to exercising authority and assertiveness in issues he considered worth sticking his nose in. But this is a very private matter... One he was never supposed to see to begin with.

So, he relents, saying:]

It doesn't have to be.

... but I'd still like to see you, even if our conversation has nothing to do with this.

[dealing_fine]

[There's a flicker of surprise when Riddle tells him it doesn't have to be, but there's also an overall softening in Azul's demeanor and expression. He wasn't expecting Riddle to offer him an out, and whether he takes it or not, just having the option helps.]

Very well. Do you have a preference for location?

[chopoffyourhead]

[Oh. That's not something he sees a lot with Azul— the softening. It's usually such a carefully kept presentation...]

Perhaps... one of our places? Something lower-key and relaxed.

[dealing_fine]

Yours, then. It won't stay low-key should Floyd wander in and find you at ours.

[The eel would immediately be all over Riddle like white on rice, after all.]

I'll be there shortly.

[chopoffyourhead]

[True that.]

Alright. Do you like tea? I could prepare some for you.

[dealing_fine]

I do like tea, yes. Though I admit I can be somewhat particular about it. My sense of taste is quite honed.

[chopoffyourhead]

I wouldn't doubt it.

[He considers thoughtfully...]

Octopus, right? I admittedly don't know as much about ocean creatures as I do land or air... but I know a little.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. I have Rose tea, if you'd like to try that. I find it pretty inoffensive.

Or, if you have a preferred flavor, we most likely have it.

[dealing_fine]

...yes, that would be the species of my original form. A few things do carry over, I suppose, though some of it is also practice.

I do have some types I prefer over it but I find rose tea pleasant, as well.

[chopoffyourhead]

Interesting. Is that how it is for all Merfolk?

And alright. I admit, I'm curious to see what you think of it.

I'll be seeing you soon, then?

[dealing_fine]

Things carrying over? I believe it may vary by species. You've seen Floyd's teeth, of course. But many of the more... conventional mers are less different from humans in the first place.

Of course.

[Azul is true to his word and he's there within five minutes, neat and pressed and fully clothed as ever.]

[chopoffyourhead]

Conventional? [Riddle knows what Azul's getting at and yet it feels somehow... odd, used for people. Wrong, in a way.]

[Either way, once Azul arrives, Riddle will open the door and step aside.]

Come on in.

[He'll immediately be struck by the floral fragrance of rose tea. The strength and depth of the aroma almost undoubtedly implies fresh ingredients.]

I set the tea up in the living room. Make yourself comfortable.

[dealing_fine]

I'm certain you know what I mean, Riddle. They would call themselves normal, of course.

[There's a subtle hint of bitterness that might indicate there are much worse words than 'conventional' he could have used.

Azul nods to Riddle as he steps inside, taking a breath and appreciating the fragrance in the air. He moves to settle in the living room.]

It smells wonderful.

[chopoffyourhead]

[There is no further comment after that... but Riddle keeps it tucked in the back of his mind.

Riddle smiles at that, following after Azul.]

I'm glad it passed that test.

[He takes the teapot and pours the cup in front of Azul, the liquid a rich pink.

Naturally, there are some associated snacks with it as well.]

Feel free to have whatever you'd like.

[dealing_fine]

[Azul stares at the snacks for a moment, just a beat too long, before delicately taking one. Just one. He sets it down in front of him before taking a sip of the tea.

He considers the taste of it thoughtfully.]

Do you prepare the petals yourself? This tastes too fresh for store bought.

[chopoffyourhead]

[..hm...

Riddle pours himself a cup quietly, then takes a seat as well as he brings the cup to his hands.]

I did, yes. Jamil grew me a rose button bush for Christmas... So I thought I'd give it a try.

It's still quite small, so I've been very sparing with it to be on the safe side.

[dealing_fine]

[It's fine. He's fine.

Azul nods slightly to the explanation.]

That's quite sensible. Reckless harvesting has been the cause of ingredient shortages with far more than plants. It is excellent tea, as well, it would be a shame to have to start over.

[chopoffyourhead]

[The compliment has expression immediately softening in surprise, a blush coming to his face.

Normally he would take such compliments with ease, but... he hadn't practiced very hard at brewing tea. That, and it was Azul. He literally had just commented on how refined his taste is.]

You really think so?

[There's a touch of shyness... And then a pleased little smile appears on his face.]

I'm glad. Thank you.

[dealing_fine]

[Azul takes another sip and nods thoughtfully. He offers Riddle a small smile.]

I do. The preparation has some flaws that I imagine will remedy with more practice, but the quality of the ingredients shines through clearly. You've evidently been taking excellent care of the flowers and it pays in a fuller, more nuanced flavor. Any spotting or withering on the petals, visible or incipient, can add an unpleasant undertone of bitterness that isn't present in this.

[He does tend to go on a bit when he's evaluating, doesn't he?]

1/2

[chopoffyourhead]

[Azul can tell this all from just a couple sips? That's incredible... He can't help but be a bit awestruck.

He nods enthusiastically before he takes his own sip of tea and lowers the cup again.]

Of course. Any living being, sentient or not, should be taken with proper care and respect. Especially a gift of a dear friend. I would settle for nothing less even if I hadn't come up with the idea to try it as a tea.

[He considers what Azul said earlier. About being an atypical merfolk. His gaze softens a bit in thought...]

... is... that part of why you didn't want to return to the ocean? [He slowly looks back up at Azul.] Because you felt you didn't belong?

2/2

[chopoffyourhead]

...ah.

[Embarrassed, he brings up his tea again.]

Sorry, that was too personal a question. Ignore me...

[Siiip....]

I'm so sorry

[dealing_fine]

Your sense of duty and responsibility is as amazing as ever, Riddle.

[Azul is carefully breaking his snack in half when Riddle asks the question. His hands freeze for a second before the moment passes, but...

By the time Riddle is apologizing, Azul is already smiling. It's more his sales smile, though.]

Forgiven, of course. How could I possibly hold the pursuit of knowledge against such a diligent student?