z_jay | [Video | January 21st

Current Mood: hopeful

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[Video | January 21st - Midday]

[Begins transmission with a smile, him flying solo in his own journal for the day. And here, being committed to your entertainment. Or at least, it's in the works, but today he has a few things in mind he'd like to accomplish to get that started.]

Hello, Luceti, it's a chilly morning out there, so make sure you're nice and bundled up for any sort of travel you expect to be doing today.

Jack and I are still compiling some requests and compositions from you lovely lot, and if you'd like to put in some last minute offers or requests, feel free to let me or Jack know.

[Switches gears a little, looking just a little nervous]

I also come to you today for a request.

[Takes a deep breath and averts his eyes just a moment, licking his lips before glancing back to the screen]

I've heard of some doctors being located at the Battle Dome and I had questions about... things... regarding mobility, mostly. Ah, if anyone could get me in contact with a doctor there, I would really... really appreciate it. As some of you know I have some mobility issues and improving that would be...

[Smiles a little, wistful and hopeful but trying to keep it under wraps]

...It would be my top priority.

[Scratches the side of his nose with one finger and sits back]

Alright, thanks again, listeners-- and stay safe out there.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[As has become his rather perversely impish habit, Zevran swings down a rope from his floor to Eugene's rather than employing the door more often than not. The climb, the catch to spring the bars over the windows do not take terribly long but today? He has a surprise for a chilly afternoon and takes greater care in the trip. Down and in, a moment to shake the chill off once he's inside before he sets his pack down and shrugs out of his thick coat- not layered in a mass of sweaters this time. He was not a pillow. Even if the one sweater he's wearing is oversized.

He sneaks and creeps until he finds Eugene in the apartment and lingers behind him for a moment, silent as death, before leaning forward to murmur into his ear.]

I have requests but I doubt they are decent.

[Thankfully for the both of them, Eugene wasn't working on a video or voice communication. However, that didn't stop him from yelping and elbowing backward out of reflex. Angling to look over his shoulder-- he actually recognized Zevran's voice a moment too late, he let out a shuddering breath, eyes wide but the fear was rapidly dissolving into a sheepish, rueful smile]

Zevra--... Oh, god, did I hurt you?

[Okay, the relief was brief, but the concern was genuine. Turns in his chair and faces Zevran, willing his heart rate to slow]

I am so sorry.

[Perhaps he should not have stood so close when making the comment, while he didn't expect the sudden elbow reflex was met by reflex and rather than being cracked in the ribs with a hard joint Zevran manages to cradle the strike as it's given and maneuver out of the way.]

...If I say yes, will you kiss it better?

[Snorts and almost rolls his eyes, but there was something charming in the question-- charming and disarming and wow, he nearly did just cream Zevran in the chest over something foolish.]

I figure I owe you a proper apology, right? Please don't sneak up on me.

[Too many nightmares of being grabbed from behind and dragged into a pit of hungry zoms to not have that reaction. Squeezes his fists to stop the faint shivering. He wasn't that bad off, right?]

Come here.

[Humor for panic, forever and always. Even if Eugene smiles and laughs it off he can't quite keep himself from stepping forward and curling his hands over his trembling fists. One day he might ask what it was that hunts them in their world...but not today.]

Were I struck I would have earned it- but if you insist.

[An easy grin, a disarming smile as he steps closer.]

[It's a little embarrassing that it still gets him so quickly terrified but either Zevran noticed and didn't make a deal of it or he didn't notice-- either way, he was grateful. Smiling and letting the rest of the trembling out with a breath he was true to his word and ducked in to press a brief but sound kiss to Zevran's many-layered chest]

So about these indecent requests. There's only so much I can allow on air till it gets too dodgy.

[Eugene kisses his chest, as soon as there is room to do so Zevran dips his head and lifts his hands to press his lips to the backs of Eugene's. It would be distraction enough for the moment.]

I take it that erotic poetry would be entirely out of the question? Mm...a pity.

[Briefly, for some reason, Eugene suddenly wondered if this were some elaborate Antivan greeting. The kissing just felt familiar, weird, but... not bad]

Well, I could read it to you off air, but I doubt that folks would like to listen to me read erotic poetry. We have to keep this relatively PG-13 so as to not scandalize young, developing minds.

[It will probably continue to seem formal until Zevran turns Eugene's hands over to press his lips against his wrists, nipping at the skin there.]

Ah, a private reading? I may have to insist upon one of those during a cold, lonely night.

[Even if he had a poker face, Zevran seemed to easily get him to break out into a smile. Charming-- it was a perverted sort of charming but sometimes it wa alright, especially when he knew it was inherently harmless]

Zevran, there are times where I wonder if I could resist a request like that, but only from you. And Jack.

Mmm. It is good to know that I am on an exclusive list.

[One last, lingering press to Eugene's left wrist and he releases his hands entirely.]

Perhaps it could be something I've composed for you in particular.

A very exclusive list. I don't just share this sort of thing or do these kind of requests for anyone.

[He'd never really even had a friend with benefits. So this was a doubly exclusive list]

I'd be happy to read something you've written. I'm sure Jack's told you I'm a writer, myself. Or... more specifically, a journalist...

Then I am all the more honored for the distinction.

[His smile slips from the usual self satisfied smirk into something warmer and more sincere. It's dangerously close to Sentiment but...he can allow it.]

A journalist? One who...keeps many journals?

A journalist is someone who prepares news or writes for a newspaper or magazine.

[It was endearing how he thought the original definition went, but occasionally he did miss his previous occupation. Though... maybe Luceti might have a need for a small newspaper... or news service.]

I take it there's nothing quite like that in Antiva?

Oooh. So a written version of a crier to inform the populace of the news of the world. We've not enough paper to circulate it regularly. News is often posted on boards set up in towns or spread by word of mouth. In Antiva the fishwives and the courtly women handle most of the news, though most of it needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Otherwise you end up on a job to assassinate a man that is already dead!

[He cracks a laugh, wiping at his eyes.]

Aaah, that was a lovely spring.

[Listening to Zevran even describe Antiva and its many strange quirks he found himself wanting to visit one day. Raising a brow he looked expectant, prompting Zevran to continue]

You've been sent to assassinate someone who's already dead? Hopefully not while the other assassin is there?

[Can't really imagine himself being a crier. A newspaper boy, sure, but not the kind to stand around all day and elucidate the most recent newsworthy happenings.]

Ah, well. The rumor mill was muddled a bit. This is due to the nuanced language involved and the fact the noble lord in question had a Rivanni for a mistress. It is a similar but stranger sort of language than Antivan, simpler in ways. So when she meant to say he has 'passed on in the middle of their embrace', most thought due to the way she phrased it he 'passed out' due to the intensity of their passions!

[He cracks a laugh, and smooths a hand through his hair, playing a bit with the braid in the back.]

And since she spoke so infrequently with the public at large the truth of it did not come out until I found myself standing in an empty bedroom- while the mistress was off bedding the stableboy.

So in terms of relationships, I take it that being intimate is... more loose than monogamous? Like, if you're married-- do Antivans have marriage?

[Maybe his fumbling for knowledge might make him seem silly but... he had a genuine curiosity. That is he meant no offense]

Do you mean to ask of the average Antivan, or for me in particular? I assure you my stance on relations and relationships is a little skewed even for an Antivan.

[He cracks an easy laugh.]

Antivans marry, yes, and there are some that are monogamous. But the nobles, well, they like to play by their own rules, yes? And who is going to tell them not to?

Nobles tend to get their way whether we like it or not. Except the French, but you don't know the French. Anyway, that is probably some world history I don't even know everything about.

[Feeling maybe a little out of his league with history he didn't know 100% he cleared his throat and switched the subject]

Skewed even for an Antivan? Does that make me and Jack skewed?

From what I have seen and read of your French they seem quite similar to our Orlesians. So I may know something close.

[The bag hanging at his shoulder reminds him of his little, impromptu treat. As he spoke he pulled out a collapsible table and flicked it so the legs would fall straight and began arranging their beverage service.]

Most Antivans are not quite so open and available for more or less anything, at least not publicly. Marriage and love do have a place for them, as does monogamy. It is simply understood that now and then a mistress or lover on the side can ease the burden in a relationship.

[A small silver tray, artfully smithed glasses, smaller than coffee mugs, larger than an espresso cup, a carafe for serving and a thermos follow.]

You and Jack aren't skewed- unless you wish to be. [He offers one of his most sultry grins.] I can skew you in so many ways, Moca, you have no idea.

[Old habits died hard and Eugene was easily settling into listening to a story about Antivan lifestyles. He wanted to write it all down and now that he had time without feeling like he was an unnecessary burden on the community (not to mention paper was not a rare commodity here), he wanted to catalogue and interview and just... put things to paper.

Not to mention, being a food enthusiast, he watched attentively to what Zevran was preparing, brows drawn together-- That is until he was grinned at, and Zevran could melt many a thing with that look. himself included]

Well, I, uh.

[Huffs out a soft laugh and gives him an incredulous look-- amused and shocked at once]

I probably don't, actually. But, see, this is why you are around so that we can find out together.

[But now that he'd said that, his curiosity returned to the original item of his scrutiny.]

...What're you making?

I would be more than happy to teach you, whenever you like, whatever you like. You are more than welcome to ask.

[Zevran chuckles, going through the familiar motions of heating the carafe of cream and checking the tin, the odd whisked silver spoon and setting out their cups. A little decanter of brandy follows, something sweet with a hint of spice.]

You do recall what we discussed the evening of the Christmas ball, yes? Hot cocoa as adverse to drinking chocolate? I have found some lovely bars meant for it from Antiva and thought I should share it with you.

Oh!

[Was he going to be privy to a personalized sharing of Antivan chocolate? Considering this was a cuisine coming from another world entirely different from his own. this was an exciting happenstance. It made his heart quicken and scoot closer to the spot where Zevran was preparing their drinks. The offer, as it always stood, was welcome, but before they got too hot and heavy, there were some things to consider first.]

Oh, brandy-- that's a really nice choice with chocolate.

[But now he was trying to figure out if there were some right way to drink it, or some mysterious Antivan ritual to go through before drinking or... well, he looks at Zevran, curious and a little helpless]

This is all you have? I mean, if it's rare... not that I'm declining but things from home tend to be pretty cherished. And I'll confess, there's more memorable parts to that Christmas ball than you'd think.

[Winks at Zev with a soft, lopsided smirk before letting his hand settle around one of the cups once Zevran finished with his set up]

Brandy is the traditional choice- though those that could not afford it usually used Rum in it's stead. But here I have found at least one bottle of Antivan Brandy and nothing of Nevarran Rum, so Brandy is what it is we will be using. Unless you wish to do without.

[He whisks the cream, adding a touch of sugar from a vial. A scraping of vanilla bean. The lightest pinch of salt. It was a little like mixing potions at times and the fluid efficiency alongside Zevran's natural flare for the dramatic makes for a show along with their thick, simmering treat.]

If it is rare, save it for a special occasion, yes? Life is far, far too short to limit your celebrations for any particular occasion Eugene. The day is cold, but gorgeous and we are alive! That should be reason enough to enjoy this. I have my health, the company of a very sexy man and a beverage that makes me think of his alluring eyes and voice.

[A curl of a smirk and a twist of a laugh before he added the brandy and lit the carafe's mixture on fire. While the flames danced and crackled he shaved in the chocolate, the heat and flavors melding into something gorgeous and robust.]

Mmmm...It has been a long while since I have enjoyed the affections of two handsome men, I shall say that- and I must also say you have that experience beat by a good margin.

[Video | January 21st - Midday]

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