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sexyspace2018-07-03 08:30 pm
zhautasmods) wrote in sexyspace2018-07-03 08:30 pm
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TEST DRIVE MEME #2.5 (OVERFLOW EDITION)
Awakening
The multiverse is sick. It’s dying. And it’s up to you to save it. Or, at least, that’s what the Zenith Corporation had told you when they announced their search for a cure across the multiverse. They hand-picked individuals to be "volunteers" for the next stage of experimentation. Maybe they made it sound dire, maybe you already had your mind set to help, or maybe the specifics of how you could help was vague. Considering the alternative was wasting away on your home planet with no promise of when this cure might actually come to fruition, it ultimately wasn’t much of a choice either way.
Everything comes to life the more awake that you start to feel. "Good morning, volunteer," sounds a synthetic, feminine voice in your ear. That must be one of the fancy features they advertised about the chip that was injected just beneath your skin. A projected HUD above your torso displays and scrolls through several readings about the state of your being. "A scan of your vital signs show that everything is functioning as normal." There’s a small pause. "Wait-" The spike of alarm that should follow that single, distressed-sounding word is accompanied by a light chime. "Emotional responses are still accurate, too. Thank you for your cooperation!" Without any further explanation or allowing for protest, she continues on. "I hope you enjoyed your nap! We’ll be descending to planet #05031941 - common name designated as Zhautas - in approximately three hours. There will be a brief orientation for all volunteers exactly one hour before landing. Due to potential unnatural stress levels upon awakening from stasis, I suggest a relaxing trip to the garden beforehand."
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
My name is R.O.S.I.E. and, on behalf of all of us at the Zenith Corporation, we’re happy to have you aboard.
Code CreditMy name is R.O.S.I.E. and, on behalf of all of us at the Zenith Corporation, we’re happy to have you aboard.
Say Aloe (Prospective Players Only)
Red lights lead the way to the gym, green will be your path to the gardens, ostignuh is- Wait, what do you mean the color ostignuh is burning your eyes? Huh. They must have over-corrected for your species. Oh, well. They’ll fix that for the next trip. For now, don’t worry about it. It probably didn’t lead to anything important anyway!
- The staff is much more attentive this time than they were with the first wave of volunteers. Poor feedback and the threat of losing their jobs if they don't improve their standing will do that! Unfortunately, it isn't just the colors that have been over-corrected. Despite how many times you tell the very helpful staff member that you're fine, they won't leave you alone. Are you sure? They can walk with you if you'd like. They can even hold your hand if you're overwhelmed! If there's anything you need, they're here for you.
Maybe if you find a buddy to walk you to your destination they might divert their attention to a different volunteer. The buddy system is pretty fool-proof, after all. - As you draw closer to the gardens, the lights in the hallway begin to dim. In fact, the only available source of illumination for a small distance is the thin green line across the floor guiding your way. Careful not to trip! There's handy railing to hold onto or maybe you accidentally grab the arm of that (hopefully) cute person nearby. It's kind of hard to tell and green isn't really a flattering color anyway.
Suddenly, you're stepping into a wide open space of twilight. Iridescent flowers dot the landscape for as far as the eye can see. They come in all different shapes, sizes, and glow softly in this simulated night-scape. Trees of shining magenta leaves and blue bark wind up to the stars. Or, at least, the viewing panels that allow the stars to be seen from inside the ship. Not to worry, it's entirely safe and beautiful!
The featured flower of this month is the Nykt Blossom. Be warned, however, that inhaling its pollen causes increased levels of oxytocin. This will cause you to feel compelled to bond socially with others. That is, you might find yourself a lot more friendly than usual! Maybe a little too friendly, even, if you're especially susceptible to its effects. - It's very easy to miss the warning signs in this dark as you step into the section of the garden that houses the more alien plant-life.
They'll fix that for the future, of course, but for now many volunteers are likely finding themselves subject to the same unfortunate circumstances. Coitendrils are in abundance here; they're a pretty touchy feely species.
It's a plant that thrives in warm conditions and grows at an incredibly fast rate to seek out these cozy spots. As it turns out, your body warmth is the highest temperature around and exactly what it's looking for.
Before you know it, long green tendrils are suddenly growing around your arms or legs in speedy spirals. They get everywhere in a matter of mere seconds. Their growth is aggressive, finding ways beneath the fabric of whatever clothes you happen to be wearing and to the skin below. The only way to reverse their growing hold is to cool yourself off and fast. Maybe someone can grab you some ice?
Orientation (Prospective Players Only)
Around an hour before landing, an announcement is made to everyone aboard the ship. It’s time to find your way to the amphitheater for orientation. If anyone gripes, they are reminded that it has mandatory safety information that the Zenith Corporation is legally required to cover. In fact, there's even a quiz at the end to make sure you understand all the technical ins and outs! The Zenith Corporation only has your best interests at heart. They also can’t afford another lawsuit or PR nightmare but who can, really? It’s only a half an hour long and R.O.S.I.E. reassures everyone that it will go by faster than they think.
- Are you way too cool for school? If you try to play hookey, the crew members of the spaceship are already on guard. You're not the first one to try this and they doubt you'll be the last. Try as you might to super sleuth your way around, there’ll be someone at apparently every single turn and twist you try.
It’s also very likely that in scrambling to find a place to hide you’ll run into someone else breaking the rules! Perhaps great minds think alike and you decide to try to defy the system together. Or maybe they’re totally just getting in your way and you decide instead to throw them to the wolves to give yourself a better chance at escaping certain boredom that is an informational seminar. The choice is yours, volunteer! - Whether you come to the orientation willingly or are dragged in by one of the staff, you’ll quickly realize just how bad R.O.S.I.E. lied. A half an hour feels almost like ten hours instead. The last time you checked your watch, it was somehow later than when you check it now. Is time going backward? It sure seems like it the longer you listen to the monotone voice read over colored flavor text clearly meant to engage but missing its mark stupendously. Even the motivation of a quiz at the end that needs to be passed in order to disembark seems to do little to nothing for your dwindling attention span.
Finally, there’s a break in the bureaucratic monotony. The faceless, droning voice introduces one of the staff currently on Zhautas, Jeneviere. He's assistant to the head scientist, Professor Quintalian, and freshly assigned overseer of new volunteers. He also looks like he absolutely doesn't want to be the one doing this seminar.
"Come now, Jenny," says a masculine voice off screen. "You promised."
"I know what I said," he snaps, glaring off camera and not seeming to care much for the fact this is a live feed nor that these new volunteers are expecting something a bit more professional.
"Then what's the problem?" the voice asks again. As it does, a tentacle wiggles into view and gives a reassuring pat on the deerman's shoulder. "I know for a fact that you like being filmed, Jenny, so really this shouldn't be so daunting-"
As he speaks, Jeneviere's cheeks suddenly burn red hot. He stands forcefully out of his chair and uses one of those hoofs to kick harshly at the source of the tentacles. There's a very undignified squawk at the attack before the video feed cuts out and a technical difficulties sign is displayed.
"... Right," the narrator from before says to break the undeniably awkward silence. "Just give us a moment, volunteers, and we'll get a pre-recorded seminar ready for you instead. In the meantime, let's open up communications with the facility and allow you to discuss with those already on the planet about what they've enjoyed most about their time on Zhautas so far?*
- Hopefully, you didn't forget about the quiz! The staff certainly didn't. After the pre-recorded seminar is run, papers are handed out. A quiet shuffle carries through the room as people pass them to and fro down the aisles. It all seems rather arbitrary and tedious but remember! You have to pass in order to disembark.
It isn't too hard. Or maybe it is. Perhaps it's just the pressure that you only have fifteen minutes to complete it. What was the professor's first name again? How many research facilities are there on the planet? Staff are scrutinizing your every move now, it feels like. Do you take the risk and try to whisper for help to the person next to you? Pass notes? Do what you must to succeed! ...Or you can just shamefully take the quiz again and again and again until they're legally obligated to let you off board. - Hopefully, you didn't forget about the quiz! The staff certainly didn't. After the pre-recorded seminar is run, papers are handed out. A quiet shuffle carries through the room as people pass them to and fro down the aisles. It all seems rather arbitrary and tedious but remember! You have to pass in order to disembark.
Welcome to Zhautas! (All Players)
Finally, it's time to disembark at the research facility. This time they have the right coordinates so it's as easy as stepping off the ship and to your new home away from home. Or, at least, it should have been that easy...
There's an awful lot of construction going on around here. Several beings with hard hats, power tools, and ridiculous amounts of glue are rushing about. They're shouting orders and saying "excuse me" where they remember to. Still, it can be hard to get a word in edgewise about the fact that you're new volunteers here to check-in. In addition to the construction, there's also an awful lot of important-seeming people walking throughout the facility as well that staff are far more attentive to than you.
In short, it's borderline chaos as you try to get your bearings.
- "Bad news, new volunteers," says R.O.S.I.E. in the midst of all the commotion. "We have your housing assignments but there have been some... technical difficulties in preparing the new rooms." There's actually been a lot of technical difficulties, period. Maybe you've already noticed with the lights randomly changing color or dimness, the vending machine that launched your drink at you, or R.O.S.I.E. herself glitching out periodically when responding. The problem with the rooms is that the doors won't open. Or they won't stay closed. Or that they open and close constantly and forcefully so it's a safety hazard. As if everything else going on with all the construction isn't.
"We're working on it as fast as we can, but for now, we've set up a temporary sleeping situation until its resolved." Everyone will be directed to one of the larger common rooms in the east wing of the facility while the rest of the volunteers are still awaiting their new housing as promised.
Mattresses are laid out in rows on the floor. There's plenty of blankets, pillows, and even some LED lights strung around the room to provide some nice ambience.
Additionally, there's a screen covering one of the walls for a movie to be projected on before bed. R.O.S.I.E. has chosen a thematically appropriate film that was approved by Professor Quintalian himself. Snacks are provided too! It's an old-fashioned sleepover, volunteers. Make a blanket fort, enjoy what's on for your viewing pleasure, and have - most of all - have fun. - What's a sleepover without scary stories? Flashlights have been provided and it's time to get spooky. Here's your chance to share that real thriller that you know from back home. Maybe another world has a similar tale! Either way, there's nothing like bonding over a little healthy fear. Right?
Or maybe terrifying strangers isn't your idea of a good time and you'd rather make shadow puppets instead. That's also an option! In fact, some people are trying to start a contest out of it to see who can cast the most creative shadows around. - The night staff comes around for one last security sweep. Get some sleep, they say. It's been a long day. Tomorrow might be even longer if they still can't figure out the rooms or where to put all these new volunteers for the time being.
As nice as that sounds, it's a little easier said than done. Whether it's the construction noise, the person next to you snoring, or late night existential thoughts it's difficult for sleep to find you. Maybe talking to someone might help? Or maybe you just need to go to the bathroom. Good luck crossing the swath of bodies, in the case of the latter, and who knows! You might find someone else having as much trouble sleeping as you that you can commiserate with.
Or maybe you're the one snoring. Do you happen to kick in your sleep? How unfortunate for the person assigned to the mat next to you. They might be courteous or they might tell you just how obnoxious it is. Whatever the case might actually be, you're likely in for a long first night here at the research facility.
Network/Bangr (All Players)
During all the goings-on, R.O.S.I.E. will prompt you to set up your presence on the network. Pick a username, a profile picture, and commence to shitposting immediately if you so desire! Additionally, if you want to get a headstart on your contribution to the volunteer program, why not set up your Bangr? R.O.S.I.E. even has an icebreaker question ready for you! They change every month. This month's question is:
(*Despite what you might actually put, know that R.O.S.I.E. is a little glitchy. What you wrote might not actually be what's displayed! I.E., you can totally use this as a misfire type deal in case your character wouldn't answer this question.)
bangr
Professor Quintalian | 35
Wake-up sex is the best, in my opinion. Hormones are more haywire first thing in the morning; it's just scientific sense to get your bang in during wake-up time.
| ✓ | ✕ |
| YES |
NO |
Extra Notes
- The BANGR code only works in comments, there is a separate code for entries!
If you're testing this code before posting it here please do so in a comment to an entry for accuracy! - TDM top levels are allowed for current characters and/or new characters!
However, current characters can ONLY interact with the following prompts:
WELCOME TO ZHAUTAS where new characters are on the planet AND/OR the network options available if they want the thread to be considered game canon. - THIS IS AN OVERFLOW POST FOR NEW TOP LEVELS
feel free to add a link to your previous top level if your threads reach captcha
no subject
"It is a tall order, isn't it?" he said with a fond smile, bowing his head to a small chuckle as they walked along the hallway. "People come to expect it after a while and you'll that it's harder and harder to have a moment for yourself. But in the end it is worth it, I think." Helping, providing assistance, giving as much as you can.
He rather liked the nickname to be honest. It wasn't offending or ridiculous, just somewhat familiar and Charles wasn't opposed to that in the least. Steve seemed like such a nice man and Charles was pleasantly surprised by his candor.
"Did you do something similar before this place?" he asked curiously. Steve looked like a man who could have been a police officer or a firefighter.
He couldn't help but grin back at Steve's question, tilting his head back to look up at him. "Ah. I have to admit there was a moment where I thought I had no idea what I signed up for when I agreed to come here. But I'm hoping it'll be become easier eventually." He rolled his lip between his teeth for a moment, the skin around his eyes crinkling as he regarded Steve curiously. "Does it?"
no subject
"I've worn a few hats. Actor, soldier, special ops, even spy I suppose, although I wasn't particularly good at it. Before I came here I was sort of between jobs, and it wasn't really a request I thought I could refuse." Since Charlie didn't seem to know him, Steve was reluctant to fess up to exactly who he was. It wasn't lying, it was just . . . not being completely honest . . .
Steve's cheeks went fairly quickly red at that rather knowing look. He was getting used to the nearly-perpetual blush most questions and situations kept bringing up, stupid as it was. He chewed his lip for a moment before answering, but really, there was no point in being evasive.
"Not for me, no. I'd say if you're at least not a virgin, you'll do well though. The consensus is the idea of ah . . . free love is just about the best thing since sliced bread."
no subject
"That is quite the career you've had." Charles gives a fond laugh at the idea. "But thank you for your service," he says, because it's quite obvious where Steve hails from and he's patriotic enough to have gratitude, misleading as he might sound with his Oxford English. The war isn't that far behind that he doesn't remember it.
The colour upon Steve's cheeks makes him smile gently and reach behind the man to give him a quick rub on the upper part of his spine. It's completely understandable to be embarrassed.
"Perhaps you'll feel better if I say that while I am not a virgin, the idea of free love feels still quite daunting. Perhaps it is the way I was brought up. I've not always acted according to the ideas of propriety as it were, but..." He exhales and there's a small, sheepish smile to go with this. "I have to admit that the openness to such activities does fill me with a little bit of dread, or rather the feeling of inadequacy, hoping that I'm not the worst stick in the mud."
no subject
"Thank you. I don't help out for the thanks, but it really means a lot when someone says it." He stiffened a little when the guy touched his back but didn't try to pull away. It's not like Charlie's hand was below the belt, so to speak, it was just unexpected. Seemed like maybe his new friend was a little like someone else he'd met in the facility, but he didn't really mind.
"Are you just playing into your own stereotype Charlie? The stodgy old Englishman getting flustered over a little physical contact with the opposite sex?" Steve grinned, taking the chance to tease, "I doubt you're going to have a problem Charlie. You're a little short but all your features are in the right places. And you have a lot of hair. I'm told the ladies like that."
no subject
"We do not give our gratitude enough to those who served," he says with a bit of regret. "I'm not sure which time you come from and looking at the style of your clothes, I'm guessing not my decades, but I was nine when Pearl Harbour was attacked. It's not something you forget even after decades of peace."
He couldn't help but snort out a bark of laughter at Steve's cheek, though. "You mistake me for an Englishman but I suppose you are correct, a bit of an stiff upper lip has stayed with me since ending my education in Oxford." He shook his head, mirth dancing in his blue eyes as he looked up at Steve. "I live in Westchester, my friend, New York."
His chuckle was quite high pitched and obviously amused as he ducked his head and shook it again. "Unfortunately you might think a little too highly of me. Except for the hair, I suppose I do have plenty of it." For now, Charles, for now. "Finding company and charming a lady to pay attention to me definitely isn't the problem." Oh, he wishes, Steve, to keep that mental image you have, but unfortunately the truth is not quite as respectable. "I'm merely used to keeping these matters very private. And..." He sobers up a little, a thoughtful look in his eyes and a tilt to his head, not quite sure what to think about this. "The attention I'm receiving from the same sex has been quite new and... " He struggles to find a word, but in the end settles with: "Fascinating."
no subject
Steve knew not everyone in an army chose to be there, whether it was his own country's or another's, and it was for those men he fought for as much as the ones who volunteered to serve. No one should be forced to fight if they didn't believe in the battle. His brows went up when Charlie started laughing at him though. It was a nice sound and he appreciated the way the man was so kind with him. He might have started off a little reluctant, but Steve felt a connection to Charlie. It was so nice to be spending time with someone from a similar time, and a surprise as well. If he hadn't already met Peggy, he'd be quite shocked. As it was, he just enjoyed the banter.
"Westchester isn't really New York, not the New York I grew up in, and your accent says you started off in England no matter where you live now. But that's alright. As a people I like the English, although your country is miserable most of the time. So much rain!" He grinned at the man, reaching out to ruffle all that lovely hair. For once he had the chance to reassure someone else and it was something he planned to take and run with. How often lately had he been able to do something like that?
"I can understand that, the private thing. I wasn't brought up to go running around with just anybody at the drop of a hat. I expected to find a nice girl and settle down with a family at some point, but this . . . " He shrugged. True, he'd known the bare bones of what he'd be expected to do but the reality was different from reading it on paper. Very different. Steve blinked at Charlie when the guy started talking about going after men, a little pleased that someone else found the idea unexpected. He just hadn't been brought up to think that way, but now that he'd been exposed to it, he couldn't help seeing a lot of personal benefits.
"You too huh? I mean about the men? I never even thought about it back home, but here . . . It seems like there might be a lot more benefits than drawbacks, you know? Not that I don't like women, but . . . " But the only one he really wanted might easily break his heart, although he knew it wouldn't ever be on purpose. He'd rather have Peggy as a friend than sully what they shared with pain and jealousy. It wouldn't be fair to either of them.
no subject
"But one could say the Englishman appreciates sunshine much more than those who enjoy it all the time," he said with a soft chuckle while gazing Steve through his lashes, playful as ever. The hair ruffle was a bit unexpected given Steve's earlier reaction to touching. Charles mused that perhaps he only felt awkward about it when it wasn't himself initiating the contact.
He had to spend some time trying to get his hair to settle again. It was floppy on the best times. "Look at what you've done," he said with a clear accusation but not without amusement. "I should demand you fix the situation you've caused." But instead of doing exactly that, he pulled down the ruffled locks himself.
Apparently they did share more than just the way they looked at helping others. Charles nodded immediately when Steve started to explain how he saw sex and romance. It was how Charles had been brought up as well and how he thought it should go for most people, how his gut told him that life was supposed to be organised. The fact that he had been an offshoot from early on didn't change that.
"I... I never really thought about it," he admitted with a dawning smile. "That's true. I don't think there should be anything wrong with it, but it's a... " He looked up as he struggled to find words. "It's baffling to be completely honest with you. To consider that there could be something similar between men."
And women. Don't forget women, Charles. The brief thought makes his eyes go wide for a moment and then he clears his throat. Back to the topic: "No, no, definitely can't say I don't like women. But I'm not so sure I can say I don't like men either. That's probably what I'm trying to get at.
"You grow up thinking that one day you will marry a girl who will bear you children and hopefully you will love each other greatly because you're supposed to shield each other from the hardships of the life. The idea of... Loving men, desiring men, it feels alien." Then he squints, obviously not liking the way it sounds. "Not bad kind of alien, though. Just... new."
Of course Charles was aware that some men preferred men. But he'd never really spread a lot of thought to that. He had had other things to do and he had known that he liked women, so there had been no need to reflect upon it any further.
It was a relief to learn that he wasn't the only one struggling to open up to all the possibilities this new situation provided.
no subject
Charlie just sounded too English to be anything else, but Steve wouldn't really disbelieve him if he insisted he'd been born in the States, or anywhere else for that matter. It was a joke as much as anything else. Oddly enough he felt a little disappointed when the man fixed his own hair, however. It had felt awfully silky when he touched it before and Steve wouldn't have minded being the one to fix it, though he rather thought the mussed locks had looked sort of cute.
"Mm. It seems like it's more acceptable now, or at least much less hidden? I mean, you knew stuff like that happened behind closed doors back then, but it wasn't really . . . yeah." Steve gave a shrug. The past was the past and he'd never seen any reason to judge someone on what they did in bed. It was absolutely none of his business and if he'd noticed anything during his times with armies, he hadn't felt a need to bring it to anyone's attention. In more modern times, most people didn't seem to feel the need to keep their sexuality under wraps and that was fine with Steve too. He appreciated seeing love between two people whether they the same sex or not. It was the love that mattered, not the bodies.
It had made him feel awkward to be hit on but guys though. Most of them weren't very subtle and back home it had just plain confused him. In his new reality, it wasn't just confusing but also intriguing. Thanks to some of the people he'd been talking to, Steve was feeling much more inclined to try things with men. The idea of going that route seemed a lot safer for his heart and his nerves, not to mention his ego. He eyed Charlie, a soft smile on his lips. It really was nice spending time with someone that honestly seemed to understand him.
"It feels different, and different doesn't have to bad or good, it's just . . . different." Steve was quiet for a moment, reaching out to lay a gentle hand on the man's shoulder, "In some ways, thinking about being with a man seems a lot easier than being with a woman, especially for me, and there are some really decent guys here. If you're serious about trying things out with men, you have some pretty nice prospects."
He grinned, breaking the serious mood, and patted Charlie's shoulder, "Look on the bright side Charlie. At your height you'll never be anything less than cute. I'm told some guys really go for that."
no subject
The thought of his future that would rob him off of those legs to run on made him sober up for a few minutes before he pushed that thought aside. This was not the time or the place.
"I've noticed that the general attitude towards same sex unions has changed along the time." He was privy to thoughts of so many around them and they came from various times and decades. "I'm glad that it has. It's likely that we'll see more than just acceptance in our lifetimes."
Steve's hand was big and warm and Charles rather liked that soft smile curving his lips. It made Charles' own curve warmer, the skin around his eyes crinkle fondly. He reached up to clasp Steve's arm and gripped it firmly for a moment.
"Why would you see it as something easier?" he asked curiously. Most men he knew probably wouldn't think it like that. At all.
The joke returned the mock offended look, though, and this time with a burst of laughter that wasn't quite as meditated as the shake of his head. "I'm only short standing beside actual giants like yourself. I wonder if that's something you like?" he asked teasingly, his eyes narrowed in a playful smirk. "Is it that you like your men on the adorable side, Steve?"
no subject
Steve smiled a little and nodded at the sentiment about the changing times. Many things in the present day were different in a bad way, but some things made him happy. The freedom for people to be who they truly felt they were and to live that life without fear was one change he heartily approved of. No one should be forced into a role that they hated. He'd fought more than one war to prove that point. But Charlie's frank question had him blushing, the man's hand a pleasant warmth on his arm. The more he got to know Charlie, the more comfortable he was, especially with being touched.
He had to laugh at the rather overdone flirtation, taking a risk and running his fingers through Charlie's hair, curious. But about what, exactly, he couldn't have said.
"Judging by the two men currently topping my 'I shouldn't be thinking those kinds of thoughts' list, no. Adorable and short don't fit either one of them. But it doesn't mean I couldn't be convinced to give a cute little man a chance." Steve fell quiet for a moment, debating with himself, but Charlie seemed to invite confidences. He gave a slight shrug and just put it all out there, "There's a woman I loved, still love I think. Even considering sleeping with someone else of the same gender leaves me cold, but I can't be with her like that, at least not at the moment. I mean, she is here, which should be impossible, but this place . . . It wouldn't be possible to just be us two, you know? And I don't think I could handle sharing her, not that way." He shrugged a little, "The idea of sleeping with a man takes away a lot of nerves and solves the other problem as well. I'm going to have to do it at some point and I have a feeling my window of grace is quickly shrinking. I can't put things off much longer Charlie, and I'd rather not embarrass myself with someone who has a lot of comparisons."
Definitely one of his more selfish reasons, but at least he was honest. Steve didn't have any illusions about himself anymore. He was confident he could function with at least a couple of men, one of whom might actually jump at the chance, and he was just trying to screw up the courage to broach the subject. Awkward as that was likely to be, he had to lose it sometime, and better it be with someone he at least felt attracted to on more than a physical level.
no subject
He did tilt his head to that gentle touch on his hair and smiled up at Steve with a clear invitation to take more privileges with him physically. They were welcome his body language said without any hesitation.
Charles didn't touch the suggestion about running being a way to escape either. This was a discussion they would inevitably have and it could be a game breaking one because Charles would have to admit to things that might make Steve uncomfortable. He didn't seem like a man who would be easily accepting towards telepathy. But Charles, like he often did, pushed that to the future. Because it was a rare thing that people accepted him after they knew about his abilities.
Instead, he chose to focus on those confessions that obviously bothered Steve.
"You are an honest man," he said with a warm smile. "I wonder if in the end you would regret not being with this woman. It seems that we have those moments in our lives where love is possible for a glimmer of a time, but they pass quickly. Especially for men like you and me." He's had a glimpse of his own future and unfortunately there's no Moira in it. "If you have a chance to be happy for a moment, I suggest you take it, and don't think about what you might have to sacrifice for it. If you have to share her, if you have to suck in your own pride."
He reaches up to splay his hand on Steve's broad chest, warm and affectionate. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about when it comes to inexperience. I'm more than happy to explore with you, my friend, if that is what you wish for." Time for some frankness. "I feel like there's a good rapport building between the two of us and trust and companionship is quite important.
"But I would still urge you to reconsider your stance when it comes to the woman you love. You would say this to anyone else, wouldn't you? But you deserve some happiness as well."
no subject
"I haven't given up on seeing Peggy, just on jumping right into bed with her. We both decided it would be nice to take the time to really get to know each other. The first time . . . the first time everything was so rushed. There's so much I don't know about her, and the crash caused her so much pain. I can't make her hurt again Charlie. And if we tried more than friends right now, I know I would." He wouldn't mean to, but she'd sense how much it hurt him to see her with someone else. He never could hide things from Peggy.
"Unfortunately it just isn't as simple as me being too arrogant or anything like that Charlie. I kinda wish it was. It would be a lot easier to just swallow my pride than . . . than what things actually are." He gave a slight shrug and stopped dead when the man laid a hand on his chest. Steve blinked down at him, feeling a slow flush creep over his cheeks.
"I . . . I agree that we're definitely getting along so far, and I appreciate the offer, especially since I think you're genuinely sincere in talking about . . . exploring things. But are you sure? I mean . . . wouldn't you rather . . . um . . . " Steve heaved a sigh and shook his head a little, huffing out a faint laugh, "I know in general where parts are supposed to go, so to speak, but I haven't ever done anything close to that. Just . . . just a little kissing mostly."