unknownballad | Open RP Post

See, told you! I love it

Any favorites? We could get a shared dish.

Surprise me, those are always my favorite

Alright. Is 7 okay for you?

[Seb doesn't think his heart has ever beat this fast in his life.]

See you then

[He adds and deletes about fifteen different emojis before simply sending the message as is. This is certainly a tightrope walk, but already Seb can feel the stress and strain of the past several days melting away as giddy anticipation takes over.

His apartment isn't lux by any means but the furniture is unmarred, the electronics up to date, and it's got ample space for a 1 bedroom. There are even some bona fide curiosities, like a handful of Ancient Egyptian "style" amulets and figurines on his shelves and the honest to god dwarf caiman lizard in a huge glass tank.]

(( About ten minutes to 7 a gentle knock sounds at Seb’s door. It’s Siwan, of course, in a the same style of perfectly tailored suit as when they met. Except today it’s slate grey instead of cream. In his hands, a bag of aromatic food.

And if there’s a alight widening if his eyes, a parting of lips, a quick intake of breath…. Well, maybe he thought he imagined just how sexy Seb was. ))

Hi.

[What a gratifying reaction that is to seeing him again. Normally Seb wouldn't find it much more than cute, maybe somewhat charming from the right person, but he felt things for Siwan the night they met that he's never felt before and part of him has been terrified ever since that it was entirely one-sided. Just the result of marital unhappiness, work stress, and too much booze, nothing to do with Seb himself.

So his face lights up in a brilliant smile when Siwan briefly seems taken aback at the sight of him, the lightest fluttery feeling starting up in his chest.]

Hey, c'mon in. I'll take care of this - [He takes the bag to let Siwan shed his shoes and blazer, setting it on the nearby kitchen table amongst the dishes, glasses, and bottle of sparkling juice he's taken out but not set up. Just in case they want to sit on the couch together instead.] Want a quick tour before we serve up?

(( Siwan had a healthy amount of alcohol in him before Seb sent him that drink from across the bar. He really could have been mistaken about how attractive Seb actually was! It’s a very pleasant surprise to see that his imagination didn’t take any liberties.

And a little intimidating, too. He definitely remembers the heat Seb he felt when they danced. And the whole night after. And in flashes of memory every day (and night) since. ))

I’d like that.

[Siwan's no slouch either, of course, but Seb never had any question that the man he met was devastatingly handsome. He could be so much more arrogant when he looks like that, and yet the oblivious sweetness ups his appeal to such a degree that Seb doesn't think he'd want an arrogant version. Already his fingers itch to play with Siwan's tie or smooth out some imaginary bend in his collar - ah, this is just as dangerous as the first time, isn't it? Alcohol didn't have much to do with it after all.]

Alright, well, this is obviously the kitchen... [There's a small entrance area but the front door essentially opens into the kitchen, from which Seb leads Siwan into his living room.] We can eat there or in here, either's fine with me, and - oh shit, I should've asked you before - !

[While there's lots of room to sit, the room is still dominated by a reptile enclosure that wraps right around one corner, inside of which sits what appears to be a miniature crocodile about the length of Seb's forearm and hand. Guiltily, Seb gestures to the glass tank and asks:] So, uh, are you scared of lizards and reptiles?

(( It's a common sort of thing for an apartment to open into the kitchen. His daughter's first apartment was like that. His first was like that. It's simply an efficient way to use space.

What Siwan's looking at is more than the space, though. It's the personal touches, the little things that make if feel lived in. The shoes by the door. Maybe an umbrella, are their dishes in the sink, photos, that sort of stuff. Siwan's own home feels so cultivated, like it was lifted from the pages of a magazine. Like a drama set with all the props of life, but no real depth or joy in it.

Okay but his eyes go wide at the sight of the enclosure. Instantly he seems to perk up, looking from it back to Seb. ))

No, not at all.

(( Not in general, at least. He's sure if he came face to face with one in the wild he might be a little more apprehensive. As it is now, he's very eager to get a closer look and appears to be waiting for Seb's indication that he can do so. ))

What kind is it? Will is be frightened if I get closer?

[Seb is tidy as a rule so his kitchen is rather unremarkable, but there are a few polaroids clipped to a string of lights in the living room: a handful with Horus, one of which includes Anubis; one of Osiris looking particularly regal; a very old picture of Neith that's tattered around the edges. The books on his shelves also include medical textbooks between the trashy crime novels, which may be of interest.

When Siwan shows obvious interest instead of fear, Seb lights up all over again and gestures for him to come closer.]

Nah, don't worry, she can hold her own. This is Opet, she's a dwarf Caiman. [In fact, Opet appears to be very curious about the newcomer and comes right up to the glass as Siwan approaches. She's still quite cute at this size, being such a perfect miniature of a giant and deadly animal; Seb adores her so much that he doesn't even catch himself cooing encouragements to her in a soft voice.]

(( He's utterly delighted by her! What a unique animal for a companion! Siwan bows his head (as if Opet might care about human politeness or something) when she comes closer. ))

Hello, Opet. It's very nice to meet you. My name's Siwan.

(( All very quietly said. Quiet enough to catch Seb gushing over her, too. Adorable. He tears his eyes away from Opet to steal a glance as her adoring caretaker. He didn't get a good look at Seb's profile at the bar that night and he's once again a little breathless at how very striking the man is. Is there any angle that won't make Siwan feel like the air's being pressed from his lungs? ))

She's amazing.

(( So is her keeper, actually. ))

[Warmth blooms in Seb's chest at Siwan's thrilled, adorably polite response to his strange pet. As absurd as he knows the thought to be, it almost feels like a deeper acceptance of him and his true form - the towering, copper-skinned being with the head of a Nile crocodile, not a pretty young man. Something to be worshiped and revered by humanity. Seb's never even considered showing himself to a human while they still live, and yet...

He turns to look at Siwan and finds himself making direct eye contact, which startles the breath right out of his own lungs. There's a long, long moment where they both seem frozen in place, gazing into each other's eyes with hearts racing, and Seb feels that same reckless urge to grab Siwan and drag him into the bedroom the way he dragged him into a bathroom stall, but this time he manages to tear his eyes away with a breathless laugh.]

Maybe sometime down the road I can take her out while you're here, once you're more used to each other. She won't bite anyone as long as I'm around. [Anyway! Tour! His apartment being what it is, they only have to take a few steps to meet up with two doors, one open and one closed:] Bathroom's right there, and that's. My room.

[Door closed, not even a peek inside. They don't need to play with fire.]

So... I can serve us up if you wanna keep looking around, maybe pick some music to put on or something?

(( Oh! Moments like that make Siwan feel like the ground fell out from under him. Maybe falling is a very apt description of what's happening. Thankfully, there's no alcohol in play addling their senses so it's easier (Siwan thinks) to recover from those moments that make him feel electricity in the air and on his skin.

He stands upright (he leaned in to introduce himself to Opet), his hand flexes at his side. For a few minutes, it felt like they could have a simple interaction uncomplicated by this obvious attraction they feel. Then their eyes met and suddenly it was hard to breathe again. Siwan swallows hard and nods. Yes, it could be fun to let Opet out sometime, supervised of course. He'd ask the best way to go about interacting with her so he didn't startle her in any way he could prevent.

Turning his attention back to the apartment, his eyes fell on the closed door. Even before the indication that it was Seb's bedroom, Siwan knew. Has he ever been more grateful for a closed door? Probably not. Catching a glimpse of a bed might make for too much temptation. Let's not focus too much on that room.

Siwan clears his throat and nods at the suggestion for food. In the bag Seb will find a few containers: a clear soup, a light appetizer of prawns and a spicy sauce, some stir fry, a curry dish, lots of rice. The suggestion of music sends another flash of not-so-distance memory through Siwan's mind. And pries an awkward laugh out of him. ))

As long as there's no dancing.

[The laugh that leaves Seb at that comment sounds like it's been punched out of his lungs. He actually covers his mouth afterwards, embarrassed by how obviously he was affected by the memory... but how could he not be?]

Don't worry, there's lots of chill background music in my collection. Maybe some nice classical? [His voice trails off as he disappears back into the kitchen and, before doing anything else, pours himself a nice big glass of water he can drink in one go.

Damnit. It can't be this difficult to keep his dick in his pants with this one guy. He's just too deep in his own head, that's all - some food, some relaxing music, a bit of conversation, and eventually they'll settle into a more neutral dynamic together. Surely.

Seb's back to a calmer, smoother version of himself when he brings out a tray with two full plates and small bowls of soup, the necessary cutlery/chopsticks, and two glasses of sparkling lychee juice and sets it on the coffee table. He could choose a chair and make the seating arrangements less complicated right off the bat, but some stupid, horny part of him insists on the couch - he'll just have to see where Siwan chooses to sit.]

This smells... so good it must be a crime, honestly.

(( Ah, that laugh makes Siwan smile. He feels instantly less nervous because Seb laughs in such an unrestrained way. Everything about him feels unrestrained, compared to Siwan at least.

While Seb's getting the food, Siwan's perusing the music. It's interesting to see someone this young (he presumes) who still has a physical collection. Both CDs and vinyl from the looks of it. Seb wasn't lying about having some classical in there either. So Siwan picks some Liszt. It feels a little too comfortable in someone else's space, but Siwan goes ahead and gets the music started anyway. It's better than making Seb wait even longer before eating.

Well, of course, Siwan's also going to choose the couch. Just, the opposite end from Seb. And situate himself in such way that he can face him (so he's kind of wedged in the corner of it).

The way Seb felt when Siwan reacted positively to Opet? That's kind of how Siwan feels right now. He loves aromatic food like this, but his wife refuses to even consider it. So he only has it when he's out alone. Never at home. ))

It truly does. It's such a rare treat for me to have it.

[With the way Siwan situates himself, Seb naturally winds up tucking his legs under himself to face inward as well. It's just friendlier this way! And, you know, it gives Seb the best angle from which to admire Siwan's unusually relaxed expression.]

How come? Is it - [He stops himself there with a grin.] - okay no, I'm gonna guess that cost isn't the issue, considering how you dress. Just prefer to save it as a treat?

[Seb intends to take a bite and chew his way through whatever Siwan's answer may be, but it winds up tasting even better than it smells and he can't hold back a long mmmmmm as his eyes roll back with pleasure.] Oh, you need to give me the name of this place. That's so good.

[He's not trying to be suggestive. He's really not. Seb just loves food so much.]

(( There's definitely more relaxation in Siwan now than when they met. At that club, there was a danger of him being caught. Tonight? No one's expecting him home for almost a week. His train doesn't leave until very late and, honestly, he could catch an early morning train and still get where he needs to be with time to spare. However! He is not considering that at all because spending the night with Seb would be a very bad idea. They hardly know each other! It would be an imposition!

Some dulls in his face, the only indication that the answer to Seb's question is an unpleasant one for Siwan. He pauses briefly, then simply chooses the most gracious way to explain (he's not the sort of man to badmouth his wife). ))

Hyejin — my wife — doesn't like it. She says the smell makes her feel ill.

(( What she actually said is that "it's repulsive." But, he won't paint her in a bad light to someone he's already fantasized a whole relationship with in the week and a half since they met. It would make him look like a bit of a heel trying to make her look bad and thereby himself more sympathetic when Seb doesn't have the benefit of knowing her to judge for himself.

All that falls to the back of his mind as Seb's obvious delight. He's pleased Seb likes his choice but also... That was a little distracting. Specifically the way his head tipped back just slightly as he hummed. Is it getting warm in here? ))

I will, of course.

[Hmm. For the first time, hearing the name of the wife he'll most likely go on to kill if this progresses any further leaves Seb with a sour feeling in his stomach. Wives are just necessary evils and fun playthings, not worthy of sparing much thought for, but this one... Seb would've rather not known her name for awhile longer.

Strange.]

Oh, that sucks... but it's also a great way to keep you coming back here, so lucky me. [Seb mimes holding a phone to his ear with a sly grin.] "Hey Siwan, any chance you've been craving Thai food?" It can be our special thing.

[That last bit might cause his grin to soften into a genuinely fond smile. He can't exactly bring himself to worry about getting Siwan in trouble when the man's already over here, digging into a plate of the forbidden food on his couch.]

(( That playfulness is something that kept Siwan talking to Seb the night they met. There's something enviably carefree in Seb that just keeps reeling him in. Not that he's trying all that hard to get away. Siwan dips his head to hide the smile. Even if Seb isn't being genuine, it's still a sweet idea.

Newsflash, Seb, it isn't just the food that's forbidden. Siwan would be lying if it didn't cross his mind when Seb suggested his place as their point of meeting tonight that maybe, just maybe, it's because all of... whatever this is they're doing... is so far out of his reach that it's so appealing. He hopes that's not the case — because Seb is so charming, and, well, sexy — but also because what would such a thing say about Siwan as a person?

Is it really so bad to grasp at a little bit of... what, exactly? Joy? ))

I wouldn't want to put you out just because I have a craving for something.

[He's so cute. Siwan is so cute. There's an honest to god ache in Seb's chest when Siwan ducks his head so sweetly, insists that he doesn't want to become an imposition... he really has no idea of the effect he has on Seb. Not a clue.]

If you didn't, I'd just wind up being the one that keeps dragging you over here.

[Is that too frank? They've laid some of their cards on the table, certainly, but there's still enough hanging up in the air between them that Seb's not sure. Now that Siwan has come back once, Seb just doesn't want him to leave again without knowing that he's... he's what?]

You're not like anybody else I've ever met, you know? I know you're not... available, but I still like having you around. [Now it's Seb that's gone over all shy, poking at his food with his chopsticks to avoid making eye contact.]

(( Dragging. As if Siwan would put up much fight to do something he actually enjoys with someone he really enjoys being around. As if Seb would show up at his home with some lie about being a work colleague and needing Siwan for some important thing or other. Okay, that mental images is actually plausible. Well, if Seb knew where Siwan lives.

The shift in Seb's demeanor doesn't go unnoticed. In fact, it pulls Siwan's focus back completely to him. The subdued tone, the body language. And what Seb's saying on top of it. Siwan doesn't have the most experience with situations like this (and if all Seb wanted was a tumble in bed with someone, there are a lot of other options out there than a repressed, married man. Of course, he hasn't considered that the obstacles might increase the appeal). It feels genuine to him.

It feels like the realest thing he's ever had a taste of. For how long will a mere taste be enough? For how long will thinking (knowing?) Seb wants him be enough? Isn't already not enough? Isn't that why Siwan texted him in the first place? Because just knowing it isn't enough. Seeing it with his own, sober eyes, feeling it in the unspoken tension in the air between them. That's what Siwan wanted. He wants to see just how close he can get to the fire. ))

I meant it when I said I can't get you out of mind.

[Will it still be there when they're both sober and in a less sexually charged environment? Would it have played out differently in a cafe or park? Seb's turned those same questions over in his head, and he feels the same conflicted relief every time electricity crackles between them from something as simple as a look.

They really do get along. They really do want each other. And it seems that they're finally getting around to answering Siwan's question from earlier: what happens now?]

I know. That's what I wanted to happen. [Again, brutal and almost compulsively blurted out honesty. Seb winces at the callousness of his own words but he still can't stop talking:] I just didn't expect to be in the same position... but like I said, you're different.

(( Maybe it's brutal and unfiltered, but... There's something refreshing about it, too. How can he feel any other way about complete transparent honesty when every aspect of his public life (his life outside of this apartment, at the moment) is predicated on a lie?

It does, however, prompt a question. One Siwan considers while he finally shoves a delicate bite of food into his mouth. And once it's dealt with... ))

Would we even be talking now if I hadn't stopped you in the bathroom?

(( There's a slight hitch in his voice before the last word. Because the very memory it burns so brightly in his mind he can still feel Seb's body against his, taste his lips... ))

[A fair question, and the assumption behind it is just as fair. Still, Seb can’t help but chuckle at how utterly doomed the two of them are before he gives his answer.]

Oh yeah. Probably even sooner. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not someone who stops wanting something as soon as I get it - if anything, I crave it even more.

[Not exactly going to help with the heat once again rising between them, is it?]

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