[SE] Finding the sweet spot

"More like 'shifty,'" Tal grumbled under his breath, sneaking another glance at Landry and trying not to look too relieved that she was still wearing clothes, even if they were thin and definitely on the short side. The view was definitely nice, it was just...

Well. Hard to overcome his Halovian-born instinct to get the lady a nice sweater and a cup of tea to warm up with, even though the inside of Mother Molly's was perfectly warm and comfortable for the employees and patrons who found themselves in various stages of dishabille.

Varian posed his question, drawing Tal's grumpy attention back to his escort as he received a gentle education about what other offerings might be found at the higher end pleasure houses. It was something about the House of Midnight, too, that he hadn't realized, and he tilted his head to the side in surprise. Surprise that was doubled when Sunjata circled back around to one of his previous questions, answering something that was really none of the courier's business. Which didn't stop him from being nosy about his found family and whether she was being treated right. But given his current question from Frey he wasn't going to doubt the Flood's honesty on the subject. He exhaled heavily and reached up to rub the back of his neck--

Or at least, tried to. One hand was trapped by Varian and the other held onto his bags, so what happened instead was more akin to a very awkward shrug as the offended prickliness drained out of him. "I, uh... oh. Um. Well then. S... sorry, I guess?" He ducked his head, the words aimed more at Sunjata's feet than anywhere else as Tal wrestled with a different aspect of his embarrassment.

we keep on doing this again and again
the same old things expecting something different

The shifty comment certainly does bring a low chuckle from the Flood, even as Tal seems to be tense as can be. At least, until the realization that the brothels weren’t entirely for sex. Especially as the idea of it combined with the changing rooms could also be utilized as a therapy session for those dealing with memories or histories that needed help getting through the events.

Something admittedly Sunjata could benefit from but hasn’t gotten around to even thinking about doing.

It doesn’t matter in this specific moment as he offers a bit of information to Tal, flashing him an easier smile. While he understands, and he knows his track record with the Valkyrie like the back of his hand, they’ve grown since then. He’s proven himself. She has his heart, but the rest of him is Frey’s to offer.

“No need to apologize.” He rumbles, before he steps back and stretches a little, turns to thank Landry and Varian for their help, and gestures toward Tal to lead the way lest he crawl out of his skin from his own awkwardness.

but by now we know it's never gonna change
i'm not trying to complain, i'm just saying it's a waste

Tal's traitorous lips quirked towards a ghost of a grin at Sunjata's chuckle, a little more of his prickly discomfort starting to crumble beneath the gentle onslaught of understanding, patience, and gentle teasing from those around him. He kind of wanted to stay mad a little longer, but it had been an emotionally exhausting day already, and in spite of his best efforts it was easier to let Varian's half-embrace soothe him while Sunjata eased a bit more of his embarrassment.

With the Flood's gesture, Varian bowed to the demigod and released TalSah at last, with a final whisper in the courier's ear that brought the flush back to his brown cheeks in full force. "Come back and visit again soon, Sah," he purred with a flirtatious wink. "I'll be looking forward to hearing how well you like your new purchases!"

Tal cleared his throat and gave a bob of his head that might have been a shy nod before he took the exit Sunjata offered with gratitude and alacrity. He was more than happy to follow the Flood back to the entrance of Mother Molly's, sticking close so he didn't get lost.

"Uh. Sunjata? I, um. Thanks. For... everythin' today," he said quietly to his Archon's tall, broad back, fingers tightening around the bags he held. "It, uh. It means a lot t'me."

we keep on doing this again and again
the same old things expecting something different

Even if Sunjata’s mood is tampered down with whatever it was someone could bring out of him, a good pun will always have a way of smoothing it over for the time. Something that Tal should be slowly becoming more and more aware of as the times they’re around each other tick on.

Regardless, Sunjata after having gathered himself and thanking the courtesans, he leaves Varian specifically with a tender touch once he’s done talking to Sah. It’s one that he hopes will keep Varian just as excited to be a part of Molly’s as he was before – as if being blessed in a sense, before he’s stepping out after Tal and taking the lead to wind their way out of the brothel.

Hearing Tal’s comment, though, has him half turning as they round toward the entrance and exit. “You’re very welcome.” He hums, flashing the Messenger a crooked smile over his shoulder as he steps out and finds Petronella waiting for him, hunting bugs outside the entrance while they’d been busy.

but by now we know it's never gonna change
i'm not trying to complain, i'm just saying it's a waste

At least the courier didn't look quite as awkward as he followed Sunjata back through the silken halls of the pleasure compound. Compared to how jumpy he'd been when they'd first come in, he was almost relaxed in comparison now. If nothing else, the combined skills of Varian and Sunjata had made him feel almost comfortable now that he'd been educated on some of the brothel's mysteries, replacing rumours with facts.

Nothing could make him gracious with his gratitude except more time and experience, but he was doing his best as they exited Molly's and stepped back into the light of afternoon. Tal blinked, momentarily disoriented after the comfortably dim lighting they'd spent the last hour in, but his vision cleared enough to see Sunjata's crooked smile.

Boreal caroled a greeting from the roof where she'd been sleeping, soaking up sunshine with lazy delight in the day. She shook herself and flapped her wings to slow her leap, pushing her head under Tal's hands demandingly, heedless of the bags he was holding. The courier yelped and juggled them, trying not to let anything incriminating fall out, much to the dragon's innocent amusement.

"Well, uh, I'd better... get goin' then..." He trailed off, but the parting grin he flashed his Archon was almost bashful as he collected his dragon and headed for the docks, determined to stow his purchases safely in a locked trunk aboard the Peregrine as soon as possible!

~Fin~