[He allows the touch and looks at Dist; the shyness from the first time he stayed in here and removed his mask has abated quite a bit since then, but he still finds it sort of difficult to make direct eye contact so easily.]
I know. [One of his hands comes up to rest over Dist's; tentatively, like he's worried the touch will get Dist to draw back. He leans into Dist's hand without thinking about it.] We keep moving forward, regardless of what happens. We don't have much of a choice anymore. I'm not going to die here, and neither are you.
[Dist has been nothing but patient- if anything, seeing Iago shy about anything is very endearing. His hand doesn't budge when Iago touches it, but it does make Dist smile ever so slightly.
And if Iago happens to fight his way into some eye contact, he might catch the smallest flash of surprise on Dist's face when he leans into his hand- like his heart might have just fluttered and it caught him off guard.]
Of course. We are on the cusp of blowing this case wide open. The others will be absolutely amazed by how much we have come to learn and deduce. They will regret ever doubting us.
Of course I do. I wouldn't have gotten anywhere without spite to motivate me. I had the freedom to do as I wanted in Nohr, which is likely the only thing I'll miss about it.
[as you said before, we petty af]
But don't worry, you'd have to try very hard to end up on the receiving end of one of those grudges.
But you know what? Keep fueling that fire if it keeps you going. I mean that, truly.
[Because even though he did manage to smooth things over with Rideaux...somewhat...he's actually still incredibly furious about what the asshole said during that conversation. He's ready to rejoin the petty brigade in full force.]
[If it was just the words alone, he'd continue being exactly this obnoxious about the whole thing; that's just what Iago does, he embraces how petty and spiteful he is and it's everyone else's problem if they don't deal with it. Rideaux just so happened to to get on his bad side by trying to force everyone to reveal their powers and things have only gone downhill from there.
But it isn't just the words and even that brief, playful touch gets his gaze to dart immediately and when he laughs, it sounds more startled than confident.]
But of course. At this point, there's nothing that will stop me.
[...He's definitely not turning pink or avoiding eye contact, that's just your imagination.]
[The laugh that gets out of him this time is almost breathless, and it's definitely doing nothing to help with the blush.]
You're terrible. What am I going to do with you?
[It's a rhetorical question, obviously, since he continues easily enough afterwards.]
I'm simply not used to it, that's all. I'm not an easy man to fluster, you know.
[Well, not usually. There have definitely been some exceptions here. Despite how confident and easy the words are, he still isn't making eye contact. He's certainly not pulling away, either.]
[He doesn't resist any and as Dist leans in he's clearly smirking, at least until Dist pauses and starts to turn pink. That's what gets him to laugh, which is abruptly cut off by Dist actually going for it, which he really wasn't expecting.
Well, maybe he can tease Dist about it in a moment. It would be a bit of a shame for all that courage to go to waste, wouldn't it? So he returns that kiss, one of his hands sliding up to cup Dist's cheek, careful as always with his nails. He isn't going to try to keep Dist there or deepen the kiss any, but damn does this feel just right.]
[Iago will feel Dist tremble a little under his touch, but it's very much more out of nervous excitement than anything. He holds the kiss for a little longer before pulling away just a little.]
And you called me terrible. Laughing at me, honestly...
[Though he frames it like he's pouting about it, he is very much in good spirits. It really did feel just right. Part of him wants to go in again, even.]
[It would probably come across as his usual teasing if he didn't sound so damn pleased with it, but that's fine, it's not like he really wants to mercilessly tease Dist right now, anyway.]
[Is it teasing if it's true...?? Anyway he's certainly not going to argue with that; he's quick to return that kiss. His free hand moves to Dist's waist to pull him closer. It certainly isn't painful given that pitifully low strength stat, but his grip is tight.]
The sudden movement causes Dist to gasp against Iago's lips, but he settles into this new positioning easily enough. His hands slide down to rest on Iago's shoulders and gently rests himself against his partner.]
I am so grateful to have met you, Iago.
[He whispers the next time he has to break the kiss to breathe.
They've said this quite a few times to each other over the weeks, but at least to Dist, it seems to take on a slightly different meaning with each repetition.]
[Good, because he has no intention of letting go any time soon.]
As am I.
[It isn't the first time they've said it, but it's taken on a different meaning now.]
As ridiculous as it sounds, I'm pleased fate has brought us together like this. Even though we've been forced through something horrific, we will only emerge stronger. Once we've made it through this, nothing will be able to stop us.
[The words are intense in a way he usually only gets in trials, but this isn't the usual near-sadistic mania. It's deeply pleased him instead.]
Oh, we will certainly be a force to be reckoned with, I've no doubts about that. Imagine, our two genius intellects combined- your magic and tactical prowess, my unstoppable machines...!
[He's excited for sure, but as he continues, it grows a little more subdued.]
If you had told me weeks ago that I would be considering a different course in life, I would have laughed in your face. And yet...here I am, envisioning an amazing partnership with you.
[What has this place done to him? What has Iago done to him?]
[Dist's initial words get his grip to tighten and he's almost shaking; though this time it isn't the uncontrolled, jagged tremors that were clearly a result of breaking. These are excited and deeply pleased, and he only starts to calm down a bit when Dist continues.]
I would like nothing more. You're certain this is what you want? What about your original goals?
[Dist hasn't been shy in explaining his goals, and those goals don't line up nice and neatly with Iago's own. Sure, if he was able to take over a country in Dist's world they would at least be close, but Dist's goals are clearly defined with a certain ending in mind. They aren't as flexible as his own. There's nothing judgmental or concerned in his tone, however; he's certainly not going to argue if this is what Dist wants to pursue now.]
[Dist is quiet for a moment as he considers his words.]
I will admit...that I am still terrified by the idea of abandoning my goals. They are all I have known for the last twenty-four years. I do want to finish what I had started, and yet...
[He bites on his lip, conflicted.]
And yet, you have given me so much to think about in regard to my goals, and my relationship with Jade. You made me look at them in ways I never would have. Perhaps...ways I never wanted to.
Jade has been trying to get me to stop my work on Fomicry for quite some time, but I continued out of spite. I wanted to prove to him that it could be done. I wanted to return to our carefree days. But even if I managed to create the perfect replica of the Professor, would that truly solve the problem with Jade?
[He trembles a little as he hashes his thought process aloud to Iago, but he manages to keep his emotions in check.]
I never wanted to consider that the dream that I have been chasing is an impossible one, but perhaps it is time to.
[Honestly, that's exactly how he's been looking at it since Dist shared it with him. Those days were obviously some of the happiest in Dist's life, but even if everything went perfectly, things are far too different now for him to ever return to it. His relationship with Jade has changed significantly and what once made him happy likely wouldn't anymore, even under the best circumstances.
It isn't really a surprise to hear this, though Iago hadn't thought Dist had been considering it already. He'd assumed Dist would want to dive back into his work after all of this is over and that someday it would come crashing down on him. It's sort of silly to think, but he's proud that Dist has already been giving it some serious thought and is coming to terms with the idea that he needs to readjust his goals.]
I understand. [Maybe not perfectly, but it's close enough.] I understand what it's like to look at everything you've worked so hard for and decide that it won't truly bring you happiness.
[Not anymore, at least. The hand at the side of Dist's face shifts back, fingers gently and tentatively running through Dist's hair.]
It isn't a decision you need to make right now. If you decide you want to finish your work on Fomicry at least, I will join you. If you decide you would prefer to leave all that behind, I'll be right here beside you. We have more freedom to choose now, after all.
[Dist allows the gesture- it feels oddly comforting.]
Yes... Yes, you would understand.
[Just weeks ago they were having a similar conversation, but on Iago's side. Dist couldn't fathom it back then—changing course from goals as lofty as Iago's—goals that he too had put years of tireless work into.
But he's realizing now that Iago came to the conclusion that he believes he is starting to come to. He just wanted happiness again, and he had convinced himself that the only way he was ever going to be happy again was if he got Jade and the Professor back.
He is happy now, though. Completely removed from all of that, he is happy. In some ways, Iago brings him more happiness than even Jade had. Iago is incredibly brilliant in his own right. But more importantly, Iago cares about him, supports him...loves him.
His smile returns, if only a little, and he nods.]
Let us discuss this again, when we're finished here. I will have made my decision by then.
[Though in the back of his mind, he is almost certain that he already has.]
[That's certainly pleased him. Dist has a lot to consider and sort through; in some ways, it's far more than Iago ever had to deal with. Leaving Nohr behind is relatively easy - Garon is going to die regardless of whether he returns or not and Nohr has nothing else to offer him. Considering what he's learned and seen here, he couldn't be happy going back to a world without all of these advancements. The only advantage Nohr has is familiarity, nothing more.
Dist has plenty of other things to deal with, and it isn't going to be an easy decision for him. The goals he has can't be replicated anywhere else. It's giving up on those dreams more than Iago has, so it's certainly going to be more difficult. But if anyone is going to be able to accomplish it, it's Dist.]
Let's do what we can to focus on survival here, then. Once we make it through this, we can sort the rest out. We've worked out so much already and we have some ideas for how to proceed; I'm certain we'll be just fine.
[There's always the possibility that they won't be, that things won't go according to plan and he's terrible at reacting to sudden changes. But he feels more confident in saying this to Dist given what they've worked out.
Besides, it would just be disappointing if they died now.]
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I know. [One of his hands comes up to rest over Dist's; tentatively, like he's worried the touch will get Dist to draw back. He leans into Dist's hand without thinking about it.] We keep moving forward, regardless of what happens. We don't have much of a choice anymore. I'm not going to die here, and neither are you.
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And if Iago happens to fight his way into some eye contact, he might catch the smallest flash of surprise on Dist's face when he leans into his hand- like his heart might have just fluttered and it caught him off guard.]
Of course. We are on the cusp of blowing this case wide open. The others will be absolutely amazed by how much we have come to learn and deduce. They will regret ever doubting us.
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It's about time they finally realize how useful we are.
[Not that they've really had any reason to doubt Dist, but still!! Validation.]
Perhaps I'll even get a chance to get Rideaux killed.
[It's obviously a joke, but also oh my god. This does not seem to have impacted the mood at all on his end. Dist, you can do so much better.]
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...
As much as Dist wants to give Iago a Look for that, he'll humor him with a chuckle.]
You hold grudges about as astoundingly well as I do. Bravo, Iago. Bravo.
[Said entirely with fondness since they're not being terribly serious.
Not...too terribly.]
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[as you said before, we petty af]
But don't worry, you'd have to try very hard to end up on the receiving end of one of those grudges.
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[He playfully strokes Iago's cheek.]
But you know what? Keep fueling that fire if it keeps you going. I mean that, truly.
[Because even though he did manage to smooth things over with Rideaux...somewhat...he's actually still incredibly furious about what the asshole said during that conversation. He's ready to rejoin the petty brigade in full force.]
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But it isn't just the words and even that brief, playful touch gets his gaze to dart immediately and when he laughs, it sounds more startled than confident.]
But of course. At this point, there's nothing that will stop me.
[...He's definitely not turning pink or avoiding eye contact, that's just your imagination.]
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...
He sees why Iago likes this sort of reaction now. It's so strange to see him doing it, but it's also...really cute.]
What's the matter? Was that a bit too much?
[He doesn't sound sorry, though.]
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You're terrible. What am I going to do with you?
[It's a rhetorical question, obviously, since he continues easily enough afterwards.]
I'm simply not used to it, that's all. I'm not an easy man to fluster, you know.
[Well, not usually. There have definitely been some exceptions here. Despite how confident and easy the words are, he still isn't making eye contact. He's certainly not pulling away, either.]
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I suppose neither of us are, really. Used to this, that is.
[Because even Dist can admit that he is very easy to fluster.
But since this seems to clearly be working, with a low laugh, he leans in a little closer and once again guides Iago to face him.
Then he pauses, as if considering what he's doing.
...
He starts to turn pink.
...
And decides to just do it before he gets too nervous to move. He hastily closes the remaining distance to press his lips against Iago's.]
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Well, maybe he can tease Dist about it in a moment. It would be a bit of a shame for all that courage to go to waste, wouldn't it? So he returns that kiss, one of his hands sliding up to cup Dist's cheek, careful as always with his nails. He isn't going to try to keep Dist there or deepen the kiss any, but damn does this feel just right.]
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And you called me terrible. Laughing at me, honestly...
[Though he frames it like he's pouting about it, he is very much in good spirits. It really did feel just right. Part of him wants to go in again, even.]
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You're simply so easy to tease.
[It would probably come across as his usual teasing if he didn't sound so damn pleased with it, but that's fine, it's not like he really wants to mercilessly tease Dist right now, anyway.]
You're so endearing, how am I to resist?
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It just makes you more difficult to kiss when you're too busy laughing. What happened to that coy look you were giving me earlier?
[Dist takes it in stride, though. Iago is clearly having a good time, and that's all that really matters. If Iago is happy, so is he.
With another soft laugh, he brushes some of Iago's hair aside to lean in for seconds.]
You are very difficult to resist as well, you know.
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Only for you.
[Is it teasing if it's true...?? Anyway he's certainly not going to argue with that; he's quick to return that kiss. His free hand moves to Dist's waist to pull him closer. It certainly isn't painful given that pitifully low strength stat, but his grip is tight.]
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The sudden movement causes Dist to gasp against Iago's lips, but he settles into this new positioning easily enough. His hands slide down to rest on Iago's shoulders and gently rests himself against his partner.]
I am so grateful to have met you, Iago.
[He whispers the next time he has to break the kiss to breathe.
They've said this quite a few times to each other over the weeks, but at least to Dist, it seems to take on a slightly different meaning with each repetition.]
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As am I.
[It isn't the first time they've said it, but it's taken on a different meaning now.]
As ridiculous as it sounds, I'm pleased fate has brought us together like this. Even though we've been forced through something horrific, we will only emerge stronger. Once we've made it through this, nothing will be able to stop us.
[The words are intense in a way he usually only gets in trials, but this isn't the usual near-sadistic mania. It's deeply pleased him instead.]
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[He's excited for sure, but as he continues, it grows a little more subdued.]
If you had told me weeks ago that I would be considering a different course in life, I would have laughed in your face. And yet...here I am, envisioning an amazing partnership with you.
[What has this place done to him? What has Iago done to him?]
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I would like nothing more. You're certain this is what you want? What about your original goals?
[Dist hasn't been shy in explaining his goals, and those goals don't line up nice and neatly with Iago's own. Sure, if he was able to take over a country in Dist's world they would at least be close, but Dist's goals are clearly defined with a certain ending in mind. They aren't as flexible as his own. There's nothing judgmental or concerned in his tone, however; he's certainly not going to argue if this is what Dist wants to pursue now.]
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I will admit...that I am still terrified by the idea of abandoning my goals. They are all I have known for the last twenty-four years. I do want to finish what I had started, and yet...
[He bites on his lip, conflicted.]
And yet, you have given me so much to think about in regard to my goals, and my relationship with Jade. You made me look at them in ways I never would have. Perhaps...ways I never wanted to.
Jade has been trying to get me to stop my work on Fomicry for quite some time, but I continued out of spite. I wanted to prove to him that it could be done. I wanted to return to our carefree days. But even if I managed to create the perfect replica of the Professor, would that truly solve the problem with Jade?
[He trembles a little as he hashes his thought process aloud to Iago, but he manages to keep his emotions in check.]
I never wanted to consider that the dream that I have been chasing is an impossible one, but perhaps it is time to.
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It isn't really a surprise to hear this, though Iago hadn't thought Dist had been considering it already. He'd assumed Dist would want to dive back into his work after all of this is over and that someday it would come crashing down on him. It's sort of silly to think, but he's proud that Dist has already been giving it some serious thought and is coming to terms with the idea that he needs to readjust his goals.]
I understand. [Maybe not perfectly, but it's close enough.] I understand what it's like to look at everything you've worked so hard for and decide that it won't truly bring you happiness.
[Not anymore, at least. The hand at the side of Dist's face shifts back, fingers gently and tentatively running through Dist's hair.]
It isn't a decision you need to make right now. If you decide you want to finish your work on Fomicry at least, I will join you. If you decide you would prefer to leave all that behind, I'll be right here beside you. We have more freedom to choose now, after all.
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Yes... Yes, you would understand.
[Just weeks ago they were having a similar conversation, but on Iago's side. Dist couldn't fathom it back then—changing course from goals as lofty as Iago's—goals that he too had put years of tireless work into.
But he's realizing now that Iago came to the conclusion that he believes he is starting to come to. He just wanted happiness again, and he had convinced himself that the only way he was ever going to be happy again was if he got Jade and the Professor back.
He is happy now, though. Completely removed from all of that, he is happy. In some ways, Iago brings him more happiness than even Jade had. Iago is incredibly brilliant in his own right. But more importantly, Iago cares about him, supports him...loves him.
His smile returns, if only a little, and he nods.]
Let us discuss this again, when we're finished here. I will have made my decision by then.
[Though in the back of his mind, he is almost certain that he already has.]
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[That's certainly pleased him. Dist has a lot to consider and sort through; in some ways, it's far more than Iago ever had to deal with. Leaving Nohr behind is relatively easy - Garon is going to die regardless of whether he returns or not and Nohr has nothing else to offer him. Considering what he's learned and seen here, he couldn't be happy going back to a world without all of these advancements. The only advantage Nohr has is familiarity, nothing more.
Dist has plenty of other things to deal with, and it isn't going to be an easy decision for him. The goals he has can't be replicated anywhere else. It's giving up on those dreams more than Iago has, so it's certainly going to be more difficult. But if anyone is going to be able to accomplish it, it's Dist.]
Let's do what we can to focus on survival here, then. Once we make it through this, we can sort the rest out. We've worked out so much already and we have some ideas for how to proceed; I'm certain we'll be just fine.
[There's always the possibility that they won't be, that things won't go according to plan and he's terrible at reacting to sudden changes. But he feels more confident in saying this to Dist given what they've worked out.
Besides, it would just be disappointing if they died now.]