Gris looked over at Joshua and then down at the bags. "Perhaps.†Returning his gaze to the man across from him, he shrugged. "Wax isn't very cuddly though. Not even when shaped into life sized replicas.†Madam Tussaud made some interesting and very realistic looking wax figures; however, he doubted they were very good dates. "Not that I am saying you are cuddly.†Gris smiled. "I wouldn't presume but you are bound to be more huggable than a block of wax.â€
He nodded gravely in agreement with Josh's statement about his possible insanity. "I will go have myself checked into a ward tonight. Probably shouldn't be allowed loose on the populace.†He would indeed be checking into a mental institution tonight. He called it home. Now there was a weird thing to explain. It was something he had never needed to explain because he didn't take anyone to Shady Pines. That would be giving away the location to people outside the pack. If he were dating people within the pack, which had yet to happen, then they would know why his home address was a home for the mentally unstable. Everyone else he rented a suite in a hotel for.
His companion demonstrated his serious face which did not look much different from any other expression he had seen on the man. Joshua's smiles were subtle things and it appeared that his humor was equally quiet and dignified. Gris smiled at him. "Well it is good to know that I have proof of my sanity.â€
What Joshua did for a living sounded interesting. Not as interesting as a research botanist but better than a lawyer. The cool badge was certainly a nice and useful perk. "Now, I am not saying that you would... but could you potentially get out of speeding tickets with that id?†Gris grinned and hoped that it was plain that he was not suggesting that Joshua would abuse his diplomatic immunity for drag racing or anything juvenile. The man seemed fairly reserved.
However, his remark to the waitress, which earned Joshua an equally long look, was pretty humorous. The girl did smile at him and seem to understand what he asked of her and perhaps even why. "Had a hard day, Honey?†She gave him a smile and then said she'd be right back with his drink. Not their drinks, but Joshua's.
"Don't mind me...I'll just be here gnawing on the napkins.†Gris muttered softly to her retreating form. He didn't expect that she heard him but Joshua probably had. It was unusual for him not to be the center of attention but in this case he could understand. Joshua was handsome, healthy, looked more put together, at least he had before the fall, and had a nice accent. Foreign men were always more interesting and mysterious. His own accent garnered him plenty of attention usually but it was not always noticeable in just a sentence or two.
She did come back quickly and she had two drinks in her hand. The waitress set his down first and then turned her attention to Joshua. "There you go. That should make you feel a little better. And the next one is on the house.â€
"Bloody Hell.†Gris looked over at Joshua. "I think I might try bridge diving at this rate.â€
No Good Deed Goes Unpunished (private)
Joshua was following orders. He always followed orders. He'd been out in the city numerous times since he and Mel had arrived here, and he was beginning to learn a lot about it. The layout, the streets, and such had been the easy part. He was familiar with the main thoroughfares now and was starting to learn the back roads and the little twists and turns. The city was actually intriguing to walk around and get lost in. There was a curious mix of old shops that surely must date back to nearly the point of the city's founding, nestled between skyscrapers and modern storefronts.
He was learning the culture as well, or the lack thereof. Nachton had a lot of international traffic. It was a good deal like New York city, where he'd visited a time or two, in the sense that on every street and in every store you could find people from all walks of life and all parts of the world. It fascinated him and intrigued him.
He'd found a music store, one with a huge selection of instruments and books and sheet music. There had even been a koto there, an obscure instrument if there ever was one. Josh had given in to temptation and spent a good deal of time looking at pianos. His heart might have actually skipped a few beats at the realization that he wasn't merely window shopping. He could actually have one to put in his apartment at the Den.
It was being delivered tomorrow.
Feeling somewhat frivolously light and floaty but hiding it behind his usual calm expression Josh had thanked the store manager and headed out again. As he walked, a faint smile upon his lips conveying his boundless joy and enthusiasm, he noticed a bookstore on the other side of the street as well. He figured he may as well stop in there too. He could people-watch while browsing. No problem.
Greer Grayson
11 years ago
Joshua Wesson
11 years ago
"Good God, I certainly hope so," Josh said, his brow furrowing for just a moment as he considered that likening him to a wax statue probably wasn't a far cry from the truth. He worried about it for a moment then shook his head slowly, carefully, as his bruises took their toll. "Perhaps with some practice I could even surpass wax and move on to something truly ambitious. Like being as cuddly as a wet cat."
As usual he delivered the words with a deadpan expression, but he could not keep his very subtle smile from his lips. Had he known how, he would actually have laughed out loud at the absurdity of the conversation. It had been a very long time though, since he'd dropped his walls in a public place and while he found Greer's humor tempting, he simply wasn't there.
"I don't know, you seem to be doing the populace plenty of good. Liechtenstein owes you a favor," he said, then rolled his eyes thoughtfully upward. "At least I think we do. Last I heard I wasn't in any trouble, so it's probably safe to assume they want me around."
He nodded very solemnly to affirm that Greer did have his sanity, at least as far as Josh knew, and then coughed softly into his hand at the lawyer's next question.
"You tell me," he said, arching one eyebrow, but then dropping it to answer the question in spite of his own words. "Yes, but it's a terrible abuse of privilege." He shook his head. Josh disapproved of using diplomatic immunity to get away with things. If you abused a good thing enough it would eventually be taken away, and that could create problems.
The attention he received from the waitress was surprising. He responded to her politely but positively. "Not the best day, no," he acknowledged. He shook his head in confusion at Greer, not sure why the waitress would take an interest in him unless she was simply feeling sympathetic at his disheveled appearance.
"Thank you," he said when she returned, taking a sip of the amber liquid in the glass and replacing it on the table. He watched the waitress leave and then a light bulb went on. He turned to Greer and held up his hand as if to forestall any forthcoming bridge dives.
"I left in a hurry to get that cell phone back to its owner," he explained. "I just threw some money on the table." He sighed and his cheeks flushed a little. "Apparently they have the impression that I don't, perhaps, understand American currency very well."
Then he looked back toward the woman's retreating form. "Were you trying to get her, ah, attention? I could call her back."
Perhaps Greer had been trying to flirt with the woman before Joshua had so rudely fallen on him. If so, it was hardly fair for Josh to get in the way, even unintentionally, particularly when the woman held no appeal for him.
As usual he delivered the words with a deadpan expression, but he could not keep his very subtle smile from his lips. Had he known how, he would actually have laughed out loud at the absurdity of the conversation. It had been a very long time though, since he'd dropped his walls in a public place and while he found Greer's humor tempting, he simply wasn't there.
"I don't know, you seem to be doing the populace plenty of good. Liechtenstein owes you a favor," he said, then rolled his eyes thoughtfully upward. "At least I think we do. Last I heard I wasn't in any trouble, so it's probably safe to assume they want me around."
He nodded very solemnly to affirm that Greer did have his sanity, at least as far as Josh knew, and then coughed softly into his hand at the lawyer's next question.
"You tell me," he said, arching one eyebrow, but then dropping it to answer the question in spite of his own words. "Yes, but it's a terrible abuse of privilege." He shook his head. Josh disapproved of using diplomatic immunity to get away with things. If you abused a good thing enough it would eventually be taken away, and that could create problems.
The attention he received from the waitress was surprising. He responded to her politely but positively. "Not the best day, no," he acknowledged. He shook his head in confusion at Greer, not sure why the waitress would take an interest in him unless she was simply feeling sympathetic at his disheveled appearance.
"Thank you," he said when she returned, taking a sip of the amber liquid in the glass and replacing it on the table. He watched the waitress leave and then a light bulb went on. He turned to Greer and held up his hand as if to forestall any forthcoming bridge dives.
"I left in a hurry to get that cell phone back to its owner," he explained. "I just threw some money on the table." He sighed and his cheeks flushed a little. "Apparently they have the impression that I don't, perhaps, understand American currency very well."
Then he looked back toward the woman's retreating form. "Were you trying to get her, ah, attention? I could call her back."
Perhaps Greer had been trying to flirt with the woman before Joshua had so rudely fallen on him. If so, it was hardly fair for Josh to get in the way, even unintentionally, particularly when the woman held no appeal for him.
Greer Grayson
11 years ago
Pretending to look Joshua over thoughtfully, Gris frowned and tapped his chin. "Well, you would have to work hard to improve but I think you could manage it.†He leaned forward and gave the man a small smile. "With regular practice and dedication you might even be as cuddly as a bear...after waking up from its winter hibernation.â€
Leaning back, he grinned a little wider. "Good thing I am neither a doctor or a psychologist, right?â€
It would seem that the diplomatic id badge could indeed be used to get out of speeding tickets, which was as he suspected. There might be a way to bring trouble to the diplomat in question but it was doubtful that the police would consider going through that much trouble. Gris suspected that the thing that policed such representatives was the fact that too many of such incidents being reported would get back to their government and they would probably lose the cushy job.
However, in Joshua's case, he suspected the man really did care about not abusing his position. Gris wondered if the man cared about all rules or just cared very much about his job.
After their drinks were brought to the table and the waitress thoughtfully offered Joshua another beer, on the house, the man explained where the extra effort of kindness possibly came from.
Gris laughed and shook his head. "Its possible she just likes you.†It wasn't a big stretch to see why if she did. Good looking guy in a well made suit willing to chase a total stranger down to hand her back her phone... what wasn't to love? He wondered if the full story had made it to the restaurant. There were probably some by-standers who had seen it. Some might have been on their way to dinner. So the waitress might be genuinely interested in Joshua for reasons that have nothing to do with his understanding of money.
"What?†Gris raised his eyebrows. Was he trying to get her attention. Oh. "No, nothing like that.†He waved a hand in dismissal. How to explain that he would be more upset with Joshua paying attention to the waitress than her paying attention to him. There really wasn't a need to explain so instead he sipped his wine and sought a change of subject.
"So what had you been doing today before your good deed was punished with an attack and a fall from a bridge?â€
Leaning back, he grinned a little wider. "Good thing I am neither a doctor or a psychologist, right?â€
It would seem that the diplomatic id badge could indeed be used to get out of speeding tickets, which was as he suspected. There might be a way to bring trouble to the diplomat in question but it was doubtful that the police would consider going through that much trouble. Gris suspected that the thing that policed such representatives was the fact that too many of such incidents being reported would get back to their government and they would probably lose the cushy job.
However, in Joshua's case, he suspected the man really did care about not abusing his position. Gris wondered if the man cared about all rules or just cared very much about his job.
After their drinks were brought to the table and the waitress thoughtfully offered Joshua another beer, on the house, the man explained where the extra effort of kindness possibly came from.
Gris laughed and shook his head. "Its possible she just likes you.†It wasn't a big stretch to see why if she did. Good looking guy in a well made suit willing to chase a total stranger down to hand her back her phone... what wasn't to love? He wondered if the full story had made it to the restaurant. There were probably some by-standers who had seen it. Some might have been on their way to dinner. So the waitress might be genuinely interested in Joshua for reasons that have nothing to do with his understanding of money.
"What?†Gris raised his eyebrows. Was he trying to get her attention. Oh. "No, nothing like that.†He waved a hand in dismissal. How to explain that he would be more upset with Joshua paying attention to the waitress than her paying attention to him. There really wasn't a need to explain so instead he sipped his wine and sought a change of subject.
"So what had you been doing today before your good deed was punished with an attack and a fall from a bridge?â€
Joshua Wesson
11 years ago
Josh shook his head and held his hands up at Greer. "Oh no, I don't think I could ever achieve such lofty goals."
He returned Greer's humor with his own dry brand of humor but inside he did have to wonder if that was really true. Though, really, he was affectionate with the few people who truly did matter to him. If he didn't come off as Mr. Snuggles in public, well, it wouldn't be the end of his world.
When Greer expressed his opinion about his suitability to be a doctor or psychologist Josh lifted and eyebrow. "I think you would probably be good at either," he said.
The man across the table from him was attractive and personable. He clearly had an avid sense of humor and seemed to be good at setting people at ease, if Josh were any indicator of that ability. Sure, he was aching, sore, and very uncomfortable but that had nothing to do with Greer's company, which, Josh thought, he was actually enjoying. It would have been nicer if he weren't banged up but well, sometimes you took what you could get.
The topic of the waitress was dismissed, and Josh found it curious that Greer had seemed discontent with the lack of attention but then looked elsewhere for conversation. He wondered why the man across from him had been miffed. Perhaps he simply preferred to be the center of attention himself. In that case, jumping off bridges would certainly do it, though that career might be short-lived without an accompanying human cushion at the bottom and even then it was a risk. Josh simply let that train of thought wander on past, and let the topic of the waitress drop. She wasn't nearly as intriguing as his drinking companion.
"I was learning the city," he responded to Greer. "I can't really work here if I don't have a thorough understanding of it, and I can't get it from books. Not all of it, anyway. I've read through some travel guides and they're all right for a start but it's always better to just immerse myself in a culture. I had no real goal in mind tonight, however, aside from just being out in the city."
He took a deep drink of the brew in front of him. It was all right as beers went but he'd had better. It wasn't horrible though. Putting his glass down he nodded his head at Greer, returning the question. "And yourself? I haven't ruined your evening by so rudely dropping onto you have I?"
Then he looked at the bags Greer had with him, the bags that, if he'd understood correctly, had a good deal of wax in them. "And... what exactly is all the wax for, if you don't mind my asking?"
He returned Greer's humor with his own dry brand of humor but inside he did have to wonder if that was really true. Though, really, he was affectionate with the few people who truly did matter to him. If he didn't come off as Mr. Snuggles in public, well, it wouldn't be the end of his world.
When Greer expressed his opinion about his suitability to be a doctor or psychologist Josh lifted and eyebrow. "I think you would probably be good at either," he said.
The man across the table from him was attractive and personable. He clearly had an avid sense of humor and seemed to be good at setting people at ease, if Josh were any indicator of that ability. Sure, he was aching, sore, and very uncomfortable but that had nothing to do with Greer's company, which, Josh thought, he was actually enjoying. It would have been nicer if he weren't banged up but well, sometimes you took what you could get.
The topic of the waitress was dismissed, and Josh found it curious that Greer had seemed discontent with the lack of attention but then looked elsewhere for conversation. He wondered why the man across from him had been miffed. Perhaps he simply preferred to be the center of attention himself. In that case, jumping off bridges would certainly do it, though that career might be short-lived without an accompanying human cushion at the bottom and even then it was a risk. Josh simply let that train of thought wander on past, and let the topic of the waitress drop. She wasn't nearly as intriguing as his drinking companion.
"I was learning the city," he responded to Greer. "I can't really work here if I don't have a thorough understanding of it, and I can't get it from books. Not all of it, anyway. I've read through some travel guides and they're all right for a start but it's always better to just immerse myself in a culture. I had no real goal in mind tonight, however, aside from just being out in the city."
He took a deep drink of the brew in front of him. It was all right as beers went but he'd had better. It wasn't horrible though. Putting his glass down he nodded his head at Greer, returning the question. "And yourself? I haven't ruined your evening by so rudely dropping onto you have I?"
Then he looked at the bags Greer had with him, the bags that, if he'd understood correctly, had a good deal of wax in them. "And... what exactly is all the wax for, if you don't mind my asking?"
Greer Grayson
11 years ago
Gris smiled at Joshua and shrugged. "Hmm, I have very little evidence to go on.†He took a sip of his wine and then added. "I would say give me a hug and we can find out but...†I would probably enjoy it far more than I should and you would probably take it the wrong way. Which was actually the right way for him which was a problem. "We've only just met. I don't want to send you running over any more bridges tonight.â€
He thanked Joshua for his good opinion of his diversity of career prospects. If lawyer didn't work out then he could try something else.
They went on to what his companion had been doing in the city before the unfortunate incident with the lost phone. Gris listened as Joshua explained that he had been learning the layout of Nachton. It sounded like the man was getting a thorough feel for the city, an in depth look. That was dedication; it seemed to go above and beyond what was likely to be called for an attache. How many possible people could Joshua be representing from a country that was smaller than Nachton? He supposed he understood the need to get a feel for the city's culture, incredibly diverse though it was.
"I am fairly new here myself. You probably know it now better than I do now.â€
Shaking his head when Joshua asked if he had ruined his night, Gris smiled. How could he say that having a hot guy drop on top of him had pretty much been the highlight of his day without sounding terribly sad and lonely? He decided not to try. "No, I was just doing some shopping. I had no real plans for the evening.â€
He looked down at the bags of wax when Joshua asked about them. "Voodoo dolls?†Gris smiled innocently. "You know every little bit helps to win a case.†He then gave his companion a big grin to say he was kidding. "No, I have a friend who likes making candles. It is also something I do in my spare time so I bought some supplies for us to use for the next time we get together. I like to gather fresh herbs and make my own scents for soaps and candles.â€
He thanked Joshua for his good opinion of his diversity of career prospects. If lawyer didn't work out then he could try something else.
They went on to what his companion had been doing in the city before the unfortunate incident with the lost phone. Gris listened as Joshua explained that he had been learning the layout of Nachton. It sounded like the man was getting a thorough feel for the city, an in depth look. That was dedication; it seemed to go above and beyond what was likely to be called for an attache. How many possible people could Joshua be representing from a country that was smaller than Nachton? He supposed he understood the need to get a feel for the city's culture, incredibly diverse though it was.
"I am fairly new here myself. You probably know it now better than I do now.â€
Shaking his head when Joshua asked if he had ruined his night, Gris smiled. How could he say that having a hot guy drop on top of him had pretty much been the highlight of his day without sounding terribly sad and lonely? He decided not to try. "No, I was just doing some shopping. I had no real plans for the evening.â€
He looked down at the bags of wax when Joshua asked about them. "Voodoo dolls?†Gris smiled innocently. "You know every little bit helps to win a case.†He then gave his companion a big grin to say he was kidding. "No, I have a friend who likes making candles. It is also something I do in my spare time so I bought some supplies for us to use for the next time we get together. I like to gather fresh herbs and make my own scents for soaps and candles.â€
Joshua Wesson
11 years ago
Josh nodded, his solemn expression never changing, although he found the idea of hugging Greer appealing even though they'd only just met. Attractive was attractive, after all. Still, his tastes were not for everyone so he contented himself with keeping with his deadpan humor. "Really, hugging is so very second date and we haven't even finished the first."
Greer had referred to him as his date when they'd entered the restaurant so Josh didn't think he'd take offense at the joke, since really, he'd begun it.
"I do appreciate the sentiment though. I'd prefer not to have any more falls."
His body was reminding him that the first was not so far in the past. His wrist was throbbing and his body was likely to be stiff and sore for a few days. It occurred to him that he might actually require a day off tomorrow. Then he thought better of it. No, surely there was something around the Den he could do. He could study Nachton via the internet, although he had done so thoroughly before they'd even arrived. Light walking, then, perhaps, or meetings with some of the other Kadzait. There was always something he could do.
"I doubt it," Joshua said, shaking his head. "I've been here for a week. Myself and my partner Gretta. We work as a team, although I have been out in the city more than she has, I believe. Still, there's much to learn."
His lips twitched up at the suggestion of voodoo dolls out of wax. Creepy little things, but he realized Greer was joking. "I should hardly think you'd require them."
One wouldn't remain a lawyer very long if he had to resort to dolls. The real reason for the wax was readily explained, though, and Josh nodded, eyes intense with curiosity, as Greer explained this hobby of his and his friend's. Who knew candle-making was so popular? Josh had never considered making his own candles. They just seemed like the sort of things that were simple to buy.
"That sounds very... rustic," he said, at the image he got of Greer in a pair of overalls or something equally farm-like, gathering herbs. "What kinds of plants grow around here for that?"
His interest wasn't feigned; Joshua really wanted to know. He loved being outdoors but knew very little about it. He could identify the more popular species of trees and animals but anything more involved required research and a laptop. A whimsical part of him would love to put away his computer and his phone for a few days and just learn about nature. In fact, the idea of it quite took his mind off of his pain for a little bit, and hat was very welcome indeed.
Greer had referred to him as his date when they'd entered the restaurant so Josh didn't think he'd take offense at the joke, since really, he'd begun it.
"I do appreciate the sentiment though. I'd prefer not to have any more falls."
His body was reminding him that the first was not so far in the past. His wrist was throbbing and his body was likely to be stiff and sore for a few days. It occurred to him that he might actually require a day off tomorrow. Then he thought better of it. No, surely there was something around the Den he could do. He could study Nachton via the internet, although he had done so thoroughly before they'd even arrived. Light walking, then, perhaps, or meetings with some of the other Kadzait. There was always something he could do.
"I doubt it," Joshua said, shaking his head. "I've been here for a week. Myself and my partner Gretta. We work as a team, although I have been out in the city more than she has, I believe. Still, there's much to learn."
His lips twitched up at the suggestion of voodoo dolls out of wax. Creepy little things, but he realized Greer was joking. "I should hardly think you'd require them."
One wouldn't remain a lawyer very long if he had to resort to dolls. The real reason for the wax was readily explained, though, and Josh nodded, eyes intense with curiosity, as Greer explained this hobby of his and his friend's. Who knew candle-making was so popular? Josh had never considered making his own candles. They just seemed like the sort of things that were simple to buy.
"That sounds very... rustic," he said, at the image he got of Greer in a pair of overalls or something equally farm-like, gathering herbs. "What kinds of plants grow around here for that?"
His interest wasn't feigned; Joshua really wanted to know. He loved being outdoors but knew very little about it. He could identify the more popular species of trees and animals but anything more involved required research and a laptop. A whimsical part of him would love to put away his computer and his phone for a few days and just learn about nature. In fact, the idea of it quite took his mind off of his pain for a little bit, and hat was very welcome indeed.
Greer Grayson
11 years ago
Gris smiled and tipped his head in Joshua's direction. "Yes, how very forward of me.†He raised a hand to the back of his head. "I blame the hit to the head.†He didn't want his companion to think he was upset about it though and he didn't want Joshua to feel guilty for landing on him. It was hardly Joshua's fault. "In truth though,†He grinned wickedly across the table. "You've already tumbled me once and you didn't even know my name at the time. Shameless really. I should be scandalized.†Of course the very idea of him being embarrassed by such a thing was fairly absurd but he could pretend.
"Well if you ever want company for these investigative outings then I would be interested in joining you. I do need to get out and see more of the city and perhaps I can be a corrupting influence on your good deed habit.†Gris smiled. "Step away from the old lady, Joshua. Remember the last time! She has a stunningly big purse and could wield it as a weapon.â€
Smiling at the compliment, he shrugged slightly. "Not on every case, for certain. If it helped even a little then I might consider it. There is probably some obscure law against making effigies of the prosecution.†Gris rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I might have to look that up some time.†He was a fairly superstitious person; almost all born R'asa believed in the spirits and fortune, both good and bad. Still he could make light of it and see the humor in the idea of fashioning voodoo dolls of his co-workers.
He wasn't sure what to make of his hobby being called rustic. Gris had never thought of it as something rural but something crafty. He did suppose that he had to go into the woods to collect the herbs in the first place but he knew plenty of people that simply bought what they wanted. Either way, he supposed rustic was not the worst thing he had ever been called.
Joshua asked him about some of the plants that grew in the area. "Hmm, there are a lot of them here. Nachton has a nice climate, not overly hot and not too cold. While walking around I've found witch hazel, wild geraniums, wild ginger, garlic mustard, wild strawberries, oriental bittersweet and more. There are a lot of transplants from Europe that have spread from the colonists' backyards to out in the wild so you see some of those as well.†Not all that he named made great scents but they all had their uses. "Of particular interest to you might be the white willow bark.†Gris smiled. "But you might want something a little more potent than aspirin.â€
"Well if you ever want company for these investigative outings then I would be interested in joining you. I do need to get out and see more of the city and perhaps I can be a corrupting influence on your good deed habit.†Gris smiled. "Step away from the old lady, Joshua. Remember the last time! She has a stunningly big purse and could wield it as a weapon.â€
Smiling at the compliment, he shrugged slightly. "Not on every case, for certain. If it helped even a little then I might consider it. There is probably some obscure law against making effigies of the prosecution.†Gris rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I might have to look that up some time.†He was a fairly superstitious person; almost all born R'asa believed in the spirits and fortune, both good and bad. Still he could make light of it and see the humor in the idea of fashioning voodoo dolls of his co-workers.
He wasn't sure what to make of his hobby being called rustic. Gris had never thought of it as something rural but something crafty. He did suppose that he had to go into the woods to collect the herbs in the first place but he knew plenty of people that simply bought what they wanted. Either way, he supposed rustic was not the worst thing he had ever been called.
Joshua asked him about some of the plants that grew in the area. "Hmm, there are a lot of them here. Nachton has a nice climate, not overly hot and not too cold. While walking around I've found witch hazel, wild geraniums, wild ginger, garlic mustard, wild strawberries, oriental bittersweet and more. There are a lot of transplants from Europe that have spread from the colonists' backyards to out in the wild so you see some of those as well.†Not all that he named made great scents but they all had their uses. "Of particular interest to you might be the white willow bark.†Gris smiled. "But you might want something a little more potent than aspirin.â€
Joshua Wesson
11 years ago
Josh was somewhat surprised by Greer's rejoinder. He had expected a friendly brush-off, the kind that most well-adjusted straight guys give when the joke has run its course and they don't think you're seriously looking for a date. Either Greer's filter was glitchy and he decided to drag this laugh out, or... well, Josh was now confused. Was the blond stranger being flirtatious? Or was Josh just out of practice? He couldn't remember the last time he'd sat down to converse with a stranger without the point being to help assimilate them into his Pack in a healthy way. He found himself at a loss for words, a slightly open-mouthed stare at Greer, and a faint flush on his face.
Josh took a few healthy gulps of his beer. "If you hit your head," he finally said, "I must have hit mine harder because I think I'd remember that."
Yeah. He'd remember that all right. It had been let's see... yeah, years since he'd actually slept with someone. Work kept him busy and traveling and Josh wasn't a one-night stand sort of guy.
He nodded, trying not to look overly enthusiastic, eager, or desperate for company when Greer offered himself up as an exploring partner. "You know, that would be enjoyable," he said. And he meant it. He had, apparently, fallen on top of someone interesting. Young, but interesting. Greer couldn't be but hardly into his twenties by the looks of him. In fact, he seemed young to be a lawyer at all, but then some people simply remained young in appearance. Josh had no reason to believe Greer would be untruthful about his career. There was no reason for it. Far more reasonable to assume he just appeared younger than he actually was.
When Greer mentioned looking up the laws about effigies, though, Josh actually chuckled - which hurt, so he winced and refused to laugh. He had no comment on the subject, really, but he did wonder if maybe there was a sort of law from way back when about that. It almost seemed realistic, what with everything he'd read about witch trials and such.
He continued to be fascinated by Greer's plant knowledge, which seemed very in-depth for someone so new to the area. Josh had no idea what any of the things the other man listed were. How did one actually learn all of those? He supposed it was the same as how a man memorized sheets of music or particularly pleasing chord progressions... anything along those lines.
"Perhaps something stronger... yes," Joshua said, another cringe as his body complained. "I'd like to say that I'm not as young as I used to be but even in my youth I'm pretty sure that fall would have left a few marks."
He returned to his prior line of questioning. "How is it you've come to know so much about the local flora in such a short time? Is there a book? A website?"
This was Greer's hobby clearly - no doubt he had some resources. Josh was always on the lookout for good reading material. He would read such a book if Greer knew of one. The idea of really learning the city, right down to its literal roots, appealed to him.
Josh took a few healthy gulps of his beer. "If you hit your head," he finally said, "I must have hit mine harder because I think I'd remember that."
Yeah. He'd remember that all right. It had been let's see... yeah, years since he'd actually slept with someone. Work kept him busy and traveling and Josh wasn't a one-night stand sort of guy.
He nodded, trying not to look overly enthusiastic, eager, or desperate for company when Greer offered himself up as an exploring partner. "You know, that would be enjoyable," he said. And he meant it. He had, apparently, fallen on top of someone interesting. Young, but interesting. Greer couldn't be but hardly into his twenties by the looks of him. In fact, he seemed young to be a lawyer at all, but then some people simply remained young in appearance. Josh had no reason to believe Greer would be untruthful about his career. There was no reason for it. Far more reasonable to assume he just appeared younger than he actually was.
When Greer mentioned looking up the laws about effigies, though, Josh actually chuckled - which hurt, so he winced and refused to laugh. He had no comment on the subject, really, but he did wonder if maybe there was a sort of law from way back when about that. It almost seemed realistic, what with everything he'd read about witch trials and such.
He continued to be fascinated by Greer's plant knowledge, which seemed very in-depth for someone so new to the area. Josh had no idea what any of the things the other man listed were. How did one actually learn all of those? He supposed it was the same as how a man memorized sheets of music or particularly pleasing chord progressions... anything along those lines.
"Perhaps something stronger... yes," Joshua said, another cringe as his body complained. "I'd like to say that I'm not as young as I used to be but even in my youth I'm pretty sure that fall would have left a few marks."
He returned to his prior line of questioning. "How is it you've come to know so much about the local flora in such a short time? Is there a book? A website?"
This was Greer's hobby clearly - no doubt he had some resources. Josh was always on the lookout for good reading material. He would read such a book if Greer knew of one. The idea of really learning the city, right down to its literal roots, appealed to him.
Greer Grayson
11 years ago
The response he got from his comments was not exactly what he had expected. Gris figured there were two ways to answer such things. The first would be 'uh yeah' or something equally communicative and the second would be a further humorous response. One would tell him that he had pushed a little too far for what Joshua was comfortable with and the other would give him hope that his drinking companion was comfortable with a lot more.
Instead, Joshua simply stared at him for a long moment. Gris would have almost wondered if the man hadn't understand the slang but the slight blush suggested otherwise. He watched Joshua cautiously as the man drank several deep swallows of his beer before answering. The words confirmed that his companion did understand exactly what he had said. Raising his eyebrows, he said. "I should say so.â€
It was agreed upon that Joshua could use something stronger than aspirin. Gris would have loved to suggest that he would be happy to help with a massage but if hugging was off the list until the second date then he was pretty sure that a massage was not appropriate. Besides, while his humor had not been shot down, he still didn't know where Joshua stood on some key points, like gender...he'd get to race some time after the fifth date or so, maybe.
"I don't know how you feel but you don't look old.†He bit back with effort the offer to personally check and see how Joshua felt, with a little squeeze here and a touch there. Gris suspected, in that manner, Joshua felt just fine.
"When I moved here I googled the local area, looked up plants that were native. Also, like I said, many are very similar, if not exactly the same, to plants found in Europe. Some are really widespread across this continent and that one. So I already knew about those.†Shrugging, Gris said. "I still check up on the local varieties just to make sure what looks like an excellent herb from England isn't in fact something entirely different and quite deadly here.â€
"If you don't mind tromping through the woods then I can show you what is around and what its useful for. If you're interested." Gris smiled "We can stay away from steep hills, cliff edges and bridges so that there is no more falling and I promise that I do not carry pepper spray upon my person."
Instead, Joshua simply stared at him for a long moment. Gris would have almost wondered if the man hadn't understand the slang but the slight blush suggested otherwise. He watched Joshua cautiously as the man drank several deep swallows of his beer before answering. The words confirmed that his companion did understand exactly what he had said. Raising his eyebrows, he said. "I should say so.â€
It was agreed upon that Joshua could use something stronger than aspirin. Gris would have loved to suggest that he would be happy to help with a massage but if hugging was off the list until the second date then he was pretty sure that a massage was not appropriate. Besides, while his humor had not been shot down, he still didn't know where Joshua stood on some key points, like gender...he'd get to race some time after the fifth date or so, maybe.
"I don't know how you feel but you don't look old.†He bit back with effort the offer to personally check and see how Joshua felt, with a little squeeze here and a touch there. Gris suspected, in that manner, Joshua felt just fine.
"When I moved here I googled the local area, looked up plants that were native. Also, like I said, many are very similar, if not exactly the same, to plants found in Europe. Some are really widespread across this continent and that one. So I already knew about those.†Shrugging, Gris said. "I still check up on the local varieties just to make sure what looks like an excellent herb from England isn't in fact something entirely different and quite deadly here.â€
"If you don't mind tromping through the woods then I can show you what is around and what its useful for. If you're interested." Gris smiled "We can stay away from steep hills, cliff edges and bridges so that there is no more falling and I promise that I do not carry pepper spray upon my person."
Joshua Wesson
11 years ago
Josh smiled his soft, faint smile at Greer's comment. Well, someone certainly had a good opinion of his own sexual prowess. For a moment he was tempted to flirt back, to call out a challenge of sorts, see if Greer was truly that memorable a partner. He kept his silence though; he was injured and in pain and now was hardly the time or place for assumptions, especially those that might be taken the wrong way. Joshua was not shy about his preferences and if asked, would generally be up front about them as long as he was in an area where that sort of information wouldn't do more harm than good.
He also didn't want Greer to think he was uncomfortable with such humor, however. So as he smiled he laughed, a soft, warm chuckle that held none of the reserve his smile did. It was cut short, however, as the action made pretty much every muscle in his torso ache fiercely. His expression turned rueful.
"Right now," he said, "I feel like I'm about eighty and have spent the last fifty years moonlighting as a spare tire for a dump truck. But thank you." His lips twisted wryly, and he shook his head at himself - carefully. God, if this were a different day under different circumstances... maybe this conversation would be happening differently. Then again, on a different day under different circumstances he couldn't see how it would have been happening at all, and as he was enjoying Greer's company Joshua figured he should just be glad it had happened at all.
The prospect of getting to know Greer better was cheerful to Josh. He was looking forward to having friends outside of his Pack, something he hadn't done in... well, he hadn't done it, really. His job kept him moving so much, kept him focused so narrowly on the Kadzait, that Josh hadn't spent much time building relationships just for the pleasure of it.
Nodding his understanding as Greer spoke, Josh finally let himself smile again, a real smile that completely betrayed his professional, somewhat sterile exterior. "I think I would like a tromp through the woods," he said, "and I don't mind the cliffs or bridges. Even after today. It might be good therapy. Getting back on he horse, and all that."
While he didn't doubt he would remember that fall, the sudden weightlessness, the moment of complete terror when he realized there was nothing but pavement to catch him, Josh didn't think he would be permanently scarred by his experience. A few sleepless nights, perhaps, but that could only be expected after such an experience.
He also didn't want Greer to think he was uncomfortable with such humor, however. So as he smiled he laughed, a soft, warm chuckle that held none of the reserve his smile did. It was cut short, however, as the action made pretty much every muscle in his torso ache fiercely. His expression turned rueful.
"Right now," he said, "I feel like I'm about eighty and have spent the last fifty years moonlighting as a spare tire for a dump truck. But thank you." His lips twisted wryly, and he shook his head at himself - carefully. God, if this were a different day under different circumstances... maybe this conversation would be happening differently. Then again, on a different day under different circumstances he couldn't see how it would have been happening at all, and as he was enjoying Greer's company Joshua figured he should just be glad it had happened at all.
The prospect of getting to know Greer better was cheerful to Josh. He was looking forward to having friends outside of his Pack, something he hadn't done in... well, he hadn't done it, really. His job kept him moving so much, kept him focused so narrowly on the Kadzait, that Josh hadn't spent much time building relationships just for the pleasure of it.
Nodding his understanding as Greer spoke, Josh finally let himself smile again, a real smile that completely betrayed his professional, somewhat sterile exterior. "I think I would like a tromp through the woods," he said, "and I don't mind the cliffs or bridges. Even after today. It might be good therapy. Getting back on he horse, and all that."
While he didn't doubt he would remember that fall, the sudden weightlessness, the moment of complete terror when he realized there was nothing but pavement to catch him, Josh didn't think he would be permanently scarred by his experience. A few sleepless nights, perhaps, but that could only be expected after such an experience.
Greer Grayson
11 years ago
Gris nodded and gave Joshua another small smile before turning his attention to his wine. Savoring a few swallows, he set it down again. He had been serious that Joshua did not appear old to him. In fact, he figured they were close to the same age. His own good health and youthful appearance had nothing to do with clean living and everything to do with the last gift his brother ever gave him.
"Well the good thing about the pain is that you're around to feel it. Small comfort at the moment but...â€Gris sipped his drink and let the rest go unsaid; he was sure Joshua knew how differently that fall could have gone.
The discussion moved on to herbology and hiking. Gris had kindly volunteered to keep Joshua away from any cliffs and ledges but the man seemed determined to go find them anyway. "Well, if its all the same to you...†He shoved the imaginary mountains and steep places across the table at his companion. "You can keep them.â€
In a subdued voice, he explained his reasoning. "I am not fond of heights. Well, its more of being places where a long drop can happen.†See, now if Joshua had a healthy respect for the falling things might have gone differently. No, truth be told, or at least thought of, Gris wouldn't have had trouble crossing the bridge either. There were guard rails and it wasn't that steep, for a werewolf. Joshua hadn't expected to be sprayed in a face so there had not been any reason to worry. And, while he was being honest in his own thoughts, he was rather happy that Joshua dropped in on his day. That might be selfish of him and he certainly didn't want to see the man in pain but he was enjoying the company.
"You might want to get back on the horse but I am fine with taking a train.†Gris smiled and shrugged. He was willing to admit his fear and be unashamed by it. Other kids had clambered over everything large and small, stable and dangerous but he had refused. All the childish names and goading in the world had not convinced him to tempt fate a second time. He'd had a long time to get over what everyone else thought of his phobia.
"Still, there are plenty of non-cliff walking places to explore and plenty of plants to see if you're interested, even without the thrill of danger.â€
"Well the good thing about the pain is that you're around to feel it. Small comfort at the moment but...â€Gris sipped his drink and let the rest go unsaid; he was sure Joshua knew how differently that fall could have gone.
The discussion moved on to herbology and hiking. Gris had kindly volunteered to keep Joshua away from any cliffs and ledges but the man seemed determined to go find them anyway. "Well, if its all the same to you...†He shoved the imaginary mountains and steep places across the table at his companion. "You can keep them.â€
In a subdued voice, he explained his reasoning. "I am not fond of heights. Well, its more of being places where a long drop can happen.†See, now if Joshua had a healthy respect for the falling things might have gone differently. No, truth be told, or at least thought of, Gris wouldn't have had trouble crossing the bridge either. There were guard rails and it wasn't that steep, for a werewolf. Joshua hadn't expected to be sprayed in a face so there had not been any reason to worry. And, while he was being honest in his own thoughts, he was rather happy that Joshua dropped in on his day. That might be selfish of him and he certainly didn't want to see the man in pain but he was enjoying the company.
"You might want to get back on the horse but I am fine with taking a train.†Gris smiled and shrugged. He was willing to admit his fear and be unashamed by it. Other kids had clambered over everything large and small, stable and dangerous but he had refused. All the childish names and goading in the world had not convinced him to tempt fate a second time. He'd had a long time to get over what everyone else thought of his phobia.
"Still, there are plenty of non-cliff walking places to explore and plenty of plants to see if you're interested, even without the thrill of danger.â€
Joshua Wesson
11 years ago
"No, no," Joshua said amiably. "I am very glad I'm around to feel it. That fact is great comfort. I'm just sorry that my comfort has come at the expense of a nasty knock on the head for you, not to mention a sure collection of bruises tomorrow." He gave a little half-bow to his companion from where he sat. "Still, I thank you again on my own behalf."
He was still somewhat amazed that Greer seemed to be fine from his experience, as well as himself. Stroke of luck, that was all he could say. Josh was certain he would never be so lucky again so indeed the solution seemed to be avoiding sudden drops, even if he didn't have a profound fear of them as a result of the afternoon's circumstances.
He listened as Greer confessed a fear of such sudden drops himself, nodding with a solemn expression upon his face as the other man spoke. Falling wasn't such an uncommon fear; Josh could understand it very well, particularly after today. While he wasn't going to get a case of the cold sweats and shakes, he certainly wasn't about to go seeking danger and tempting fate by running along cliff edges and highrise rooftops.
"This sounds like a plan to me," he said. "A walk without cliffs, although there can't be that many in Nachton, are there?"
There was nothing to say, really, about Greer's fear. Joshua wasn't about to pry and ask about a reason or anything - a fear was a fear. It was simply there. He filed the information away however, for if they did end up spending time together it would be good to know.
He let a moment of silence pass as he sipped at his own drink again and then said, suddenly but in a soft voice, "Robots."
Josh looked up at Greer, a wry smile upon his lips. "I can't stand robots." It seemed only fair, since Greer had given him an insight into a fear of his, that Josh do the same. "No reason. They just give me the creeps."
He laughed once, shortly, at himself, and then amended, "More than the creeps. I'm absolutely terrified of them. So, while we're out avoiding falls and ledges, let's stay away from them too please."
He was still somewhat amazed that Greer seemed to be fine from his experience, as well as himself. Stroke of luck, that was all he could say. Josh was certain he would never be so lucky again so indeed the solution seemed to be avoiding sudden drops, even if he didn't have a profound fear of them as a result of the afternoon's circumstances.
He listened as Greer confessed a fear of such sudden drops himself, nodding with a solemn expression upon his face as the other man spoke. Falling wasn't such an uncommon fear; Josh could understand it very well, particularly after today. While he wasn't going to get a case of the cold sweats and shakes, he certainly wasn't about to go seeking danger and tempting fate by running along cliff edges and highrise rooftops.
"This sounds like a plan to me," he said. "A walk without cliffs, although there can't be that many in Nachton, are there?"
There was nothing to say, really, about Greer's fear. Joshua wasn't about to pry and ask about a reason or anything - a fear was a fear. It was simply there. He filed the information away however, for if they did end up spending time together it would be good to know.
He let a moment of silence pass as he sipped at his own drink again and then said, suddenly but in a soft voice, "Robots."
Josh looked up at Greer, a wry smile upon his lips. "I can't stand robots." It seemed only fair, since Greer had given him an insight into a fear of his, that Josh do the same. "No reason. They just give me the creeps."
He laughed once, shortly, at himself, and then amended, "More than the creeps. I'm absolutely terrified of them. So, while we're out avoiding falls and ledges, let's stay away from them too please."
Greer Grayson
11 years ago
Gris smiled and waved a hand in dismissal. "A knock on the head and some bruises are minor to knowing that I kept you from breaking something vital.†He meant that sincerely and not just because Joshua was handsome, intelligent and interesting. Gris would have been happy to have had a part in saving anyone from a terrible fall. "Besides, I think the drink and the company more than make up for it.â€
Joshua said that they could stay away from cliffs and other high places. Gris raised his glass to second that plan. He did answer the question of the steep places in Nachton. "No, not terribly here. Further inland and up north certainly. You have that whole mountain range coming up the east coast further into the state so the west side of Nachton has some high places a person could fall from but nothing that quite reaches mountain potential. More foothill category and even that is stretching it a bit.†It mattered if he could kill himself on it. He wasn't happy about anything that would potentially break bones but the heights that really bothered him were ones that would shatter even a werewolf's body.
Thankfully, Joshua didn't ask him more about his fear. He could explain it easily enough but to tell the whole story, well as much as he could without mentioning that his brother saved his life by making him a werewolf, meant explaining his brother's death. They were having a nice conversation so he didn't want to have to talk about his past.
After a moment of silence, Joshua explained that robots scared him. Gris might have thought the man was kidding but the expression on his companion's face and the quiet way he explained suggested that he wasn't. Gris wondered what had caused that fear in the past. Was there something? Probably. Maybe too many late night cheap movies of evil robots as a child. All it would take was the right one at the right time to really make an impression. The movie IT had not done clowns any favors and now there seemed to be a whole generations who found the normally cheerful, bungling merry makers to be absolutely terrifying.
"Well, now I know not to get you that talking toaster for Christmas. Good show.†Gris smiled and finished his wine. " We will take a walk without cliffs and robots. I think we can manage that so long as we stay out of the industrial area of Nachton. Not many plants there anyway.â€
Joshua said that they could stay away from cliffs and other high places. Gris raised his glass to second that plan. He did answer the question of the steep places in Nachton. "No, not terribly here. Further inland and up north certainly. You have that whole mountain range coming up the east coast further into the state so the west side of Nachton has some high places a person could fall from but nothing that quite reaches mountain potential. More foothill category and even that is stretching it a bit.†It mattered if he could kill himself on it. He wasn't happy about anything that would potentially break bones but the heights that really bothered him were ones that would shatter even a werewolf's body.
Thankfully, Joshua didn't ask him more about his fear. He could explain it easily enough but to tell the whole story, well as much as he could without mentioning that his brother saved his life by making him a werewolf, meant explaining his brother's death. They were having a nice conversation so he didn't want to have to talk about his past.
After a moment of silence, Joshua explained that robots scared him. Gris might have thought the man was kidding but the expression on his companion's face and the quiet way he explained suggested that he wasn't. Gris wondered what had caused that fear in the past. Was there something? Probably. Maybe too many late night cheap movies of evil robots as a child. All it would take was the right one at the right time to really make an impression. The movie IT had not done clowns any favors and now there seemed to be a whole generations who found the normally cheerful, bungling merry makers to be absolutely terrifying.
"Well, now I know not to get you that talking toaster for Christmas. Good show.†Gris smiled and finished his wine. " We will take a walk without cliffs and robots. I think we can manage that so long as we stay out of the industrial area of Nachton. Not many plants there anyway.â€