IC/Overflow Post

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Perhaps it’s good to be around someone who is much more open and candid with their words and feelings. Kaz is often a closed vault, he knows it’s one of his social failings. What had once been born out of survivalist necessity is now a hindrance around those he cares about, lowering his walls enough to truly let them in. It’s perhaps by design that he’s surrounded himself with people who each in their own ways are much more heartfelt than he is. People who push and prod and challenge him not to bottle up his feelings to where only spite and retribution escape. Max is now included on that list. Kaz sits silently for a moment, soaking in the compliments, needing a moment to sort out even what to do with them. He truly hasn’t been in a situation like this before. Even with Inej, for all their heartfelt speeches to one another that cut to the bone, they had never found time to flirt in between everything else that had to be said.

“Your build is nice.” He’s terrible at this. He can hear all his wait staff at the club laughing at him. Not meanly, but certain their boss in his natural state could never earn a tip. They’re right. He’d be more inclined to pickpocket one than smooth talk his way to it. Only he can’t swindle his way through a relationship, so it’s putting a proverbial shoulder to the wheel and pushing onward to learn how to do it. He’s seen relationships work of course, and he’s had people try and flirt with him, but it’s another matter to dive into it all himself. After a beat he admits, “Your character I found intriguing at the start. Though yes. I wasn’t blind to your build, or your eyes.”

Reaching up, he accepts the glass with a nod of thanks, pouring a few fingers of whiskey into the glass and taking a moderate, calculated sip. Even in this, Kaz has an iron grip on himself. He hasn’t eaten today, as usual, and he doesn’t ever want to get too drunk that he makes a choice he regrets. The whiskey burns, but not unpleasantly so, and it’s warm and sweet at the end. “I can see why this is your special stash.” Long, thin fingers tap against the glass he’s holding as he takes a second sip.

It’s not the same as Max pivots to his trauma, but Kaz lets his own go for the moment and gives an understanding nod. He doesn’t want to get into it right now though, so he simply says, “It seems you’ve come a long way, then. I’m sure that wasn’t easy.” He takes another drink, this one deeper, studying the glass as he says, “Anyway. Since that’s clear where we stand on the matter, we can move along. This also means I can raid your bookshelves with impunity. Just letting you know.” Not that he likely couldn’t have before, but it’s a lighter topic shift and evades him having to talk about his own issues with touch for now.

[revolvings]

Having taken his time to watch Kaz on more than a few occasions, Max is fairly familiar with the fact that they share a rather unique bond in how they relate already. He knows that their long drawn out conversations are not the norm, and to hear even the shortest compliments and stumbling little flirts has the cowboy feeling rather on top of the world. It's a good thing to have a feeling returned when he could have sworn that this one thing would have been the death of him.

Feeling respected is important to Max, and finding some middling ground is essential. It's something that happened with Kaz early on, and before Max ever thought about catching wind of a feeling for the other man, which was good-- because now he doesn't have to worry that one day something might flip between them and all hell might break loose.

Watching Kaz sip at his drink, Max catches his eyes and settles his emotions there. It's one more of his skills. He's soft and gentle in the way he lifts his lashes and grins. "I was teasing about my build, but thank you. It means a lot to hear you say that, and about my eyes, since yours are always going to keep me looking at you. Only you." He wants to make it abundantly clear that Kaz is by far the only person that he's even thinking of looking at right now, not that there was a question, but still.

Taking sip of his own drink, Max nods. "It's not too bad. I am glad that I've gotten to share it with you tonight of all nights." Yes, Max has moved through some of his trauma. He hasn't beaten the best of it. He knows that he will one day, but it will take help, and he is certain that if Kaz and he make it that far in this relationship, then they will settle that part of Max's life. It's not about him all the time though and the diversion is spotted, but not minded. Max understands having to keep parts of his life underwraps

"You know, my collection isn't what it used to be, but it will always be open to you. Just make sure that no one but you gets their grubby little hands on them." He laughs, knowing that people are always after Kaz to loan them this or that, or to borrow this for a "little while". "You also know that it means you get to take further advantage of my services whenever you want. I am truly a call away for whatever you want. "

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The furniture in Kaz’s office at the Slat is a far cry from that at the Club, or from the sleek way he dresses when out on the city’s streets. It speaks to a part of Kaz that lurks beneath the surface. The table is sturdy yet worn, simple wood with nothing ornate decorating it. There are some chips and scuffs from use nicked into the surface. It had been a used table even before Kaz got his hands on it, and it’s one he’s never in the years Inej has known him swapped out for another. Every fortune that Kaz makes these days he funnels back into his people and his projects. That boy who’d grown up on a dirt poor farm, that scrawny canal rat who had to fight for every morsel of food he could snatch, he doesn’t toss anything out when it’s still of use. He doesn’t care about what’s fancy or in fashion within the confines of his personal space. It’s all old and used and honestly, some of it isn’t as good as it used to be, but he still would rather make do than spend money he sees as unnecessary.

His eyes drop down for a moment to where she’s perching, right by her the small indent where Jesper had gotten restless and played with Kaz’s letter opener to the desk’s detriment a very long time ago. Every indent that happened on Kaz’s watch he remembers. His mind forgets nothing.

He won’t forget the sight of her sitting so comfortably close to him, enjoying the food he’s set out a safe distance from his work. Where words often fail him, it’s easier to simply show his feelings through gestures like ensuring there’s never an empty pantry at the Slat. He gives a little nod at her gratitude, never really knowing how to respond when people thank him. “We have a candy shop now, I figure one of the perks is seeing what they have to offer.” We as in the Dregs, Kaz took over the sweets shop along with all the rest of Rollins’ businesses. The quince candies make his heart ache a little, though while he doesn’t eat them now a part of him is glad they’re still around along with other flavors of fruit candy. After a beat he admits, “It wasn’t a life goal to own one, but here we are.” It’s rare for Kaz to admit that he hasn’t plotted and planned since birth to specifically run a sweetshop, but to Inej, it feels a little safer to acknowledge just how far he’s come.

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You know what’s funny? You and I argue less than most I know. Yet I’m one of the most argumentative people I know.

Imagine if we ever didn’t agree.

[callmeles]

Adonis would say the same about me.

I imagine it would either be this or some epic enemies thing. I'm glad it's the former.

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He once blamed my disposition on never going to school to take it out in a debate class.

As much as I welcome another enemy, I’m glad it isn’t you, too.

[callmeles]

Did he? He once blamed mine on fire being my primary ability. I think his words were 'With your attitude, it's no wonder you're a pyro.' I might have lit his jacket on fire afterward.

As if he has any room to talk.

You and me both. I prefer this over having another enemy. Besides. All the havoc we can create as allies and friends is so much better than as enemies.

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Everyone talks about fire burning things to ashes, and it does. Those who are smart about it though know that sometimes it takes a razing to properly have something new grow.

A method in the madness for certain.

[callmeles]

Exactly. In some ecosystems, a burn is necessary in order for new growth. In this case, I thought he needed a new jacket and an attitude adjustment.

Both worked in the short term.

Absolutely. As there always should be.

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For all his sharp edges and hardened exterior, if there’s one quality Kaz has in spades it’s loyalty. He’s there for the people who earn his trust, and he’s never betrayed a friend. He’s only ever had friends, never anything established as more, but it extends to Max now as well. He might not be flowery but he’s not one to up and leave someone in the dirt, nor betray their confidence or humiliate them. Inej might be the secret keeper by title of her former job, but Kaz has kept personal matters and those of the heart to his chest for all of his friends, sometimes for years. In that way, as far as counting on someone goes, Kaz is oddly safe. It might be the only time the word safe is ever used in reference to Dirtyhands.

Sipping his drink, he can feel Max’s eyes on him. Tilting his head, his gaze shifts to accommodate meeting the other man’s. He can see the softness and emotion that Max lets rest on the surface. It’s sweet, and fitting of the other man. Much like the harsh angles of his body, Kaz’s own eyes are sharp and discerning. There’s an inquisitive fire in them that burns deep beneath the ocean blue waters, as though nothing in their target line could dissemble. Shark eyes they’ve been called, always on the hunt. Always picking or tearing apart whatever’s in their path.

To those that don’t know Kaz, many who meet his gaze wish they hadn’t. His Crows though are used to having that unwavering intense focus turned on them for what it truly means - that he’s listening, taking in their whole package, not to disarm them but to better understand and help move forward. The attention that Max gets now is unwavering; not soft, but keeping his sights set on the other man, tracking him, because he matters enough to Kaz to not want to risk letting him out of his sight. Kaz is always present; if he’s ever caught daydreaming, it’s usually a sign of alarm. There’s no alarm now though as he listens to Max, one finger gently running along the rim of the glass to self-soothe. It’s a good night, his stomach is full of good nerves, but they’re still nerves that need to be let out. “You can take your eyes off me long enough to get a fix on a target in the field,” he quips, but he’s swift to raise a hand and add after, “No, I know what you meant. You’re being romantic, and it’s very sweet. For what it’s worth, I don’t stray, either. There isn’t anyone else I’m seeing.”

That did raise the question though of letting other people know. Did it happen now? After things between them got more settled? How would he even go about it? Kaz normally doesn’t share details of his private life, others just sort of pick up on some things by virtue of living with him. It’s a question to ponder on later. His mind wouldn’t be his mind if it wasn’t crafting puzzles for him to solve. Think ten steps ahead but focus on now, he reminds himself.

At the permission to look Kaz rises to his feet, setting the drink down after a final sip so he has a hand free. He limps around the living space in mild curiosity to see what books he can find to look at, or if there are any other items of note. “I promise to defend them with my life,” he replies with a small quirk of his mouth. It’s true that Kaz constantly has people coming at him for various reasons. Sometimes it makes his skin itch and the waters rise, but it also helps him stay out of his own head. At the rest he pauses and looks over, giving Max a single nod of understanding. “I won’t ever take advantage of you. I know that’s not what you meant, and likewise, if you need something you only have to ask. Just putting that out there, too. I don’t exploit my people’s feelings.” He lets it linger in the air a moment before adding, “So where’s this infamous guitar? You don’t have to play it, I just want to see it.”

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A lesson to learn, always have another jacket as a backup. When one steals, always steal in pairs where applicable.

@acaseofyou

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[OOC: Continued from here.]

I can wait years to see a job done properly, but when it comes to people, I can only take so much of being around them. The amount varies depending on the person and the day, but most days at least once I’ll think ’come on, get on with it’ when dealing with someone.

That’s a very kind thought from you.

I’ve gotten angry at a coffee pot before. It knows what it did.

@callmeles

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[OOC: Continued from here.]

I take that as a compliment.

You know I’ll always make time for you.

@callmeles

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[OOC: Continued from here.]

It is a good combination, it’s usually what we get. I always prefer to balance out the sugar with fried potatoes but apparently, I’m a crazy person for ruining the purity of it all.

@asorceress

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[OOC: Continued from here.]

[It means quite a bit to hear, more than he can put into words. For many years while living on the streets he was thought anything but rare. He was simply trash, a canal rat, something to be stomped on or overlooked. He knows that Yen has experienced her own share of being discarded and derided. That they each persevered on their own for so long is telling, and perhaps one of the main grounds for finding a kindred spirit in one another. Kaz knows that Yen can handle the world on her own, but he doesn’t want her to have to any longer. Once he finds someone worthy of his loyalty and trust, he never turns his back on them.]

Likewise. I’m afraid you might be stuck with me now, you know.

I started out giving people fair wages and proper housing to undermine those in power. Or at least, that’s what I told myself at the time. That I was investing in people to further my cause.

[It took him a long while to admit that it was never really just about that. That deep inside of him he simply couldn’t let others suffer like he did. He’s no hero, the petty spite part is still strong and present, but he’s come to realize it’s not all of him.]

@morganjayfinnigan

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[OOC: Continued from here.]

What’s your favorite fruit? I’ll leave you those.

What I’m gathering from this talk is that we really shouldn’t have a night together where we do nothing but drink whiskey. At least not without follicle faux pas likely happening.

@morganjayfinnigan

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[OOC: Continued from here.]

You are the sole friend I have that acknowledges the value of salty over sweet, you know. When I dare get fried potatoes alongside waffles and ice cream I’m deemed a demon of impurity.

Which I'm not against being called, but not at the sake of slandering potatoes.

Captchas are for chumps

[morganjayfinnigan]

Salty is wonderful, not sure about that combination, but you know, each to ones own.

Potatoes carries so much of Fjerdan cuisine, at least, makes it more filling. Haven't thought about combining sweet with it's salty before, so I might have to try that sometime.

[morganjayfinnigan]

I'm big on cherries and kiwi's so if I can have those I'd like that.

Well, either that or I'm going to go into the morning after needing to fully shave it off. I don't mind either way, but, you know. A whiskey night could be good.

[acaseofyou]

People can be uniquely difficult to manage, so that's understandable. To your credit, you haven't snapped at me with that yet.

Well, you know me. Full of kind thoughts.

My best guess is that it didn't have any coffee in it.

100%, ain't nobody got time for them.

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Waffles and fried potatoes are kind of just a me thing these days. I'm all right with that if you end up not liking the sweet and salty combination. Ketterdam is rather known for its breakfast cuisine, but there are a lot of potatoes, too. Fried potatoes and hutspot are a pretty popular choice. Then of course you have all the global cuisine influences we get from being the largest port city. It's a pretty big food city.

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Hm. Given I like all fruit, I suppose I can find it within the kindness of where my heart should be to let you have both of those with your drink.

Need to shake off the Inferni adrenaline?

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You’re actually surprisingly easy to be around. Not surprising because of you, more that I don’t find that with many people.

You are. You’re more than just the kind thoughts, but that does come to mind as part of you.

It did not. Then it took a suspiciously long time to percolate when it did.

[acaseofyou]

Maybe it's because I'm an entertainer. But I'm glad. It's surprisingly easy to be around you, too, for similar reasons.

Is it narcissistic to ask what else comes to mind?

Terrible betrayal from a coffee machine. It's in the name that it ought to have coffee in it and everything.

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I don’t know if I’m an entertainer. The most I do is go undercover on jobs and occasionally give speeches. I’m glad, though. That I don’t bring added stress to our time together.

Well, for second, you’re incredibly narcissistic… [He’s teasing!] You’re inquisitive. More calculating than you appear on the surface. A little closed off sometimes like anyone can be, but in a way that’s putting on a smile and a change in topic. I want to say you have trouble with endings, but you can correct me there. You burn hot and will do anything to keep your passions going. Being connected to you isn’t just a way of being, it’s a way of surviving. You try and see other perspectives but I don’t think you’d waver on your core ones. … you’re a good friend.

[It matters to him to end on that one, and it’s hard for him to say. He doesn’t normally put friendships into words.]

You can imagine how well I handle betrayal first thing in the morning, too. It’s lucky it made it out of our encounter still working.