cantilevers | Inbox (Etraya)

[Kirk's lip twitches in shy amusement]

Nowhere as much as you have. Francie and I were each other's first but it was far from romantic. Not like what all those romance novels or movies like to say. I only did a little more when I was in college.

[He huffed in amusement right back, shaking his head.]

Novels are never accurate and believe me, no one's muscles pulsate as much as described in those. Don't know what a movie is though, but I assume something with pictures?

[He smirked at Kirk.]

You have some experience. As long as you felt good, that's what matters. This is place is a new opportunity to learn more about yourself and your tastes.

[Finally there's a small smile at Vander's direction as Kirk thinks about the last time Vander was here in the tower]

So I've been noticing.

[He nudged Kirk a little harder as if to push the other man out of his shell more now that it seemed the somber topics of conversations had fallen back for the time being.]

If you have someone you like or have your eye on, I happen to make a good wingman. Just say the word.

I doubt I'll ever meet someone like that but thank you.

[Kirk tentatively reaches for Vander's hand with one of his gloved hands]

I like what we do as friends.

You mean, you doubt you'll find someone attractive and want to make a move to get to know them? Don't sell yourself short, Lamprey.

[His fingers twitch at the contact and then he pressed his hand into Kirk's. He made a point of leaning his shoulder more on Kirk's as he rubbed his thumb over the other man's clothed knuckles.]

Oh, you like it when I show up to harass you out of a reclusive mood and make you smile, huh? Yeah, I like that too.

[Kirk softly huffs]

You're used to walking into dark gloomy places.

I do live underground, so that's a given, yeah.

[And besides, he couldn't just let Kirk be lonely in here. Hernan was only good for certain social situations.]

And where I live is not exciting to see, so I come here.

[Deadpan]

It's not the first place most people would think of when they think "exciting."

[Oh Kirk... you don't know what you're missing. He sighed and tugged in their hands so he could pull them both away from the console Kirk had previously been working at.

He offered out his other hand.]

You can play an entire sports team game in the hallways. And Lady Justice is hot. Clearly more people should come and appreciate that, but unfortunately, Hernan might laser a few of them to make a point.

[Kirk takes Vander's other hand without question]

We're not used to having a lot of casual visitors. Usually they're formal appointments for Justice League work.

[Politicians, military officials, scientists especially]

[Vander took the Kirk's other hand and set it on his shoulder and left it there. His hand dropped to settle on the other man's slim waist and he pulled Kirk a little closer to him as he began to sway his body, pulling Kirk along in a little footwork and motion normal people would call dancing.]

And now you can do whatever you want with this place. For the most part, no one is out to get you two. Think of all the people you could invite over for a sleep over, yeah? Pad them out all over the place, play a wicked game of hide and seek.

[Kirk is surprised from Vander pulling him into a dance. He can't remember the last time he did anything like that with anyone. He lets Vander take the lead. So far it's... nice?

Kirk's lip twitches again at Vander's suggestion]

Sounds like it's something you want to do.

[Well, good luck taking the lead back, Kirk. Vander didn't do this often except maybe with Powder (and not anymore because she's grown), and he did do it with some of his female patrons he was close to or were too drunk to be convinced to leave without 'one last dance'.

He twirled them around the large space next to the work bench.]

I bet I could convince Hernan too. It's an opportunity for him to show off, and you need to let yourself have fun.

[Kirk obliges and twirls. He's not going to take back the lead. The sadness and grief Kirk was feeling before has been put to the side again. Vander is so affectionate with him]

Good luck with that.

[Does Kirk mean both objections Vander just said? Maybe]

[He appreciated Kirk obliging him in this, and he was fairly convinced he could jockey Kirk into doing other fun things with enough time and opportunity. It just took a little verbal convincing.]

I don't need luck. I have a way with words. For instance, I think you and I should have a night on the town.

[Kirk looks back at Vander in surprise as they continue to dance]

Why?

[He's guessing this is an attempt to get him away from his gloomy lab and away from his work]

Because you need to have fun, Kirk. And a night on the town can be fun if you find something we both enjoy.

[Oh boy, Kirk was a work in progress. Everyone needed an introvert to work on and help out, so Kirk was his.]

[Though still dancing, Kirk furrows his brow in skepticism]

I might not be good company for something like that.

[Vander pulled Kirk against him as they continued to dance, moving around in a circle in the room without much effort on either of their parts. He huffed a noise of amusement.]

Aren't I supposed to be the judge of how much I enjoy your company? Do you not know how to have fun, Kirk? Do you like to play games?

[Kirk is aware of how strange of a scene they are, dancing in his dark lab. It feels as though they should have some old-fashioned music in the background]

I suppose. Been a while since I did that.

[It was perhaps odd, but Vander didn't care. Kirk may not be having fun, but the dancing was a good distraction for the other man. It also kept them physically close which seemed to help them both at times.]

Sounds like it. Come on, you and me out on the town. We can play some games - I'm garbage at darts - and break into like... a science museum or something.

[As taken aback as Kirk is, he's still dancing because he's also enjoying it. Or maybe it's the simple act of being physically close to Vander again that's not stopping him. He huffs out a laugh]

I suppose it could be worse.

[He already considered that this was making progress. The fact that Kirk was still tolerating dancing around the lab with no music and still at ease about the whole thing.]

Yeah, I could make you dress up and actually have fun. What torment, right?

[There's just the smallest smile of amusement Kirk makes. Vander is too good at breaking down his emotional guards]

Yes. How awful to do that to a friend.

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