ylw-soldier

[ylw-soldier]

I've decided and it's Clyde. Happy now?

— @engineer-on-ylw

Finally!

Took you long enough, Mitch. Good job.

[ylw-soldier]

apologies

___

"Hello?"

[......]

"Yeah, I've just been… I'm doing a lot better now. Got some new film, started some projects, met someone… 

You should see Sawyer. Ever since he got the job he's been inventing like crazy."

[......]

"He's been doing… something about teleporters, I think. Or multiversal travel or something like that, I can't remember the specifics.

He's doing great, basically."

[......]

"So why did you call?"

[......]

"—and why do you still have my number?"

[......]

"Ha–ha, classic Kiers! You want to apologise. Really?"

[......]

"Alright then, let's hear it. You're around, let's see… yeah, I don't remember how long it's been. Better make it good, though."

[......]

"… There you go. That was all I needed. Honesty. That's what you could've done back then too. Better late than never though, eh?"

[......]

"Absolutely not. 

Though… you still have my number. Whenever you need to talk, feel free."

[......]

"Pfff— if you say so. 

You know, it's getting late, and you'll probably need good sleep to broadcast tomorrow. So, goodnight, I guess.

And I forgive you."

[ylw-soldier]

I— he—

He has my jacket, doesn't he...?

Сволочь— SON OF A BI—

[ylw-soldier]

I'll try not to!

*He called back from where he was sat, and pushed himself up by the knee onto his feet. As he walked over to the tripod supporting the telescope, he yelled over to the Spy again.*

Goodbye! And don't trip yourself over on the way there or anything.

*Venya smiled as he began packing everything away; it had been a long night after all, and he was considering developing some of the photos he took right then. It was a matter of efficiency: telescope components placed in the right boxes, camera hung from round his neck for lack of a better place to put it...

He hoped that Mitchell wouldn't mind his having used the telescope. It was for a good cause, after all, he would say. Though, even when putting away the night's evidence, something the other had said just now had stuck with him.*

...Until next time.

He moved towards venya. not really saying anything as he stepped around the Soldier before lowering himself onto the grass beside him...though not without a twist. Unlike venya whos laying down, he tugged the edge of the others jacket underneath him, shielding himself from the disgusting damp earth. He sat with his knees drawn up to his chest, arms lazily slung over them

as much as he wants to take in the moment. He already has his Dr. Martens, 1461 Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes (in white) dirty from stepping on the grass and mud to even get here. and he wont risk getting his GG cotton faille jacket (in green. obviously) dirty as well...though it already has, considering hes wearing A SOLDIERS jacket. he shudders at the thought, wondering 'who knows where he even got this from

Mm. I suppose

he began, his tone carrying its usual detachment, but the facade faltered...his eyes, typically sharp and guarded, soften ever so slightly, their edges smoothed by something unspoken... something almost...at ease

there is something to what you are saying. The quiet... the solitude... I can see how it would appeal to someone like you...

He tilted his head up slightly, eyes skimming the stars above, though his posture made it unclear whether he was looking at them or through them.

But, to me? It is simply dots in the sky. Bright, yes....distant, untouchable, and... well, there.

He flicked a hand vaguely toward the vast expanse with a shrug seeming like he was trying too hard to sound unimpressed. There was a beat of silence before his gaze shifted to Venya briefly, a small crack peeked through the facade

...But I suppose there are worse ways to pass the time.

the man he rested his chin against his knees, his smirk faint, but barely visible in the dim light. Even without looking at the soldier again, there was a quiet understanding to his presence, a subtle acknowledgment that this moment, perhaps, wasn’t as meaningless as he pretended.

Ĝ̶̱̘̋̐̀̂̋̌̅̍̈̽̏̀͠͝i̶̛̭̖̱̠̣̜͙̲̱̣̅̀̓̑̑̈́̌́̚͘͝͠͝ͅo̶̢̱͌̆͆͌̀͋͝v̴̦͈̹͓̱͉̥̳̘̇̂͗͛á̵̢̛̩͓̯̬̰͓̰̠̟͒̀͌̽͆́͋͐͗̓̂͜n̴̼̬̮̅͛̍́̈́n̷̬̲̗̤̹̏̎͘̚ǐ̷̹̗̘̖̊̌̌̔́͆ and the other sat in silence. though there was none of the usual hate sort of tension between the two...no...it was simply just silence and pure calming bliss

@silent-grn-snake

*He splayed his arms out to his sides, took in a deep breath and sighed. He kept his eyes up at the sky, in fear that if he even glanced over at the Spy the steel-grey stare would make him just disappear, like an old myth he heard somewhere in the past.

He smiled a bit when the other sat down to join him. Despite all his reservations about his attire and reputation and such, he'd decided to have this moment; Giovanni he had decided to spend this time with him specifically.

Venya listened intently to every word, and waited until that comfortable silence had settled for a bit to speak his own.*

(Mmm-hmm. Worse ways.)

*He couldn't help but turn his head so he was looking at the Spy. If he were risking some imaginary danger in his brain with that, so be it.*

You know, it's kind of silly but... *Another deep breath, to collect his thoughts.*

...When I first learned to rocket jump, my aim was to reach the stars. Of course, not literally — they're too far away for that — but I wanted to be closer. To know them. To figure out how... how they do it, you know, how they can be so distant and yet be there in the first place.

I think one time when practicing I tried to take my camera with me, see if I could get a good shot of the — I think Orion's belt that time? —from up in the sky. Of course, it didn't turn out any good since I was moving but...

*He drew his knees up a bit, tapping his foot on the ground gently.*

It was fun trying, and it worked out in the long run anyway. For me, at least. Maybe not for you.

[ylw-soldier]

Maybe I'm keeping you guessing 'cause that's what you do to me. I mean, you do that to everybody, don't you? Someone might as well give you a taste of your own medicine...

*He looked over at the equipment set up a little ways away from the two of them.*

...And that someone might as well be some guy with his colleague's telescope and a camera.

*He put his cigarette back in his mouth and let it dangle for a little bit as he untied and redid his shoelaces to occupy himself. The man had a strange fascination with different ways to lace and tie them; though he supposed he had strange fascinations with a lot of things, and this wasn't a particularly novel interest.

He sighed again, and took the cigarette back into his fingers — the Soldier hadn't completely mastered the art of talking around a cigarette yet like the Spy might have done, and he didn't want to take any chances with the slightly damp ground that would no doubt snub what little light there was on the end of it.*

Знаешь, ты усложняешь мне задачу. I guess that makes two of us. Your smug pretentious asshole schtick does compel me, I'll admit. Maybe that's what I like in a man. Intrigue.

He moved towards venya. not really saying anything as he stepped around the Soldier before lowering himself onto the grass beside him...though not without a twist. Unlike venya whos laying down, he tugged the edge of the others jacket underneath him, shielding himself from the disgusting damp earth. He sat with his knees drawn up to his chest, arms lazily slung over them

as much as he wants to take in the moment. He already has his Dr. Martens, 1461 Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes (in white) dirty from stepping on the grass and mud to even get here. and he wont risk getting his GG cotton faille jacket (in green. obviously) dirty as well...though it already has, considering hes wearing A SOLDIERS jacket. he shudders at the thought, wondering 'who knows where he even got this from

Mm. I suppose

he began, his tone carrying its usual detachment, but the facade faltered...his eyes, typically sharp and guarded, soften ever so slightly, their edges smoothed by something unspoken... something almost...at ease

there is something to what you are saying. The quiet... the solitude... I can see how it would appeal to someone like you...

He tilted his head up slightly, eyes skimming the stars above, though his posture made it unclear whether he was looking at them or through them.

But, to me? It is simply dots in the sky. Bright, yes....distant, untouchable, and... well, there.

He flicked a hand vaguely toward the vast expanse with a shrug seeming like he was trying too hard to sound unimpressed. There was a beat of silence before his gaze shifted to Venya briefly, a small crack peeked through the facade

...But I suppose there are worse ways to pass the time.

the man he rested his chin against his knees, his smirk faint, but barely visible in the dim light. Even without looking at the soldier again, there was a quiet understanding to his presence, a subtle acknowledgment that this moment, perhaps, wasn’t as meaningless as he pretended.

Ĝ̶̱̘̋̐̀̂̋̌̅̍̈̽̏̀͠͝i̶̛̭̖̱̠̣̜͙̲̱̣̅̀̓̑̑̈́̌́̚͘͝͠͝ͅo̶̢̱͌̆͆͌̀͋͝v̴̦͈̹͓̱͉̥̳̘̇̂͗͛á̵̢̛̩͓̯̬̰͓̰̠̟͒̀͌̽͆́͋͐͗̓̂͜n̴̼̬̮̅͛̍́̈́n̷̬̲̗̤̹̏̎͘̚ǐ̷̹̗̘̖̊̌̌̔́͆ and the other sat in silence. though there was none of the usual hate sort of tension between the two...no...it was simply just silence and pure calming bliss

@silent-grn-snake

*He splayed his arms out to his sides, took in a deep breath and sighed. He kept his eyes up at the sky, in fear that if he even glanced over at the Spy the steel-grey stare would make him just disappear, like an old myth he heard somewhere in the past.

He smiled a bit when the other sat down to join him. Despite all his reservations about his attire and reputation and such, he'd decided to have this moment; Giovanni he had decided to spend this time with him specifically.

Venya listened intently to every word, and waited until that comfortable silence had settled for a bit to speak his own.*

(Mmm-hmm. Worse ways.)

*He couldn't help but turn his head so he was looking at the Spy. If he were risking some imaginary danger in his brain with that, so be it.*

You know, it's kind of silly but... *Another deep breath, to collect his thoughts.*

...When I first learned to rocket jump, my aim was to reach the stars. Of course, not literally — they're too far away for that — but I wanted to be closer. To know them. To figure out how... how they do it, you know, how they can be so distant and yet be there in the first place.

I think one time when practicing I tried to take my camera with me, see if I could get a good shot of the — I think Orion's belt that time? —from up in the sky. Of course, it didn't turn out any good since I was moving but...

*He drew his knees up a bit, tapping his foot on the ground gently.*

It was fun trying, and it worked out in the long run anyway. For me, at least. Maybe not for you.

[ylw-soldier]

*He couldn't help but feel as if at an impasse; it might've been simple whim when he did it, but upon reflection maybe he just wanted it to mean nothing. There was probably some inner feeling in there, some part of his brain that willed and wanted everything that was happening to have that significance.

He wasn't sure what to feel about their proximity. On one hand, it was sort of invasive — the two of them were sharing the same space and inspecting each other's little quirks after all. On the other... he wanted to say he really, really liked it.*

I mean, I'm a Soldier, right? Ha-ha, look at me...! I eat communists for breakfast and hit people with inanimate objects for fun! Bold is my middle name! Who says I can't do things that I want for the fun of it, eh?

*He spoke with sarcasm laced in his voice, but the obnoxious hand gestures and brash laughter faltered — he very clearly was fooling nobody. A intake of breath, an exhale. Another puff of cigarette smoke.*

If it does mean something I don't know what I'd do about it. Doesn't mean it does, I just don't know. It's like how I don't know what "Amore mio" means, and I'm not going to ask you since you wouldn't tell me.

He moved towards venya. not really saying anything as he stepped around the Soldier before lowering himself onto the grass beside him...though not without a twist. Unlike venya whos laying down, he tugged the edge of the others jacket underneath him, shielding himself from the disgusting damp earth. He sat with his knees drawn up to his chest, arms lazily slung over them

as much as he wants to take in the moment. He already has his Dr. Martens, 1461 Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes (in white) dirty from stepping on the grass and mud to even get here. and he wont risk getting his GG cotton faille jacket (in green. obviously) dirty as well...though it already has, considering hes wearing A SOLDIERS jacket. he shudders at the thought, wondering 'who knows where he even got this from

Mm. I suppose

he began, his tone carrying its usual detachment, but the facade faltered...his eyes, typically sharp and guarded, soften ever so slightly, their edges smoothed by something unspoken... something almost...at ease

there is something to what you are saying. The quiet... the solitude... I can see how it would appeal to someone like you...

He tilted his head up slightly, eyes skimming the stars above, though his posture made it unclear whether he was looking at them or through them.

But, to me? It is simply dots in the sky. Bright, yes....distant, untouchable, and... well, there.

He flicked a hand vaguely toward the vast expanse with a shrug seeming like he was trying too hard to sound unimpressed. There was a beat of silence before his gaze shifted to Venya briefly, a small crack peeked through the facade

...But I suppose there are worse ways to pass the time.

the man he rested his chin against his knees, his smirk faint, but barely visible in the dim light. Even without looking at the soldier again, there was a quiet understanding to his presence, a subtle acknowledgment that this moment, perhaps, wasn’t as meaningless as he pretended.

Ĝ̶̱̘̋̐̀̂̋̌̅̍̈̽̏̀͠͝i̶̛̭̖̱̠̣̜͙̲̱̣̅̀̓̑̑̈́̌́̚͘͝͠͝ͅo̶̢̱͌̆͆͌̀͋͝v̴̦͈̹͓̱͉̥̳̘̇̂͗͛á̵̢̛̩͓̯̬̰͓̰̠̟͒̀͌̽͆́͋͐͗̓̂͜n̴̼̬̮̅͛̍́̈́n̷̬̲̗̤̹̏̎͘̚ǐ̷̹̗̘̖̊̌̌̔́͆ and the other sat in silence. though there was none of the usual hate sort of tension between the two...no...it was simply just silence and pure calming bliss

@silent-grn-snake

*He splayed his arms out to his sides, took in a deep breath and sighed. He kept his eyes up at the sky, in fear that if he even glanced over at the Spy the steel-grey stare would make him just disappear, like an old myth he heard somewhere in the past.

He smiled a bit when the other sat down to join him. Despite all his reservations about his attire and reputation and such, he'd decided to have this moment; Giovanni he had decided to spend this time with him specifically.

Venya listened intently to every word, and waited until that comfortable silence had settled for a bit to speak his own.*

(Mmm-hmm. Worse ways.)

*He couldn't help but turn his head so he was looking at the Spy. If he were risking some imaginary danger in his brain with that, so be it.*

You know, it's kind of silly but... *Another deep breath, to collect his thoughts.*

...When I first learned to rocket jump, my aim was to reach the stars. Of course, not literally — they're too far away for that — but I wanted to be closer. To know them. To figure out how... how they do it, you know, how they can be so distant and yet be there in the first place.

I think one time when practicing I tried to take my camera with me, see if I could get a good shot of the — I think Orion's belt that time? —from up in the sky. Of course, it didn't turn out any good since I was moving but...

*He drew his knees up a bit, tapping his foot on the ground gently.*

It was fun trying, and it worked out in the long run anyway. For me, at least. Maybe not for you.

[ylw-soldier]

[ylw-soldier]

I don't actually think I'm obligated to answer that question.

*He took another drag of his own cigarette, and watched it glow when he did. He then looked at the Spy and watched the cigarette between his lips — not for any particular reason, though, it just happened to be where his line of sight lingered.

He would, of course, answer the other's challenge eventually. It would have been chivalric to do so, to respond to these questions that burn like stars do, like the faint embers that intensified whenever they breathed in. And so he did, but not without a bit of teasing. He'd argue it was perfectly warranted in this specific moment.*

If it matters, it was both. I've always wanted to do that with somebody, though I wasn't sure why in the first place.

I... What do you want to know for? Does it flatter and feed your ego? Does it mean something to you, love?

He moved towards venya. not really saying anything as he stepped around the Soldier before lowering himself onto the grass beside him...though not without a twist. Unlike venya whos laying down, he tugged the edge of the others jacket underneath him, shielding himself from the disgusting damp earth. He sat with his knees drawn up to his chest, arms lazily slung over them

as much as he wants to take in the moment. He already has his Dr. Martens, 1461 Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes (in white) dirty from stepping on the grass and mud to even get here. and he wont risk getting his GG cotton faille jacket (in green. obviously) dirty as well...though it already has, considering hes wearing A SOLDIERS jacket. he shudders at the thought, wondering 'who knows where he even got this from

Mm. I suppose

he began, his tone carrying its usual detachment, but the facade faltered...his eyes, typically sharp and guarded, soften ever so slightly, their edges smoothed by something unspoken... something almost...at ease

there is something to what you are saying. The quiet... the solitude... I can see how it would appeal to someone like you...

He tilted his head up slightly, eyes skimming the stars above, though his posture made it unclear whether he was looking at them or through them.

But, to me? It is simply dots in the sky. Bright, yes....distant, untouchable, and... well, there.

He flicked a hand vaguely toward the vast expanse with a shrug seeming like he was trying too hard to sound unimpressed. There was a beat of silence before his gaze shifted to Venya briefly, a small crack peeked through the facade

...But I suppose there are worse ways to pass the time.

the man he rested his chin against his knees, his smirk faint, but barely visible in the dim light. Even without looking at the soldier again, there was a quiet understanding to his presence, a subtle acknowledgment that this moment, perhaps, wasn’t as meaningless as he pretended.

Ĝ̶̱̘̋̐̀̂̋̌̅̍̈̽̏̀͠͝i̶̛̭̖̱̠̣̜͙̲̱̣̅̀̓̑̑̈́̌́̚͘͝͠͝ͅo̶̢̱͌̆͆͌̀͋͝v̴̦͈̹͓̱͉̥̳̘̇̂͗͛á̵̢̛̩͓̯̬̰͓̰̠̟͒̀͌̽͆́͋͐͗̓̂͜n̴̼̬̮̅͛̍́̈́n̷̬̲̗̤̹̏̎͘̚ǐ̷̹̗̘̖̊̌̌̔́͆ and the other sat in silence. though there was none of the usual hate sort of tension between the two...no...it was simply just silence and pure calming bliss

@silent-grn-snake

*He splayed his arms out to his sides, took in a deep breath and sighed. He kept his eyes up at the sky, in fear that if he even glanced over at the Spy the steel-grey stare would make him just disappear, like an old myth he heard somewhere in the past.

He smiled a bit when the other sat down to join him. Despite all his reservations about his attire and reputation and such, he'd decided to have this moment; Giovanni he had decided to spend this time with him specifically.

Venya listened intently to every word, and waited until that comfortable silence had settled for a bit to speak his own.*

(Mmm-hmm. Worse ways.)

*He couldn't help but turn his head so he was looking at the Spy. If he were risking some imaginary danger in his brain with that, so be it.*

You know, it's kind of silly but... *Another deep breath, to collect his thoughts.*

...When I first learned to rocket jump, my aim was to reach the stars. Of course, not literally — they're too far away for that — but I wanted to be closer. To know them. To figure out how... how they do it, you know, how they can be so distant and yet be there in the first place.

I think one time when practicing I tried to take my camera with me, see if I could get a good shot of the — I think Orion's belt that time? —from up in the sky. Of course, it didn't turn out any good since I was moving but...

*He drew his knees up a bit, tapping his foot on the ground gently.*

It was fun trying, and it worked out in the long run anyway. For me, at least. Maybe not for you.

[ylw-soldier]

*He watched intently as the Spy worked, and took the pack when prompted. He inspected said pack, saw how it was worn down with use. Marlboros. He wouldn't have expected it of the other man, but supposed that sometimes you just have to make do with what you have.

That's alright, don't worry about it. If I remember correctly we can just...

*He put the other cigarette in his mouth, beckoned for the Spy to come closer, and cupped his face with both hands gently. The tips of the two cigarettes touched for a second as he leaned in, before his own began to burn with a faint light.

He pulled back, and took a couple of draws from it.*

There you go. *The shark-like smile again.* Sorry for using up your last one, I know how attached you probably are to them. I mean, the alternative was us sharing the one, but I wasn't sure what you'd think of that.

He moved towards venya. not really saying anything as he stepped around the Soldier before lowering himself onto the grass beside him...though not without a twist. Unlike venya whos laying down, he tugged the edge of the others jacket underneath him, shielding himself from the disgusting damp earth. He sat with his knees drawn up to his chest, arms lazily slung over them

as much as he wants to take in the moment. He already has his Dr. Martens, 1461 Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes (in white) dirty from stepping on the grass and mud to even get here. and he wont risk getting his GG cotton faille jacket (in green. obviously) dirty as well...though it already has, considering hes wearing A SOLDIERS jacket. he shudders at the thought, wondering 'who knows where he even got this from

Mm. I suppose

he began, his tone carrying its usual detachment, but the facade faltered...his eyes, typically sharp and guarded, soften ever so slightly, their edges smoothed by something unspoken... something almost...at ease

there is something to what you are saying. The quiet... the solitude... I can see how it would appeal to someone like you...

He tilted his head up slightly, eyes skimming the stars above, though his posture made it unclear whether he was looking at them or through them.

But, to me? It is simply dots in the sky. Bright, yes....distant, untouchable, and... well, there.

He flicked a hand vaguely toward the vast expanse with a shrug seeming like he was trying too hard to sound unimpressed. There was a beat of silence before his gaze shifted to Venya briefly, a small crack peeked through the facade

...But I suppose there are worse ways to pass the time.

the man he rested his chin against his knees, his smirk faint, but barely visible in the dim light. Even without looking at the soldier again, there was a quiet understanding to his presence, a subtle acknowledgment that this moment, perhaps, wasn’t as meaningless as he pretended.

Ĝ̶̱̘̋̐̀̂̋̌̅̍̈̽̏̀͠͝i̶̛̭̖̱̠̣̜͙̲̱̣̅̀̓̑̑̈́̌́̚͘͝͠͝ͅo̶̢̱͌̆͆͌̀͋͝v̴̦͈̹͓̱͉̥̳̘̇̂͗͛á̵̢̛̩͓̯̬̰͓̰̠̟͒̀͌̽͆́͋͐͗̓̂͜n̴̼̬̮̅͛̍́̈́n̷̬̲̗̤̹̏̎͘̚ǐ̷̹̗̘̖̊̌̌̔́͆ and the other sat in silence. though there was none of the usual hate sort of tension between the two...no...it was simply just silence and pure calming bliss

@silent-grn-snake

*He splayed his arms out to his sides, took in a deep breath and sighed. He kept his eyes up at the sky, in fear that if he even glanced over at the Spy the steel-grey stare would make him just disappear, like an old myth he heard somewhere in the past.

He smiled a bit when the other sat down to join him. Despite all his reservations about his attire and reputation and such, he'd decided to have this moment; Giovanni he had decided to spend this time with him specifically.

Venya listened intently to every word, and waited until that comfortable silence had settled for a bit to speak his own.*

(Mmm-hmm. Worse ways.)

*He couldn't help but turn his head so he was looking at the Spy. If he were risking some imaginary danger in his brain with that, so be it.*

You know, it's kind of silly but... *Another deep breath, to collect his thoughts.*

...When I first learned to rocket jump, my aim was to reach the stars. Of course, not literally — they're too far away for that — but I wanted to be closer. To know them. To figure out how... how they do it, you know, how they can be so distant and yet be there in the first place.

I think one time when practicing I tried to take my camera with me, see if I could get a good shot of the — I think Orion's belt that time? —from up in the sky. Of course, it didn't turn out any good since I was moving but...

*He drew his knees up a bit, tapping his foot on the ground gently.*

It was fun trying, and it worked out in the long run anyway. For me, at least. Maybe not for you.

[ylw-soldier]

*He wasn't exactly sure whether to be wary or comforted by the Spy’s gaze. He supposed the mixed messages would subside with time, though, so he decided to answer.

I was, ah. I was going to ask if you— had a cigarette. And then I thought, "he probably does, but it's rude to ask, or whatever, since they're his". That was the thought process behind it, I guess.

*He locked eyes with the other for a second, before diverting his gaze back down to the ground. He played with the grass a bit, like a student might during outdoor gym class.*

...Do you have a cigarette on you? I'd be surprised if you didn't.

He moved towards venya. not really saying anything as he stepped around the Soldier before lowering himself onto the grass beside him...though not without a twist. Unlike venya whos laying down, he tugged the edge of the others jacket underneath him, shielding himself from the disgusting damp earth. He sat with his knees drawn up to his chest, arms lazily slung over them

as much as he wants to take in the moment. He already has his Dr. Martens, 1461 Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes (in white) dirty from stepping on the grass and mud to even get here. and he wont risk getting his GG cotton faille jacket (in green. obviously) dirty as well...though it already has, considering hes wearing A SOLDIERS jacket. he shudders at the thought, wondering 'who knows where he even got this from

Mm. I suppose

he began, his tone carrying its usual detachment, but the facade faltered...his eyes, typically sharp and guarded, soften ever so slightly, their edges smoothed by something unspoken... something almost...at ease

there is something to what you are saying. The quiet... the solitude... I can see how it would appeal to someone like you...

He tilted his head up slightly, eyes skimming the stars above, though his posture made it unclear whether he was looking at them or through them.

But, to me? It is simply dots in the sky. Bright, yes....distant, untouchable, and... well, there.

He flicked a hand vaguely toward the vast expanse with a shrug seeming like he was trying too hard to sound unimpressed. There was a beat of silence before his gaze shifted to Venya briefly, a small crack peeked through the facade

...But I suppose there are worse ways to pass the time.

the man he rested his chin against his knees, his smirk faint, but barely visible in the dim light. Even without looking at the soldier again, there was a quiet understanding to his presence, a subtle acknowledgment that this moment, perhaps, wasn’t as meaningless as he pretended.

Ĝ̶̱̘̋̐̀̂̋̌̅̍̈̽̏̀͠͝i̶̛̭̖̱̠̣̜͙̲̱̣̅̀̓̑̑̈́̌́̚͘͝͠͝ͅo̶̢̱͌̆͆͌̀͋͝v̴̦͈̹͓̱͉̥̳̘̇̂͗͛á̵̢̛̩͓̯̬̰͓̰̠̟͒̀͌̽͆́͋͐͗̓̂͜n̴̼̬̮̅͛̍́̈́n̷̬̲̗̤̹̏̎͘̚ǐ̷̹̗̘̖̊̌̌̔́͆ and the other sat in silence. though there was none of the usual hate sort of tension between the two...no...it was simply just silence and pure calming bliss

@silent-grn-snake

*He splayed his arms out to his sides, took in a deep breath and sighed. He kept his eyes up at the sky, in fear that if he even glanced over at the Spy the steel-grey stare would make him just disappear, like an old myth he heard somewhere in the past.

He smiled a bit when the other sat down to join him. Despite all his reservations about his attire and reputation and such, he'd decided to have this moment; Giovanni he had decided to spend this time with him specifically.

Venya listened intently to every word, and waited until that comfortable silence had settled for a bit to speak his own.*

(Mmm-hmm. Worse ways.)

*He couldn't help but turn his head so he was looking at the Spy. If he were risking some imaginary danger in his brain with that, so be it.*

You know, it's kind of silly but... *Another deep breath, to collect his thoughts.*

...When I first learned to rocket jump, my aim was to reach the stars. Of course, not literally — they're too far away for that — but I wanted to be closer. To know them. To figure out how... how they do it, you know, how they can be so distant and yet be there in the first place.

I think one time when practicing I tried to take my camera with me, see if I could get a good shot of the — I think Orion's belt that time? —from up in the sky. Of course, it didn't turn out any good since I was moving but...

*He drew his knees up a bit, tapping his foot on the ground gently.*

It was fun trying, and it worked out in the long run anyway. For me, at least. Maybe not for you.

[ylw-soldier]

*A heavy silence came between the two of them — he feared he'd overstepped a boundary of some kind, and wanted to tread lightly so as to not worsen it. He did keep a mental note of this, though, 'just in case it came up again'.*

Alright then. Two steps ahead... Gotcha.

I can't think of what it would be like to have a life like that, to be honest. Must be hell, not knowing normal life, not knowing who you are.

*He shifted his gaze back over to the telescope.*

I guess there's probably more interesting things to talk about right now anyway.

*He looked back over at the Spy and drew his focus to little parts of him; things that could realistically make a good photograph in his eyes — his hands hidden under the jacket sleeves, the way his arms were draped, the way an eternal smirk was burned into the face under that balaclava.

He felt restless, and kept tap-tap-tapping on the side of his leg, focussing on the consistent rhythm of it as if with a zoom lens.*

Do you...? Ah, nevermind.

He moved towards venya. not really saying anything as he stepped around the Soldier before lowering himself onto the grass beside him...though not without a twist. Unlike venya whos laying down, he tugged the edge of the others jacket underneath him, shielding himself from the disgusting damp earth. He sat with his knees drawn up to his chest, arms lazily slung over them

as much as he wants to take in the moment. He already has his Dr. Martens, 1461 Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes (in white) dirty from stepping on the grass and mud to even get here. and he wont risk getting his GG cotton faille jacket (in green. obviously) dirty as well...though it already has, considering hes wearing A SOLDIERS jacket. he shudders at the thought, wondering 'who knows where he even got this from

Mm. I suppose

he began, his tone carrying its usual detachment, but the facade faltered...his eyes, typically sharp and guarded, soften ever so slightly, their edges smoothed by something unspoken... something almost...at ease

there is something to what you are saying. The quiet... the solitude... I can see how it would appeal to someone like you...

He tilted his head up slightly, eyes skimming the stars above, though his posture made it unclear whether he was looking at them or through them.

But, to me? It is simply dots in the sky. Bright, yes....distant, untouchable, and... well, there.

He flicked a hand vaguely toward the vast expanse with a shrug seeming like he was trying too hard to sound unimpressed. There was a beat of silence before his gaze shifted to Venya briefly, a small crack peeked through the facade

...But I suppose there are worse ways to pass the time.

the man he rested his chin against his knees, his smirk faint, but barely visible in the dim light. Even without looking at the soldier again, there was a quiet understanding to his presence, a subtle acknowledgment that this moment, perhaps, wasn’t as meaningless as he pretended.

Ĝ̶̱̘̋̐̀̂̋̌̅̍̈̽̏̀͠͝i̶̛̭̖̱̠̣̜͙̲̱̣̅̀̓̑̑̈́̌́̚͘͝͠͝ͅo̶̢̱͌̆͆͌̀͋͝v̴̦͈̹͓̱͉̥̳̘̇̂͗͛á̵̢̛̩͓̯̬̰͓̰̠̟͒̀͌̽͆́͋͐͗̓̂͜n̴̼̬̮̅͛̍́̈́n̷̬̲̗̤̹̏̎͘̚ǐ̷̹̗̘̖̊̌̌̔́͆ and the other sat in silence. though there was none of the usual hate sort of tension between the two...no...it was simply just silence and pure calming bliss

@silent-grn-snake

*He splayed his arms out to his sides, took in a deep breath and sighed. He kept his eyes up at the sky, in fear that if he even glanced over at the Spy the steel-grey stare would make him just disappear, like an old myth he heard somewhere in the past.

He smiled a bit when the other sat down to join him. Despite all his reservations about his attire and reputation and such, he'd decided to have this moment; Giovanni he had decided to spend this time with him specifically.

Venya listened intently to every word, and waited until that comfortable silence had settled for a bit to speak his own.*

(Mmm-hmm. Worse ways.)

*He couldn't help but turn his head so he was looking at the Spy. If he were risking some imaginary danger in his brain with that, so be it.*

You know, it's kind of silly but... *Another deep breath, to collect his thoughts.*

...When I first learned to rocket jump, my aim was to reach the stars. Of course, not literally — they're too far away for that — but I wanted to be closer. To know them. To figure out how... how they do it, you know, how they can be so distant and yet be there in the first place.

I think one time when practicing I tried to take my camera with me, see if I could get a good shot of the — I think Orion's belt that time? —from up in the sky. Of course, it didn't turn out any good since I was moving but...

*He drew his knees up a bit, tapping his foot on the ground gently.*

It was fun trying, and it worked out in the long run anyway. For me, at least. Maybe not for you.

[ylw-soldier]

Yeah, I guess it does. I mean, the camera I used for it is still intact, so maybe it counts for two things. It's the one on the tripod right now — I've had it for a long time, so I'm surprised it hasn't seen much wear.

*He moved to sit up with crossed legs in one fluid motion, and absentmindedly began to pick at his mud-ridden boots. It seemed they'd seen their fair share of fights, just like their owner had. He perked up after a moment.*

Wait, scratch that — three things. I've never been better at bashing GRN heads in now I've figured out the mechanics. *He laughed.* No offense to you, of course, дорогой.

*Perhaps the untouchable was still something he wanted to reach, if he thought about it. He wasn't sure how exactly, and he didn't particularly want to ponder over it much further, but it was there. In the back of his mind. Waiting. Until then...*

I, ah, hmm. Perhaps you'd like to tell me a tale of yours? You don't have to, of course — I understand how it is, but... I'm curious. Even if it's just a directing mishap or something. I wanna hear.

He moved towards venya. not really saying anything as he stepped around the Soldier before lowering himself onto the grass beside him...though not without a twist. Unlike venya whos laying down, he tugged the edge of the others jacket underneath him, shielding himself from the disgusting damp earth. He sat with his knees drawn up to his chest, arms lazily slung over them

as much as he wants to take in the moment. He already has his Dr. Martens, 1461 Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes (in white) dirty from stepping on the grass and mud to even get here. and he wont risk getting his GG cotton faille jacket (in green. obviously) dirty as well...though it already has, considering hes wearing A SOLDIERS jacket. he shudders at the thought, wondering 'who knows where he even got this from

Mm. I suppose

he began, his tone carrying its usual detachment, but the facade faltered...his eyes, typically sharp and guarded, soften ever so slightly, their edges smoothed by something unspoken... something almost...at ease

there is something to what you are saying. The quiet... the solitude... I can see how it would appeal to someone like you...

He tilted his head up slightly, eyes skimming the stars above, though his posture made it unclear whether he was looking at them or through them.

But, to me? It is simply dots in the sky. Bright, yes....distant, untouchable, and... well, there.

He flicked a hand vaguely toward the vast expanse with a shrug seeming like he was trying too hard to sound unimpressed. There was a beat of silence before his gaze shifted to Venya briefly, a small crack peeked through the facade

...But I suppose there are worse ways to pass the time.

the man he rested his chin against his knees, his smirk faint, but barely visible in the dim light. Even without looking at the soldier again, there was a quiet understanding to his presence, a subtle acknowledgment that this moment, perhaps, wasn’t as meaningless as he pretended.

Ĝ̶̱̘̋̐̀̂̋̌̅̍̈̽̏̀͠͝i̶̛̭̖̱̠̣̜͙̲̱̣̅̀̓̑̑̈́̌́̚͘͝͠͝ͅo̶̢̱͌̆͆͌̀͋͝v̴̦͈̹͓̱͉̥̳̘̇̂͗͛á̵̢̛̩͓̯̬̰͓̰̠̟͒̀͌̽͆́͋͐͗̓̂͜n̴̼̬̮̅͛̍́̈́n̷̬̲̗̤̏̎͘̚��ǐ̷̹̗̘̖̊̌̌̔́͆ and the other sat in silence. though there was none of the usual hate sort of tension between the two...no...it was simply just silence and pure calming bliss

@silent-grn-snake

*He splayed his arms out to his sides, took in a deep breath and sighed. He kept his eyes up at the sky, in fear that if he even glanced over at the Spy the steel-grey stare would make him just disappear, like an old myth he heard somewhere in the past.

He smiled a bit when the other sat down to join him. Despite all his reservations about his attire and reputation and such, he'd decided to have this moment; Giovanni he had decided to spend this time with him specifically.

Venya listened intently to every word, and waited until that comfortable silence had settled for a bit to speak his own.*

(Mmm-hmm. Worse ways.)

*He couldn't help but turn his head so he was looking at the Spy. If he were risking some imaginary danger in his brain with that, so be it.*

You know, it's kind of silly but... *Another deep breath, to collect his thoughts.*

...When I first learned to rocket jump, my aim was to reach the stars. Of course, not literally — they're too far away for that — but I wanted to be closer. To know them. To figure out how... how they do it, you know, how they can be so distant and yet be there in the first place.

I think one time when practicing I tried to take my camera with me, see if I could get a good shot of the — I think Orion's belt that time? —from up in the sky. Of course, it didn't turn out any good since I was moving but...

*He drew his knees up a bit, tapping his foot on the ground gently.*

It was fun trying, and it worked out in the long run anyway. For me, at least. Maybe not for you.

[ylw-soldier]

He moved towards venya. not really saying anything as he stepped around the Soldier before lowering himself onto the grass beside him...though not without a twist. Unlike venya whos laying down, he tugged the edge of the others jacket underneath him, shielding himself from the disgusting damp earth. He sat with his knees drawn up to his chest, arms lazily slung over them

as much as he wants to take in the moment. He already has his Dr. Martens, 1461 Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes (in white) dirty from stepping on the grass and mud to even get here. and he wont risk getting his GG cotton faille jacket (in green. obviously) dirty as well...though it already has, considering hes wearing A SOLDIERS jacket. he shudders at the thought, wondering 'who knows where he even got this from

Mm. I suppose

he began, his tone carrying its usual detachment, but the facade faltered...his eyes, typically sharp and guarded, soften ever so slightly, their edges smoothed by something unspoken... something almost...at ease

there is something to what you are saying. The quiet... the solitude... I can see how it would appeal to someone like you...

He tilted his head up slightly, eyes skimming the stars above, though his posture made it unclear whether he was looking at them or through them.

But, to me? It is simply dots in the sky. Bright, yes....distant, untouchable, and... well, there.

He flicked a hand vaguely toward the vast expanse with a shrug seeming like he was trying too hard to sound unimpressed. There was a beat of silence before his gaze shifted to Venya briefly, a small crack peeked through the facade

...But I suppose there are worse ways to pass the time.

the man he rested his chin against his knees, his smirk faint, but barely visible in the dim light. Even without looking at the soldier again, there was a quiet understanding to his presence, a subtle acknowledgment that this moment, perhaps, wasn’t as meaningless as he pretended.

Ĝ̶̱̘̋̐̀̂̋̌̅̍̈̽̏̀͠͝i̶̛̭̖̱̠̣̜͙̲̱̣̅̀̓̑̑̈́̌́̚͘͝͠͝ͅo̶̢̱͌̆͆͌̀͋͝v̴̦͈̹͓̇̂͗͛��͉̥̳̘á̵̢̛̩͓̯̬̰͓̰̠̟͒̀͌̽͆́͋͐͗̓̂͜n̴̼̬̮̅͛̍́̈́n̷̬̲̗̤̹̏̎͘̚ǐ̷̹̗̘̖̊̌̌̔́͆ and the other sat in silence. though there was none of the usual hate sort of tension between the two...no...it was simply just silence and pure calming bliss

@silent-grn-snake

*He splayed his arms out to his sides, took in a deep breath and sighed. He kept his eyes up at the sky, in fear that if he even glanced over at the Spy the steel-grey stare would make him just disappear, like an old myth he heard somewhere in the past.

He smiled a bit when the other sat down to join him. Despite all his reservations about his attire and reputation and such, he'd decided to have this moment; Giovanni he had decided to spend this time with him specifically.

Venya listened intently to every word, and waited until that comfortable silence had settled for a bit to speak his own.*

(Mmm-hmm. Worse ways.)

*He couldn't help but turn his head so he was looking at the Spy. If he were risking some imaginary danger in his brain with that, so be it.*

You know, it's kind of silly but... *Another deep breath, to collect his thoughts.*

...When I first learned to rocket jump, my aim was to reach the stars. Of course, not literally — they're too far away for that — but I wanted to be closer. To know them. To figure out how... how they do it, you know, how they can be so distant and yet be there in the first place.

I think one time when practicing I tried to take my camera with me, see if I could get a good shot of the — I think Orion's belt that time? —from up in the sky. Of course, it didn't turn out any good since I was moving but...

*He drew his knees up a bit, tapping his foot on the ground gently.*

It was fun trying, and it worked out in the long run anyway. For me, at least. Maybe not for you.

[ylw-soldier]

Perhaps I am, perhaps I'm not. It's good you're enjoying it though.

*He ran a hand through his hair, looking away as well. It felt... strange, he'd say is the best way to put it. It may have been the natural effect that night time has on a man; all sorts of things happen under the guise of shadow, things forbidden and secret, like the meeting the two of them were having right now.*

You know...

*He shifted so he was lying on the ground, staring straight up at the vast expanse of distant space.*

I don't think I've taken as many photographs as I'd have liked to so far. Though, I'm not exactly sure why that is.

... Maybe I don't want to ruin this? What's going on right now. Or, something like that. I might have done so just now by saying it. But I don't know really.

*He moved his head so he was looking at the Spy.*

You probably don't feel like that, so I don't know why I'm telling you, either. Forget it.

Ha didn't expect to see more Yellows on here too. especially a soldier like you...

- @silent-grn-snake

What the hell is that supposed to mean? Я клянусь...

Do you have anything better to do than pester people, or...?

[ylw-soldier]

*He'd noticed the little hints of excitement in the other man — surprisingly to himself, it seemed Venya wasn't excited to unpick this fault in Spy's masking ability, but moreso excited for the sake of being such, and glad that either of them even got this opportunity within their hectic mercenary lives.

He found it oddly endearing how Spy tried to convey his alleged "reluctance", as if at that moment the two were on the battlefield or something of the sort; after all, war leaves no room for pleasantries, and it definitely leaves no room for astronomical wonder.

However, this wasn't war — this was something else entirely, something melancholic, peaceful, personal, even. To avoid thinking about it any further, he broke the silence.*

Beautiful, right? Things you can't change always are.

Ha didn't expect to see more Yellows on here too. especially a soldier like you...

- @silent-grn-snake

What the hell is that supposed to mean? Я клянусь...

Do you have anything better to do than pester people, or...?

[ylw-soldier]

None taken.

*He was a bit surprised that the Spy could say such things as "no offence", but it damn well was welcome in his eyes.

He took the camera, adjusted the lens a bit and pointed it up at the sky. A few "click!"s resounded after, since there wasn't a particularly large amount of other noise around them.*

You know... an old friend and I used to do something like this. He would bring out the telescope — larger than this one, if I remember right. I'd bring one of my cameras, with a really strong lens capability to capture everything. And we would go outside on countryside summer nights and stargaze.

*He left the camera on one of the tripods and sat himself down on the ground, looking up at the night sky.*

I kind of miss those times. They were weirdly... intimate, you know? Like you and the people you might be stargazing with are the only people in the goddamn world. It's heavenly too, when you don't even have to talk, 'cause you just know them — if that makes sense. Does that make sense?

... You can take a look through the telescope, if you like.

Ha didn't expect to see more Yellows on here too. especially a soldier like you...

- @silent-grn-snake

What the hell is that supposed to mean? Я клянусь...

Do you have anything better to do than pester people, or...?

[ylw-soldier]

You wouldn't expect a lot of things about me.

*He said this casually, as one might do so when talking about the weather. Like it was a fact, a mere piece of trivia, when there was likely some deeper meaning to the statement and he was taunting the other man to find it. Sharp, knife-like teeth were bared as he turned back to the Spy and grinned.

He thought back to what he'd heard of the other Soldiers — tales of their rambunctiousness, of thirst for American pride, of honey and poorly conducted cardboard disguises. It was fairly easy to assume Venya was much of the same; and all the more satisfying when he proved everyone wrong.

He nodded when the Spy asked about the darkroom. Perhaps he would show it to him at some point. They'd see. The conversation came to a bit of a lull after that, so he voiced what was on his mind.*

I do like the stars. It's nice, knowing they're there. Knowing they're up there to look at, even if they're getting further away.

For example... you've heard of Polaris, right? Sailors use it to navigate since it's so close to the North Pole. The thing is, everything in the universe is slowly moving away from each other — so soon enough we'll have to stop using Polaris for guidance once it shifts a lot more. But that's not for a very, very long time.

I guess you could call it kind of poetic. Or something about fate. I don't know.

*When the two of them had reached the outside of the base, he crouched down and efficiently began setting up equipment. He mounted the tripods, adjusted the angles, polished the lenses...

He glanced over at the Spy, noticing how he wasn't exactly dressed for the cold weather. A strange sense of — well, it wasn't pity per se, something else entirely — came over him, and so he took his jacket off and threw it at him.*

Put that on, you'll get a cold otherwise. I don't want you whining the whole time we're in battle.

Ha didn't expect to see more Yellows on here too. especially a soldier like you...

- @silent-grn-snake

What the hell is that supposed to mean? Я клянусь...

Do you have anything better to do than pester people, or...?