synflux | ( closed ) life like the unplumbed sea;

[It is a legitimate place. Who would've thunk.]

[Of course, he's intrigued by this so-called five star person. Amused, even. And for a man like Sampo, sometimes amusement is all he needs.]

[As he's allowed to approach the counter, he'll absolutely let his turquoise eyes move from top to bottom and back again, before they're creased with a wide grin.]

I haven't the faintest idea of what you're talking about.

[His judgement? He's not giving it, yet, giving the drink a once over. He does seem to actually know his drinks, as he lets out a little disappointed huff as he gives a sip.]

...How long have you been working here, again?

[ This is what they mean by when there's balance in the world: presenting, a five-star face for a one-star in everything else, or at least, in bartending. Although his experience in mixing liquors probably extends only so far as dumping all the alcohol one could find into a bucket in his world's equivalent of college frat parties, he has had his share of good drinks—so he gets the concept. He gets the spirit. He just doesn't have to drink any of his own productions, and so.

Mixing things by feel it is :') ]

Here, specifically? Four days? … Five? No, that was that other place. [ … ] Three sounds about right.

[ Basically… he's been flitting out all sorts of places! But he's stalling, and purposefully so. There's the sound of a light hum before he cants his head innocently. His stare—and the way it narrows, though—not so innocent. ]

Seeing as you didn't bother to be subtle, should I return the favour?

[ Like how Sampo apparently doesn't have the faintest idea of what he'd been talking about earlier—yeah, Elysium doesn't care all too much about it, either, willing to discard it in favour of whatever the hell this was. ]

This definitely feels like a drink made by a guy who's only been three days at it.

[But as much as he knows that's....definitely an insult, he follows up quickly with:]

But! The most important part of the journey is the first step, right? You'll get this down. Of course, I know a little bit about a good drink, sooooo...if you ever need pointers......

[A little pause for emphasis as he leans in.]

I could do so. For the real low low price of letting bygones be bygones with those silly personality quiz questions. And getting to chat with ya a bit more. That's all for now.

[ Yeah, he's not offended. There's a laugh; you can't win them all and he can't say he's trying all too hard. It's obvious why they'd given him the job when he'd had absolutely zero practical experience, so why go beyond expectations?

The offer, though, is interesting. He taps a finger atop the counter in mock thought (because it isn't as if he's truly contemplating it)—if anything, they'll have to get back to it later. First: ]

I thought we were already past that when you said you had no idea what I was talking about? It's like you want me to rethink my decision, bro.

[ Or maybe he was misunderstood, that's possible, too. Breaking out into an easier smile, his gaze flits lower, as if to draw to attention their proximity from how they're both leaned in. Rather, he was talking about how the other's eyes moved top to bottom?? So he'll be doing just that, perhaps made all the worse and shameless from how close they are. ]

No, no, ya see, you strike me as the kind of guy who maaaaay not set aside things so easily, despite what he says. I mean, I'm kinda the same way, so I don't blame you! I just like a guarantee. That's always important in business.

[That IS shameless. Then again, perhaps that's expected out of username @ hottie. Sampo doesn't seem to mind - there's no shy sideglances here, no sirree - and just lets his eyes crease a little in coy amusement.]

Besides.....I'm guaranteeing a sort-of kind-of good drink instead of a so-so one. So it's win-win. What do you say?

It seemed more like a test of character than anything. That's why I asked if you did anything interesting. Because when everything's pretty much locked by biometrics, what can you do with that information?

[ Coincidentally, they're both making judgements based on usernames at the moment. @ moneybags because of his transactional nature, perhaps? Well. He supposes that makes things easy. ]

Ahah, is that where the extra star comes in from? The experience on top of the view? [ But there he has it, @ hottie's endorsement. ] Tell me what to get for you, then. I learn better through watching.

A lot of things, my friend. For example....celebrating birthdays! Isn't it nice to have a surprise party for such a special day?

[Obviously its just for the birthdays. Obviously.]

[He lets out a little laugh at that, pleased, and gives a cheeky little wink.]

Exactly. Though if you work hard, you can get an extra star too. [Also his endorsement right back. Look, some people are easy on the eyes, what can he say.] Let's see....can I go behind the counter? Some places have way different ingredients, you know! I hardly could predict what this one has and doesn't have. Should have the staples, though...

You did ask some questions to that effect, didn't you? How could I forget? For such a benevolent person, I'm always willing to let bygones be bygones.

[ Will he have any moneybags left by the time he celebrates everyone's birthdays? Damn. ]

But go right ahead. You don't need to convince me any further than you already have. [ He says it well before he's presumably looking around for his manager, who, for all intents and purposes, appears to be nowhere. For a Friday night, it's surprisingly quiet.

So whenever Sampo comes around, he'll choose to hover rather closely. Not close enough to be breathing on him, but he maintains about a two foots-width apart stock checking aside, a single hand propping him up on the counter as his body faces toward him sideways. ]

For the record? My birthday was two days ago. My favourite colour is red. As for my favourite food… anything that's homecooked. Is it too late to ask for my surprise?

[ this and the mixing lesson are clearly separate, ]

How very kind of you.

[He slips around to the back as easy as anything, like this is a practiced thing he's done a million times. As he starts to mill over the racks, his eyes flit towards the man who stands so close.]

[Something very amused settles in his smile, his eyes creased in a coy expression as a gloved hand reaches past Elysium's shoulder to pluck a bottle from the shelf. He doesn't mind the proximity whatsoever.]

Happy belated birthday, my friend. [He lets out a light laugh.] And that depends. I could, if you want.

[ In tandem with Sampo's reach for the bottle, Elysium cranes his neck to, ostensibly, give him easier access shelf. In reality, he can reach for it perfectly fine as is, so it doesn't quite serve any purpose here but to expose the crook of it, the feathers of his hair shifting to frame it perfectly in one smooth contour.

But Elysium's expression remains unchanged from its usual nonchalance, despite knowing exactly how superfluous the gesture had been—despite hazarding the other would, too. ]

The type of guy who likes to come out up on top, are you? I've already laid out my cards. You want me to stack them for you, too? How stingy.

[ his drink and homecooked meal, please ]

[His eyes flit to it, almost as if that line is a natural perch for his gaze - but it only makes his gaze more mischievous, like they're playing a game he's determined to win.]

Golly. So demanding, aren't ya. [His cheeky grin spreads wide as he taps the top of the bottle against the man's sternum, playful.] I'm already making you a drink out of the kindness of my own heart. You're the one being a little greedy here.

[And he's moving to tug the cork out with a little bite.]

Mm. [He's using his other hand to take the cork out from his mouth.] But if you're nice....well. I can make a birthday guy happy.

[ Terrible behaviour is being enabled here, but alright, this is where we're at. In the brief moment the bottle is poised against him, it elicits a mirthful sound from his chest. ]

I'd agree with you if you hadn't told me mere moments ago that this was on the premise of forgetting about your quiz.

[ Two can play at being cheeky. And on that note, the way in which Elysium's gaze traces Sampo's own deliberate movements is conscious. ]

That aside, haven't I been plenty nice to you already? And who knows, I might just be incentivized to return the favour for yours.

Hey, hey, no need to point out the obvious. I mean, I know that! But c'mon.....

[Here, he'll take a step - like some chess move on this game of coquettishness - and slide that cork into whatever pocket on Elysium is closest.]

[He winks.]

I like when people are incentivized. That means I can dangle something nice in front of them. Customers are like fish. You just gotta know what catches them.

[And now he's moving to grab a glass and slide himself back to the counter.]

Hand me that green one you have on the side, there.

[It's. It's absinthe.]

[ damn they're really doing this …

Because by the way Elysium's eyes crease after reading the label, he's making an informed decision in handing the bottle over. He isn't going to make it so simple though, and the sequence might go something like this: when he holds out the absinthe and Sampo tries to take it, Elysium will keep his grip and maintain eye contact, a wordless challenge in how he pulls out a second glass to clink it next to the first right after.

If he's going to get fucked up, hello? He isn't doing it alone. Then, and only then, will Elysium release his hold. It's a two-fer; when faced against each other with the other's hands preoccupied, it does make it easier to reach over to tug him a step closer, playing at fixing Sampo's collar and lapel to possibly cover the exposed area of his chest. Like it'd been something of a distraction. Otherwise, he'll choose the next best thing to. ]

I do make a habit of returning what I'm given. Several fold, when I'm feeling generous. It leaves the potential for a rather nice feedback loop.

[ pat pat at his handiwork, and then a hand rests on his own hip. This is how he smooths over Sampo talking about catching fish. wtf. ]

Is that what you wanted to hear?

[ sheesh. and he was talking about being demanding. ]

[When people get into a dangerous situation, their pupils swell.]

[Elysium keeps his hold onto the bottle, and Sampo's eyes almost seem, in this low light, to do the opposite. Diamond-shaped pupils narrowing, and with the green of the spirits in the bottle he holds, there's a presence of something snake-like in his stare.]

[But the appearance of the second glass is amusing, and it only takes a second for him to burst out into a smile - and then Elysium's hand comes to brush against his chest just so. Ah. What a joy. He sighs, almost a little plaintive.]

I like those words. Feedback loop. And y'know, I always come into talks with an open mind. I do like hearing it, though. I won't lie. You seem like you'd be fun to do business with.

[But he'll shift back and hum like nothing even happened, uncorking the absinthe as he pours a little hallucinogenic green in both glasses, before topping it off with the drink from before. Not yet done, as he twirls to fetch another bottle behind him, eyes flitting to Elysium with mirth.]

Have you ever had it before? The green one.

Haha, me? Wow. I'm not anywhere near calculating enough for it. That kind of thinking is exhausting. I'm not sure I can say I'm flattered either, but I'll take it as a compliment anyway.

[ He's an honest and straightforward guy, alright? The clarity of his gaze never leaves even when it's staring at danger in the face. But it's reveling, almost, in how it feels that a layer of the other's mask has been peeled back just a bit. If he were to blink, it's near certain the moment would be gone.

And he's right—because the second Sampo returns to pouring their drinks, it is. There's a wordless sound of amusement as he perches his elbows on the bar top behind him, eyes returning to their original purpose of watching the supposed process of mixology. ]

I have. [ Plainly. There's no point in being coy. ] Along with a wealth of other interesting imbibements and consumables. I wasn't going to say anything, but since you mentioned it first? I would hope that you don't just serve it to anyone.

You sure? Some people have some talents they don't know about. You could be a sweet talker. Maybe you already are.

[Of course, its a compliment. Sampo Koski is full of nothing but them. Butter people up, don't tear them down.]

[He picks up each glass, swirling each one to see the colors settle. The smile playing on his lips isn't going anywhere.]

Oh, certainly not. This isn't a drink to take lightly. I know you could handle it.

Edited 2024-05-18 16:33 (UTC)

[ Similar, and almost mirrors——at least, superficially. Elysium starts to wonder if this is where they diverge specifically, in that the primary association of sweet talker would have even his own skin crawl. He's good with words, yes. He's good with people, also yes.

But he's more genuine than that, isn't he? He'd like to think so, and the only indicator of these thoughts will be a fleeting flicker in his eyes. ]

Man of many talents that I am, I'm afraid there's already one I've decided to dedicate my life to! So, maybe I'll just have to keep that unrefined talent of mine exclusive to you, since you think so highly of it.

[ Read: being terrible to you would do nothing to my guilty conscience, probably. To re-encapsulate 'do business with.' ]

… Pfft. That's a rather bold assumption to make of someone from a single encounter alone. [ A lightless, quiet laugh. As if they're in on a secret. ] But, well, I can't say I mind since it seems that you're joining me after all.

[ There's the slightest edge there, now, presumably from how there had only been a single glass… what was up with that, hm? It's an unarticulated taunt. ]

Oh, you shouldn't do that.

[There's an actual pause here that's pregnant in its meaning, almost a little warning sign. The rattlesnake willing to waggle its tail. I mean it.]

...Haha, but I feel so honored, though. So thank you.

[Back to a smile. Oh, he knows the taunt well. The way he picks up his own glass first and then gives the other to his comrade in drink is evidence to that. He will put himself in this man's hands, perhaps, just for the fun of it. But snakes know how to shed their skin. Will he be left holding it?]

Now. Give a toast, my friend. Make it good.

[ Arctic terns: although carnivorous by default, there were comments to be made about them not being birds of prey and snakes not being one of their natural predators. Still, Elysium himself is not an arctic tern—not entirely. It didn't really take having the experience necessary to survive out in all the forlorn parts of the razed world he comes from to understand the overt warning sign he's produced, though, not when he was being so blatant.

The masks are constant in their rotation—flitting on and off, almost dizzyingly so. That Elysium isn't mildly fascinated would be a lie. ]

Oh?

[ As he accepts the glass delicately, their fingers brush from the exchange; his eyes lower into halfmoons, a measured motion along with how he grazes the underside drink with his index. He's thinking. (He's not.) ]

Let's set it to our new venture, then. [ as it goes. ] How about it? Shall we?

[ he's gettin fired from this job i hope you know ]

[He's thinking nothing at all, too. Or maybe he's thinking far too many thoughts to keep track of. How dizzying. It feels like its been a while since he's been able to step into something as outwardly playful and inwardly dangerous as this. Hey, maybe that Sparkle is rubbing off on him.]

[(Ergh. He'd rather that not be the case.)]

[The fingers brush. His eyelashes flutter. Sampo's lips find the side of his own glass, as if in a momentary, unconscious little thoughtful gesture, all while keeping eye contact. A semblance of a kiss. A tease of one.]

Let's do it. To our new venture, with a guy worth knowing.

[He clinks their glasses together.]

[And the drink goes right down the hatch, burning pleasurably.]

[ When you're in the continued presence of good people, it's easy to forget who you really are. A vice here. A vice there. Little sneaks away that would never hurt to fulfill the occasional impulse, that's how he'd gotten away with pretending and thinking he was just like any one of them. Despite how it appeared, restraint was one of the things Elysium knew well when it counted.

But there's a tingle that goes down his spine at the ghost of a kiss. Elysium resists the urge to shudder. Two years since he'd been infected, was it? Two years since his life was no longer his own. His eyes will narrow almost dangerously. The barest of a hint, then, that something in there might snap. Like the many masks the man before him has presented—blink, and he could've very well missed it. ]

Hear hear. [ His voice remains as inscrutably light and airy: ] To our new venture indeedy.

[ His eyes close as he tips his glass to his own lips—holding it there for the same meaningful few seconds as allows his lips to quirk upwards. An answer. A response. Whatever Sampo's reaction to it might be doesn't matter when in the grand scheme of things, their game is officially on. Tossing it back it is, the distinct sear much like a seal. ]

[The word "restraint" is anathema to a Fool. It may be precisely why Giovanni back then had sought to question those strange lines he made in the metaphorical sand to never cross - no judgement from him, but Sampo could tell that it must have felt like seeing someone put himself in their own little cage. Nothing would push him out of it if he could help it.]

[Until now. Perhaps. Elysium kisses his own glass in reply. It makes his eyes widen slightly, and then he catches the brief glimmer of someone dancing at the edge. Well now.]

[Absinthe is a strong drink. Fools love it, of course, for its peculiar, chaotic qualities. He doesn't know if he can entirely blame it, though, for the quick but dizzying wave of madness that shoots up his spine and sparks - he would very, very much like to ruin this man.]

[But that word of "restraint" pulls back, and he's enough of an old timer where he settles his own desires back neatly. Perhaps a younger self would've leaped forward to seal the deal with a grabbed fit of hair and a heavy press against the counter. Now, he knows the game is important, too. Even if its worth nothing in the end, elation was to be found in the nooks and crannies of conversations like this.]

[He laughs, as light and airy as the other's response. His eyes betray nothing, now.]

Do you like it?

[ It's a quiet moment as Elysium polishes off his glass. When the drink runs empty, he reopens his eyes to stare at it blandly. Twirls it in lazy circles, even, as if he hadn't just downed the entirety of one of the strongest spirits around in one go.

Intoxication doesn't happen immediately, Elysium knows. The certain exhilaration that comes from the ingestion of hard liquor is something Elysium knows, too. What he tells himself is that the high is all he needs, the tangible proof that he's alive; there were many other ways to chase the same high or similar highs, but he's content with simply acknowledging it with a degree of detached interest——for now. Being a dying anime man tended to influence your impulse control one way or another, oops!

He sets the glass down before he's regarding Sampo again. ]

The drink itself, or what happens after? [ What a silly question. And yet, Elysium indulges him with a tease anyway. ] The first, well. … You did make it for me, didn't you? How could I not? The second… haha!

[ A laugh that tapers off into an a hum. Elysium is hardly a lightweight or a light drinker, he's pulled himself together for work plenty of times before. But absinthe is particularly interesting for the myths that surround it, when the high it leaves you in is partly contingent on your preconceptions. Were you in control of your thoughts and actions, or were you not? How fun. Unfortunate that Elysium is capable of being surprisingly pragmatic. Also unfortunate that he's capable of identifying the desire to rip Sampo's many guises as entirely his own. ]

Wouldn't you say it's too early to tell?

[ It really isn't. But they can pretend it is, or that the "after" Elysium talks about isn't something as cut and dry as the rest of the evening. ]

[See, this is why he indulged with this in the first place. He would've been more than willing to keep this just a nice little tutorial of mixing a drink, helpful as helpful can be. But this man kept pulling at his strings, poking past the facade (one of many) with those teases and taunts.]

[Even now, with that not-so-straightforward answer, he feels a rush (again, could be the alcohol) that he can't ignore.]

[Would this man be the same way if he truly lost all his inhibitions, or no?]

[Should he pull that particular string?]

It might be too early. You're right. But let me know...let it settle. Spirits have a real weird way of sometimes kicking expectations sometimes.

[A little pause.]

...I'll teach you easier stuff, though. I was showing off. Don't worry. If you feel you can't handle this....no sweat off my back.

[A mildly pointed look and a tilt of the head - might as well ask. Though he wants to think he has a good guess at the answer.]

( closed ) life like the unplumbed sea;

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