-75- [Voice]

[inhumandog]

Why...why would you wander about in those hideous clothes? [He pauses for a moment, his breathing a bit heavy as he really doesn't like this type of cold.]

This is utterly ridiculous. What's the point of wandering around a marketplace? [No, Iago  doesn't get that it's pretty. There's a sigh of annoyance and he cuts the transmission off, certain that everyone knows of his disapproval.]

[Spam for Judas- Before the ship docks]
[Early in the morning, after being in the gym for his morning workout, Iago really didn't feel like eating. Or going back to his room. In fact, he really wasn't sure what he wanted to do. He was restless for whatever reason and so made his way to the second floor common room, a place that he had visited often the last season on the Barge. And, quite frankly, he was not surprised to see Judas there.]

Judas... [He hesitated, as if he wanted to say more, but decided against it, moving to sit beside him carefully.]

((ooc: I'm just assuming that Iago at least got off the ship with the Marquis. Everything else is going to be left somewhat vague.))

Comments

Spam

[heavenonthemind.livejournal.com]

[Judas, after his usual morning business and after talking with Sexby, had needed something. He didn't know what he needed, but it was something deep in his soul that he couldn't quite explain; an absence that still couldn't be filled. So, before he knew it, he found himself in the second floor common room, his thick christmas sweater (http://always.ejwfiles.net/images5/conan2302.jpg) on, despite his general refusal to enjoy even the slightest part of Christmas. At the sound of an all too familiar voice, the Apostle looked over, almost horrified as the soldier sat down. Almost instantly, he scooted away as far as he could from the man while still remaining on the couch.]

I... what are...

[Alright, time to get those emotions in check now. He swallows and takes a deep breath, effectively shutting down anything that might have shown in his face.]

I'll leave if you need me to.

Spam

[inhumandog.livejournal.com]

[Iago shook his head, letting Judas move without incident, and then looking down slightly. He had not even touched the hideous apparel that the Admiral had given them. No, he was wearing his jeans and classy long sleeved shirt, as usual. He would put on his coat before they left, though.]

No, Judas. If I wanted to be alone, I would not have entered in the first place. [He pulled a foot up and over his knee, lounging back on the couch easily.]

I was hoping that you would be here.

Re: Spam

[heavenonthemind.livejournal.com]

[Judas shifted a little uneasily but stared over at Iago, taking in the soldier's appearance. It had been weeks since he'd seen him, and only to give him cigarettes. The Apostle didn't like that response anymore than a simple "go away."]

Am I allowed to ask why?

[He's more than sure that that answer is no. He's supposed to guess or be able to read Iago's mind and know exactly what he's thinking despite a complete lack of outward signs.]

Re: Spam

[inhumandog.livejournal.com]

[The soldier laughed easily, seemingly quite at ease with the situation. Truthfully, he was not really liking this at all. But something had to give. He couldn't continue to ignore him or use him without something falling through completely. And he was about to fall through.]

There...is no reason. [He seemed somewhat confused for the answer.] I simply did. [He looked to the blank television and then linked his fingers together in his lap.]

And I'm not your master, Judas. There's no reason to ask permission from me.

Re: Spam

[heavenonthemind.livejournal.com]

[Disgruntled with that answer, Judas got to his feet. He didn't want to hear it, not today. Already, he was in a foul mood from talking about Christmas with Sexby and this didn't particularly help the situation. Fervently, he worked his emotions back down. There was no point to getting angry. When calm again, he simply replied,] Then I respectfully take my leave of you.

Re: Spam

[inhumandog.livejournal.com]

[A trace bit of emotion crossed his face and Iago stood up as well.] No, Judas. You were comfortable here. I will leave if you wish. I wanted only to talk. But I know that this time of year is difficult for you.

[He shrugged.] Another time?

Re: Spam

[heavenonthemind.livejournal.com]

[Judas furrowed his eyebrows as he stared over at the soldier, very clearly confused by this. He shook his head, a distant memory of a similar discussion in Masterworld rising in the back of his mind. On the fight that had separated them and how Judas had left the apartment and the soldier had followed shortly after, leaving their home to be empty. But he didn't want to think about that. It wasn't fair that the soldier still had such an influence over him when they had been separated for four months already.]

Stop. Please. Whatever you want, I will give it. Just...

[He shook his head again, maybe he should go with Sexby into port after all. Urgently, he swallowed his emotions back down.]

Re: Spam

[inhumandog.livejournal.com]

Judas, please. Calm yourself. [It was not said maliciously. Rather, there was a touch of sadness to it.]

I want nothing more than to talk, if you will have it. [For a moment, he was silent before he returned to a sitting position on the couch.]

I don't like this, Judas. And I merely wish to be content.

Re: Spam

[heavenonthemind.livejournal.com]

[Judas still hesitated, but quietly sat on the part of the couch farthest from Iago, watching for any sign that this would turn sour. He knotted his fingers together in a better attempt to calm himself.]

Then, talk.

Re: Spam

[inhumandog.livejournal.com]

[Iago started out small.] The cigarettes, Judas. What do you wish in return for them? I do not want to be in debt to you.

Re: Spam

[heavenonthemind.livejournal.com]

[Judas shook his head.] I told you that I wouldn't hold you to any debt. They were yours, free of any charge.

[And a quiet pause:] You know I do mean that.

[But, he still knows how Iago works after all of this.]

I don't know. If you feel the need to do something, then be kind to your warden. That will be payment enough.

Re: Spam

[inhumandog.livejournal.com]

[Be kind to his warden? Iago could do that for a while. He gave a quick nod and turned towards his former lover, watching him closely.]

I know that you mean it, Judas. I do. But I don't want you to feel any obligation. [He hesitated.] Do you feel an obligation?

Re: Spam

[heavenonthemind.livejournal.com]

[Judas blinked a few times at the soldier, considering the question carefully as he bowed his head to look at his fingers. Of course he felt an obligation, he had continued to feel an obligation even after Iago had effectively severed their relationship and Judas had done nothing to help it with his own aggressive actions. Now a good part of the Barge thought him unstable, crazy, and obsessed, and he had alienated a good number of people he'd considered friends. He remembered how angry Sexby had been with him, the things he'd said to Angelica just before he'd hit complete rock bottom and threatened to kill himself.

Now, he's much more calm, but empty, devoid of hope. He meant the things he'd told Angelica a couple days prior. If he held low expectations, then he would never feel let down or disappointed again. And, being so close to graduation, he could choose to leave the Barge and return to Judea to the death he deserved, or remain on the Barge and give up his deal for the Sexbys. Even now, he thought back to the time when he and Iago had pledged to make their deals so they could leave together. What a foolish thing.]

[Very quietly:] I still do.

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

Not just any marketplace, my treasure. A Weinachtenmarkt. There were such things even when I was alive, though I never had the chance to visit one myself -- even when I was free tradition had me often close to home at this time of year. I myself am eager to see what a few centuries does to improve such things.

Now, bundle up. Renate is eager for her first outing.

[inhumandog.livejournal.com]

Fine. But I'm not wearing...whatever these garments are. I will tolerate the coat and gloves, but the rest will not be worn. [Yes, he's determined to be grumpy.]

You are bringing Renate?

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

Of course I'm bringing her. I think she'll enjoy the festivities and the exercise as much as anyone, and she can't be kept cooped up on that ship forever, just as we cannot.

I'm not wearing my sweater either, as I already have clothing suitable for the cold and they don't suffer from poor color coordination.

[inhumandog.livejournal.com]

I don't know why he bothers. But fine. I will be ready in ten minutes.

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

Who bothers?

[inhumandog.livejournal.com]

The Admiral. Who else?

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

Some people enjoy the tradition. Others come well before that, such as you and I.

Now, ten minutes, and if we are going to celebrate this season at all, then we must do it the proper, bachelor way: Wine (or beer, given the locale), women, and song.

[inhumandog.livejournal.com]

Fine, fine. I suppose I can welcome that.

It's been a while since I've allowed it.

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

Iago, you're a young man and you've a new lot in life. You must take time to enjoy the finer things.

And by finer things I mean heady drinks and women in tight dresses. Now hurry up.

[inhumandog.livejournal.com]

Stop rushing me. And I have no love for women in tight clothing, Marquis. I would think you would know this.

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

Nonsense, my treasure; you just haven't taken a proper tour of them with an expert.

[inhumandog.livejournal.com]

...you realize that is vaguely awkward?