jesterlies | OPEN POST 2 ELECTRIC BOOGALOO

Did I come too early?

[Yes, Percy, what you find there sadly is the object of your affections. He's leaning against the floor like a tabletop, propping his chin up while the rest of him is buried in shadow.]

[He does tuck away that little banishment of something he heard just before. Percy clearly picked up on his presence which isn't really that strange considering what he is, but that he clearly expected something else to be ...well, haunting him, is something of note. He'll ask about it later.]

[For now he'll simply grin like Percy is opening the door to greet him and not finding him under the table like a boggart.]

....

[ Honestly.

First he just blinks in surprise, Mavericks voice instantly soothing away any fear or worry about what tricks his mind is playing. Then he snorts softly to the question and the pose.

Then he moves to brace his elbows on the floor - ignore the position that puts the rest of him no naughty thoughts - and sets his chin in his hands. Quite content to kneel on the floor like this and speak to his goblin of a love. ]

Not at all! I was just wondering in which manner you would creep into my abode. I must say, from under my table is a bit of a surprise! Thank goodness I was diligent in my sweeping, lest I fear it'd have been dust bunnies who would have first greeted you. Comfortable?

Oh, quite!

[He leans in a little, coming dangerously close to booping their noses before he slinks right back into the shadows once more.]

[His voice will come from some other part of the room, possibly the curtains as he steps out.]

I do like to keep people on their toes, of course. Be sure to look for me in all manner of places when sending an invite!

[He grins and looks around.]

It smells heavenly in here.

[ Oh that's a mean little tease! He huffs when he's denied the nose boop and then Maverick is gone. Percy pushes himself onto his knees proper and looks around, smiling as Maverick steps out from behind a curtain. Dramatic!

He climbs to his feet with a little oof, rubbing his knees and his smile turns into a radiant beam of pleasure and joy. ]

I'm glad! I do hope you enjoy it. I will be honest, I tried to make it as nutritious for us both as possible. There's animal blood used in all pieces, which should help supplement your need, while also adding quite a few benefits for myself! You simply cannot taste it, however!

[ Blood is quite full of bodily needs, after all. He ushers Maverick to sit down at the small table, where a large stew pot waits, with a tray of bread still hot, thick sausages to go with and a warm pudding nearby. The stew is filled with meat and vegetables, the bread has a slightly spiced scent to it and there's butter nearby (no garlic!), and the sausages are stuffed with herbs.

There's water as well as a mead to drink. ]

[Oh? Is that why it smells so good? He seems pleased to hear this, but laughs a little as Percy ushers him to sit down. Every the fusser, he is-]

Oh? Just as expected of such a diligent healer, even our little courting meal is packed to the brim with food mindful of our health.

[It's very charming, since most of this food looks rich and indulgent without knowing what Percy went out of his way to do.]

I must add, though it will be a pale offering in comparison, I have prepared for us a decadent dessert tea, though I'm afraid it utterly lacks in any health benefits.

[ Percy huffs a little laugh, looking amused as he sits himself down as well, immediately moving to begin serving Maverick up some things. His eyes crinkle in delight. ]

Of course. Would you expect anything else from me?

[ He pauses that Maverick brought a dessert wine, absolutely perking to that. ]

Oh, you needn't have! But it'll go wonderfully with the pudding, I'm sure! And it's for dessert, it needn't have a lick of health to it.

[ He takes a moment after dishing everything up to simply study Maverick, then smiles warmly. ]

Thank you for this, Seamus. I know it's a date, really, but your presence fills me with such comfort. I yearned over those letters, wishing I was back here again. I missed having you by my side.

I wouldn't, in fact, if you hadn't, I'd be worried for your health.

[Ah, he lets Percy serve but will fuss for Percy to sit and take his own portion shortly after. He'll dig right into the stew. Percy says he cannot taste the blood, but Maverick is at least still part Vampire, so he hones in on the notes immediately. This is not a bad thing, though and he smiles around his spoon.]

Divine, my dear, you've really outdone yourself.

[He smiles back at him, of course, though it's a little softer than his usual smarminess.]

You needn't thank me at all, you know. If anything, I am the one being wretchedly selfish, coveting your letters like they hold the philosopher's stone. I've always been fond of you, but I felt your absence in my heart in a way I've never known once you'd set off. I couldn't stop you, of course, you had important work to do, but I wanted to.

Oh, don't praise me, I had a lot of help from many cookbooks.

[ And a little touch of magic because he will be the first to admit he's not exactly a chef. Still, he put his heart into it, and he hopes it makes the difference. After Maverick takes his first bites, he'll help himself as well. It's wonderful now that it's had time to sit, the spices soaking into the meat and vegetables. And he breaks off some bread to dip it.

And he laughs a little, shaking his head. ]

What fool men we are. What might have changed had I written my yearning down? Confessed my desires in those letters, promised to return for reasons more than what I had said.

[ He huffs gently, toying with a piece of sausage, his head tilting, his smile turning fond. ]

A part of me wishes you had. But that's my selfish want as well, and now, at least, we have something to look forward to, without the worry of War ending it.

A spell well cast is still a spell well cast regardless of if it came from memory or a spellbook.

[Maverick is making sure Percy is eating, at least, though he tries to keep his gaze subtle.]

Oh, to wonder about the What if's will invite madness. There was nothing for it. You knew I had a station, and I knew I had to maintain it. I knew you were under duress and amidst danger, and I could not bear the thought of my sweet words distracting you out on the field.

[But he will take a sip of that mead and then hold it up to Percy for them to gently toast.]

We have the now and the future, let us not worry of the past. Now that you're here, I will be as selfish as I damn well please, for the time you will allow me.

[ He's eating, slowly but he is. He hums in agreeance. The what if's. Is there a thread of fate where they confessed before hand? Is there a thread he never comes home? No, he won't think of that. Not during their date.

He picks his mead up and holds it out to gently click the cup against Mavericks, beaming. ]

Oh, my darling Seamus, I hope you're as selfish as you wish to be. And I hope you will let me indulge and be just as greedy. I will do my best not to interrupt your duties, of course.

[ He takes a little sip before setting his drink down to go back to his food. He definitely doesn't eat that sausage anyway that might be construed as ... naughty. He does make a noise as he sausage dribbles, shifting it back to the plate to lick his lips and fingers. ]

[The problem is that he really can't be sure if Percy is doing that on purpose. It could just as easily be either one. It's hard not to stare for a moment or two before he hides his expression in his glass.]

AH- well. Of course. I am known for being insufferable in many ways so I hope you will not live to regret such a claim, and I do enjoy a challenge.

[He does pause a moment, hums a little.]

...We must speak of ...one serious matter, however. Before we go much further.

Edited 2026-01-02 08:22 (UTC)

[ Him? Doing something naughty on purpose?! Like he made a comment about needing to brush his teeth after a particular sweet? Totally innocent on both parts, of course!

Maybe. It's something for Maverick to truly dig into, if he wishes to know the depths Percy's brain can go.

He hm's to the idea he may regret entwining himself with this goblin man who peers out from under his tables and makes a million stories while encouraging his students to be gremlins in their own right. No, he doesn't think he will. He does pause to that, however, glancing up from his food. A little worried. ]

Of course, what is it?

You've done your exam, and you were quite thorough, so I am sure you've already made your deductions in this manner. I just want to be certain you've considered them.

[This was something important to get out of the way before any commitment was made, after all. It's a loaded gun when it comes to intimacy with someone like him. He knows that Percy may adore him and maybe even desire him, but-]

[Well, he couldn't blame anyone if a number of things about himself were deal-breakers.]

My body is not a living person's body. There's much it cannot do anymore. There are ways I can get around this in a manner that I will willing to show you, but there also remains the fact that I am ageless, and will be so for an eternity.

[And he will see Percy grow old, and one day he will walk him through the veil. Of this he has long come to terms with, but he wants to be sure Percy has too.]

[ He listens quietly and respectfully as Maverick lays it out for him. Reiterates he's not a living being, and - in fact - his age is eternal. He will never age, where as Percy will. Oh, sure, Percy may be able to elongate his own life via healing techniques, but there will come a day when his strength wanes and he passes the veil.

He's silent for a moment, giving Mavericks words the true thought they deserve. Certainly intimacy will not be a physical thing if Mavericks body cannot respond like his can. And he will be forced to watch his love remain forever this age, while he succumbs eventually to time.

He puts his utensils down and reaches out across the table, finding Mavericks wrist to gently touch it, his eyes lifting to lock onto those blue across from him. And he smiles, his voice soft. ]

I understand. I can accept this. Truly I can. For it will be many years before my time is up, and in those years I will get to indulge in you in every aspect that I can. Its your mind I fell in love with. Your joy for knowledge and discovery. Your kindness that seeps into everything you do, everything you touch. You built your Spire around love for those around you. Time spent with you is all the intimacy I need, if it's all you can give. But-

[ He gently moves his hand to fold his fingers over Mavericks, squeezing lightly. ]

Can you handle loving someone, and seeing them age while you remain the same, and eventually having to let their soul go off to the other side?

[He had no doubts that Percy would consider the matter seriously, but he is happy all the same that he's giving it some silence before answering. It shows him that Percy is taking it very seriously, because for all his joking and jestering aside, this is something Maverick wants in the open.]

[He smiles as Percy answers him, and he is a little relieved. He didn't think Percy would take it all back after telling him all this, but he is happy with the reasons he's given. He nods.]

[Of course to that last part- he expected this question, too.]

My dear, I am the Saint of Mourning and Remembrance. It is the very concept I govern, to love and let go. I have adored many and walked them myself across the veil, and I remember them all, every name, every face, every touch of happiness across my heart.

[His expression is both fond and wry, but then it turns warm as he looks at Percy.]

Be I have one day or one millennia with you, I will love you all the same and one day walk you too, across the veil.

[He will grieve, oh he will grieve, but it is who he is, what he is, and that is just the way it is.]

Then we are in accord.

[ He stands a little to put his hand on the table to lean on it, so he can lift his other hand and tilt Mavericks head up. So he can press a soft kiss to his lips. Just a whisper of one, a brushing promise. ]

However many years we have together, I will cherish them all. For I love you.

[ He gently lets go of Mavericks chin so he can sit back down, smiling to him. A look full of tenderness and adoration. And touches of desire, of course. ]

Now, eat. For I'm curious as to this method you spoke of, and dessert cannot come fast enough.

[Ah, good. That's all settled then. As Percy leans forward, Maverick's eyes shutter closed and he indulges in that soft little taste of a kiss. He smiles against his lips before Percy pulls away.]

[And then says that and Maverick cannot help but laugh, rich and hearty as he begins properly spearing one of his sausages.]

Well, how could I possibly dream of delaying your curiosity when you say it like that!

[here, he'll pause JUST so he can reach into a shadow and, somewhat cartoonishly, fish around for his bottle of dessert wine. Percy can do the honors while they eat.]

[ Listen, Percy is an adult man who knows what he wants, and if Maverick is - as the kids would say - down with it, then who is he to deny either of them a potentially fun little romp. Oh, he still plans to wine and dine and date the Hells out of this man, of course.

But neither of them are dead. Uh, technically.

So he laughs gently as Maverick laughs and lets himself eat, watching him as he fishes around in shadows with an amused look. My, that's almost obscene, but he can't help but imagine the other side with just this hand sticking out, searching for what he's aiming for- ah the wine.

He snorts gently and takes it as it's handed over to stand and fetch two proper glasses, carefully popping the top on it to pour. The scent of blueberry's tickles his nose and he makes a delighted noise as he brings the glasses over. ]

Oh, you cheater. Asking me about my favorite drinks!

[ He sets one wine glass down beside Maverick and takes his seat again, setting his down beside the pudding. Then he will dig in again himself, focusing on eating, though he will chat up his date. ]

Have the newest books I ordered for the library come in yet? Though our magic manages healing well enough, there's quite a few maladies that escape magic, and so I felt having some more physical based medicine books in store would be helpful. In fact, the number of magical resistant illnesses has grown over the years, and I cannot help but note it's correlated to the rise of darker magics in turn.

[ Of course he's going to talk about the subject they both love and hold dear. Though it's difficult with a mouthful of food. He dips bread into his stew, slathers butter onto bread and puts it onto Mavericks plate, then picks a few pieces of meat out of his own bowl to share it with Maverick as he speaks. Sips mead and water in turn to clear his mouth and keep his mind clear. ]

There is a field doctor I became friends with, Barty, I believe I mentioned him, whose deep into studies of all sorts of various anatomies of the supernatural; not just vampires but werewolves, puca, sirens, etcetera. There is no one more knowledgeable - ah, well, perhaps other than the man I'm sitting across from [ a fond little smile at Maverick ] - on the physical. And he has findings that suggest abnormalities appearing in the physical that may correlate with the rise in darker magics as well and the magical resistance. Oh, and I know you will absolutely love his little girl, Agatha. She's a sweet little one, and so shy, but her Vampiric talent is amazing and I'm sure you'll be fascinated.

[His assistant who does most of his paperwork for him got a startle when she turned around and saw Maverick's hand pawing around for the bottle on his desk. With an "Aha!" he pulls it free and presents it to his charming date.]

[He grins and pops the cork, pouring them each a bit to savor.]

It was knowledge I openly asked for and you willingly gave! Why else did you think I asked?

[But he will settle and eat as well, happy to listen to Percy chatter with him about whatever he likes. He reaches for that pudding to give it a taste. A little Hum! And he portions a little more, takes some of what Percy is offering him but puts his fork down firmly with a look. Do not give him all of your food, Percy, you'd better eat this meal, too.]

Mm, I believe a rather hefty crate came in recently, I was asked to look through it, so I suspect your books may lie there. It's customary to have me look through new materials before commit to teaching, particularly if its not something I wrote myself.

[Not that he's worried about anything Percy is bringing in, but it's always good to make sure nothing is untoward.]

Yes, I recall you speaking of this man. He seems to be an accomplished and fascinating individual. I'm beginning to suspect you've either invited him to visit or plan to, and I hold no protest to that. It sounds like you two have put your heads together on the manner of our current tainted magic malady.

[A little pause as he tips his head.]

...Is daughter, is she called young out of affection or are you implying she's actually much younger than a Vampire ought to be?

[ Huff! He's eating! But he'll look chastised with a small smile and keep his food to himself. He'll eat as much as he can before turning to the pudding as well, looking pleased that Maverick seems to like it. Percy will take a small portion himself and test it with the blueberry wine.

And he looks absolutely tickled to the taste. Delightful! What a pair! ]

Mm, I'm sure you'll find the books adequate, though I'm more than willing to go over them with you and explain my reasoning as to why I chose them over others!

[ There's quite a few primers for students of non-magical means, ranging from simpler studies to more advanced things.

And he laughs a little in a 'caught' manner to the invitation, smiling softly. ]

I have. I daresay you'll enjoy the man, he's... quite eccentric yes, but harmless, with a joy that matches your own.

[ To that question he sighs around his pudding, making little figures in it with his spoon. ]

Mm. Much younger. There was an accident involving a starved Vampire. He attacked without thought, then in his desperation when he realized what happened he turned her. She was already coming to by the time Barty reached them. The Vampire was prosecuted, due to his negligence causing the harming and turning of a young child. She's barely in her teens.

[He's wise to your games. He knows you've spent your share of trips to the hospital wing due to poor eating habits.]

I would love to hear your ideas of course, especially for a subject that isn't my particular specialty.

[Percy has a lot of ideas for what he wants to teach and is restructuring his curriculum in a way that's a departure from his predecessor. Maverick loves it, it's how progress is made. This is what he had hoped for when hiring Percy on.]

You've spoken so highly of him, of course, I would be delighted to speak with him. Particularly because you make his focus sound fascinating, since he is not a witch himself.

[And of course, his motivations make sense considering what Percy confirms. He falls quiet a moment in a somber way, and yet there is almost a dangerous air to that calm.]

I see. Were this a few centuries ago such negligence would have been punishable by unimaginable torture from the Courts depending on who got their hands on them. Surely this is a wretched, tragic crime to humanity, but to vampires there is almost no greater sin.

[The Courts these days rather keep to themselves, or spend their time integrated with humanity. Vampire "Hunts" are few and far between unlike in his early days but part of that too is the relationships he's kept up over the years.]

Now that I know that I am all but demanding you bring them both in. The "Cure" for Vampirism is somewhat of a philosopher's stone of course, but there is no better place for research than my Spire, and no better place to help the supernatural.

[ He just forgets!! But see he's not forgetting now! Hard to forget when you have someone eating with you!

Except he's making art out of his pudding more than eating it, though when he catches Mavericks eye he blushes and eats more. Focuses on sipping the wine. Cough. ]

I believe his focus is due in part to the condition of his daughter, but I also think he merely loves the research and moments of unearthing something remarkable.

[ And he smiles gently to Maverick, that chill in his voice to the condition of the young girl, and reaches out to gently touch his dates hand. A gently brush of his fingers against the back of it.

Oh, he knows, in the dark ages they would have torn that Vampire apart. The attack on the child would have instantly had humans up in arms. And he's glad to know the Vampire Courts themselves wouldn't have turned a blind eye. ]

Of course. I'm sure he'll arrive within a month or two. He had to finish some things before he could take a ship. And I daresay he will gladly turn this Spire inside out if you allow him. Despite being mundane, his thirst for knowledge is as strong as any that resides here.

[ And his eyes glitter a little. ]

And speaking of, I've had a chance to look at the newer equipment you requisitioned for the labs. You've absolutely outdone yourself!

Edited 2026-01-06 03:01 (UTC)

[Good. He is going to keep catching you.]

[At least wine has calories. Perhaps he ought to shove a robust ale at him to help pad him out.]

Good, good, that's exactly the sort we want here. It sounds like he will fit in splendidly.

[He does like having interesting people around, and even better if they are brilliant. Also it will be good for the young girl to be somewhere she can be safe while offering her the best care they could give her shy of her finding her way to the Third House.]

Oh, but of course! We were in need of an update and it was a worthy investment. I'm happy to see it meets your standards! After all, much of it is new and some of it is a little beyond my ken. I'm sure I'll get to know it in time, but time certainly does move faster the older you get!

Oh, don't worry about that, dear. I'll be more than happy to spend as many hours with you as it takes to catch you all up to date on it all! Why, it may take days, or even weeks, of solid time together in the labs!

[ Yes, he's flirting, teasing. With his stomach as full as it's going to comfortably get, he sets aside his dishes to focus on Maverick and the wine. ]

Done? Would you like to take our wine to my sofa? It's far more comfortable than these chairs.

[ It indeed looks comfortable. The cushions have been slightly overstuffed to make for a plush sitting, and the pillows are merry flowery things. ]

Oh? Sounds like I ought to clear my calendar for some time.

[He sees you sir. It's very charming, being flirted with so outright. It's been some time (hundreds of years) since the last time he's engaged in anything quite like this. It's very exciting.]

Mm, it was lovely, thank you. Let's move. You were eager to see my "means" of affection, and I think the couch will be a nice place for me to show you.

[He rises with his glass, downing a considerable amount before he holds his hand out to Percy.]

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