[He seriously mulls that over, cupid's bow touching at cold metal in thought. What would he like to see in a golem? Is there anything that would actually specifically please him to have created?]
...I just want to see something you made that you feel is brilliant. I want to feel like I helped you make something marvellous, even if it was just by supplying a gemstone. There's no specific function that I want so much as your satisfaction with your creation. ...Which is about as helpful as a steering wheel on a mule, I realise. As a patron of this particular scholastic art, however...That's my dearest desire.
[ He falls silent after that. It's only the absent way he fidgets with Pucci's hand, thumb rubbing against his palm, that suggests he's ruminating and not spaced-out. ]
My golems are generally created for a purpose. [ He speaks up again somewhat abruptly. ] Doing chores or assisting with my work. Often combat. So it's difficult to think in such abstract terms. But ...
[ A small nod. ]
... something that can bring others peace of mind, somehow. [ A much humbler goal than his ultimate dream of Eden. Something much more attainable. Something that might help Pucci, too. ] I feel that may be a worthwhile pursuit. What do you think?
[Thinking pause or no, Pucci's honestly pretty content to just sit there and idly hold hands; the bags under his eyes are almost gone now, and he's absently smiling until Avicebron jolts him back into reality.
It was a nice little break, really. And now he's got the energy to be appropriately enthused about this idea, stars firing in his pitch void eyes as he leans in just a little.] Oh! I know it was a terribly abstract concept that I gave you, but...I like the sound of that. And I suppose I shouldn't be surprised by you wanting to help people in this manner, but that doesn't mean that I'm not further horrendously endeared by the idea all the same.
If anyone can work with a directive like that, it'll be you. [Another double-handed squeeze, face lit up to match, before Pucci lets out a soft chuckle.] An emotional support golem, perhaps. A golem to reassure or...Something. You'll do wonderfully, and I can't wait to see it. I might even commission one from you, so that I'm not such a persistent bother all the time! Ha.
[ It's hardly the sort of thing he normally does, and he's not sure if he can manage it. He can barely comfort anyone in person, so can he really create something that can serve the same purpose? It's terribly tempting to chide Pucci for thinking so highly of him, refusing to acknolwedge the truth, but Avicebron holds his tongue for once and only nods in acquiescence. ]
It would be my first time attempting such a thing. I do enjoy the challenge, of course. But it seems a difficult task. I'll have to try my utmost.
[ At least Pucci seems to be feeling better, judging by that renewed shine in his eyes; Avicebron studies his face carefully for a moment before ducking his gaze once more, lightly squeezing Pucci's hand back with his own. ]
You're no bother to me. But I'd like you to help me test that golem for me, once I begin developing it. I'd like for it to be useful to you.
...I'm sorry, that came out a-- a little harsher than I intended for it to. And it's a silly question, when I think on it, so please don't mind me.
[Pucci relaxes muscles he hadn't even known he'd been tensing and forces the lingering wariness from his face, exhaling slowly to try and resume being Normal. Normal guys doing Normal things like hanging out together over alien cheese and childhood trauma, hell yeah bro.] No matter the reasoning, I'd be glad to help even further. It'd allow me a look at golemancy without imposing on you as a student would his teacher. Just let me know when you want for my assistance, and I'll help however I can.
...Really, though...I don't require a golem to be at my side every waking moment just to reassure me. I'm a grown man, Avicebron; I can self-soothe at my age, I promise. [Another slow breath ending in a quiet chuckle, before he gently pries his hands away to link primly in his lap, as always.] I didn't do this for you to think differently of me, though I know that sort of thing can't very well be controlled consciously.
... of course, I wouldn’t do anything you don’t wish for. And I didn’t meant to imply any weakness or deficiency on your part.
[ His tone of voice is as level and calm as ever, but that sure was a pause before he answered. Avicebron pulls his hands back and looks away across the room. ]
Unlike you, I’m weak. I’m hardly as capable or as wise as you seem to think of me. So your presence has granted me great peace of mind. I’m grateful for it, and wished to repay that favor in some fashion, if only for a moment. It was a selfish desire, so if you’ve no need of it, I won’t impose, of course.
[ His gaze had slowly drifted downwards into his hands as he spoke, metal parts clicking softly as he flexed his fingers, but as he finishes, he looks up, then rises to his feet. Avicebron doesn’t quite meet Pucci’s gaze as he gives a small nod. ]
In any case, you seem to be feeling better, so I’ll be taking my leave. You should still rest after having spent so much energy. Thank you for your hospitality.
[What, Pucci? What the fuck are you going to say? Prime numbers under his breath for at least a few seconds, apparently, and then words.] ...I'm sorry that I've been poor company tonight. That I've treated you with anything less than the composure and dignity I'd like for you to associate with me. And I'm sorry that I've been a worse friend, when you came over at such short notice and wanted nothing more than to help me.
[But the damage is done now, isn't it? So he simply follows suit, dusting off his robes and smiling more out of habit than genuine feeling.] I hope that, at least, this can be my cue to try to get to know you better. And...perhaps prompt you into doing the same for me, if you think that I'm at all strong. But that's enough self-flagellation for the pair of us for the evening, indeed! Here, let me at least walk you to the door.
['Walk him to'? More like 'swan over to the door without waiting and hold it open like there aren't cracks in whatever defence mechanism he's got up right now', but that's just how it is.] And I really can't thank you enough for humouring me tonight. If nothing else, I hope that you'll accept my feelings on that matter.
no subject
[He seriously mulls that over, cupid's bow touching at cold metal in thought. What would he like to see in a golem? Is there anything that would actually specifically please him to have created?]
...I just want to see something you made that you feel is brilliant. I want to feel like I helped you make something marvellous, even if it was just by supplying a gemstone. There's no specific function that I want so much as your satisfaction with your creation. ...Which is about as helpful as a steering wheel on a mule, I realise. As a patron of this particular scholastic art, however...That's my dearest desire.
Something you're proud of, that makes you shine.
no subject
[ He falls silent after that. It's only the absent way he fidgets with Pucci's hand, thumb rubbing against his palm, that suggests he's ruminating and not spaced-out. ]
My golems are generally created for a purpose. [ He speaks up again somewhat abruptly. ] Doing chores or assisting with my work. Often combat. So it's difficult to think in such abstract terms. But ...
[ A small nod. ]
... something that can bring others peace of mind, somehow. [ A much humbler goal than his ultimate dream of Eden. Something much more attainable. Something that might help Pucci, too. ] I feel that may be a worthwhile pursuit. What do you think?
no subject
It was a nice little break, really. And now he's got the energy to be appropriately enthused about this idea, stars firing in his pitch void eyes as he leans in just a little.] Oh! I know it was a terribly abstract concept that I gave you, but...I like the sound of that. And I suppose I shouldn't be surprised by you wanting to help people in this manner, but that doesn't mean that I'm not further horrendously endeared by the idea all the same.
If anyone can work with a directive like that, it'll be you. [Another double-handed squeeze, face lit up to match, before Pucci lets out a soft chuckle.] An emotional support golem, perhaps. A golem to reassure or...Something. You'll do wonderfully, and I can't wait to see it. I might even commission one from you, so that I'm not such a persistent bother all the time! Ha.
no subject
It would be my first time attempting such a thing. I do enjoy the challenge, of course. But it seems a difficult task. I'll have to try my utmost.
[ At least Pucci seems to be feeling better, judging by that renewed shine in his eyes; Avicebron studies his face carefully for a moment before ducking his gaze once more, lightly squeezing Pucci's hand back with his own. ]
You're no bother to me. But I'd like you to help me test that golem for me, once I begin developing it. I'd like for it to be useful to you.
1/2
[It's defensive, automatic. The sound of a wary little animal tasting something it's unfamiliar with in the air.]
no subject
[Pucci relaxes muscles he hadn't even known he'd been tensing and forces the lingering wariness from his face, exhaling slowly to try and resume being Normal. Normal guys doing Normal things like hanging out together over alien cheese and childhood trauma, hell yeah bro.] No matter the reasoning, I'd be glad to help even further. It'd allow me a look at golemancy without imposing on you as a student would his teacher. Just let me know when you want for my assistance, and I'll help however I can.
...Really, though...I don't require a golem to be at my side every waking moment just to reassure me. I'm a grown man, Avicebron; I can self-soothe at my age, I promise. [Another slow breath ending in a quiet chuckle, before he gently pries his hands away to link primly in his lap, as always.] I didn't do this for you to think differently of me, though I know that sort of thing can't very well be controlled consciously.
no subject
[ His tone of voice is as level and calm as ever, but that sure was a pause before he answered. Avicebron pulls his hands back and looks away across the room. ]
Unlike you, I’m weak. I’m hardly as capable or as wise as you seem to think of me. So your presence has granted me great peace of mind. I’m grateful for it, and wished to repay that favor in some fashion, if only for a moment. It was a selfish desire, so if you’ve no need of it, I won’t impose, of course.
[ His gaze had slowly drifted downwards into his hands as he spoke, metal parts clicking softly as he flexed his fingers, but as he finishes, he looks up, then rises to his feet. Avicebron doesn’t quite meet Pucci’s gaze as he gives a small nod. ]
In any case, you seem to be feeling better, so I’ll be taking my leave. You should still rest after having spent so much energy. Thank you for your hospitality.
no subject
[What, Pucci? What the fuck are you going to say? Prime numbers under his breath for at least a few seconds, apparently, and then words.] ...I'm sorry that I've been poor company tonight. That I've treated you with anything less than the composure and dignity I'd like for you to associate with me. And I'm sorry that I've been a worse friend, when you came over at such short notice and wanted nothing more than to help me.
[But the damage is done now, isn't it? So he simply follows suit, dusting off his robes and smiling more out of habit than genuine feeling.] I hope that, at least, this can be my cue to try to get to know you better. And...perhaps prompt you into doing the same for me, if you think that I'm at all strong. But that's enough self-flagellation for the pair of us for the evening, indeed! Here, let me at least walk you to the door.
['Walk him to'? More like 'swan over to the door without waiting and hold it open like there aren't cracks in whatever defence mechanism he's got up right now', but that's just how it is.] And I really can't thank you enough for humouring me tonight. If nothing else, I hope that you'll accept my feelings on that matter.