A Warmth and Richness to Life (Orion)

[jacob]

Richmond, VA

To say that Jacob had spent the better part of the day getting ready was not an understatement. Using the money that he got from the open mics he had been working around the town, he had managed to get a load of clothes done at the laundromat. Taking them home (and by “home” he meant the cheapest lodgings that he could find) and hanging them in the bathroom with the windows open not only let the smell off the outdoors sink in, but also saved him a few bucks on the drying. When folk were living as hand to mouth as he was, every nickel counted, wooden or no.

At the end of the day, Jacob only have about five t-shirts, a few flannels, and about three pairs of jeans to choose from, but by the Reckoning, he tried on just about every combination of those that he could. He was considering heading out to the local Goodwill for something else, when he realized that it would mean that he would be putting on clothes that other people had been living in, and he would have no time to run them through the wash. That was decidedly unsexy, and, therefore, a no-no. He would have to settle on what he had, no matter how much he was not happy with them...

Besides, the egg timer that he set on the desk said that he had only 10 minutes before it went off, which meant that he had somewhere around 10 minutes and 45 seconds before he had to be in front of the door, ready to catch his key and head out the door. It was a time schedule that he needed, otherwise he was going to labor in front of the mirror all day and not be happy with how he looked.

Jacob could not remember the last time he had harped on his own physical appearance this much for a guy. He was priming himself more than he would before a show at the clubs, and that was saying something. It was not as if he had not been out on dates over the past few years. If he really looked at it, Jacob did not think that he could honestly live without the attention. He would admit it, he loved to flirt, and that earned him more than a few comped drinks on Friday nights. But there was something about Orion...

Something different, and special. Something mysterious. Orion was an enigma, though Mr. Valentine may not be able to recognize it himself, and that was very alluring. There was a coyness to the man, and old fashioned way of things that Jacob missed in so many young men. Maybe it was because he looked so much older than he looked, but Jacob likes his boys to be a little mature. Orion was charismatic without being overbearing, seductive without being lewd. And it made the entire package fantastically captivating, and actually sent Jacob's heart dancing. To be honest, he had been surprised things had gone so well at this point, and that Orion had accepted his invitation to go out together. Thing rarely went this well for this long.

Hence, the hours of preparation. He didn't know why he was worrying so much about his hair... The wind from the motorcycle ride was only going to ruin it. And by ruin, I mean make it look sexy and wind blown, like a bad boy. Still, he tucked and he teased until the egg timer rang the inevitable call to announce the march of time. Hastily, he threw on his jacket, and proceeded to make it to his mark by the door.

The rattling of the egg timer knocked it off the desk by the door, pulling the string that it had been attached to, triggering a mousetrap that had been poised to spring. Another string attached to the mousetrap was sprung, spinning a series of gears that had been wound tight. The spinning released a paperclip that had been balanced inside the set of simple gears, releasing a small bag of balls onto a level constructed of found Tinker Toys. The weight pulled the lever up a few inches, flicking a switch that was used to power a small battery that Jacob had found in a radio. The generator wound right a rubber band that had been tired around its little rotor, lowering a spatula with a make-shift basket attached to it, gradually, like a catapult. Once the band got too tight, it snapped, and launched the spacula/catapult forward, throwing its contents into the air, where Jacob was standing, ready to catch that which was being thrown at him. With the ease of an outfield catcher, he caught the keys in his left hand, and could not help but do a little victory dance in front of the door. It had worked! For the first time! Maybe, tonight was not going to be so bad after all!

Getting on his bike, he made his way to the address that he was given by Orion earlier. With a certain pep in his step, he approached the front desk with a calm stride, and careful swagger. He gave his name to the lady behind the desk to call down his date, and waited, smiling, eager, but still a little bit nervous...

[/justify]

::stop:: Didn't want to assume where you were staying, so I did not put that much detail into it. ^_^ Boy has nerves, and they are jittery.
::look:: Outfit
::listen:: Bottle Pop by Pussycat Dolls
::you're it:: Orion, OPEN
::the credit:: Jess <3

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[orion]

Waiting for his cell phone to ring was one of the most nerve-wracking experiences of Orion's life. He had agonized over the last ten hours, going so far as to call for his fellow angel's help. He was lost and adrift in the world, which was exactly when Cas told him to reach out. Though Orion doubted the seraphim was counting on said listlessness to be caused by not only a date but wardrobe issues. Vests of every imaginable color and fabric lay strew about, fallen warriors unfit for tonight's battle. Jeans gave way to crumple useless atop the complimentary fold out couch, cases of jewelry spilled out from their loving redwood homes to cascade over the comforter like Golden Era haul. It had taken Cas over an hour to reign in his hyperactive hatchling brother to even think productively, after a dryly spoke quip about how 'I don't know why you're asking me, I haven't changed my outfit in four years. I think this is why.' But the pair finally settled on a presentable look, and even the twitterpated Orion could't miss the amused glimmer in Thursday's matching blue eyes. Rye's own lapis orbs were currently being lined smoky obsidian as the angel tried to manage the towel around his hips and the kohl in his shaking hands. All the while having meaningful bonding conversations with his brother in feathers. It was taxing, but it made his brain shut up and for that alone Orion wanted to sing.

Satisfied with the smudged eyeliner, Rye looked over at his bowler and assorted fedoras with a critical eye. It was a security blanket, once he didn't feel he wanted to rely on during his first date since he died. Not that the ones beforehand were anything to write home about… even if he could write home about them. Rubbing a bit of molding paste between his hands, the Rroma ruffled his hair into a tousled bed head mess, fussing with it for another ten minutes before a sideways glance from Cas had him step away from the mirror. Liberal application of baby powder later, came the leather pants soon after; anyone forgetting that step deserved the welts and chafing. Next came the whisper soft jersey tee, the silk unbuttoned and loose overshirt before he hastily laced up his boots. Jewelry came next before his phone began to ring and he tucked it between his cheek and shoulder whilst hopping around to wrangle himself into his vest.

"I'll be right down…"

Giving his bewildered brother a tight hug and permission to relax and enjoy every and all comforts of his home, Orion rushed to the elevator. Panting slightly, he leaned to the left to once more adjust his appearance before taking a soothing and calming deep breath. Anything to make it look like he wasn't in fact rushing about like a nervous schoolgirl. The elevator ride seemed to take forever, and he couldn't help but tap his hand against his leg to distract himself from the nerves that had even overtaken the pain in his knee. When the doors opened Orion couldn't help but take a moment as the sight of his Date struck him between the eyes, leaving him speechless. Gobsmacked. That was the word. The only word in fact the raven haired chavo had at the moment. Swallowing hard, Orion threw all reservations to the wind and swaggered up behind Jacob; the cadence of his locomotion brought on by injury and not attitude. Far from it in fact. It didn't take a genius such as he to notice the boy was absolutely beside himself with nerves.

"Hey. Jacob..."

::stop:: Nervous Boy has Nervous! And Cas 'cameo' with Ren's permission and Request!! <3
::look:: Outfit
::listen:: The AC chugging along merrily.
::you're it:: Jacob
::the credit:: Jess <3

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[jacob]

Richmond, VA

It was all about the picture. Jacob really did have a series of way that he could stand while he waited for Orion. There was the casual lean against the wall near the elevator. This would mean that he would be right there when Orion got out, but it would also mean that Orion could walk right past him and miss him. Jacob also had the option of sitting in the chairs that the lobby offered, but it did not create the most daring of pictures. To look impressive, one must stand as a gentlemen.

So it left Jacob not traveling far at all. He stood by the hotel desk, leaning against it in what he hoped looked casual. He appeared to be taking particular interest in the tourist brochures, proclaiming the wonders of the Appalachian zip lines, and the bus tours of Richmond's historical locations. He actually almost picked up the one for the Haunted Tour, when the elevator door opened up and let out the boy from upstairs.

"Orion..." He was dressed differently than he had been when Jacob had first met him, and it was not bad at all. He probably chose not to wear his hat, since Jacob had been nice enough to inform him of their means of transportation. What it did was give way to the most brilliant shade of black hair that Jacob had ever seen. It was the color that the night sky took around the stars, still black, but with the shades of blue that reminded even the weariest of travelers that there was light not far away from the darkness. Jacob missed that color... with the industrial expansion of the country, it was a rare sight, and yet here it was, perform him in the treads of a gorgeous man.

Also different from their initial meeting was the intensity of the eyeliner that danced along the edges of Orion's eyes. The darkness made the brightness of his eyes stand out. As his hair was the night sky, his eyes were the day. The noon brightness of an afternoon flooded with light lived with luminosity, set in the wondrous face of Mr. Valentine.

The tactile nature of Orion's outfit was not lost on him. The boy was begging to be pet, whether or not he knew it consciously. The promise of future touch, and the possibility of reciprocity, was enough to make Jacob's spine flash flare in heat and anticipation. He wanted to encourage this kind of behavior, let Orion know that he knew how much trouble must have gone into picking out such a complimentary outfit, and that he appreciated it. "I really like this color on you." Jacob brought up his right hand, which had been relaxed against the desk until then, and touched the shoulder of Orion's vest. He allowed his palm to caress the fabric, feeling the warmth underneath, playing with the difference in texture between the vest and the shirt beneath.

Jacob traced his gaze along where his hand lay, across the chest, imagining the way his bare skin must look from the clues that he could see in the creases of the skirt. He followed the shadows of his body across his neck, admiring his chin, imagining the feel of his lips and cheeks, before finding the important moment when eyes met, and gazes locked. Jacob slowly blinked his own lashed a few slow times before mentioning, "It really brings out your eyes."

A few heartbeats of contact, and Jacob forced himself to turn away, though not without a wide grin that suggested that he was getting away with something. The boy with his hands in the cookie jar look. He turned, and offered Orion his arm, making their way across the lobby, and opening the door for his date, like any good gentleman should. His bike was not far away, so the walk was a quick one, during which time Jacob just enjoyed the pleasure of Orion's presence. Already, Jacob could feel a comfortableness blooming between them, a need filled by the simple things, even if more was already desired.

Getting the motorcycle, Jacob hopped on, straddling the bike widely in order to make room for Orion on the back. It was intimate, and even just a little bit of cheating, he knew, and it certainly earned him points in the “sexy wanderer” handbook. "I have a helmet if you need one. Do you know how to ride passenger?”

[/justify]

::stop:: Get on, handsome...
::look:: Outfit
::listen:: Cry Little Sister, by Gerard McMann
::you're it:: Orion
::the credit:: Jess <3

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[orion]

It took a few moments for Orion to properly catch his breath, before giving Jacob a crooked smile and tucking his hands into the back pockets of his leather pants. Instinctively, he leaned most of his weight onto his left leg, focusing on keeping every neuron firing to keep his body still as possible. The urge to fidget or rock was nigh overwhelming; instead the angel focused his energies on eidetically memorizing every detail of his companion to pull up in pristine detail later. Everything was fine, if you could count the absolute panic as a possible definition; and then Jacob threw a large monkey wrench into his efforts of maintaining a nonplussed demeanor.

The words were one thing, the touch on his shoulder a complete other. Orion felt his heart catch high in his throat as a flare of fire singed along his mind. Immediately, the pale skin betrayed him with twin roses blooming in his cheeks. It was something about his coloring that Orion cursed his sainted mother over; the pale hue always gave him an almost dainty china doll appearance when he blushed, something far from the overtly masculine ideal of his people. "Thanks…" The word seemed caught on his tongue, as his pulse thundered in his ears impossibly louder at the delicate caress of his shoulder. It had been so long since he had any real human contact, and Rye didn't know what to do or think. It had always been manipulative before, callous and eventually so cruel. "You look pretty amazing yourself."

It was the last conscious thought Rye had before the genius was at a complete lack of cognizance that went through the window. As Jacob's palm ghosted over the pair of fabrics, Rye felt his senses reach critical mass. A supernova of sensation that temporarily left the chavo deaf, dumb, and blind. All so he could focus on scent and touch. It was as if he could tangibly feel the weight of Jacob's gaze, and he desperately tried to regain his faculties. Surfacing from his touch starved delirium, Rye was once more cast out into silence when their eyes locked. It wasn't as though anyone outside of his daffy fiancée ever went to such efforts to flirt with him, and Rye didn't know what to do.

With his cheeks stained, he could do nothing but look down shyly before taking the offered arm of his shorter companion. It was easy to keep pace with him but Rye had to remind himself not use Jacob as support for his bad leg, despite the current need what with the current pudding viscosity of his knees. Seeing him climb onto the motorcycle, Rye smirked softly, the fresh blast of air enough to cure him of his dumbfounded awkwardness. "I'm good, and yeah but it's been awhile…" It was the memory of home again that gave his eyes a far-off look for a fraction of a second before the reality of the handsome man before him that had Rye smiling and swinging a very long leg up and over the bike.

Settling close to his date, he bracketed his legs around and behind Jacob's, grateful his leg could have support. It had him pressed tight together, and the Rroma boy took the opportunity to wrap his arms low around Jacob's waist before gazing over his shoulder to catch his peripheral gaze. "Ready when you are, Jake." It was the first time he used the familiar nickname, his voice husky and low as his eyes turned playful. He could flirt now that he had his proverbial sea legs, and he didn't want his date to think he wasn't interested.

Very much the opposite...

::stop:: This took… so long to get up... I hate my internet right now. >.<
::look:: Outfit
::listen:: Like a Prayer covered by Glee
::you're it:: Jacob
::the credit:: Jess <3

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[jacob]

Richmond, Virginia

Jacob could not stop the involuntary sigh that came out of him when he felt Orion's arms around him. Damn, I love this bike! Where else but on the back of a motorcycle could you be pressed this close against your passenger, and you can fall back on the old “for your safety” excuse? Jacob did his best to suppress in the mental images of other things that Orion could be doing from the angles he was at. If he was going to focus, all of his blood needed to be running to his brain now... well..

"'Jake...' See, I like that one, especially how it sounds when you say it." Jacob was not below letting his accent take hold in his throat, deepening his voice to match to a quiet harmony with the hearty timber of his date. An even lower blow was probably that Jacob had waited until Orion was on the bike to actually kick her on, letting Orion get a very good impression of what the muscles under his shirt felt like when he tensed, and rose, and fell.

The engine roared to life, and they were off. Taking off down the road, he knew that they had quite a ways to go, but through the downpour that he had survived while coming into the city, and talking with the locals, there was a place outside of Richmond that was perfect, if he really wanted to take someone on a date, and wanted it to be memorable, but on a budget. Lord knows just how poo' I am...

Mystic Falls, Virginia

The Falls were actually divided down the middle, one side being in Richmond, but the other being in a quaint little town called Mystic Falls, a place that probably got its name from the Falls themselves, among other things. While Richmond was a fine city, Mystic Falls did have a certain nature to it, a certain feeling in the air that a demon takes to recognizing after so many years of traveling and encountering the supernatural. This place was charged, as to were its residents, though in what way exactly, he had yet to tell. All he knew was that, in places supernaturally charged as Mystic Falls was, the natural scenery was always significantly better.

The ride to the Falls had been done mostly in silence from Jacob, wishing to focus on the ride there as much as he could to make sure that both of them ended up there in one piece. Fifteen minutes was all that he needed. He knew because he had been out this way before, actually taking the time to scope out the place, and find somewhere to have their date. He did steal a little luck from the air as they raced down the highway, just to make sure that no one else had found the place since Jacob had last been there.

There were not a lot of cars in the lot when they pulled in. Jacob waited for Orion to unwrap himself from his waist before getting off, and locking the bike down. He offered a hand to Orion, just to make sure that he was still being gentlemanly, and with the other hand unbuckled the top of his saddle bag. Inside was a cooler, just large enough to fit into the side bag itself. Lifting it, there was a soft comforter that he had completely stolen from the hotel staff from one of their “suite” rooms. Dubious deeds indeed.

"I might need you to care the blanket, handsome. Might have my hands full with this..." With that, he took Orion's hand, walking with him as far as the sidewalk would allow before it ended and they needed to go off the beaten path. He was in no rush as they wandered the sidewalk, just stayed quiet, allowing Orion to take in the view. Jacob was not sure if Orion had ever been here before, but he knew that he personally enjoyed the sanctity of the outdoors, and the sounds of a roaring waterfall.

The terrain, once they found the more “offroad” portion of their journey, was not terribly uneven, and Jacob knew that the trek was not terribly long. Maybe fifteen paces, and under a low hanging branch, before they reached their destination. A flat piece of land, soft with moss and grass, tucked away from the common walking areas. Technically speaking, they might not have been allowed to be there, but as long as they didn't cause any trouble, he didn't see why anyone would have a reason to come down here for them.

About fifteen feet away from the patch of grass was an steep incline, that gave way to a cliff, that gave way to a view of the waterfall that was absolutely to die for. "So... what do you think?"

[/justify]

::stop:: The View
::look:: Outfit
::listen:: Reveil, by Cirque du Soliel (it's always Cirque with these boys...)
::you're it:: Orion
::the credit:: Jess <3

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[orion]

Settling onto the bike was a study of contrasts for the Sin Eater, as he tried to fold himself up and out of the way. Normally the back of the bike was reserved for the more feminine persuasion; and even those instances when it wasn't, rarely held a six foot four in boots man who was unfortunately mostly leg. It was awkward at first, until Orion wriggled down as close to Jacob as possible, eyes temporarily crossing as his date kicked his baby to life. There was a carnality to his movements; despite Orion's complete lack of experience in that area it was hard to mistake it. A small hiss was all the reaction Rye allowed himself to have before his eyes fluttered shut. As the pair soared through town, Orion couldn't help the grin from spreading across his features at the familiar sensation. It was as close to flying he'd felt since his excursion with Cas, and the memory combining with the current reality was absolutely perfect.

When they finally came to a stop at the Falls, Orion couldn't help the bittersweet look to soar through his eyes. The last time he was here involved Maddie, the strange girl who like so many of the others seemed to loathe his very presence. Swallowing hard and pushing all thoughts of everything horrible about Virginia out of his head, Orion made up his mind to have a good day. He was on a date, his first in well, almost ever. He needed to let himself be happy, a decision hard for the suicide turned seraphim. Taking the offered hand, Orion proceeded to unwind his legs from the motorcycle, wincing as the muscles pulled and wrenched at his bad knee. A small grimace touched the corner of his mouth before he came up to his full height. He'd have to tell Jacob eventually, a lot of things to be honest. But now wasn't the time to talk about such things. Grateful for the hand helping him up, Orion hated having to let it go but the necessity of carrying the blanket demanded it. With a soft squeeze, he took the comforter and gave a crooked smile.

"After you." As if he plucked the thought from his head, Jacob took up his hand again, and the walk to the secluded bit of nature barely twinged in his leg at all. Once they arrived, he couldn't help the soft gasp of delight from passing his lips, or the look of childlike wonder on his face. "It's beautiful. It's not nearly as stunning from below." From here he could see where he had, against most of the rules mind you, been playing the day he met the redhead. Pushing the last thought of her away, Orion squeezed Jacob's hand gently before spreading out the blanket on the ground where they could enjoy the view and not scorch in the heat. "This is perfect, Jake…" His voice was husky and low, very much coming from a place of joy and delight. Once everything was set up, the angel settled himself down onto the blanket and stretched out his bad leg with a soft whimper of pain. Looking up at his companion guilty, he ran a hand through his hair, a pregnant pause later and he decided to make things less uncomfortable in case he noticed. It wasn't a dismissal; the opposite in fact. His voice held a timbre of 'I'll answer if you ask' sheepishness even as his words brought up something different. "What other surprises do you have up your sleeve?"

::stop:: My belly's all rumbly, and this is late. And short. And meh. I'm not too happy with it, but Rye's been difficult as hell lately.
::look:: Outfit
::listen:: Let it Rock by Kevin Rudolph & Lil Wayne
::you're it:: Jacob
::the credit:: Jess <3

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[jacob]

To tell the whole truth, Jacob felt like a dick. He hadn't noticed it before, but right now it was clear to see that Orion walked with a limp. Maybe it was because their first interaction had been mostly seated over snacks. Maybe it was because he had been too damned focused on flirting and impressing Orion that he didn't notice a situation that looked like he was in some pain. Wincing was usually a good sign that this was not just a stiff leg. Maybe an injury? A chronic condition? Congenital? Whatever it was, Jacob was a class act pea head for bringing him out some place where he was going to have to sit on the ground, with very little comfort, and make it even worse.
 
That's it! Next date: hookah bar! Those are always nice, and plush! ...They still have hookah bars, right? He was about to suggest that they go somewhere else, some place that might be a little more accommodating, when Jacob got a good look at Orion's face. The other man seemed so... taken by the scenery. Now, here was a guy who enjoyed being around nature, a trait that Jacob was always looking for in other people. Jacob remembered the days of horseback and wagon travel, before hotels were fifteen minute drives from each other, and you relied on the company you kept and the stories of the night sky to keep you occupied after the sun went down. Stories by candlelight or the press of two bodies together were common past times before the dawn of the television, and you had to be willing to give nature Her due. The desert was an unforgiving madam...
 
With the way that Orion took in the scenery, he didn't have the heart to tell him that they should leave. The picnic was the only option now!
 
He got spread the blanket flat on the ground, and offered Orion a hand to help his lower himself down to the ground. He sat next to him, and opened up the saddle bag. Inside, it still smelled a little of horses, only faintly, being reconstructed of leather from when he was still on the dusty trail. Some things a man holds onto... He brought out the various contents, and showed them off.
 
"I got some... imposters!" he said, holding up a bag of fried and dried potatoes skins. They were not the real, fresh thing, but it had been the first plate of food that the two of them had shared, so it seemed like a good idea when he was in the grocery store. He showed off the bag with a look of mock shock, and went back to bringing out food. "And on their heels, we have cola..." Jacob had thought about some sort of hooch, but a.) this was a late lunch date, and b.) he would be driving, and an accelerate constitution was not one of his demonic gifts. "Sandwiches that I wish I could take credit for... a few stolen condiment pouches that I stole from a local fast food place... and a pie! Cobbler, actually... Peach, since I was missing home a little." He grinned, and kept the cobbler in the bag, so that it could sit properly. There were only two ways to ear cobbler: fresh from the oven, or chilled over time. Lukewarm, room temperature would not do!

"And there is one more thing after we eat, but its part of desert, so I can't tell you." Hopefully, he was keeping things just a little mysterious, when really it wasn't all to complicated. In a bush, nearby, if all went according to plan, his guitar case was sitting safe and sound, the last bit of luck that he was able to squeeze out sitting on it pleasantly. Jacob could feel the cosmic backlash already building behind using so much favorable luck on himself in such a short time period, but Jacob could fly off this cliff right now, and not really care!
 
"So, eat up, and tell me more about you! You said you came from Miami... I went there a while ago..." Back when everyone who lived in South Beach was coming out! So many white parties...

[/justify]

::stop:: Is that a guitar in your bush or are you just happy to see me?
::look:: Outfit
::listen:: You Make Me Feel Good, by Cobra Starship
::you're it:: Orion
::the credit:: Jess <3

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[orion]

There was twinge of tangible memory when the scent of leather and horses struck Orion's nose. As his eyes fell shut, stolen sins from days past flowed seamlessly through his mind. Lost little sister buried before a bride, praying to anything she'd return, the smuggling room and so much ruined meat, acres of blood and a ripped and tattered wedding dress. Some things ought stay buried, Boyd… So much guilt, swallowed in salt and bread. Became his, then hers, now Orion's. Blinking past the Homestead and it's Harrowed, Orion gave Jacob a soft smile, fingertips trailing softly over the saddlebag's edges as all of the goodies began to pour out.

The potato skins earned the other man a bright smile, blue eyes shining as his nose crinkled up in delight. There was something comforting about his remembering, a special secret made out of something so innocuous. "My favorite." Next came the cola, which had a grateful groan of approval echoing in the angel's chest. "And brown pop. Excellent." The sandwiches looked amazing, even more so to the Rroma boy who appreciated a good theft as much as anyone. There was an extra quality to food one had to have sticky fingers to obtain, though the memory had him rubbing at his bad leg subconsciously. As long as you didn't get caught, it was all fantastic.

But it was when he mentioned the cobbler that had his head tilting. "I've… never had that before. Is it good? I mean, if it reminds you of home it must be, but I've never… I'm awful. With people." It seemed to be something he had been saying a lot lately, something that he wished he didn't have to but a necessary evil. Lot of that going around, too… However, he tried to keep most of the self-loathing at bay. Here, in this moment with him, it didn't have a place. And he was glad he didn't dip into such a mood when Jacob mentioned something about an additional dessert based surprise. Apprehensive, because this could easily go the way of Jared and his double talking expectations and cruelty; Orion cautiously raised an eyebrow before picking his own cola and sandwich from the pile.

Choosing to not use a condiment at all, unless there was some type of vinegar Orion didn't put anything on his grinders, he popped the top of his soda can and internally debated how much to say. "Well. I was born there, and I went back there for some time, but I'm a traveling soul. I have to be." Taking a long sip of his soda, Orion decided to trust, to throw caution to the wind. If he was burned by it, he could just turn around and put Virginia in his rearview mirror just as easily as he had time and time again with other places. "I'm Rroma."

::stop:: Wrangling my Sin Eater to post is like herding cats. Sorry if it's short. He's feeling terse. >.<
::look:: Outfit
::listen:: Black Velvet by Alannah Myles
::you're it:: Jacob
::the credit:: Jess <3

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[jacob]

It was hard not to notice when Orion went away for a moment. Jacob wanted to ask so badly where it was that his mind had wandered off to, but something about that just seemed so invasive, and no matter what the answer would be, it would put them in a horrible situation. If it was really something simple, like Orion was wondering if he left the gas on, then to draw attention to it would seem silly. If it was something important, than Orion would be forced to confront it, and, furthermore, be confronted with whether or not Jacob could be trusted with something so sensitive, or indeed anything at all!

Jacob didn't like those odds too much, so he played for keeps and kept his mouth closed. Still, he wished that there was something that he could do about the world weary distance he saw in those blue eyes...

If Jacob had known that sandwiches could make someone so happy, then he would have done it ages ago. To be honest, this was not a seduction technique that he had tried before... Not on a man, anyway. Back with his wife, there had been picnics and long walks, but they were performed merely out of desperation, out of a necessity to figure out what was so wrong with their marriage, and to force a bond that did not exist. In the end, alcohol and loneliness had won them a union that produced a child that he barely knew, but had died for the comfort of. Maybe now it's my turn to look far away...

He took his sandwich and popped his own pop, watching a moment spread out before him, It was simple, followed by the release of "I'm Rroma," into the wind. It was like a secret, and like a confession, and Jacob was wondering what he had done to deserve this kind of thing. Maybe Orion just needed someone in his life, and for that Jacob could feel his heart swell towards him even more. Surely and surely, this boy was making a home for himself inside Jacob, and all Jacob wanted to do was make more room.

"My heart has boot prints stretching beneath it, let me tell you," he said, agreeing with the idea of the roving life. This was not the longest he had stayed in one place, but it certainly was the most comfortable he had gotten in a long time. Might want to think about more long term plans...

"I've heard the word... Rroma..." Jacob also knew another word for it. "Gypsy." And if there was one thing that he had picked up about the Rroma people in all his years of traveling, it was that you do not call them "gypsy." It was a word akin to another that he heard way back decades ago when the world was still ignorant. He also knew that the Rroma people were a tight knit group that was not trusting of outsiders, so the fact that Orion was sitting here enjoying alone time with Jacob had the old cowboy blinking into the sunlight of Orion's face. "Tell me about it?"

[/justify]

::stop:: Snuggles?
::look:: Outfit
::listen:: Bad Habit by Dresden Dolls
::you're it:: Orion
::the credit:: Jess <3

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[orion]

Orion shrugged, trying not to show his nerves as he bit into his sandwich. Taking his time chewing slowly before following it with a wash of brown pop, at first all he could do was shrug. How do you tell someone what it meant to be Rroma? It seemed such a bizarre concept. It was like explaining how you had your heartbeat. Or how your soul warmed at seeing your loved ones. It was everything, all of him; and as far as the Rom were concerned, he was Nothing now. Swallowing past the hard lump in his throat an extra time than was necessary, he put down his food slowly. It wasn't Jacob's fault the concept turned his stomach into a rolling pit of nerves, nearly murdering his appetite. But some wounds never healed…

"I don't know… how? It's all I've ever known." Taking a deep breath, Orion let his gaze trail over to the falls themselves to empty. Far away thoughts and places filling themas he let his soul do the talking. "It's more than Blood. More than Family. It's why you breath, why you fight, why you live…" Turning back, Orion draped his left arm across his lap for Jacob to see. The ink was old, and well loved; the curve of each letter in beautiful following calligraphy.

Ake vriama, usti Rom akana, Men khutasa misto kai kerns. A Romale, A Chavale

"It's the Romani Anthem. A part of it at least. I got it when I was barely twelve, I think? To never forget. To sing in my soul and proclaim on my skin the pride and honor of my people. It's…. it's hard to understand, I think. And I'm not helping any…" Thinking about his people, his ink always put him into a pensive mood. Not proper date behavior, but social graces were always his mental handicap. It was the first few drops of rain splashing on his nose that stirred him from his thoughts. Bad luck on a picnic, to be certain, but the startling effect pulled him from his reverie. Chuckling a little to himself, he wrinkled his brow at Jacob as the skies began to open up.

"Do we have to go?" The look that crossed his face was wistfully sad; a child told to leave the playground earlier than expected. He didn't mind the rain, if anything a part of him loved it. But with everything here, with all of the picnic festivities interrupted Jacob might want to head out. But on a motorcycle, they seemed to either have to rush or be stranded.

And only one of those plans sounded in anyway fun...

::stop:: Sorry this is so short. I had the skeleton before the internet went out and now I can't seem to get him back in line...
::look:: Outfit
::listen:: Don't Fear the Reaper by Blue Öyster Cult
::you're it:: Jacob
::the credit:: Jess <3

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[jacob]

Jacob knew a personal secret when he heard one. He knew a personal pain even more. The once card sharp turned "vigilante" demon had seen his fair share of loss. He survived a wife and a daughter, and who knew how many other descendents of hers. Jacob had thought himself to be one who cherished family, but his bargain and the countless railroads what were laid across the nation around the time of his dealing had made it impossible to travel to them, even if he had been released free to do so. He had made peace with that parting a long time ago, but it looked like the wound was still so fresh for Orion.
 
The weight was so heavy that Jacob wanted to return the favor in kind, wanted to spill a secret of his own onto the floor and have their mutual experience blend in a frothy color between them, like mixing two type of paint to get a new color. But so vibrant and, in its own way, beautiful was Orion's story that Jacob did not want to risk sullying it his own, pale, watered down colors. All he could do was gaze upon Orion in the clearest brand of understanding and acceptance. There would not no judgment here, only open arms meant for catching. 
 
Not letting a silence pass long between them, not dreaming of making Orion feel like his telling was imperfect in the least, Jacob reached out and took Ri by the hand, letting his own come up Orion's arm, and trace the letters that were there. He let the tip of his finger move along the letters as if he were writing them out, enjoying the raise in the levels and textures of the skin. He loved how tattoos felt, he just wished he had enough resolve to settle on something to get inked himself.

“You don't have to explain yourself... I don't think I've ever had that, actually. I mean, I had a family... once. And I gave up something very important for them. But I've never felt the passion that you feel for it all. I've... never really been a part of anything that made my soul sing.” Jacob noticed the rain clouds moving in the same time Orion did, and sighed. Sure as salt, the luck could not hold out forever. Already, Jacob had images of their picnic being completely rained out, food destroyed, mood even more so... And then Orion asked to stay... and Jacob couldn't have been happier to get wet.
 
“Of course we can, baby boy. Of course we can stay.” The rain was not a problem. Now, if there was thunder involved, Jacob was very certain that he was not going to be earning any man points in the eyes of the Rom boy, but isn't that exactly what those big, strong arms were for? Falling into for protection, among other things? Gently, he leaned back on the blanket, coercing Orion to come back with him, so that he could spread himself against Jacob's chest, and the card sharp could hold him. Maybe a bit of rain is just want the doctor ordered.

[/justify]

::stop:: More snuggles?
::look:: Outfit
::listen:: Adult Swim
::you're it:: Orion
::the credit:: Jess <3

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[orion]

As Jacob's finger trailed over his history, Orion felt a pang knife deep within his heart. So much had been lost since before he wrapped his belt tight around his throat, so much that the boy was convinced he would never find again. "Now is the time, rise up Roma now, We will rise high if we act, O Roma, Fellow Roma…" His voice was soft, translating as the warm pad eased over the ink. His eyes flicked over to Jacob when he spoke of his family, a look of commiserating empathy warming the sky blue depths. Hearing that he had a family sent a knot to twist and rend in his stomach, in a way the chavo was not certain he liked.

To hear that family didn't sing to him in such a way, that he had given them up sent a slight xenophobic start through him. But Rye didn't want to associate him with 'every other giorgio and their lack of respect for blood and name'. It was his father's issues burning through his mind, scorching in anguish and making his skin crawl. Jake wasn't like that, and the fact that he had such a small setback of emotion had Orion ashamed of himself. It was a way of changing his behavior that to most seemed so simple and to him meant so much.

Sociopaths don't change their ways for just anything, after all.

As the rain continued to pitter and patter down upon them, Orion gave his companion a half smile. Brows pulled together as his mop of hair began to curl and wave in the humidity. As soon as he called him 'baby boy' all of the tension that was in his limbs faded away, melting in the cool and refreshing rain. After the ungodly heat of the last few days, the quick lightly brisk raindrops felt like heaven on his heated skin. "'Baby boy', I… I like that…" As Jacob eased them back onto the blanket and into his arms, Orion settled against the shorter man. Legs tucking along his side as his cheek instinctively nestled against his chest.

It was so much different than every other time he had laid beside someone. With Jared, he was usually pushed aside or pushed into something visceral and physical. Whenever Orion hit a point where he needed to stop, Jared would have a fit and deliberately refused to be touched. Even then, he still had a specific role; and Jared liked to be treated in a more feminine bent. And with the two giorgio girls, he had to be the strong one. The chest to be laid upon, the side to be tucked against. This simple reversal of roles had everything inside Orion relax to the point of eyes falling shut in reverie and muscles easing towards almost sleep. The tightening in his knee was manageable, the leather still warm from the bike ride over treated with enough mink oil to not pit in the soothing rain.

Trying to stifle a small yawn and failing, Orion blinked up at Jacob and sighed softly. "I can't remember the last time… I was this relaxed. Thank you." His free hand came up to rest lightly on Jacob's sternum, gaze watching the light fabric gain darker spots as Jacob's scent hit his nose. Nuzzling down closer and burrowing his nose into the fabric and warmth of his companion, Orion cooed softly. Toes stretching out in his boots in sheer delight. "Best day."

::stop:: Romani anthem mentioned in part. Rain cuddles, just because.
::look:: Outfit
::listen:: Bad Things by Jace Everett
::you're it:: Jacob
::the credit:: Jess <3

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[jacob]

The blanket underneath them, still untouched by the majority of the rain as the tree canopy protected the pair, was dry and warm and the slight chill that came with rain started to creep into their little glade. Their glade. Jacob was only going to think of it as theirs from now on. For the most part, the lunch had been forgotten, which was just fine with him if it meant that he got to have the pretty boy close to him. He didn't need to eat anyway, he just liked not being hungry.

But right now, even with the skies starting to part to give way to all that rain, he didn't really care too much for his own well being, just how wonderful it felt to be lying there. It was the least "sexual" that he had ever been with another man. Even the first man he had been with, in all his native and primal glory, had been focused on the physical attentions that they paid to each other. And that was not to say that he did not feel the rising heat of attraction to Orion Valentine. In fact, to not find the man gorgeous would be a crime against nature herself, and Jacob respected Mother Nature. But rather, he didn't feel a need to rush... he didn't feel the need to validate that someone liked him through the use of sex.

Just lying there was perfect in that moment. He breathed deep, taking in the scents, sniffing at the air that was scented almost like book and bird dust around them. It was a soft aroma, made even more profound by the moisture in the air. It was relaxing, almost involuntarily so, if there wasn't anywhere in the world where Jacob would rather be. Touching his chin to Orion's temple, he found his nose buried in Orion's hair, and he smiled against his skin. Taking a move that should not have seemed as massive as it was, Jacob dared...

In a gentle kiss, he laid his lips against Orion's temple, and let them linger there for a second, two, three. It was the least passionate he had ever kissed another man, and yet it was the most passionate he had ever felt. Such a simple move and he felt like he was being more daring in it than he had ever been before. So simple... but he felt it speaking volumes. "Best day..."

[/justify]

::stop:: ^_^
::look:: Outfit
::listen:: Fireplace!
::you're it:: Orion
::the credit:: Jess <3

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[ADMIN ASHLEY]