chaoticlootral | DICK CATCHALL

I'd refer you to mine, but she didn't make the trip to the hotel.

[ it's calm, even if it's an obvious joke? ]

It's not about having the right answer. It's about recognizing how you're feeling and having an outlet for that, even if it's just talking. ...Or baking. [ he lifts his half eaten cookie. ]

[He gives a smile at that, then, because yeah, he could use a joke right now? Also, Dick is being really sweet.]

Uh-huh. Do I seem like a person who typically handles their feelings well? [Not really harshly, but. Dick has met him? He's clearly a "jokes to hide the deeper, weirder shit" kinda person.] I feel . . . bad. You? And I typically don't give a shit about other people's feelings, for the record.

Nope, but I don't think I know anyone who handles their feelings well.

[ it's wry, though. also dick stares at his friend circle and then looks away to stare at his batfamily and then just prays for superheroes to get their shit together

anyway. dick smiles back, a little, at taako asking ]

I get to add "watching people melt alive" to my ever-growing list of traumas, so that's cool. [ but first taako is in good company with the jokes to hide deeper, weirder shit problems, yikes ] I won't lie and say I'm not worried about everything that's going on. Or... angry about most of it. But I've been fighting impossible situations for most of my life. I'll get by.

[That's the funny thing - Taako does know people who handle their feelings. Who are able to talk about the things that hurt them, or seek affection from someone without being real fucking weird about it, or tell someone that they feel awful without dancing around it for a million years. And normally they're in these situations with him? He's deeply lonely right now in a way he's not able to say out loud, though it's a little better with Dick here. At least they seem to understand each other's wavelengths to a degree.]

I think you'll be, uh, alright. I've managed to scrape through most impossible situations before this one and you seem much smarter than me. Also, you got a great ass, so you'll be fine on the other front too.

[ dick... smirks ]

Thanks. [ he doesn't even try for false modesty? wow ] But I wasn't too worried about myself. [ he tilts his head, a bit, like he's considering Taako. ] You think you'll be alright on both fronts?

[ it's idle, like a simple question and not "yo think you can get Laid" ]

[Hey, flaunt it if you got it. Taako's not gonna judge him for being real about it? Taako . . . definitely breaks down into giggles at that fuckin' question? Dick? What a stupid way to ask that. ]

Are you really asking me if I think I can get laid?

[Closes. Eyes.]

You really know how to make a guy feel super great about himself, don't ya?

That's... not quite how I meant it. [ he grins and shrugs, a bit sheepish, before clarifying: ] I was getting around to asking if you needed any help with it, actually.

[ he says it lightly, with another shrug

yea ]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know it's not.

[This is actually an interesting dilemma, Dick. He kind of figured Dick might offer his services here - a cute boy with a great ass and a superhero complex offering to save Taako's life is definitely like doing it for him

but at the same time. Yeesh?

He really didn't want to come here with the intention solely of getting his freak on. This talk just makes it more difficult because now he's thinking insane things like oh I actually enjoy conversation with this person and that just makes it feel . . . icky. Maybe he doesn't like feeling like he needs to be saved. Maybe Taako just wants to have someone here who doesn't think he's trying to use him.]

Did you actually want to, homie, or do you think I'm just, uh, trollin' for some D?

[ the question seems to give him pause, and he tilts his head a bit as he considers. ]

Is there a middle ground option that doesn't make it sound like I expect the worst from you? [ because. those options are... worded in a way that he doesn't know how to feel about, currently. ] I wouldn't offer if I didn't want to-- and you do look like you'd be a lot of fun-- but I won't lie and say I didn't think maybe that was part of the reason you came to see me. Considering what we just learned.

[Snorting! It's a laugh, but also a little bit in fear. Like a goddamn horse.]

Fine, fine, it's just most people do expect the worst from me! You should lower your expectations. And I am, like, super fun. Listen, I didn't-- [Well you can't just lie to the guy.] You're smart, so I won't completely lie to you, I did admit that the cookies were sort of a bribe.

[Pausing, while he mulls it over.]

I mean, if you really think I need the help that badly . . .

I think I'll keep my expectations right where they are.

[ it's wry, a bit, and he's looking at Taako while he talks, still calm on his end. But he hears the little bit of fear and he's not one hundred percent if it's about the situation, the offer, or that Taako had to mildly talk emotions. So, reflexively, he leans back, hands open in front of him and body language loose, as if to imply he's not a threat. ]

Look, it's an open offer. There's no time limit on it. You can decide if you want-- or need, sure-- it whenever you want.

[ i mean, there's no time limit on the offer, but there's maybe like, a time limit on when the sex needs to be done, like, every week, but let's not go there ]

[It's kind of all three. But especially the having to mildly talk emotions. It does not put him in the mood, much like Dick acting like he's gonna fall on a sword for him. God. Dick, you're so hot, and so smart, but also kinda dumb? Taako just stands up, brushing his lap off and fixing his hair for a second before he sidles over.

He then just, puts both hands on Dick's cheeks and plants one on him. Then pulls back to grin at him.]

Listen, pumpkin, I'm gonna give this thing a whirl on my own, because it ain't like Taako is out here without options. But if I really need a rescue, I'll come fulfill your kink . . . alright?

[ the kiss doesn't surprise him-- but taako pulling away and what he says does, a little, and he can't help but laugh a bit. there's a little tension let out from his shoulders, but it's not because he's relieved taako said no; he's just relieved the guy sounds a little more like himself now.

even if it is at dick's expense. still, he's grinning when he mock complains: ]

Please don't call the hero thing a kink. It's called a complex. [ he's like? mildly? self-aware? ]

DICK CATCHALL

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject