[ He must be sore about the fact that Alastor won't give a straightforward answer. It's more direct than he'd be without anyone else, but he doesn't care to give the details. As far as he's concerned, they don't really matter. ]
You won't even let me out of a chair.
[ The truth is, he doesn't have a taste for travel, and it isn't as though Vox were the only one who had noticed how dead the airwaves were. It was a connection to someone that didn't offer any closeness, though he doesn't think of it as such. In fact, he stopped noticing it at all after the first couple years.
That is, he supposes, one more reason that Vox has never managed to replace him. He quite literally can't connect or communicate with anyone else in the same way. He doubts that anyone else would even understand it.
The temptation to double down and point out that he came back is there, but after further internal debate he makes a different sort of decision.
He hasn't been paying much attention to it, but he thinks the movie is nearing its end. So he matches Vox's glare with his usual calm. ]
Well, I won't ask you to let me go all that far, but let me up for a moment here. [ He reaches into the glass, snuffing it out on the side of the glass before dropping it down, ] Ninety seconds.
[ That might be a bit suspicious, given that he hasn't asked for anything at all up until now. Vox is stubborn enough that he might dismiss it out of hand, too, and that might be even more satisfying than being accommodated for being able to forever deny him the why for this unusual ask. ]
[Vox watches Alastor for a moment longer, trying to pierce that smug calm that always serves as a barrier. He fails miserably, as always. There's no way to know what Alastor's thinking or planning, no way to know the consequences of any favors he asks. The deal was imprisonment, so running away isn't an option, but sabotage is. Or just being a pain in the ass with another mean little cocktease move. But then... Vox keeps gravitating back towards Alastor regardless of all these tricks. It's just how they function. Maybe, after all these years, he's even become dependent on it.]
What, you gotta go take a piss?
[It's more of a joke than anything else. An offhand quip to try and get across that he's not really too worried. Subconsciously, he'd already agreed before even weighing the options. The cables loosen their hold, then slowly retract to give Alastor full freedom. Even so, he's ready to take it right back at a second's notice.]
[ He doesn't need to be released to do any of those things.
In truth, he had been waiting to see which way it would go. Vox is predictable, but he's moody. He acquiesces to Alastor in a way he won't others, but that doesn't mean he won't double down if he feels slighted. He does, though, and Alastor sets his mental countdown as he stands up. ]
I've been meaning to ask you: What are you and Valentino? Are you really just business partners?
[ He asks as he begins the process of dusting himself off and smoothing out wrinkles in his clothes as he asks the question. It's not the most important thing in the world, but there's a reason he approximated needing ninety. He needs time to put himself back in working order. But somewhere in that, he does too pay Vox a glance to signify that he is asking in earnest.
Now, why he would ask that is anyone's guess, but Alastor has a reason for everything that he does, and Vox should at least know that he tends to believing in minding one's business. Business is one thing, but personal relationships with others is another. It's something he neither questions nor comments on. He'd rather not here, even, but he's decided this to be necessary information. ]
[The question feels like a mockery. There's something in the tone of voice and that sideways glance to indicate real intent, but the context is what makes it feel off. Besides, Vox doesn't like the question regardless of where it came from. Doesn't like sticking a label on it, because that relationship is meant to be flexible. It's has to suit whatever Vox needs from Val in that moment. That's what it's all about, in the end: gain.
He watches Alastor closely. Not just the physical movements, but the facial reactions. Something inside him braces again. Walls are put up to protect himself from whatever inane bullshit is about to be flung his way.]
Yeah, we are. We're partners in all sorts of transactions. [And Vox really doesn't need to say what those transactions are out loud, because Alastor's already seen it play out up close.]
Go on, do indulge me. What else did you think we could be?
[ Alastor rolls his shoulders in response. He has his own suspicions that Valentino wants to have Vox's undivided attention, and perhaps that it is genuine, or perhaps it isn't. It's none of Alastor's business. Likewise, Vox might be honest here, or perhaps not, but that's not for him to decide.
He has his suspicions. He has his own thoughts on the matter. It's still not his business. ]
What does it matter? You've answered my question.
[ But he has seen it play out up close, and he has seen what he has, so he felt the need to confirm. He turns on his heel, standing in front of Vox, leaning forward just slightly. There's a touch of trepidation to his movements, complete with his hands clasping behind his back despite there being nothing to hold, but nothing more. That expression is ever hard to read, but there's no malice. ]
But as you know, I'm quite old fashioned...
[ He's giving Vox exactly two seconds to stop him for whatever it is that he has in mind because if not immediately shoved away, he's going to make his move here. ]
[It absolutely fucking matters to Vox, because to raise the question at all implies that there were alternative answers. Something that's not business partners (with benefits). Vox already made it perfectly clear how he feels about love, so there isn't a rank up from that business partners thing. Not anymore, anyway. That hypothetical partnership with more meaning was scrubbed seven decades ago.
Alastor goes to stand in front of him, even leans forward, and Vox does nothing to stop it. He considers pointing out that Alastor's blocking the screen, but even that doesn't get put into action. He's too drunk and too curious what the point is. While he sits up straighter and his eyes narrow further, those two seconds pass in utter silence.]
[ It does imply that, but he really does have all of two seconds, because Alastor's reason for asking is that he's ever stuck in that gentlemanly attitude, and so he would otherwise be a homewrecker.
He does have this sense that Valentino wants something more. Why that might be, he does not question of care, because all he needed was that little bit of confirmation. ]
... So I couldn't have done this otherwise.
[ There's that sly grin, and Alastor works as he speaks. He's quite quick about it, and by the final word one hand is on Vox's shoulder, and the other resting on the bottom of Vox's screen. It's not a harsh grip in the least. It's only meant to allow him to tilt Vox's head up, and to hold it in place if needed. It is, in fact, unusually delicate.
Alastor doesn't want anything to change. He could never accept anything serious. He's made his feelings a hundred times over in this conversation. Vox knows that, and so he can do this. He can play along with this last part of this stupid performance, this ridiculous sham of a date - ]
... "I had a wonderful time tonight. Let's do this again soon."
[ Those words come out, and quite before Vox can respond he'll press a kiss against the other. It's a strange experience, but the chaste nature of it allows him to ignore most concerns, and he pushes off the other's shoulder with the hand that had been placed there. Punctuate as always, it does wind up being at precisely the ninety-second remark that he's back in his seat, and as he flops down he continues on - ]
- You're supposed to say something like that, anyway. It's been awhile.
[Some little part of Vox, lurking far back in the shadows of his mind, was hoping a kiss might happen at some point. Is now entertaining the intrusive thought of 'what if he leans in?' with a curious voice. That little part is mocked and ridiculed by the rest of him for its naivety. Alastor would never, and this evening alone was already full of little teases that got Vox's hopes up for nothing. The hand on his torso, the foot pulling at his ankle, the popcorn feeding bait... No, it's all just a mockery. A game that Vox himself set up, and Alastor is playing along. None of it would happen for real.
A hand touches down on his shoulder. Another grabs his screen. He still doesn't believe it. Alastor speaks the sham words, the fake promise of a repeat, and Vox is convinced that that's where it'll end. Alastor will sit back down and pretend nothing happened, and that will be the end of it.
How wrong he is.
As soon as Alastor's mouth presses against his own, he freezes in his seat, shoulders hunching and blush shooting across his screen. It's brief and surface level, more of a peck than anything else, but it has the impact of a sledgehammer directly to the sternum.]
[Once Alastor pulls away, Vox transitions straight into a 'no signal' screen, his thought processes crashing so hard that he's basically dissociated. It holds for a good five seconds before a loud rush of static escorts him back to the present.]
Is Vox winning or is he losing? Did he get one-upped or did he just get what he wanted? He's so confused and all he can do is plaster on a weak smile.]
That- Uh- Yeah. That's... That's a thing you could say.
[ Alastor brings his index and middle fingers up to touch his lips. It was a unique experience to kiss a TV. There was no good way to angle his head so his nose didn't brush up against it, and the sensation isn't like anything he's had before. There's no real taste, given how chaste it was, but that might have been different too - flavored with gin and smoke, and a little something else. And if he's been in Hell far too long to think that hard on it, well - it is still a bit odd to kiss another man. It's something new for him, and he's not altogether sure how it feels.
Fortunately, he doesn't need to think too hard about it. This entire date is just performative anyway. Alastor has made his feelings quite clear.
More relevant is the reaction that he gets, which is not quite what he expected. There's a little giggle as the man loses his signal, because that's far more than he would have ever predicted in response to something so small. He once more thinks that after his little display of exhibitionism, Vox has no excuse to act so dramatically in response to the smallest form of affection. ]
Wonderful! It's been so long, I thought I might have forgotten the proper etiquette... I do believe that you're supposed to wait until you've seen your partner home, but that's not really an option here.
[ Their living situation means that it would just be awkward, actually. But he is pleased with the reaction. ]
[Vox continues to be conflicted for a while longer, trying to puzzle out which step of 5D chess they're on at the moment. Only then does he realize that spending time on it at all could already be part of a trap. Exactly what Alastor wants him to do. He needs to not overthink it and instead just play it off as something casual. Frivolous and mundane.
The movie's finished its big climactic moment, he realizes when he focuses on the screen again. It's just wrapping up a few loose ends, telling the audience the moral of the story all over again (as if they hadn't emphasized it three times already). He doubts he missed much.
A furrow of the brow, then he looks Alastor's way again, head tilted lightly to the side. He's still got that weak smile on his face, too.]
You know that was the etiquette like... a hundred years ago, right Al? Things change! You don't have to walk your date home anymore, don't have to pay for dinner... And you can just bang it out on the first date if you're both hot for each other. Nobody gives a shit about it anymore!
[ He still has that weak smile... The criteria is a bit much though. Alastor is using his newfound freedom to comfortably fold his arms over his chest and to cross his legs. ]
I would hope that you would at least do the former.
[ As for the latter... Well, he's closing one eye and looking with the other, not entirely offended, but waiting for him to backpedal on the latter. He's not really concerned about the real meaning of Christmas that he's heard plenty of times, or whatever the message of the story is supposed to be. ]
['At least the former'... That statement haunts Vox a little. Not that Alastor's the type of guy to say what he thinks about that last one. And it doesn't even matter, because they're talking about dating standards in general and not whatever this is.
He waves a dismissive hand, sinking back in his seat, gaze returning to the movie.]
I do whatever I feel like. Not that it matters. I haven't been on a real date in... [He trails off for a long moment, brow furrowing.] ... Yeah. Shit. Twenty years ago?
[Because this doesn't count as a real date, and while he did try some semblance of dates with Valentino at the beginning of their partnership, that effort got watered down real fast. Now having dinner together is literally just having dinner together, and the sex is dependent on whether their schedules allow for it.]
[ It's been nearly a century since Alastor last went on one. What point would there be now? Love is found in life, not Hell. Even if he were so inclined, he lacks the freedom needed to pursue frivolous things. There were too many possible implications. ]
That's because you lack both the charm and sense of romance needed to date.
[ Granted, a sense of romance is the last thing that anyone would associate with the notorious radio demon. But even if he doesn't indulge, he finds pieces of it to be charming. Besides, he's not being all that serious. Men of business often marry, but never have time for wives. ]
It's the little things that matter most.
[ He'll demonstrate by taking Vox's hand and kissing the back of it. ]
[Vox rolls his eyes without even really thinking about it. Charm might be needed to date, but romance sure isn't. Dates haven't been about that for ages, and they certainly aren't about that in Hell. He could absolutely go on a real date with someone if he wanted to. He just doesn't. He's too busy amassing power.
The little things comment barely registers, but the fact that his hand is taken startles him back into full awareness. He blinks and looks Alastor's way just in time to see the man's mouth touch down near his knuckles.
... Oh.
He sits absolutely frozen, unwilling to move his hand even in the slightest in case it causes something bad to happen. And maybe if he stays still, Alastor will... kiss it again...???]
It's true that romance is either neither necessary nor wanted as much as instant gratification, and he'll make no further argument. It's all just banter, anyway. Neither of them are going to be dating anyone. But he can't help but chuckle at the way that Vox stills in response. He really is simple.
He's in luck today, because Alastor will humor him by dipping his head down and brush his lips against the top of Vox's hand once more. He'll set the other man's hand down after, not quite trusting him to take it back on his own. ]
[Vox assumed that he would sooner have his hand bitten off than have Alastor go in for a second kiss to the knuckles, but 'lo and behold, it happens anyway. And then his hand is set back down just fine. No bodily harm, no snide remarks, nothing. He can't believe it. Can't trust it. But it happened, so he can't deny it either.
After a few furious blinks, his hand retracts all the way and comes to land on his own leg again. He tries so hard to be normal about this, but it's only the strangulation of a much more intense reaction, diminishing it down to an awkward stammer.]
That's... One of the little things, huh? Yeah, I guess in a real first date that's... That's a pretty safe gesture. Real fuckin' gentlemanly.
[ As much as he would love to take a finger off as payment for this little lesson, he agreed to play nice at the start of all this, and so Vox can get away unscathed. He can settle for the satisfaction of showcasing the difference between the two of them. Alastor has a natural charm and understanding of etiquette that Vox lacks. Or rather, he simply views the world differently: Men should carry with them a polished, refined manner and an amicable desire to please. He doesn't indulge in either as much these days (or at least not with men,) but he hasn't forgotten how.
But he will nod in agreement. ]
Of course it is. It's a token of regard. Affection is won and kept through gentle courtesy.
[ Not whatever the fuck is going on here in Hell. ]
['Gentle courtesy', yeah right. Vox always thought that sort of thing is easy to fake. Hollow, even. Hold the door open for a lady, pull back her chair for her, bring her flowers on the first date... He used to do all those things because it was expected of him, and technically because he expected something in return, but not as a token of respect or affection. It was transactional.
And here in Hell... Well. He doesn't do any of it here in Hell. He's pretty sure Val would either laugh in his face, or assume it's part of some elaborate, kinky roleplay.]
I still say it's old-fashioned. [His hands curl in his lap, and he looks up towards the movie screen to see the film ease itself into the end credits.] ... Out of place here, anyway. Maybe in Heaven they still do shit like that.
[ Alastor finally averts his gaze with that final statement. There's something uniquely amusing about the idea of making those offerings in Heaven, and the more he thinks about it, the funnier it gets. After all, what need is there for courting in paradise? Any offerings they make one another was akin to take a coin from one bottomless pile and tossing it into another. Nothing is lost and nothing is gained. ]
For lack of anything better to do, perhaps. Heaven has no more need of courtship than Hell does.
[ What reason was there for all the charming, doting, and courtesies if not to satisfy one's needs? Plenty, but for the majority it was about sex and appearances. But here in this place, one didn't even need to bother with a first date for sex, and there were no social standards to conform to. One can live freely. That's why Alastor favors it. ]
Sinners aren't looking for affection, and overlords least of all, so why bother?
[ Sinners are by large just as that angel had said - power hungry and violent, and overlords most of all. But if one were to, the rules would be the same as they ever were. ]
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no subject
You won't even let me out of a chair.
[ The truth is, he doesn't have a taste for travel, and it isn't as though Vox were the only one who had noticed how dead the airwaves were. It was a connection to someone that didn't offer any closeness, though he doesn't think of it as such. In fact, he stopped noticing it at all after the first couple years.
That is, he supposes, one more reason that Vox has never managed to replace him. He quite literally can't connect or communicate with anyone else in the same way. He doubts that anyone else would even understand it.
The temptation to double down and point out that he came back is there, but after further internal debate he makes a different sort of decision.
He hasn't been paying much attention to it, but he thinks the movie is nearing its end. So he matches Vox's glare with his usual calm. ]
Well, I won't ask you to let me go all that far, but let me up for a moment here. [ He reaches into the glass, snuffing it out on the side of the glass before dropping it down, ] Ninety seconds.
[ That might be a bit suspicious, given that he hasn't asked for anything at all up until now. Vox is stubborn enough that he might dismiss it out of hand, too, and that might be even more satisfying than being accommodated for being able to forever deny him the why for this unusual ask. ]
no subject
What, you gotta go take a piss?
[It's more of a joke than anything else. An offhand quip to try and get across that he's not really too worried. Subconsciously, he'd already agreed before even weighing the options. The cables loosen their hold, then slowly retract to give Alastor full freedom. Even so, he's ready to take it right back at a second's notice.]
... No funny business.
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In truth, he had been waiting to see which way it would go. Vox is predictable, but he's moody. He acquiesces to Alastor in a way he won't others, but that doesn't mean he won't double down if he feels slighted. He does, though, and Alastor sets his mental countdown as he stands up. ]
I've been meaning to ask you: What are you and Valentino? Are you really just business partners?
[ He asks as he begins the process of dusting himself off and smoothing out wrinkles in his clothes as he asks the question. It's not the most important thing in the world, but there's a reason he approximated needing ninety. He needs time to put himself back in working order. But somewhere in that, he does too pay Vox a glance to signify that he is asking in earnest.
Now, why he would ask that is anyone's guess, but Alastor has a reason for everything that he does, and Vox should at least know that he tends to believing in minding one's business. Business is one thing, but personal relationships with others is another. It's something he neither questions nor comments on. He'd rather not here, even, but he's decided this to be necessary information. ]
no subject
He watches Alastor closely. Not just the physical movements, but the facial reactions. Something inside him braces again. Walls are put up to protect himself from whatever inane bullshit is about to be flung his way.]
Yeah, we are. We're partners in all sorts of transactions. [And Vox really doesn't need to say what those transactions are out loud, because Alastor's already seen it play out up close.]
Go on, do indulge me. What else did you think we could be?
no subject
He has his suspicions. He has his own thoughts on the matter. It's still not his business. ]
What does it matter? You've answered my question.
[ But he has seen it play out up close, and he has seen what he has, so he felt the need to confirm. He turns on his heel, standing in front of Vox, leaning forward just slightly. There's a touch of trepidation to his movements, complete with his hands clasping behind his back despite there being nothing to hold, but nothing more. That expression is ever hard to read, but there's no malice. ]
But as you know, I'm quite old fashioned...
[ He's giving Vox exactly two seconds to stop him for whatever it is that he has in mind because if not immediately shoved away, he's going to make his move here. ]
no subject
Alastor goes to stand in front of him, even leans forward, and Vox does nothing to stop it. He considers pointing out that Alastor's blocking the screen, but even that doesn't get put into action. He's too drunk and too curious what the point is. While he sits up straighter and his eyes narrow further, those two seconds pass in utter silence.]
no subject
He does have this sense that Valentino wants something more. Why that might be, he does not question of care, because all he needed was that little bit of confirmation. ]
... So I couldn't have done this otherwise.
[ There's that sly grin, and Alastor works as he speaks. He's quite quick about it, and by the final word one hand is on Vox's shoulder, and the other resting on the bottom of Vox's screen. It's not a harsh grip in the least. It's only meant to allow him to tilt Vox's head up, and to hold it in place if needed. It is, in fact, unusually delicate.
Alastor doesn't want anything to change. He could never accept anything serious. He's made his feelings a hundred times over in this conversation. Vox knows that, and so he can do this. He can play along with this last part of this stupid performance, this ridiculous sham of a date - ]
... "I had a wonderful time tonight. Let's do this again soon."
[ Those words come out, and quite before Vox can respond he'll press a kiss against the other. It's a strange experience, but the chaste nature of it allows him to ignore most concerns, and he pushes off the other's shoulder with the hand that had been placed there. Punctuate as always, it does wind up being at precisely the ninety-second remark that he's back in his seat, and as he flops down he continues on - ]
- You're supposed to say something like that, anyway. It's been awhile.
[ Not since he was still a living human. ]
1/3
A hand touches down on his shoulder. Another grabs his screen. He still doesn't believe it. Alastor speaks the sham words, the fake promise of a repeat, and Vox is convinced that that's where it'll end. Alastor will sit back down and pretend nothing happened, and that will be the end of it.
How wrong he is.
As soon as Alastor's mouth presses against his own, he freezes in his seat, shoulders hunching and blush shooting across his screen. It's brief and surface level, more of a peck than anything else, but it has the impact of a sledgehammer directly to the sternum.]
2/3
3/3
Is Vox winning or is he losing? Did he get one-upped or did he just get what he wanted? He's so confused and all he can do is plaster on a weak smile.]
That- Uh- Yeah. That's... That's a thing you could say.
no subject
Fortunately, he doesn't need to think too hard about it. This entire date is just performative anyway. Alastor has made his feelings quite clear.
More relevant is the reaction that he gets, which is not quite what he expected. There's a little giggle as the man loses his signal, because that's far more than he would have ever predicted in response to something so small. He once more thinks that after his little display of exhibitionism, Vox has no excuse to act so dramatically in response to the smallest form of affection. ]
Wonderful! It's been so long, I thought I might have forgotten the proper etiquette... I do believe that you're supposed to wait until you've seen your partner home, but that's not really an option here.
[ Their living situation means that it would just be awkward, actually. But he is pleased with the reaction. ]
no subject
The movie's finished its big climactic moment, he realizes when he focuses on the screen again. It's just wrapping up a few loose ends, telling the audience the moral of the story all over again (as if they hadn't emphasized it three times already). He doubts he missed much.
A furrow of the brow, then he looks Alastor's way again, head tilted lightly to the side. He's still got that weak smile on his face, too.]
You know that was the etiquette like... a hundred years ago, right Al? Things change! You don't have to walk your date home anymore, don't have to pay for dinner... And you can just bang it out on the first date if you're both hot for each other. Nobody gives a shit about it anymore!
no subject
I would hope that you would at least do the former.
[ As for the latter... Well, he's closing one eye and looking with the other, not entirely offended, but waiting for him to backpedal on the latter. He's not really concerned about the real meaning of Christmas that he's heard plenty of times, or whatever the message of the story is supposed to be. ]
no subject
He waves a dismissive hand, sinking back in his seat, gaze returning to the movie.]
I do whatever I feel like. Not that it matters. I haven't been on a real date in... [He trails off for a long moment, brow furrowing.] ... Yeah. Shit. Twenty years ago?
[Because this doesn't count as a real date, and while he did try some semblance of dates with Valentino at the beginning of their partnership, that effort got watered down real fast. Now having dinner together is literally just having dinner together, and the sex is dependent on whether their schedules allow for it.]
no subject
That's because you lack both the charm and sense of romance needed to date.
[ Granted, a sense of romance is the last thing that anyone would associate with the notorious radio demon. But even if he doesn't indulge, he finds pieces of it to be charming. Besides, he's not being all that serious. Men of business often marry, but never have time for wives. ]
It's the little things that matter most.
[ He'll demonstrate by taking Vox's hand and kissing the back of it. ]
no subject
The little things comment barely registers, but the fact that his hand is taken startles him back into full awareness. He blinks and looks Alastor's way just in time to see the man's mouth touch down near his knuckles.
... Oh.
He sits absolutely frozen, unwilling to move his hand even in the slightest in case it causes something bad to happen. And maybe if he stays still, Alastor will... kiss it again...???]
no subject
It's true that romance is either neither necessary nor wanted as much as instant gratification, and he'll make no further argument. It's all just banter, anyway. Neither of them are going to be dating anyone. But he can't help but chuckle at the way that Vox stills in response. He really is simple.
He's in luck today, because Alastor will humor him by dipping his head down and brush his lips against the top of Vox's hand once more. He'll set the other man's hand down after, not quite trusting him to take it back on his own. ]
Hm?
no subject
After a few furious blinks, his hand retracts all the way and comes to land on his own leg again. He tries so hard to be normal about this, but it's only the strangulation of a much more intense reaction, diminishing it down to an awkward stammer.]
That's... One of the little things, huh? Yeah, I guess in a real first date that's... That's a pretty safe gesture. Real fuckin' gentlemanly.
no subject
But he will nod in agreement. ]
Of course it is. It's a token of regard. Affection is won and kept through gentle courtesy.
[ Not whatever the fuck is going on here in Hell. ]
no subject
And here in Hell... Well. He doesn't do any of it here in Hell. He's pretty sure Val would either laugh in his face, or assume it's part of some elaborate, kinky roleplay.]
I still say it's old-fashioned. [His hands curl in his lap, and he looks up towards the movie screen to see the film ease itself into the end credits.] ... Out of place here, anyway. Maybe in Heaven they still do shit like that.
no subject
For lack of anything better to do, perhaps. Heaven has no more need of courtship than Hell does.
[ What reason was there for all the charming, doting, and courtesies if not to satisfy one's needs? Plenty, but for the majority it was about sex and appearances. But here in this place, one didn't even need to bother with a first date for sex, and there were no social standards to conform to. One can live freely. That's why Alastor favors it. ]
Sinners aren't looking for affection, and overlords least of all, so why bother?
[ Sinners are by large just as that angel had said - power hungry and violent, and overlords most of all. But if one were to, the rules would be the same as they ever were. ]