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.
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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.