Glitch (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
aintnoconvict) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
taxonomites2012-06-25 11:27 am
aintnoconvict) wrote in taxonomites2012-06-25 11:27 am
052 [text | location: around the island] on the shore just long enough to leave our clothes there
Glitch is so very happy to be back on land where he's 100% less useless. Sure it's not the city (or home) but it's better than being on that miserable boat.
In the jungle (the mighty jungle) there is a large hamster idol carved from limestone. It sits up on its haunches and smiles a benevolent hamster smile, and atop its head is a floral headdress. More interestingly: its right paw is definitely a hatch touchpad, and it holds in its left paw the traditional hatch replicator box thing.
Glitch stares at it dubiously, then slaps his hand down and thinks desperately of toothpaste. The box produces a bottle of rum, which gets tucked into the satchel he's fashioned from the sleeves of his giant white pirate shirt. He tries again, this time thinking of ball-peen (...wait, who even came up with that name?) hammer and some nails. The hatch responds with directions for making a shelter with palm fronds and vines.
After some trial and error (and another bottle of rum and some paper umbrellas), the hatch does produce useful things like a length of insulated copper wire, a Hawaiian print shirt and some Bermuda shorts, a pair of pliers, and sunscreen.
"...well, it's a start," Glitch mutters, then hauls everything back to the shady spot he's claimed a little ways from the beach. There he lays the pliers and wire down beside the metal-containing ship debris that had washed up, and set about composing a text to everyone.
That done, he heads back into the jungle for his daily swim. The island is fortunately riddled with cenotes to provide drinking water and places to cool off without getting saltwater sticky. Glitch has found a favorite with a good mix of shade and sun, water crystal clear and deep enough for diving, and just secluded enough that he can get away with skinny dipping.
That last bit is likely inaccurate.
OOC: Oh hey it's another huge note! WELCOME TO THE ISLAND enjoy your naked headcase. He will be out there every day, so go bug him or join in and fret not about continuity. Or bump into him anywhere, godmoding of that nature is go. TABLET FOLKS: there is going to be so much handwaving with this plot I can't even tell you. To the point of "let's congratulate ourselves on how awesome our geniuses and electric lady are" and moving on with end results.
This post can also be used as a log post for non-Glitch related hijinks like setting up shelters, building rafts, and other mingling.
DETAILS ON THE TEMPLE: Think Temple of Doom meets Legends of the Hidden Temple meets The Mummy. There are 100% godmodey deathtraps, the nature and degree of dangerousness is totally up to you. There are also treasures...also godmodey, but a chest stuffed with toiletries is definitely in there somewhere.
DID GLITCH HEAR DRUMMING: Yes. Yes he did, and your folks may have too. ~Details to come~.
In the jungle (the mighty jungle) there is a large hamster idol carved from limestone. It sits up on its haunches and smiles a benevolent hamster smile, and atop its head is a floral headdress. More interestingly: its right paw is definitely a hatch touchpad, and it holds in its left paw the traditional hatch replicator box thing.
Glitch stares at it dubiously, then slaps his hand down and thinks desperately of toothpaste. The box produces a bottle of rum, which gets tucked into the satchel he's fashioned from the sleeves of his giant white pirate shirt. He tries again, this time thinking of ball-peen (...wait, who even came up with that name?) hammer and some nails. The hatch responds with directions for making a shelter with palm fronds and vines.
After some trial and error (and another bottle of rum and some paper umbrellas), the hatch does produce useful things like a length of insulated copper wire, a Hawaiian print shirt and some Bermuda shorts, a pair of pliers, and sunscreen.
"...well, it's a start," Glitch mutters, then hauls everything back to the shady spot he's claimed a little ways from the beach. There he lays the pliers and wire down beside the metal-containing ship debris that had washed up, and set about composing a text to everyone.
NOTES:
- Found a hatch, marked approx. location on map. Temperamental but will give useful stuff (!SUNSCREEN!) plus random items.
- The temple: have not explored, not sure if safe, be careful if you check it out. Do not go alone.
- Swear I heard drumming last night. Might be delusional.
TO DO:
- Work w/tablets. Have more tools & materials now. Power boost? Antenna? Help appreciated.
- Go back to ship for supplies: sailcloth, rope, anything useful. Build raft for this? Volunteers? (Not it!)
- Build hammock.
That done, he heads back into the jungle for his daily swim. The island is fortunately riddled with cenotes to provide drinking water and places to cool off without getting saltwater sticky. Glitch has found a favorite with a good mix of shade and sun, water crystal clear and deep enough for diving, and just secluded enough that he can get away with skinny dipping.
That last bit is likely inaccurate.
OOC: Oh hey it's another huge note! WELCOME TO THE ISLAND enjoy your naked headcase. He will be out there every day, so go bug him or join in and fret not about continuity. Or bump into him anywhere, godmoding of that nature is go. TABLET FOLKS: there is going to be so much handwaving with this plot I can't even tell you. To the point of "let's congratulate ourselves on how awesome our geniuses and electric lady are" and moving on with end results.
This post can also be used as a log post for non-Glitch related hijinks like setting up shelters, building rafts, and other mingling.
DETAILS ON THE TEMPLE: Think Temple of Doom meets Legends of the Hidden Temple meets The Mummy. There are 100% godmodey deathtraps, the nature and degree of dangerousness is totally up to you. There are also treasures...also godmodey, but a chest stuffed with toiletries is definitely in there somewhere.
DID GLITCH HEAR DRUMMING: Yes. Yes he did, and your folks may have too. ~Details to come~.
no subject
"You would suit a beard," he notes, as if remarking (very favourably) on an especially clement springtime afternoon.
[you did that just to get this icon]
"You think?" he remarked, now a bit distracted from the task at hand. "I don't remember ever having one, so that'd probably be new."
[well I had to do something! XD it's adorable! USE IT]
"Just like scars are distinguishing, though that is more a personal opinion of mine. Growing up, scarcely anyone who would call himself man went without. They were badges, you see. Badges of honour and victory over one's enemies."
no subject
And he follows Bagoas' gaze, over the strange webbing left by a shock stick, the mottled burn, the...mess of his left flank. He's made his peace with it all (mostly), knowing that he'll likely never remember and that was all right. It is a case of it not mattering if he understands the when, how, and why, so long as he knows what they are. Badges.
"And survival," Glitch adds softly. He's not sure if that's considered manly, whatever that was supposed to entail and someday he's going to have to sit Bagoas down and explain Ozian gender politics.
no subject
"Naturally," he says, watching his own hand continue the journey over Glitch's cheek, sinking his long fingers into the dark, heavy curls above his ear.
"I am very intimately acquainted with survival," he notes softly, the seriousness belied by the attentive glint in his eyes. "Perhaps where survival is concerned, we could each be mentor and pupil, one to the other."
no subject
"I'm sure we could, and will," he replies, thumb drifting across skin of its own volition. "And though you have driven me to complete distraction--" And continues to do so because the fingers in his hair thing is crossing a line into a massive demonstration of trust. "We should do the swimming thing too. Which is also survivaly."
no subject
And that, as they say, is that. "I think I'm ready to tread deeper waters now."
no subject
"...let's call it mutual distraction," he says, eyes widening just a little as he squeezes Bagoas' fingers. "All right then, here we go."
And he bends his knees to sink into the water, gentle pressure on his friends' shoulder to guide them down together.
no subject
It is a nice change from the stifling heat outside, though he's always been fond of the hot summers spent in his ancestral home.
Glitch's hands ground him more than the slick pebbles between his toes, his touch warm and soothing. "I admit I have my reservations about this," he offers quietly.
"I keep seeing gigantic eyes and teeth and wriggling extremities whenever I close my eyes. I've only heard tell of monsters like that. Mythical creatures...legends, long since slumbering at the bottom of the Sea."
no subject
"It was terrifying," he confesses. "And I-- there's no sea where I'm from, so no monster tales and I was still scared to jump in. But this place..."
He looks up and around at the rocks, the trees rustling in the wind, then back down to the clear blue water. "If it weren't for the one sun it could be home-ish, I think. And I dunno if it helps you but I feel safe here."
no subject
Bagoas is no fool, having always known to use his eyes. He thinks there is a bridge there, in his friend's warm, friendly countenance. Safe passing, if not a bridge. He must tread carefully.
Looking up, he gives Glitch's hands a soft pressing. "You are my...my sounding board for all manner of things. Is that right? 'Sounding board'?"
no subject
All of that aside (or perhaps in light of it), there is a bridge, or a harbor. Or just a man entranced, curious, and accepting, but also reserved. Thought...not so reserved that it keeps him from twisting one hand around to press a thumb to Bagoas' palm in response.
"It's right, I think," he says, blinking slowly. "Anything you need to say, I'll listen."
no subject
To go from his former station, to being completely free to choose with whom to spend his time is like stepping into another world altogether. Nevertheless, he has understood one thing long before setting foot in Taxon, long before finding himself short of breath and frozen to the spot at the sight of his friend enjoying the cool water without reservation: Openness is both beginning and end; if he is ever to find a way into Glitch's heart, he must be upfront.
He thinks he sees an opening, but he might as well be a camel passing through the entryway.* If he breathes heavier for the sudden weight of the moment, then so be it.
"You have always made me feel safe, ever since the first time I laid eyes upon you. There were moments I was overwhelmed, but it was never your doing, just a variety of elements conspiring against me. You've never disappointed me, despite your own misgivings on the matter."
He takes half a breath, steeling himself. "...when we return to the city proper, I should like to tell you many things. For now, I'll gladly settle for lessons in anything you could think of teaching me...and if it please you, ask to sleep beside you when night falls."
* 'a camel passing through the eye of the needle' is an old but fairly cemented, faulty translation. what the needle refers to is the smaller door beside the larger gates into the city, which you would go through after closing time, so to speak. makes it seem like a slightly less insurmountable task, doesn't it?
and shhh I know he predates the Bible by several hundred years.no subject
That, and he possesses his own innate drive to serve and to please which frequently clouds his thinking. Also there's the scared, grief-striken young man he'd carried home all those months ago and instantly become fiercely protective of him. From the city, from those who would take advantage, and thus in a way from himself.
Don't think of rosewater, don't think of golden limbs, or long soft hair, or everything being done with maddening grace, or dark-rimmed eyes and proud lips. Instead think of wit, boundless curiosity, excellent tea and crumbly cakes, the wisdom of an old soul, pure joy in music...oh, he's done for.
So Glitch says "Yes," and brings their hands together between them, then nods and says it again. "Yes, and...I think I've got things to say too. And I'll teach you to swim, and to waltz, and how to make windchimes and...and stuff."
Pause. "Sorry, I think I've run out of eloqeunce."
no subject
Then he speaks, and the air rushes out of Bagoas alongside a tremulous smile. His eyes shine, his spirits lift to the skies and his heart soars. The more Glitch speaks, the more he feels like dancing.
"Eloquence comes from the privilege of afterthought and contemplation, a privilege I've failed to provide at present," he informs his friend, feeling as though if he could grin any wider his face would split in half.
Shaking his head, he bends it, bringing Glitch's knuckles to his lips for a dry kiss. "There is no need for apologies. Come, teach me to float. I've not the first idea how you manage without giving in to the pull."
no subject
New and different and nice. But no giving in to the pull, there's world enough and time for all that.
"All right then," he says. "But to do that..." He sighs and reluctantly relinquishes hold of one hand. "I've got to do that. Now, if I relax--"
The arm floated up to the waters surface. "It's like when you were teaching me snake arms, remember? Light as a feather. We're made of two-thirds water, naturally we want to float."
no subject
He knows it sounds like a tease, and to some degree it is, but more on his own expense than anything else. It reminds him of Glitch's first taste of the Sea, and how he so calmly asked him to relax.
"Yes, quite," he says, then taking a deep breath rolls his shoulders to do just that. Relax. What a notion, to relax after coming to such an understanding as theirs, beside a man like Glitch with all his particulars and qualities...
But when he lets go of his thoughts, and Glitch's gentle guidance finally sinks in, it's much easier than he'd convinced himself. It's only natural, he reasons, that if his spirits soar, his body may follow suit and take the hand of nature.