[He's surprised too. But, also, surprise is always a good thing where Sym is concerned. As Dys approaches, he can only laugh again, and holds his hands out to catch a few stray drifts of snow. They melt everywhere they touch, except his tattered old coat.]
Observing! Look at this. Have you seen anything like it? [He holds his hands out, curled around what snow he's managed to collect.] It's terribly cold. And look! It turns to water.
Isn't it fascinating?
[He says all of this as if turning up in a random strange world is the most normal thing ever. He'll be concerned later, probably, when the reality of not connecting to the rest of the Array sets in.]
[It's hard not to be charmed by Sym, but that feeling is at war with the freezing cold and how considerably less impressed Dys is with the whole thing. He grew up seeing snow in old Earth media, after all, even if he never experienced it himself.]
I prefer the spark snow.
[It's not all cold and wet like this, and it's prettier, and it's different. He doesn't want anything from Earth.
Arms wrapped around himself in a pitiful attempt to stay warm – he doesn't even have the benefit of long sleeves – Dys instead looks around, squinting at what might be lights far in the distance through the trees.]
It's definitely cold, though. Can you freeze to death?
[Does Sym know what can kill him? Or care? Does he know what will happen to him if he dies here?]
[Sym laughs, bright and full of genuine amusement.] Ah, but you would, wouldn't you? [It's utterly fond, the way he says it.] I do understand, though - I have to admit, I am always enamored of new things.
[The part of the reason he'd even decided to show himself to the children, after all.]
[Though, he tilts his head, touching his chin with a long finger. It is cold, now that he's stopped hopping around like Elsa.] So it is... and. Ah. I'm not certain. It was never an issue on Vertumna...
[Then he trails off, studying Dys again.]
You're vibrating. [Shivering, Sym. And you are too.]
[The corner of Dys' mouth twitches upward slightly despite himself.]
It's called "shivering". It's a bad sign.
[He's pretty sure. It's not like he's an expert in Earth weather, but he did like his folklore and fantasy fiction growing up, and there were always stories of people having to take shelter from the cold and whatnot. He understands winter in theory, at least.]
And I'd rather not test that, so we should get moving. Come on–
[He has to hope Sym will actually listen and follow as he starts fighting through the snow towards what is hopefully civilization or something, because he's not sure how long his body will last out here and he'd rather not waste time trying to wrangle a whimsical alien. As it is, the metal of his gauntlets and chestpiece are freezing where they press against his skin and he's pretty sure that's really, really bad.]
[To say the least. It's like a very, very cold Wet out here. His coat offers a little protection, but not much. Not with the damp of the snow soaking through. His hair is even starting to feel wet.]
[It does take him a moment or two too long to follow after Dys than a normal person would have, but, even he can see the wisdom in getting out of this weather. He falls into step with Dys, long strides keeping an easy pace, even with the snow. It's... a struggle to move through. More than it ever was with the spark snow. More than anything on Vertumna had been.]
[All this is just reinforcing Dys' belief that he doesn't belong on Earth, or with humans. Even the weather seems to be against him. It's not like Vertumna, where everything felt connected and purposeful and he felt like he could be a part of it all. This is just...antagonistic. It's enough to make him relieved by the sight of civilization for once.]
Looks like it. Let's hope they're friendly.
[Whoever "they" are. The structures look like stuff he's seen in Earth media, but that doesn't necessarily guarantee humans. And frankly, humans suck. Humans definitely do not automatically guarantee safety. No walls or guards here, though. At least this place doesn't seem concerned with keeping outsiders out. Several buildings have a light or two on, but one seems especially lit up, so he angles for that one.]
[It's more hesitant than Sym usually is. He can tell being out here is bad. It's unhealthy for both of them, and without the link he usually feels... Getting a backup body may prove difficult. He would hate to put poor Dys through that difficulty.]
[He sets a hand on Dys' shoulder.] I cannot reveal myself. Not to other humans.
[As much as he would love to. Just move through their settlement, observe them, interact with them... Should they find a way back to Vertumna, and the Overseer knew?]
[As much as he's hurrying, that brings Dys to a halt, turning back to Sym as the hand is laid on his shoulder. His brows knit together, frustration and unease and worry all at once.]
Not going isn't an option. You could die out here. Doesn't that supersede the secrecy rules? You already broke those anyway.
[The fact that they're talking right now – that they've been talking for years – makes that pretty clear. This is a piss poor moment to start being a stickler for that one, Sym.]
[Normally, anyway. And he had gotten very good at schooling what information he shared. One or two humans was one thing. A whole colony...]
[It is cold. And Dys is very determined. And Sym is very curious.]
Perhaps they won't know I'm not human? [Says the purple-skinned, borzoi proportioned guy whose hair moves on its own. But he'll start walking again, regardless.]
[The concession has Dys exhaling in relief, relaxing again. Well, as much as he can relax while slowly developing frostbite, anyway. Dys keeps in step with Sym, shooting him a thoughtful sideways glance before just reaching up and pulling the hood of Sym's tattered jacket up over his head.]
There.
[The hood doesn't exactly cover all the purple skin, nor is a tall, suspiciously-hooded figure particularly inconspicuous, but hey, Sym has historically enjoyed playing the mysterious stranger.]
And I can do the talking, if you want.
[That's how you know he loves you. Dys wouldn't put himself on the front lines of human interaction for just anyone.]
[Seeing Dys' hand approach, he ducks his head a bit. The better to let Dys do what he likes. A blink, and then he smiles. Too wide, too bright - not just for the given situation, but in general.]
You are so very clever. I'd forgotten completely this garment had a hood.
[A beat, and that smile turns to something very soft and fond, instead. The hand still on Dys' shoulder moves to cup his cheek for a moment instead.]
Perhaps at first. I will try to memorize their patterns quickly. Thank you, sugarbug.
[Sym is so generous and unashamed with his compliments. Dys' cheeks flush slightly at the praise, and then that tinge of color suddenly deepens drastically as shit escalates into terms of endearment and face-touching territory. His shoulders hunch slightly, a little stiff and uncertain on the receiving end of that kind of contact, but he doesn't pull away, and after a moment he lifts a hand to cover Sym's long fingers on his cheek.]
Your hands are cold. Come on, let's hurry...
[Still a bit pink in the face, he carefully peels Sym's hand away to hold it in his and tugs the alien towards the hopefully-not-xenophobic colony.]
[Sym's eyes brighten a fraction, noting Dys' reaction. It's darling. It's fascinating. It's endearing. All sorts of things he thinks in that moment, especially when Dys' hand covers his own. He lets his fingers trail over the line of that flush, curiously, before he relents and gives the poor guy a breather.]
Oh... How strange.
[Like he literally hadn't noticed. He probably hadn't, really. Bodies like this are fascinating, are strange. He should really pay more attention. Now, he might have to. He sticks close, following behind Dys like a lanky shadow.]
[Huh. Dys knows he's never found anywhere really cold in all the surveys he's done of the areas around the colony, but maybe there's nowhere on the planet where it gets cold. Sym seems entirely unfamiliar with the concept. Not that Dys is that much more experiences, especially if Sym's been watching old human media.
Anyway. Sym's cold hand certainly doesn't help much to immediately warm his up. A beat, and then Dys steps a bit closer to tuck their joined hands inside one of the pockets in Sym's coat.]
[Experiencing it is new - so different than the media has it. It doesn't mention the tips of your fingers begin to hurt. Or your skin feels drier. He would love to experience more of it - feel every bit of what it has to offer. But if it's dangerous, then he'd best not.]
[He hums in surprise, but squeezes Dys' fingers in return.]
Perhaps I shouldn't be as excited as I am. Entering a human dwelling!
[Dys isn't, but he doesn't have the heart to dull Sym's joy. He can try to find some kind of silver lining here. Maybe it'll feel like exploring ancient ruins if he ignores the human aspect and the obvious current use. From his perspective, the design of the buildings ahead certainly look odd and dated, stuff he's only seen in holovids and whatnot.
There are definitely lights on in many windows, but one building is larger and more central, so he angles them towards that one. Maybe more of a public gathering place?]
[Dys is already doing a lot. He's willingly going into unknown human territory, offering to speak for both of them. As much as Sym wants to bounce on the balls of his feet for excitement, he does worry it would be too much. Especially if these unknown humans are loud, or pushy, or cloying in some way.]
[The buildings look...] I was expecting - hm. They seem like something out of those films about cabins on prairies!
[There's a turbulent mix of guilt and fondness at that – it feels oddly appropriate in a terrible way that he'd spoil someone else's happiness just by being there, but he can't help the rush of affection that comes in response to the consideration. Would anyone in the colony have ever cared about his feelings like that?
That's part of why he'd been ready to sabotage the colony and run away, after all, before finding himself here instead. It was a chance to escape, to feel connected to something for read for the first time in his life instead of out-of-place and unwanted, but then...well, somehow he ended up in this place instead. It feels like a cruel joke. He got half of what he wanted, but in such a monkey's paw sorta way...
At least Sym is here. That's a cool balm on the raw, open wound of dreams snatched away abruptly.
I think we watched very different vids.
[Or at least, Sym's indiscriminate appetite had already devoured plenty of movies Dys had never had any interest in himself. Did Sym even have to sleep, or did he just sit awake all night bingewatching everything Sol had given him?
Dys eyes the door for a moment, briefly wondering if he should knock before a chilling wind reminds him of the cold and he just tries the door instead. It opens easily, even nearly slamming open with the force of the wind before Dys manages to catch it.
It's hard to tell what time of day it is in this weather – is it dark because of the thick clouds blotting out the sun, or because it's the middle of the night? Whatever the answer, the lobby of the inn is empty despite the fire still burning cheerily in its hearth.]
[He laughs - yes, they probably did. But, on the other hand, Sym watched everything he could get his hands on. Every scrap Sol crammed onto the data stick. Voraciously. Like a starving man in a pantry.]
[But if there's any resentment for Dys not being as excited as he is, Sym doesn't show it. Of course Dys wouldn't be as entertained as he is! That's just who Dys is. How different the humans are from one another is just part of their wonderful charm. It just means he'll have to be delighted enough for the pair of them. Or something like that.]
Perhaps we did.
[It's almost lost in the wind, as the door is opened. As they both duck inside, Sym stepping more into the room before he can help himself. He almost pulls his hood down before he thinks better of it, opting instead to trail his fingers along the edges of it. Taking in everything with clear interest.]
[The fire -] Dys, come closer. It's much warmer. [He knows it's fire, he knows it's a fireplace, but he's mostly concerned over getting the two of them warmed.]
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sticksandbonesmods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
sticksandbones2025-01-03 12:00 pm
:D
[He's surprised too. But, also, surprise is always a good thing where Sym is concerned. As Dys approaches, he can only laugh again, and holds his hands out to catch a few stray drifts of snow. They melt everywhere they touch, except his tattered old coat.]
Observing! Look at this. Have you seen anything like it? [He holds his hands out, curled around what snow he's managed to collect.] It's terribly cold. And look! It turns to water.
Isn't it fascinating?
[He says all of this as if turning up in a random strange world is the most normal thing ever. He'll be concerned later, probably, when the reality of not connecting to the rest of the Array sets in.]
no subject
I prefer the spark snow.
[It's not all cold and wet like this, and it's prettier, and it's different. He doesn't want anything from Earth.
Arms wrapped around himself in a pitiful attempt to stay warm – he doesn't even have the benefit of long sleeves – Dys instead looks around, squinting at what might be lights far in the distance through the trees.]
It's definitely cold, though. Can you freeze to death?
[Does Sym know what can kill him? Or care? Does he know what will happen to him if he dies here?]
no subject
[The part of the reason he'd even decided to show himself to the children, after all.]
[Though, he tilts his head, touching his chin with a long finger. It is cold, now that he's stopped hopping around like Elsa.] So it is... and. Ah. I'm not certain. It was never an issue on Vertumna...
[Then he trails off, studying Dys again.]
You're vibrating. [Shivering, Sym. And you are too.]
no subject
It's called "shivering". It's a bad sign.
[He's pretty sure. It's not like he's an expert in Earth weather, but he did like his folklore and fantasy fiction growing up, and there were always stories of people having to take shelter from the cold and whatnot. He understands winter in theory, at least.]
And I'd rather not test that, so we should get moving. Come on–
[He has to hope Sym will actually listen and follow as he starts fighting through the snow towards what is hopefully civilization or something, because he's not sure how long his body will last out here and he'd rather not waste time trying to wrangle a whimsical alien. As it is, the metal of his gauntlets and chestpiece are freezing where they press against his skin and he's pretty sure that's really, really bad.]
no subject
[To say the least. It's like a very, very cold Wet out here. His coat offers a little protection, but not much. Not with the damp of the snow soaking through. His hair is even starting to feel wet.]
[It does take him a moment or two too long to follow after Dys than a normal person would have, but, even he can see the wisdom in getting out of this weather. He falls into step with Dys, long strides keeping an easy pace, even with the snow. It's... a struggle to move through. More than it ever was with the spark snow. More than anything on Vertumna had been.]
Those lights - A colony?
no subject
Looks like it. Let's hope they're friendly.
[Whoever "they" are. The structures look like stuff he's seen in Earth media, but that doesn't necessarily guarantee humans. And frankly, humans suck. Humans definitely do not automatically guarantee safety. No walls or guards here, though. At least this place doesn't seem concerned with keeping outsiders out. Several buildings have a light or two on, but one seems especially lit up, so he angles for that one.]
no subject
[It's more hesitant than Sym usually is. He can tell being out here is bad. It's unhealthy for both of them, and without the link he usually feels... Getting a backup body may prove difficult. He would hate to put poor Dys through that difficulty.]
[He sets a hand on Dys' shoulder.] I cannot reveal myself. Not to other humans.
[As much as he would love to. Just move through their settlement, observe them, interact with them... Should they find a way back to Vertumna, and the Overseer knew?]
no subject
Not going isn't an option. You could die out here. Doesn't that supersede the secrecy rules? You already broke those anyway.
[The fact that they're talking right now – that they've been talking for years – makes that pretty clear. This is a piss poor moment to start being a stickler for that one, Sym.]
no subject
[Normally, anyway. And he had gotten very good at schooling what information he shared. One or two humans was one thing. A whole colony...]
[It is cold. And Dys is very determined. And Sym is very curious.]
Perhaps they won't know I'm not human? [Says the purple-skinned, borzoi proportioned guy whose hair moves on its own. But he'll start walking again, regardless.]
BORZOI PROPORTIONS.......
There.
[The hood doesn't exactly cover all the purple skin, nor is a tall, suspiciously-hooded figure particularly inconspicuous, but hey, Sym has historically enjoyed playing the mysterious stranger.]
And I can do the talking, if you want.
[That's how you know he loves you. Dys wouldn't put himself on the front lines of human interaction for just anyone.]
fingerguns
You are so very clever. I'd forgotten completely this garment had a hood.
[A beat, and that smile turns to something very soft and fond, instead. The hand still on Dys' shoulder moves to cup his cheek for a moment instead.]
Perhaps at first. I will try to memorize their patterns quickly. Thank you, sugarbug.
[He knows, and he is touched.]
no subject
Your hands are cold. Come on, let's hurry...
[Still a bit pink in the face, he carefully peels Sym's hand away to hold it in his and tugs the alien towards the hopefully-not-xenophobic colony.]
no subject
Oh... How strange.
[Like he literally hadn't noticed. He probably hadn't, really. Bodies like this are fascinating, are strange. He should really pay more attention. Now, he might have to. He sticks close, following behind Dys like a lanky shadow.]
no subject
Anyway. Sym's cold hand certainly doesn't help much to immediately warm his up. A beat, and then Dys steps a bit closer to tuck their joined hands inside one of the pockets in Sym's coat.]
no subject
[He hums in surprise, but squeezes Dys' fingers in return.]
Perhaps I shouldn't be as excited as I am. Entering a human dwelling!
no subject
[Dys isn't, but he doesn't have the heart to dull Sym's joy. He can try to find some kind of silver lining here. Maybe it'll feel like exploring ancient ruins if he ignores the human aspect and the obvious current use. From his perspective, the design of the buildings ahead certainly look odd and dated, stuff he's only seen in holovids and whatnot.
There are definitely lights on in many windows, but one building is larger and more central, so he angles them towards that one. Maybe more of a public gathering place?]
no subject
[Dys is already doing a lot. He's willingly going into unknown human territory, offering to speak for both of them. As much as Sym wants to bounce on the balls of his feet for excitement, he does worry it would be too much. Especially if these unknown humans are loud, or pushy, or cloying in some way.]
[The buildings look...] I was expecting - hm. They seem like something out of those films about cabins on prairies!
no subject
That's part of why he'd been ready to sabotage the colony and run away, after all, before finding himself here instead. It was a chance to escape, to feel connected to something for read for the first time in his life instead of out-of-place and unwanted, but then...well, somehow he ended up in this place instead. It feels like a cruel joke. He got half of what he wanted, but in such a monkey's paw sorta way...
At least Sym is here. That's a cool balm on the raw, open wound of dreams snatched away abruptly.
I think we watched very different vids.
[Or at least, Sym's indiscriminate appetite had already devoured plenty of movies Dys had never had any interest in himself. Did Sym even have to sleep, or did he just sit awake all night bingewatching everything Sol had given him?
Dys eyes the door for a moment, briefly wondering if he should knock before a chilling wind reminds him of the cold and he just tries the door instead. It opens easily, even nearly slamming open with the force of the wind before Dys manages to catch it.
It's hard to tell what time of day it is in this weather – is it dark because of the thick clouds blotting out the sun, or because it's the middle of the night? Whatever the answer, the lobby of the inn is empty despite the fire still burning cheerily in its hearth.]
no subject
[But if there's any resentment for Dys not being as excited as he is, Sym doesn't show it. Of course Dys wouldn't be as entertained as he is! That's just who Dys is. How different the humans are from one another is just part of their wonderful charm. It just means he'll have to be delighted enough for the pair of them. Or something like that.]
Perhaps we did.
[It's almost lost in the wind, as the door is opened. As they both duck inside, Sym stepping more into the room before he can help himself. He almost pulls his hood down before he thinks better of it, opting instead to trail his fingers along the edges of it. Taking in everything with clear interest.]
[The fire -] Dys, come closer. It's much warmer. [He knows it's fire, he knows it's a fireplace, but he's mostly concerned over getting the two of them warmed.]