[IC] DATE

[goddamnemperor]

[ he steps out of his room, dressed casually, save for an golden hawk pinned to his shirt ]

[ he also seems to be playing with something in his hands ]

Comments

[mind_over_metal]

You're looking quite sharp tonight.

[goddamnemperor]

It took longer than I expected. [tightening his cuffs] Usually Ghanima dresses me.

[mind_over_metal]

But not so long, I hope, that it's made you late for...?

[goddamnemperor]

[he says nothing, his buttons clicking softly]

I have a date with Machika. I... intend to make the most of it.

[mind_over_metal]

*a pause and some surprise -- but not displeased, not at all, and it melts quickly into affection*

What do you plan to do? Like, dinner? Or- oh. I- sorry. But you do have some plans, yes?

[goddamnemperor]

[he hesitates again, nodding]

I do. I realize that... I have put you in an awkward position. I should apologize for that, but I find, in my heart, that even now I am wanting. I know you want me. But you will never choose me and I find... that hurtful.

She will not choose me either, but I will spend a night with her. Perhaps it'll tide me through the centuries.

[mind_over_metal]

You have nothing to apologize for. What we... have, it's partially a product of the fact that I do... want you. More than that, though, I want you to be happy. It brings me great joy to see that.

She is quite charming.

[goddamnemperor]

You're dodging. Haven't I told you? I know everything.

[he steps closer to him, in his personal space] You want to say, "As much as I want you happy, I want you to stay. As much as I care, caring means to set things free" But I am no bird. I am a God. I am beyond your trivial social concerns.

[mind_over_metal]

*closes his eyes*

Let me let you walk away. It's the one thing I can do well.

[goddamnemperor]

...

[goddamnemperor]

[then he pulls away and heads towards the door]

... You are tired of being let go. I am tired of watching people let me go.

[mind_over_metal]

*with a helpless sincerity*

I really do hope that you have a good time tonight. I...

*a pause, then quietly*

...I'll be waiting.

[goddamnemperor]

[turns to look at him, surprised]

Why?

[drfeelgold]

[SOMETIME NOT LONG AFTER LETO LEAVES HIS CABIN let's say somewhere around Leto's path there is a puppy. a very adorable one]

[goddamnemperor]

[gives him a searching look before speaking]

Josh Foley.

[drfeelgold]

Hey, Leto.

[goddamnemperor]

Can I help you?

[drfeelgold]

Not unless you know a cure for this that doesn't involve cake. Or if you just want to throw a ball for me.

[goddamnemperor]

Ah, but you already know the answer to that.

[drfeelgold]

Figured it couldn't hurt to ask. So what're you up to, today?

[goddamnemperor]

... Can't you tell?

[drfeelgold]

Well, you're dressed for something but as I've yet to manifest any psychic abilities yet, I'm afraid that's about all I know.

[goddamnemperor]

I'm going on a date.

[drfeelgold]

If I had hands you'd so be getting a fist bump right now.

So who's the lucky gal or guy?

[goddamnemperor]

What's a fist bump? And it's a girl.