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[Well, Stolas IS going for hopeful and intentional so Gold isn't fooling himself, even if he thinks he might be. In fact, his compliment makes Stolas blush a little himself as he smooths his hands down the front of the vest, pleased that the outfit he chose specifically for this garnered attention.]

I'm happy to know someone so skilled that could recommend such a wonderful color on me.

[That blush only gets a little deeper as Stolas wishes it away and turns his attention fully towards the tea in his always growing collection.]

Earl Grey does sound like it would be a nice fit. Perhaps with a little milk and sugar? Though, I think honey might fit a little better.

[He's already pulling out the items in question as he speaks. After everything is out, he pauses and fidgets with the handle of his chosen cup. ]

I really am glad you made it through the chaos. It was worrying when everyone got separated as we were.

[ Once inside he definitely notes the extra care taken to cleaning; it's not that he reads Stolas as a messy person, but at different turns and for different reasons, they have both been going through it, so he has always been patiently aware. It is just that where Gold may overtidy when he has too much on his mind (if he doesn't just sink into spinning and forget everything else), turning to tasks to fill his mind to stop himself thinking and feeling, others could be the sort that cannot use that energy the same way. Stolas has always come off as that kind of person when stressed.

So the state of the home, the choice of clothing. He's doing the math. ]

The shop did recommend trying it without sugar or honey first. These -- [ Are these even cookies? They have more of a base in nuts, fruits, some manner of syrup and chocolate over flour. ] -- are apparently very sweet on their own and call for a touch of contrast.

[ He may have chosen poorly. To give his hands something to do he helps himself to a plate (he's been here enough times for tea to know his way around the kitchen) for the florentines and sets them neatly at the center of the table.

A tint of crimson at his cheeks, at the situation? At the presumption? ]

Likewise. But...I am very difficult to get rid of, all things told. And...I don't intend to leave at least until I have fulfilled my bargain. [ At least. However long that takes. ] Which I suppose means I have consigned myself to be without much of what I left behind. I think it's the only way to stay sane here.

[ He has to believe that staying here will save Neal. And he cannot keep breaking his heart whenever he sees that other Belle in town and then wasting away in the garden waiting. ]

Edited 2024-09-26 12:31 (UTC)

[To be fair, it's not difficult math to do. Stolas's own reaction to stress can sometimes be rather telling. Especially when it comes to something or someone he likes.

He listens to the recommendations about the cookie? Sweet or whatever it might be classified with and nods, choosing to put the honey and sugar away for the moment as Gold moves around his kitchen. It's a sight he's seen before considering how often they tend to have tea together, but, today it makes him smile a little more.]

Then we will try them without additional sweets. If we feel the need for them, they won't be far.

[Once the florentines are on the table, he brings over the tea and the tea cups before setting the kettle on a little hotpad on the table.]

I think being difficult to be rid of might apply to both of us. Which, might be a good thing all things considered.

[He pauses a moment as he starts fiddling with the placement of the teapot as his nervousness starts to show a little.]

Honestly, I don't think either one of us might be leaving soon. I'm not exactly sure what my deal might have entailed but, I have a feeling part of it might have already been fulfilled. Then again, perhaps not.

I just know that some of the things I've gained here may be better than some of the things I left behind.

[Even if he does miss Octavia dearly, he's...doubting his feelings for Blitz after his time here, especially now that he's no longer there. Though, that has opened up a new avenue that he's hoping won't...Stolas draws in a deep breath and forces himself to stop fiddling before taking his seat and motioning for Gold to join him.]

That is to say, I think.. in a few cases, I might have found something better than what I left behind.

[ Gold settles into what has become a more familiar place across from him. That last bit probably catches him more by surprise than expected. It gets lumped into all the other conclusions his mind is drawing, and lumping it in with all that feels like a step too far. But there is a possibility there that takes the wind out of him for an instant.

And he is realizing that even if he is reading this all wrong, they are both going to be in this strange limbo where all that can be done is worry and speak half-truths, if they're in same or even similar boats. ]

I...don't want to ruin the setting by being the way I have been the last couple months. Or saying the wrong thing -- and I am very good at saying the wrong thing on my way toward figuring out what would have been correct. But it is becoming clear that something should be said.

[ Even if it ruins tea. And hopefully not what is at the very least a friendship but adds up to so much more he is having trouble defining.

A calming breath. ]

I found I admired you very quickly -- and making friends has never been easy for me. It's never been effortless to feel that way about someone who wasn't -- [ Well, his son. It's understood; he leaves it. ] It is strange to say that I do have friends here, and I am realizing that. Or at the very least many social connections that do not feel like business or obligation. They do not feel like this. [ And there is that feeling of a precipice again, of being in a pocket of airlessness. ] You were special and immediately so.

You were also in a relationship, and it felt respectful to keep my distance, and I mostly succeeded. I admit not to meddling -- but I felt compelled to speak to him, in your defense, once. Long enough to know I needed to stay out of it.

...I left a relationship behind, myself, back in my world. [ That feels crucial to say. He feels like he would be lying to himself if he didn't acknowledge it, and it would be dishonest not to explain. ] They are not here, and I would not wish this place on them. But Neal was never the only person I was hiking up to that garden to wait for. There's someone here, who is them, but isn't. They don't know me as anything but the old man who makes clothes in the shop and occasionally needs books. And every time they smile at me, it hurts so much, I want to die.

[ He's keeping it vague because he doesn't want to drag her into this; she has no idea anything is even wrong and doesn't need to. ]

After centuries of living, other than my son, this was my only -- anything. Friend? True love? But what that does to a person is they suddenly think any feeling toward another, no matter how innocent, must in turn be romantic. And it has taken being here for as long as I have to begin to see the differences.

The truth is that I feel something for you that is more than friendship, perhaps so many things at once that I have trouble defining it. That in itself is strange -- I adore words; seems unthinkable I should have trouble finding the right ones.

[ His hands come together atop the table, for a time his gaze fixed on them, like he's confessing to a crime, but at last he makes eye contact. ]

But I also adore you, Prince Stolas. I do not know what that means, or what form it will take going forward, if at all. We both have our wishes and homes that someday we will be returning to, stories there that will be told.

But here, I met you. And here, I want to see you happy.

Edited 2024-09-28 13:04 (UTC)

[Stolas relaxes a little as Gold settles into his seat. This is familiar and helps to ease his nerves slightly. At least, it did for a moment.

Once Gold starts speaking, Stolas is immediately listening. He's right, there's a lot that needs to...should be said. Stolas simply isn't good at this kind of thing and considering the last time he expressed his feelings for someone...

He had suspected that Gold admired him in some way and even nods slightly to acknowledge that yes, finding a connection with someone that wasn't their children is unexpected. As Gold continues to speak, his heart starts to feel like it's beating against his chest while butterflies feel like they just settled in his stomach.

It's surprising to hear that Gold spoke to Blitzo at some point in his defense. His relationship with the imp is...was...a mess. Just how much of a mess Stolas didn't really realize until they were both here. How may times did he try to fix his mistake with Blitzo and still end up...

Stolas draws in a deep breath and tries to banish the depressing thoughts to the best of his abilities. He needed to move on from it. Whatever is between him and Gold feels less like a chaotic whirlwind of obligations and lust of his last relationship and more...

He's not sure just how to describe it other than better.

It's also a little bit of a surprise to hear Gold admitting that he left a relationship behind as well and that there was someone here that reminded him of them. He doesn't have the faintest idea of who it might be and part of him isn't sure he wants to know.

But, what really steals his breath away is hearing Gold admit he has feelings for him that go beyond friendship. Stolas can feel his own anxiety spike and for once, it feels like it's in a good way. A sort of anticipation that this might be a moment that will change things for the better if he can just...

Just acknowledge his own feelings for once in his life.

He reaches for Gold's hands and gently places his own on top of them once he finishes, not daring to break eye contact as a smile starts to grace his features.]

For someone who says he's lacking the right words, I think you may have found the perfect ones without realizing it.

[He then shifts their hands so he can lace his finger's with Gold's. It's strange seeing his dark claws intermingled with human hands but, he finds that perhaps, it's a little...perfect.]

I think it can be said for both of us that feelings aren't exactly things we can express perfectly with words. Hell knows I tend to fail in the moments where it really counts.

Except, this time I don't intend on failing. I won't lie, you've seen the last relationship I was in and how much of a shit show it was. Blitz and I...it was toxic. It was built on lust and obligations that I forced on him. Then when I attempted to change it to hopefully make things better, it..

[He sighs.]

I've spent months trying to reach out to him and get nothing back. In that time trying, I've also come to realize that there was someone here that I felt drawn to more than I ever did to him.

[His smile is back as he gently holds Gold's hands.]

What I'm also trying to say is that I also adore you, Gold. I'm not sure what words to apply to this other than you are a steady, grounding presence in my life and spending time with you makes me happy.

Like, ridiculously happy if I'm being honest with myself.

[He manages to look a little sheepish, but that also doesn't stop him from just opening up the floodgates about how he feels. There's something encouraging knowing that his feelings may be reciprocated this time.]

Whatever this is between us, I want it to keep going. It's definitely more than friendship and while I'm hesitant to apply a label, I want to see it grow and to see what happens with you, with us.

I know that some day one of us may end up going home, whether our wishes are met or by Vaeros being a grumpy asshole. But, I don't want that to stop us from moving forward with this, if you are willing to find out with me?

I want you to be happy too. And if that means we're happy together, than lets be happy together.

...If I am being honest, I was waiting for the moment where something I said would ruin everything.

[ Which is probably why he kept talking.

There's time that Gold doesn't look down at their hands, joined, because he is too entranced to turn his eyes anywhere else but at Stolas' own. It's all of the ways that they differ, as one human born to one Hellborn, but there is still something whole and familiar. The ways in which they were immediately similar, ways that other people did not have as qualities themselves. The parts that he didn't pull out for business, the softer things. The secret things. The things that once or twice he shared, but only with someone, not alongside them.

There is also that core of dark magic that swims in his blood and feels something kin to it. Some element that darkness was tied to long ago, some thread of the Enchanted Forest's tapestry that once weaved within the Hells as well but too long ago for anyone living to remember.

There are the immediate ways that they differ, just as two beings from very different worlds, illustrated perfectly in the intertwining of fingers. Stolas' talons could easily overtake him but seem in their own way gentle, methodical, fine. All while underscoring something similar in his own hands, long fingers that are slow but very certain, specific, soft. All of it less seen as anything deterring, as distinction. ]

You really must forgive me. I was so prepared for this to go very very wrong that now I'm uncertain what to do with myself.

[ And as though on cue, the kettle starts to whistle. It immediately gives him something to do, though notable that he doesn't remove his hands. His eyes flicker briefly, and the kettle gently removes itself from the heat.

He affords Stolas' hands a last, reassuring squeeze before he begins to serve them. ]

If I may... And -- I want to be clear I could see you were in a bad way when we met. It certainly wasn't my ambition to...steal anyone. I had faith things would turn out. I wanted that for you, and I saw some similarities in what either of you were willing to show me. [ So perhaps that was why. ]

[Saved by the kettle. He almost removes his hand to let Gold go so one of them could get the kettle. Almost. He saw it start to move on it's own as he turns his head just slightly to watch.

There's a little hint of amusement in his eyes as Gold pulls away to serve them. The little squeeze makes his heart flutter a little.]

Honestly? I was sort of afraid of the same thing by speaking up. I wasn't really prepared for well, both of us liking each other.

[Again he looks a little sheepish. He was half expecting to be brushed off or told he was an idiot or something. While he doesn't expect violence from Gold, he was expecting...maybe a cold rebuke and potentially loosing a dear friend.

Not this, and Stolas is definitely relieved by this turn of events. And Stolas will admit for most of his stay here, he hasn't been in the best headspace. Blitzo tended to make him...

Crazy. Anxious, worried...depressed. All things that left Stolas feeling utterly helpless until things slowly started to turn for the better.]

A bad way might be putting it mildly and having Blitz here didn't help.

[He sighs and runs a hand over his plumage.]

And whether you meant to or not, I'm rather happy to have been 'stolen' in this respect. You at least don't spark my anxiety to be through the roof or send me into a depressive spiral. Quite the opposite really. Spending time with you is comforting and relaxing. Even when we barely talk and just spend time near each other, it sparks happiness that I've grown rather fond of cherishing.

I'm happy you had faith that things would turn out because, well. Here we are. So I suppose, we should figure out where to go from here?

[He looks over to him, curious and maybe a little hopeful.]

Whatever we decide to do, I'd like to take it slow. After the chaotic whirlwind of my last relationship, I think slow would be the best way to go.

[ He was rooting for Blitzo to get his shit together. There were definitely things he saw of himself in there. Louder and more vulgar, but there was something familiar.

But shifting the subject to what comes next is a bit of a relief, even if he has no immediate answers. ]

This is new for me in a number of respects. So slow is...much appreciated.

[ Has he been in a romantic relationship with another man before? No. Has he been attracted to any before? Yes. Done anything? Yes. (In a labyrinth very much like this one; there was a cursed peach, a work colleague he was on fairly friendly terms with, there were no hard feelings afterward and they parted ways amicably.) Has he ever been in a relationship with someone who wasn't human? Also no. There are a lot of blind spots here and time to figure out what the rules are and what he should be doing is very needed. ]

And there are already so many things that are complicated or difficult. About this place. About each of us. I don't see reason to create more problems, not in this.

[ Especially not when it has become a normal thing to come together in search of something uncomplicated when things are a mess. ]

I suppose the chief worry that remains then is admitting that I have no idea what I am doing. It's not a familiar place for me; I'm usually the one that knows about everything.

[He's a little relieved to hear that Gold agrees with going slow. It does put his mind at ease that this might not be as much of a disaster as either his marriage or his relationship with Blitzo, though..he had hoped it might have worked out but, sadly, as much as he tried...

He gives his plumage another run through before letting his hands settle on the table once more. This was something brand new and this would be his first relationship with someone that wasn't a hellborn so, there would be a lot of things for them to figure out. ]

Precisely and I think, at least... if anything about my failings before are to go by, communication might be key for us. I mean, I'm a demon so I'd imagine that being in a relationship with me would be different than say another human.

[He's not even going to bring up the intimacy differences. Stolas definitely knows that will be a conversation eventually, just, perhaps not right now. Not yet anyway.]

And I'm usually the one deciphering the stars for future predictions, so I think we're both a little out of our elements here. So, taking it slow and communicating. That sounds like a decent foundation so far.

[ Something cold hits him, but it suddenly feels -- important, in this place. To impart this. Not just because a clear threshhold has been crossed. ]

On the note of communicating. I am not going to try to think of every secret I have and pour them out on your table, here. Inevitably, I will forget something. But one very important one, that I both want you to know, and for emergencies...need to know.

[ It's unusual he did not tell him sooner, but it was likely because of how he felt about their relationship. He didn't want to do it and make it feel like it was...transactional, in any way. ]

My name. My birth name. What the Oracle saw fit to hint at existing the one time I missed a post.

[ No, he's not still bitter about that. ]

It's Rumpelstiltskin.

[ Which he understands sounds strange and downright silly to some people. ]

I would prefer it not be said in front of other people. Especially now. Gold is fine.

[ A little smile. ]

Even preferred. Unless there is an emergency. With the full return of my magic, anyone that says my name aloud, I will hear and can immediately appear to.

[Stolas was going to say something about not needing to know every single one of Gold's secrets right away, or even at all. They both had them and it's only a matter of time before they learned more about each other.

However, this seems important so he straightens up a little and listens intently, even tilting his head a little as Gold brings up his name. The very one the oracle hinted at a while ago and now, He understands why.

Names have power. Every demon knows that and to know Gold's real name is a secret Stolas will guard.]

You have my word I will guard your name and not use it unless it's absolutely necessary.

[He smiles a little, trying to be reassuring for the most part.]

Besides, I think I'm rather fond of the name you've chosen for yourself. Gold is definitely easier to say at the very least and it's a precious metal I've become fond of.

[Though, that does get Stolas thinking. He gently taps his talons against the table for a moment as he considers something.]

Since we are sharing, I think, given the knowledge you've just shared with me, there's something of mine you should be aware of.

[He stands up and leaves the room for a moment before coming back with his sketch book and briefly opens it and flips through several pages before selecting a loose one. On it is a demonic sigil. He gently slides it over to Gold and takes a deep breath before slowly letting it out.]

That is my personal seal. It can be used to summon me if the right conditions are met, or if magic is applied. I don't have much use for it until my magic is returned but, it might come in handy if another magic user has it and can apply the proper amount of power or meet the right conditions to use it.

Admittedly, the conditions involve a blood sacrifice if you don't have the proper amount of power but, somehow, I don't think that will be an issue for you. Call it a hunch if you will.

[ Magic, he has. But it feels important. Establishing these additional lines of communication for dire circumstances. ]

I hate to potentially waste each other's time or resources, but since your magic is not yet returned in full, it might be wise to test it and be certain that it works at some point.

[ A small smile. ]

I am confident I can activate it without blood, however.

[Having additional likes of communication in case there is a dire situation definitely feels like a must given the recent events they all endured. Besides, Stolas trusts him not to abuse it. Gold is also the first person outside of Stolas's own world that now knows what his seal looks like.]

I think that's an excellent idea. I'd hate for you to have to summon me and it not work in an emergency.

[He smiles back.]

As I said, I had a feeling that might be the case. I suppose this means I should be working more on regaining my magic instead of just bits and pieces here and there.

[He may..or may not have been enjoying the slower mundane life until now. But, it's becoming very clear that sooner may be better than later.]

You are under no obligation to take any less time than you wish.

[ Quite the opposite tack from that he imposed on himself. ...Though technically, what he wished was to have his abilities restored as soon as possible. ]

Though on that note, how have you been progressing?

[ Whether in restoration or building on the new. ]

[At least, he's not being pushed into reclaiming all of his powers at once. Stolas quite liked taking his time on this matter.]

Well, so far, I've gathered a fair amount of healing ability from the potion. Beyond that, I can use my monstrous form again and petrify people if I desire to.

[He shrugs a little. Its the smaller abilities of his he's wished back so far.]

Honestly, before this entire time travel debacle, I was thinking of wishing for my human disguise back. However, I think my ability with portals and the rest of my magic might need to be requested along side it. Hell knows I have the shards. I simply didn't see the point of it until now.

[Despite his complaints over the last year of being without his magic, Stolas really hasn't been in any rush.]

Admittedly, I'm not exactly sure how possession and reanimating the dead will be useful here, but, it might not be a bad thing to have just in case.

[Pause.]

Or my ability to disrupt electronics. That might actually be a hinderance.

[ At mentioning possession and reanimating the dead, there's a minute shift in his demeanor. Something behind his eyes filing that away. He cannot puppet corpses, but it is magic he has seen before. But possession? Probably not in the demonic sense, but what he does with hearts might as well be the same thing.

It should unsettle, but instead it's...a little reassuring, knowing that one of the worst things he is capable of might not immediately be seen as such.

A small smile at the mention of electronics. ]

I don't know, that could be useful if timed correctly...

[ The florentines have finally captured his curiosity, so he reaches for one. ]

You mentioned a human disguise?

[For a split second Stolas was worried whether or not some of his abilities might chase him away. Stolas doesn't see anything wrong with what he can do and honestly, it's pretty standard for a demon of his ranking.

There were probably spells in his grimoire that were much darker than just reanimating the dead anyway. None of which even occurs to Stolas might unsettle those around him. ]

Possibly. It's not an ability I play around much unless I was in the mortal realm. Most electronic devices in Hell are meant to deal with our brand of magic anyway.

[As for his human disguise he nods slightly.]

It's a specific spell that allows me to change my form to appear human. I rarely use it, but, perhaps it might not be a bad idea to have access to.

[ He just thinks if the Sleepr program is being especially disgusting, that could come in handy rather quickly. ]

...I wonder if I could formulate a guise for your home, and what that would look like.

[ Something like a thousand-yard stare. ]

I would probably still be very short.

Then it's a good thing I like my partners shorter than I am.

[He may or may not be joking. Then again, Stolas IS height feet tall so it's not like he will find many others outside the other Goetia that are around his height. Though that does get him wondering about what Gold might look like in his Hell. ]

I mean, if you were in my world, you would be considered a Sinner unless you were born there. And as far as I've seen, there's no limit to what a Sinner can look like. Most of their forms are reflections of things they did in life that got them into Hell.

I'm not at all certain what that would ultimately come to be.

[ He lived so long. How to pick just one thing to base his entire appearance on. ]

But I've certainly wound up in worlds I did not have a place in before. Which isn't to say I don't think I might be bound for Hell on some plane, but that's all relatively new for me.

[He nods a little before picking up a Florentine for himself and nibbling on it.]

Well, it's probably not something we have to worry about right this second. Right now, we can simply focus on the here and now.

[Stolas nibbles a little more, enjoying the sweet taste.]

And right now, we're enjoying tea and sweets. And obviously each other's company.

Of course.

[ It's got more crunch than a cookie, but the combination of nuts, fruits, something quite like caramel, and chocolate, and it's a rather pleasant confection. But sweet enough that he can see why they recommended a more bitter beverage with it.

He can't really compliment himself, here -- he didn't even cook anything this time. ]

...I was almost worried they would be a little too much.

[ And considering how many things he was waiting on to go wrong it would have just been one more, no? ]

[Stolas nibbles a little more on his cookie, enjoying the sweet nutty-fruit taste. He can agree that a bitter tea definitely works best with this and can already think of a half dozen teas he could also pair it with.

He might also be wondering if the 'cookie' might melt if put in the tea and be useful for sweetening it. But, perhaps he can try that another time.]

You would think it might be but, I think it works rather well.

[Admittedly, Stolas is also surprised their conversation has gone as well as it has. It's a relief but, also makes him a tiny bit wary. Things never go this well for him.]

Perhaps, we can think up a few dates to go on? I know there aren't any high end places to go to but, there is still plenty here we could do together.

[Even if it's simply just spending time in each other's company.]

[ Gods, he hadn't even thought of dates. ]

I would enjoy nothing more than to take you somewhere nice. But that also can have a number of meanings. And where we cannot find an establishment that suits, we'll just have to settle for making that for ourselves.

[ But surely there will be events. And if it is a matter of dressing up, they can do that much anyhow, no matter where it ends up being afterward. ]

Dining out seems to be the most obvious choice. A classic for a reason across many worlds.

Of course it is. Good food and better company? It's one of the best combinations ever thought up for dates. But, it's not a necessity considering we do have a fair amount of nature that can be the backdrop for an equally good time.

[Though, if an event that involving dressing up does happen, Stolas is there in his finest with Gold on his arm in a heartbeat. If there's a reason to show up and show off, he's there.]

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