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...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.]

[ Gold is somewhat relieved; his playbook is a little dated, to be certain, and he wouldn't know what to do if he couldn't lean on the more old-fashioned to start. ]

The best place to begin then. Tried and true first, then more adventurous when it feels right.

[ That's the whole point in taking things slow. ]

Precisely.

[That is exactly the entire point of taking it slow. Stolas doesn't want to mess this up so and if that means taking their time to really get to know one another, than he is willing to put in the effort.]

Which means we might wish to think about where to go on a date at some point. We are limited in eating out options.

With no pressure, of course. We already like spending time with each other.

[ But there is something more special about, just wanting to exist in the world with someone. Silly to say it's showing them off, but in a way, it is. ]

Hm.. you do have a point.

[There is definitely something special about just being around someone you like. Especially when it doesn't take some grand gesture to keep their attention or gifts or deals. It's just being with them that makes everything else so special.]

Perhaps we could have a few dates doing something we both like?

[ It makes the other things more special. But he does like being able to find those grand gestures. There are a lot of things here, though, that make the situation feel new and different, make him less certain what that even looks like now. ]

My thoughts exactly. Hardly a need for a special occasion. Though...I would like to find some.

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