[how terrible for him that he's been caught having a feeling in front of this particular Vint, whose empathy power level is well over 9000. Octavius seems to have all but forgotten his earlier irritation with Isaac.]
It suits you. [and, as though anticipating Benedict might think he's being a disingenuous shit, he leans forward a little bit and adds sincerely,] I mean it, it really does.
[The sincerity in itself is what spooks Benedict, who gives a little anxious flip of his hair as an excuse to look away.]
What does that mean, [he mutters, both a bit sardonic and genuinely curious, as much as he'd hate to admit it.
Strange how existing for so long outside the vipers' pit has allowed him to grow a personality that no longer revolves (as much) around hedonism and substance-induced dissociation.
[that, or perhaps someone had seen glimpses of this depth to his personality before, and is simply pleased that the right environment has allowed it space to flourish.] It means you look happy.
[self-conscious of his own sincerity, Octavius looks down at his hands and interlaces his fingers together to stop them from fidgeting.] Certainly happier than you were in Minrathous.
[he's still a touch too self-conscious to grin about his victory, but there's a pleased little gleam in his eye when he looks up again.] My condolences, [he adds, transparently teasing now. then he sighs and gets up from his seat, straightening his waistcoat as he does so.] Anyway, I can see I caught you in the middle of, [a gesture at whatever is on Benedict's desk,] something important, so I'll get out of your hair before you have to tell me off.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2024-06-02 02:26 am (UTC)It suits you. [and, as though anticipating Benedict might think he's being a disingenuous shit, he leans forward a little bit and adds sincerely,] I mean it, it really does.
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Date: 2024-06-02 06:42 pm (UTC)What does that mean, [he mutters, both a bit sardonic and genuinely curious, as much as he'd hate to admit it.
Strange how existing for so long outside the vipers' pit has allowed him to grow a personality that no longer revolves (as much) around hedonism and substance-induced dissociation.
But that was his whole charm, wasn't it?]
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Date: 2024-06-02 07:49 pm (UTC)[self-conscious of his own sincerity, Octavius looks down at his hands and interlaces his fingers together to stop them from fidgeting.] Certainly happier than you were in Minrathous.
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Date: 2024-06-03 06:15 pm (UTC)Well, [Benedict attempts to counter, or evade, and instead just sits there silently for a moment, trying not to let the words sink in.]
...yes. [ugh fine]
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Date: 2024-06-03 08:11 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-06-03 09:06 pm (UTC)Don't let Isaac bully you, [he advises in parting, offering a little smirk as he looks back down at what he was doing.]