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Post by Julian on Sept 5, 2007 11:45:45 GMT -5
*Julian's brow furrowed.*
"Is that something I should expect to be forced to deal with?"
*His eyes grew dark at the thought of having to deal with humanity's less appealing side.*
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Post by Erik on Sept 5, 2007 14:20:08 GMT -5
"Good lord, not if you can help it!" *Erik exclaimed.* "I've had enough of them for the both of us." *A niggling suspicion in the back of his mind warned against the meeting of Julian and Christine.* "I suspect one could live a very happy life without meeting anyone from show business."
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Post by Julian on Sept 5, 2007 16:57:49 GMT -5
*Julian's eyes narrowed for the briefest moment. There was something there, in Erik's mind, something hidden. For now. It was of little matter when there was so much else to do. He offered a small smile.*
"I will endeavor to prevent it. Perhaps I should leave the Opera then? It seems like it would make such a thing easier."
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Post by Erik on Sept 5, 2007 17:00:52 GMT -5
*Erik paused and watched Julian for a moment.*
"Either you are humorous or incredibly literal. Which is it, that Erik might know best how to react?"
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Post by Julian on Sept 5, 2007 17:02:40 GMT -5
*Julian considered the question for some time.*
"I am unsure, but I believe I meant it literally. If it will be a problem for me to be around such people, perhaps I should start my studies elsewhere."
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Post by Erik on Sept 5, 2007 17:09:26 GMT -5
*Erik was relieved that he could stop measuring Julian's words for humorous intent. It was much easier this way.*
"It it Erik's experience that most people are to be avoided," *he pointed out.* "As such, there are few places one can go to avoid them; the Opera does very well for me, since it provides ample space for said avoidance. Erik's particular problems stem from associations with specific members of the human race, who happen to spend time here. It is ultimately up to you, of course; but Erik had hoped you would not leave him soon."
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Post by Julian on Sept 5, 2007 17:13:16 GMT -5
*Julian slid his hand over Erik's, caressing the skin gently.*
"I would never leave you, unless you bid me to do so. I believe that I much fancy your company. However..."
*He glanced out over the city.*
"I find I possess a burning need to know others as well. I fear that I will make a poor recluse."
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Post by Erik on Sept 5, 2007 17:28:53 GMT -5
*Erik watched his profile, both of them still.*
"No," *he said.* "Nor should you. My recent... reversal of fortune has taught me just what that means."
*It was complicated. He still hated humanity as much as ever... but being able to move within it proved irresistible.
The touch of flesh he'd been missing for so long.*
"I fear you would not find me such pleasant company, mere months ago," *he said.* "But no matter; you shall see who you like, but if Erik may ask what sort of person you would like to meet?"
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Post by Julian on Sept 5, 2007 17:33:52 GMT -5
All of them.
*Julian blinked, trying to narrow down such a list. Finally he spoke quietly.*
"Someone I can touch. I do not believe that Megan fancies it. And she will not let me hold her get. I want to understand others...in a physical sense."
Perhaps I was too long in the astral domain.
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Post by Erik on Sept 5, 2007 17:54:29 GMT -5
*Erik nodded, feeling a pang of recognition. And it was a pang; a pain. A hole he could barely fill before it fell again into nothing. Did Julian have this as well? Had he passed it on? He thought about Nadir; if human relations were genetic, Julian was quite the cocktail.
All the same, one side of his mouth curled into something resembling a smile.*
"You attempted to... know Megan better?" *He chuckled.* "Megan likes you not; I expect it's because you threaten the primacy of her child in Erik's eyes. But no matter; you shall have what you want. I have found that a pleasing face warrants as much attention as one can handle."
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Post by Julian on Sept 5, 2007 18:00:21 GMT -5
*Julian straightened uncomfortably.*
"I did not try to take her sexually, if that is what you suggest. I know that you would disapprove of such things. But she cringes from my touch as though it burned. She does not want me to know such, but it is obvious."
*He glanced to the city and then to Erik.*
"I understand that her child is your first born. The line of succession of your possessions will fall to her. I know that. Is it wrong that I should seek your affection as well? She is so small...I thought you might have some left over for me."
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Post by Erik on Sept 5, 2007 18:18:28 GMT -5
"Erik understands no such thing," *he said.* "The laws of Man have never applied to me before; but I expect you shall be in a better position to make your way in the world. However, no such decision has been made; especially as Erik intends to live quite a long time."
*He sighed and turned to survey the city.*
"As for affection... I fear much of that was spilled on unfertile ground, and to invite that kind of feeling again would seem to me like suicide. But such as Erik is able to lavish upon you, you have."
*He eyed Julian sideways.*
"Is affection truly what you desire? Affection... equated with physical touch?"
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Post by Julian on Sept 5, 2007 19:40:50 GMT -5
*Julian lowered his eyes and offered a small shrug.*
“I want to know…everything. All that life has to offer. And such things seem to be of…recent importance to yourself. I am fascinated by what drives the human psyche, and I know of no way to understand it outside of experience. Is that logic not sound?”
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Post by Erik on Sept 6, 2007 13:28:18 GMT -5
"Very," *Erik said gravely, while inside his mind turned the problem over. The reminder that such pursuits of his were recent echoed. He had only recently, for example, known the love of a woman. In the physical sense, that is. It would be foolish of him to let Julian wait that long; it had been very damaging to his own psyche, he was certain. Had he been permitted to fornicate as a young man, he was sure none of this would ever have happened.
He wouldn't want Julian to turn out damaged.*
"But where will we find some?" *he mused aloud. He recollected himself and looked back at Julian.* "Women, that is. Erik cannot say he understands their ways entirely, but he does enjoy them. I should like to introduce you to what was denied me for so long."
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Post by Julian on Sept 6, 2007 14:00:02 GMT -5
*Julian's eyes lit up like Christmas morning, but he tried to keep his composure.*
"Where does one normally find such women, ones that would be agreeable to such congress?"
*He pursed his lips.*
"Where would you normally go?"
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