prismatica | voice; post-event

I had never truly appreciated what a beautiful world we now inhabit. Lunatia is splendid in its own right, but it was a rare privilege indeed to travel beyond its boundaries, as I have done for the past month or so.

There is so much more beyond the city than the Nothing. Lush forests, little hamlets of born survivors, the great, glittering expanse beyond it all... I have heard cries at night to which one cannot begin to put a name. It puts one's feelings into perspective.

[He pauses, voice shifting to something soft and wistful.]

I had not realised, for instance, how long it had been since I last stood upon the shores of an untamed ocean, felt real seaspray on my body... my stay was brief, but it was... reinvigorating. Saltwater is a great healer, or so I am told.

[There's another, aching pause; those who already know him can probably guess what he's thinking about. When he speaks again, at least, he sounds brighter.]

Incidentally, now that I am back in Lunatia, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to moonlace. While the locals were all exceptionally welcoming I did not ask for more than enough to keep myself functional. I would be glad to see a familiar face.

In the mean time, would anyone be so kind as to fill me in on what I have missed over the past month?

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[Zenyatta does not jump. As soon as Gabriel's hand settles on his shoulder he looks up, positively glowing with delight. It has been too long, he thinks, since he last saw that crooked little smile and those warm, dark eyes.]

And you, my friend. Please, sit! [He could take the armchair if he wants, but Zenyatta's left enough space on the loveseat for him to squeeze in, too. He hopes he'll choose the latter.] You look well.

[Most other people, Gabriel would have taken the arm chair. Now? Well, Gabriel did slip right in beside the omnic and made himself comfortable, letting legs stretch out under the table before tucking back close to the seat.]

Good night's sleep can do that. How're you doing?

[He knew why Zenyatta had gone out on his journey after all, the silence and absence concerning, but he still got it.]

[The moment he feels Gabriel's bulk crowd him gently into the arm of the sofa it hits: that warm, steady thrum of Chroma, a current through his entire body. It's all he can do to keep himself from sinking against the man as if he were a large, bearded pillow.]

I am better than I was when I left. [He pauses, nursing the cup of tea in his own lap until the hot, swirling the steaming liquid until it releases a little more of its fragrance.] Will it always feel like this? So intense?

[An arm rested around Zenyatta, some habit to keep him from being pressed against the arm, and for the both of them to sit close comfortably. Figured it was better for the amount of time for the visit, could go a while with how easy the omnic's company had grown on him with time.]

Afraid so- like sometimes it can start slow and light but... well. [Well.

He was going to pluck up that slice of cake on it's plate with a quick lean and reach, Gabriel settling himself once again.]

[That's nice, he thinks, that little bit of comfort, knowing that he could nestle into Gabriel's side at a moment's notice should their conversation take an unexpected turn.

Zenyatta sighs softly.]

It is quite short-sighted to believe that one's first romance will be the deepest and most meaningful. But there is still a part of me that wonders... will he feel it too, when we return? Our connection? For that matter, will I? [a beat.] We may never meet.

It's easy to get lost in thinking about all of that, and let it drag you down in to a lot of 'what ifs' and 'will its'.

[There was a slight shrug to Gabriel's shoulders, letting himself remained relaxed just like that. Moments that remind him how young Zenyatta really was, like this, and experiencing things for the first time on an emotional level could be rough for anyone.

He'd been through it, too. Easier to bury it these days, even if it wasn't good for him.]

Of course. I know there is no point in dwelling on what may or may not be when it is quite clearly out of my hands.

[He stares down into his tea again, through the steam. In times past humans used to read the dregs left at the bottom of the cup for omens; even if he knew how, he isn't sure he'd find much comfort in them now.]

No. This pain is part of the healing, but if I linger on it I will lose sight of what is already in front of me. This beautiful world... the people in it... [Zenyatta's hand settles on Gabriel's knee and squeezes gently.] You.

Still, it's damned hard not to.

[He could bet that Zenyatta knew that himself as well, and his tone might have carried that thought in it. Gabriel wasn't great at talks like this, but there was a scarce few he'd make the attempt, and somehow the omnic had become one of those people.

Gabriel rested a hand over Zenyatta's, giving it a little squeeze in turn.]

You've got me whenever, why ever, Zen. [Meant it, too.]

voice; post-event

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