[While Theseus does want to go straight to the point, Viren's haggard appearance catches him off guard, not really seeing the man in such a state before. A small frown etched in concern appears on the Auror's expression, not shy in letting his worry be known to him.]
Yes-- but are you faring well?
[Perhaps if it's a real bad time, he can contact Viren later. He can manage a few more days without a bond, Theseus is rather sure about that.]
[ ah. viren's eyes round at the question, unexpected (somehow) that it is. woops! trying to compensate for this, he visibly straightens, then answers quickly, ]
—I'm fine. It is just... the weather. [ a beat. but as that isn't much of a satisfactory explanation, he supposes, even if he doesn't much like to admit to it: ] This is better than I have been, these past few days.
[Theseus knows that he's partly leaving himself open there, admitting that he's been affected by the recent weather, but... he wants to try and be a little more honest about these sort of things with Viren, especially if they're expected to bond. He's still going for impersonal but respectful, but being part of a bond means there's supposed to be some openness as well, right?
Relationships are always difficult, no matter the sort.]
My magic's been unreliable, it really could've turned out poorly for me a couple of times.
[ he doesn't much like admitting to it, but it's difficult enough to hide something like that, and a simple enough explanation. but so he pauses. theseus mentioning that does draw his attention from his weakness to cold; he's not sure if that's meant to be idle conversation or lead into something (he does hope the latter). ]
I ... see. [ cue a look to the side. this is one of the few times, if ever, he's done a video call like this. his eyebrows furrow. ] Ah. Have you given any thought to--?
[He's glad for the honesty in return, knowing that Viren is at least comfortable enough to tell Thesues that much about him. It further bolsters his decision to reach out for a bond with the other man.
This wouldn't work if they cannot trust each other at all.]
I have. [Theseus, at this point, takes a slow breath, exhaling almost loudly before speaking once again, but there's something definitely determined about him. No doubt is visible, only a small part of him worrying that Viren will turn down the offer now.]
Reason why I've contacted you right now. I wanted to ask if your offer is still on the table.
gosh, that suspense was palpable, viren hanging on each syllable, his countenance growing in liveliness as each are enunciated. ironically, he's too tired to attempt (and probably fail, anyway) to conceal his excitement. ]
Of course!
[ he lets out a breath, the air clouding temporarily with the cold; his expression school into something more serious, and thus resolute.
and then, earnestly, ]
If you are still in need - I do stand by my words.
[It's almost flattering to see the barely contained excitement coming from Viren. The Auror has associated him as rather composed, if often dry, so seeing such an expressive look from the other man is new, but entirely welcome. There's truly no reason to hold back now, right? Be entirely rude to pull back now after bringing up the idea again anyway.]
It seems like my normal charm is failing me in this world. [He jokes lightly, but there's genuine relief in both his expression and tone.]
Didn't annoy you enough at the masquerade, looks like. But if your mind has not changed, I'd be indebted to you. [Of course, this is a two way bond, so theoretically, Viren will benefit too.]
[ oh, viren definitely, definitely appreciates those magic perks. ]
[ but alas: thankfully, he isn't quite socially inept that he can't perceive that to be the joke that it is, even if it does take him a moment. regardless, ]
Doubtful - After all, I'm not one so easily charmed, Theseus.
[ so that's... something, anyway. viren's in a pleasant enough mood that it's intended as a compliment; the added charm did have him tolerating him during that masquerade, after all. ]
[Ah, that's right, the ceremony. It definitely makes all this feel a bit more personal-- but it is, right? Or it should be, if they're actually going to go through with it and form a bond. Maybe Theseus is making a larger deal of this than he should, but in a way, it still feels like a rather proper and important relationship, and he wants to treat it as such.
Even if he still has personal trauma regarding his own lost fiance.]
We can attend one tomorrow. [Oh, is that too quick? Theseus winces a bit, retracting his comment slightly.] Or whenever you're ready. I believe we ah, have to exchange vows.
[ there's a little lift of his eyebrows at that; the wording isn't any less disconcerting for him, in a way. but his tone remains solidly neutral at the affirmation of it.
... mm, he wonders if he should try to (try) to provide some consolation as to that - that he hadn't found it anything like exchanging marriage vows or the like. thank god for that. he decides that's unnecessary for the moment. ]
Tomorrow in the afternoon, around [ insert some time here. ]. Acceptable?
[Later on, he'll apologize to Viren for being so ridiculous, almost embarrassing about this whole matter. Not the sort of impression he wants to set, not on a regular basis, and especially not to someone that he's going to be tied with soon. Tied in a magical, platonic way, of course. Theseus will definitely get himself straightened out before tomorrow afternoon.
A whole day, surely enough time. He'll be fine by then, work out the last of his nervous energy and be wholly impressive to Viren. That's a good goal to focus on.
So, he manages a smile, nodding once to the time.]
[ oh, theseus... viren's eyes round at the comment, now actually unsure if that one's meant in jest or not. probably not? best to play it safe, probably not. he should do the same. there's a little clearing of his throat, and he manages a small smile again. ]
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no subject
Yes-- but are you faring well?
[Perhaps if it's a real bad time, he can contact Viren later. He can manage a few more days without a bond, Theseus is rather sure about that.]
I can call another time.
no subject
—I'm fine. It is just... the weather. [ a beat. but as that isn't much of a satisfactory explanation, he supposes, even if he doesn't much like to admit to it: ] This is better than I have been, these past few days.
[ a pressed smile. ]
Now is an all right time.
no subject
[Theseus knows that he's partly leaving himself open there, admitting that he's been affected by the recent weather, but... he wants to try and be a little more honest about these sort of things with Viren, especially if they're expected to bond. He's still going for impersonal but respectful, but being part of a bond means there's supposed to be some openness as well, right?
Relationships are always difficult, no matter the sort.]
My magic's been unreliable, it really could've turned out poorly for me a couple of times.
no subject
[ he doesn't much like admitting to it, but it's difficult enough to hide something like that, and a simple enough explanation. but so he pauses. theseus mentioning that does draw his attention from his weakness to cold; he's not sure if that's meant to be idle conversation or lead into something (he does hope the latter). ]
I ... see. [ cue a look to the side. this is one of the few times, if ever, he's done a video call like this. his eyebrows furrow. ] Ah. Have you given any thought to--?
[ you know, solutions to that. ]
no subject
This wouldn't work if they cannot trust each other at all.]
I have. [Theseus, at this point, takes a slow breath, exhaling almost loudly before speaking once again, but there's something definitely determined about him. No doubt is visible, only a small part of him worrying that Viren will turn down the offer now.]
Reason why I've contacted you right now. I wanted to ask if your offer is still on the table.
no subject
gosh, that suspense was palpable, viren hanging on each syllable, his countenance growing in liveliness as each are enunciated. ironically, he's too tired to attempt (and probably fail, anyway) to conceal his excitement. ]
Of course!
[ he lets out a breath, the air clouding temporarily with the cold; his expression school into something more serious, and thus resolute.
and then, earnestly, ]
If you are still in need - I do stand by my words.
no subject
It seems like my normal charm is failing me in this world. [He jokes lightly, but there's genuine relief in both his expression and tone.]
Didn't annoy you enough at the masquerade, looks like. But if your mind has not changed, I'd be indebted to you. [Of course, this is a two way bond, so theoretically, Viren will benefit too.]
no subject
[ but alas: thankfully, he isn't quite socially inept that he can't perceive that to be the joke that it is, even if it does take him a moment. regardless, ]
Doubtful - After all, I'm not one so easily charmed, Theseus.
[ so that's... something, anyway. viren's in a pleasant enough mood that it's intended as a compliment; the added charm did have him tolerating him during that masquerade, after all. ]
When would you like to attend a ceremony, then?
no subject
Even if he still has personal trauma regarding his own lost fiance.]
We can attend one tomorrow. [Oh, is that too quick? Theseus winces a bit, retracting his comment slightly.] Or whenever you're ready. I believe we ah, have to exchange vows.
[Saying it out loud like that...]
no subject
[ there's a little lift of his eyebrows at that; the wording isn't any less disconcerting for him, in a way. but his tone remains solidly neutral at the affirmation of it.
... mm, he wonders if he should try to (try) to provide some consolation as to that - that he hadn't found it anything like exchanging marriage vows or the like. thank god for that. he decides that's unnecessary for the moment. ]
Tomorrow in the afternoon, around [ insert some time here. ]. Acceptable?
no subject
A whole day, surely enough time. He'll be fine by then, work out the last of his nervous energy and be wholly impressive to Viren. That's a good goal to focus on.
So, he manages a smile, nodding once to the time.]
No arguments here, I'll wear my best outfit.
no subject
Very well. [..] I will see you then.