middaeg | open catch-all + closed prompts for August

[ Ozymandias might be getting the impression that Waver has a difficult time relaxing, in general-- and if that's the case, then it's absolutely correct. He looks a little baffled by this, lips pursing when Ozymandias tries to explain the whole point is unwinding and getting to know one another, but Waver nods along as if this is totally familiar territory and not a social skills disaster in the making.

When the new drink is dropped off, Waver blinks at it, wondering where it came from and if this place just does automatic refills or something, but before he can protest Ozymandias has already thanked the waitress and Waver's left with a fresh cocktail and a very insistent Pharaoh expecting him to drink it. Perhaps in a more mutually satisfying 'drinking together' sort of way.

Should he... cheers again? Waver grabs the cup and sort of just holds onto it awkwardly a moment, deciding against it and just taking a sip. ]

Ah... right. I see.

Well, er... what do you want to know then?

[ Not 'prattling of facts,' though, Waver reminds himself. Meaning... what, exactly? He's so bad at talking about himself. ]

I don't really want to talk about the War...

So I've gathered.

[While Ozymandias would prefer a better telling of the War than what Waver's provided, that's not the reason he says this somewhat dryly. Ozymandias is aware that there are a number of differences between the two of them, and it is those differences that color Waver's feelings towards the War differently than Ozymandias'. He's abundantly aware at this point from how quickly Waver is to change the subject to how barren of details his account is when speaking of it. Ozymandias wouldn't go so far as to say that Waver has regrets, but rather than taking pride in his participation, he seems pained by it instead. It's not a perspective he understands, but he has no choice but to acknowledge and accept it for what it is.]

[He continues, tone lightening,]

But you must have a life beyond the War.

[He doesn't state anything specific. Were Waver less prone to simply stating facts, he might be more inclined, but he's curious to see what Waver will do with little direction.]

[ It's difficult for Waver to think about all the things he might have been able to do differently, more successfully. Despite Iskandar glossing over it as he does, he knows what a failure of a Master he really was, and he's ashamed that it took him so long to realize it, putting his own stupid ideas and selfishness first for too long. His perspective has shifted since then, and thinking back on it is uncomfortable for many reasons. Then there's just the good old-fashioned trauma from witnessing so much violence and death, and how poorly equipped for it he'd found himself in reality despite thinking he'd be fine.

He's still not fine. But he's moving forward, and most importantly, he's not alone anymore.

But Ozymandias is expecting an answer, and Waver hums a noise to fill the silence, even though it's near impossible to hear in the noise of the crowd around them. His ice clinks in the cup when he stirs it. ]

I suppose.

I was studying at the Clock Tower. [ Another sore spot. He's all sore spots, this one. ] All I wanted was to be respected as a mage.

[ And now he's... a dog. So this is how that's going for him. Not that it was going great to begin with.

Waver sinks a little in his chair, ears drooping gloomily. He takes a rather sizable gulp of his cocktail. ]

[Ozymandias would find it more difficult to believe that Waver wasn't respected as a mage if it were not for something he's observed happening more than once. It's not that Waver's passion for the subject of magecraft sometimes gets the better of him and he becomes almost absentmindedly lost in his hypotheses and questions. It's not even a question of power either as he was clearly able to sustain Iskandar long enough.]

You don't seem to respect yourself all that much. [Odds are, Waver was not likely soliciting feedback from Ozymandias, but it's what he's getting anyway.] You praise the King of Conquerors plenty as is your duty as his vassal, but whenever speaking of any of your accomplishments, habits, or interests, all you tend to share are your failings and shortcomings.

[Ozymandias gestures behind Waver, indicating his tail.]

You cannot even allow yourself to express when you're excited without trying to immediately stop it. [He shakes his head a little.] I am a fair judge of character and see nothing in you so far unworthy of respect, but not everyone is capable of that. You should take more pride in yourself! Until you manage that, I don't foresee it being easy to get what you want.

[ No, Waver hadn't asked for his advice or opinions but he really shouldn't have been surprised that Ozymandias bluntly states them anyway. Rather, he shouldn't have been but is surprised, not ready for such a straightforward personal criticism. It hits him hard when he's already feeling low, and with increasingly compromised filters in place between his already high-strung nature and what comes out of his mouth.

Waver flinches a little, gripping his cup tightly and avoiding the Pharaoh's gaze while he points out Waver's shortcomings-- at least, that's what Waver gets from what Ozymandias is saying at first, and it's plenty clear in his wounded expression. ]

Wh-what are you now, my shrink? You don't even know me... I don't think you're a-allowed to make judgments like that, and it's pretty rude, y'know?

[ It would be more effective as a defense if he didn't think Ozymandias was correct, unfortunately. Also probably if his voice didn't crack. Whoops. ]

Why do you care?

[ He jabs a finger in the air at Ozymandias, or sort of at him. Sort of jabbing. It's more of an awkward flail in his direction, voice rising and a little slurred around the edges. ]

Besides, it- it doesn't matter anymore, does it? How am I supposed to take pride in being a mage when they've turned me into a fucking dog?

[In the face of Waver's outburst, Ozymandias... Well, Ozymandias remains the same as he's ever been, his emotions and expression not fluctuating or reacting to anything Waver says or does. He doesn't even glance around the bar even though he can hear that some conversations have paused for at least a brief moment at the rise in volume from their table. What keeps Ozymandias so still is both compassion for Waver's frustrations and that this outburst is ultimately perfectly illustrating his point.]

[Before he speaks, he takes another drink from his glass.]

[There is a part of him, of course, that wants to outright tell Waver to stop being so self-pitying. It prickles somewhat at Ozymandias' own sore points. It's not as though he doesn't have reason to complain from his denial of an afterlife because someone chose to remove his body from its resting place, to his imperfect form as a Servant, to now being near-powerless mage who succumbed so much to an illness that he lost a month's time to a sickbed. But none of that is particularly Waver's business and it would be both hypocritical and counterproductive.]

...I will forgive your tone and your assumption that there is a limit to what I am allowed to do, [he says, choosing to start there because intoxicated or not, Waver is still speaking to Pharaoh. While Ozymandias will not issue punishment, there are some things he cannot tolerate and allow to pass by without comment.] Would you say the same to me then? To Iskandar? That we are not the kings we say we are simply because our abilities have changed?

If you still possess the same knowledge and intellect you did prior to coming to this city, then I would say you are no less a mage than you were before. Your ability to cast the spells yourself is simply irrelevant.

[ The glances they get from the other patrons don't go unnoticed, serving to encourage Waver to shut up as much as Ozymandias's chiding. He slumps low in his chair, reaching for his cup again to stir around the melting ice, mostly for something to do to release his pent-up agitation.

The loss of control over his emotions reflects in his appearance slightly too, his claws and teeth lengthening, the fur along his back bristling, though that at least is hidden. He can feel it though, and hates it.

...still, he can't deny Ozymandias brings up a good point. Waver looks up tentatively, his eyes darker than before, almost black and shiny in the low light. ]

No... [ he mumbles, sulking like a scolded child and speaking to his cup. ] Of course I wouldn't. [ Especially not to Iskandar.

He sighs, the anger fading just as suddenly as it had overflowed, and rests his chin in the palm of one hand, elbow on the table.

Iskandar had told him much the same. It's what he keeps trying to tell himself, but it's hard, and it's so much easier right now to just give into that than think things logically through. ]

I'm trying. I've been sitting in on classes at the Coven, reading books, studying-- I don't want to be left behind, but if I can't actually do any of the spells, what's the point?

At least I could manage a little, before. Even if no one else thought it was worth anything.

They made fun of me for even trying.

I guess... at least no one in the Coven's done that yet. 'least not to my face...

[It would be nice to be able to say and so what if they do?, but the opinions of others, particularly one's peers, always matters to someone like Waver. Saying something along those lines and putting it so bluntly would be dismissive of that desire to be respected, and no doubt make him feel smaller than he already seems to feel. To be speaking into his cup like that...]

[Ozymandias sits upright again before sliding out of his side of the booth. He comes around to Waver's side of the table and issues a single command,]

Move over.

[If he doesn't move or dawdles, Ozymandias moves him over himself. Once certain that even Waver's tail is clear, Ozymandias sits facing Waver with one foot on the ground and the other leg neatly tucked close to his body between the two of them. If Waver didn't take his drink, he moves it back in front of him and slides his own beer over before finally coming to a rest with one arm on the back of the booth behind Waver.]

Look at me. [And he will actually wait until he has eye contact. Ozymandias' expression is not stern, but it's obvious that he's quite serious.] You said it yourself that you could do something before even if no one else thought much of it. But it clearly meant something to you.

You can still find something like that here. Why imagine if someday there is a mirrorbound Witch here who can't seem to grasp even the simplest of spells. Who might they turn to for help? Another Witch who has grasped all the concepts and skills necessary with ease or someone who might understand more of what they're experiencing?

Or think even beyond that, [he says, the hand on the back of the booth moves to muss up Waver's hair.] You won't be a dog forever. At some point, you'll return home and think of how what you've learned here might help you there.

[He pokes him lightly on the shoulder a few times.]

Concern yourself more with what you think and what is going to be of benefit to you. If the others are going to talk, let them for now. You'll prove them wrong when the time is right. But not if you continue to allow yourself to slip into agreement with them.

Wha...?

[ Waver is forced to sit up from his slump when suddenly Ozymandias begins to slide into his side of the booth, startled into obeying without protest. He scoots, glancing briefly at Ozymandias before dropping his gaze again and dragging his drink over. There's not much distance left to put between them, between Ozymandias sitting like that, being much taller, and the fact the other side is capped by a wall.

Waver looks up tentatively when told to, struggling to maintain the eye contact. He's flushed with drink and shame, hot and uncomfortable, and torn between wanting to hear the encouragement and being distantly horrified with himself for letting it come to this. Just because he's drunk enough to get mopey and let his tendency to overthink things and criticize himself out so blatantly doesn't mean he's quite drunk enough not to be ashamed about it too.

It's the physical affection that finally gets through to him. He flinches slightly in surprise, but at last looks like he's actually seeing Ozymandias instead of just looking vaguely up to appease him. Another time, Waver would have tried to shake it off or nudge his hand away, embarrassed by the patting especially in public, but right now his reactions are too slowed. Instead, he finds himself leaning in, ears bending down against his hair as if to give Ozymandias more surface area to pet. ]

I am... helping a few people learn. Those who struggle with the concepts and all that, or don't do well in a class setting...

[ Even Iskandar, in fact. It's not that Waver's bad at it -- in fact, he's getting to be quite a good instructor, even as he's still learning the unfamiliar parts of this world's magic -- but it still pains him that it's impossible for him to interact with it. He'd been trying to circumvent his own limitations as a low-born mage and improve his magecraft regardless, but here he doesn't get even that much of a chance.

And then there's the matter of going home... he's not ready to think about that yet, much less do so intoxicated.

Waver twists away from the poking, rubbing his arm sulkily. At least he looks closer to scowling again than about to burst into tears. ]

Okay, okay... stop that.

I... I get it. I'll try.

Just keep proving people wrong until they get it... or whatever.

Edited 2019-09-11 17:12 (UTC)

[Although when Waver tries to escape the poking, he's still in a sulk, Ozymandias grins at him almost conspiratorially. He goes from poking Waver's shoulder to giving him another pat on the head. He doesn't muss up Waver's hair this time, however, the action being more of a normal pat on the head for praise rather than trying to rile him up again. Though Ozymandias is fairly certain he could get away with doing it again if he wanted. Waver didn't seem quite as resistant to it anymore.]

That's more like it!

[He stops patting Waver in favor of collecting his drink, elbow resting on the edge of the table as he holds his beer up to Waver.]

To proving them wrong.

[ It smooths the frizz from his earlier rougher petting, at least. And coaxes Waver into scooting a little bit closer unconsciously, inclining his head into Ozymandias's hand. His tail wags tentatively two or three times.

Ah. Another toast.

Waver sits up now, taking his drink back up and turning to face Ozymandias more squarely. ]

Yes. To... that.

[ He leans in to clink his glass against the Pharaoh's emphatically, almost misses, and sloshes some of the half-melted cocktail over his fingers with a muffled swear. ]

Shit... [ First, swigging more from the cup so it's not so full. Logical, right? Then, hurriedly licking the rest off his hand and wrist. Completely forgetting napkins exist. ]

[It was a little uncertain there for a moment if Ozymandias was going to end up wearing Waver's drink, and he somewhat braces himself for the possibility. But thankfully, Waver only ends up spilling a little on his own hand. He laughs into his cup as he takes another drink, setting it back on the table as Waver tries to clean his hand and wrist off.]

I think perhaps after you finish that drink, we should see about getting you home.

[Ozymandias isn't all that convinced that Waver will be able to handle more than just the two cocktails. He'd much rather not end the night holding Waver's hair back while he's doubled over someone's shrubbery on the way home.]

Aww, okay...

[ It's difficult to tell if he's disappointed or just whining because he feels like it, but it does at least seem that his mood has significantly improved. For all his gloominess just a bit ago, it just took a bit of encouragement and affection, apparently. And some annoying him. The poking helped.

Not that Waver is able to really think about any of that critically right now. He finishes licking off his hand, wipes the rest on his pants (gross) and returns to sipping his drink at a more leisurely pace this time.

Resting one elbow on the table and leaning down heavily on it, Waver props his cheek on the palm of his hand, facing Ozymandias with one leg folded up on the seat now. ]

I think I lost points... [ he groans, embarrassed. He'd been trying to prove he was fun, and instead he got depressed. Damn. ]

You asked me what else I do, but... I dunno. I'm boring. I just like reading.

Edited (a more accurate icon...) 2019-09-12 00:46 (UTC)

[He shakes his head a little as Waver becomes concerned with how much Ozymandias may or may not approve of him as a drinking partner, chuckling quietly to himself. It's good to see Waver in a better mood even if he can't seem to stop whining to some degree or another.]

I will never understand how dismissive you people from the modern era are towards reading, [he says with a small, exasperated sigh.] During my lifetime, it meant something to be able to read.

[ At least this is good-mood whining and not bad-mood whining? Or at least... somewhere in between...

Waver peers up from his drink, absently licking condensation off the side of his cup, and then licking his lips in turn. The glass clinks back onto the table. ]

Everyone can read now.

[ Maybe not everyone here... Actually, Waver's not sure how high the literacy rates in Aefenglom are. But he's getting distracted. ]

But I guess I'll take that as a win. Talking about a cool hobby? Check.

[ He even chances a tentative smile, ears perking hopefully. ]

Well, technically, you've only mentioned it, [Ozymandias says, pausing a moment to take another drink from his beer. He's not so cruel to dash all of that hope.] But I will allow you to count it.

[He grins back at Waver.]

You will need something to talk about the next time we go drinking after all.

What else am I supposed to say about it?

[ Please. He's so bad at smalltalk and conversations that aren't about magic or cleaning or finances or something else incredibly boring, help. ]

...ah.

[ Hang on. ]

Next time?

[It's actually because Waver seems woefully ill-equipped to making conversation that Ozymandias has decided to demonstrate a small amount of mercy in allowing him to delay speaking further on his interest in reading. Perhaps between now and then, he might either gain the skill or at least have thought of something to say.]

Relax! I will pay for my share of drinks then. Simply because I am used to a degree of being waited upon doesn't mean that I am a freeloader, [he says with a dismissive wave of his hand. That is Waver's actual concern right?] This was an exception since you lost our wager.

[He cants his head to one side, his smile widening into an almost wicked grin.]

Though I suppose if you're foolish enough to wager my skills against yours again, I may end up avoiding paying for a single drink! [He might have otherwise clapped Waver on the shoulder as he had before, but with him facing so directly toward Ozymandias, he really can only muss his hair up again.] Really, you should have known better than to wager against me. Let this be a lesson to you to never bet against the mighty Ozymandias again!

[ Yes, Waver is worried about the costs... monetary and social... But he's also kind of flattered?

He huffs, but it's harder to hide the smile under his usual grumpy brow-furrowing when he's halfway to wasted. ]

Maybe it just depends on the wager. I bet--

Uwah?! [ A more aggressive head pat! He wasn't expecting that. Now that he's not so listless too, Waver lifts a hand clumsily to shove at Ozymandias's wrist (without much strength behind it). He could have tried to pull away, but obviously doesn't. Because he just as obviously likes it, but apparently feels the need to pretend otherwise. Ozy will get used to it... ]

I just gotta find something you're not as good at, see?

[Waver's half-hearted attempts at getting Ozymandias to stop doesn't seem to have much effect. If anything, it's only earning him the opposite with continued head patting.]

Now I know you've had too much to drink! You're talking utter and complete nonsense.

[It's much better to see Waver smiling, Ozymandias decides. And apparently all it takes a combination of praise and aggravating him. Fortunately, neither are particularly hard to do. Despite how critical Waver tends to be of himself, Ozymandias hasn't found much to criticize him over other than being an occasional stick in the mud. But then again, that just lends itself to the ease of the latter.]

I excel at all things. You should know better than to suggest otherwise.

Oh, do you?

[ Now he definitely has to think of something! Something Ozymandias can't do but he can... ]

I bet... there's gotta be something. You're just saying that 'cause- 'cause no one's told you otherwise yet.

[ Yep. Filter's gone. Not that he's being rude! Well. At least not on purpose. ]

Edited 2019-09-17 21:59 (UTC)

[Ozymandias scoffs because... Well, Waver's not technically wrong. No one would ever dare tell Ozymandias that something was beyond his ability even if that was what they truly believed. But at the same time, the belief that he was capable of all things was sincerely held during his lifetime. He did not need to instill fear of divine wrath for that. They simply loved and believed in him as Pharaoh.]

You aim for the impossible, Waver. I would normally admire such determination, but in this case, it is mere folly.

But aren't you the one who told me to prove people wrong when they say I can't do something?

[ Now he's just being contrary on purpose. Waver smirks, watching Ozymandias over the rim of his cup as he takes another drink... and nearly hits himself in the face with the ice, tilting the cup too far back as he finishes the cocktail. Whoops. ]

[Ozymandias' brow furrows, but he's neither frowning nor glaring, looking at Waver completely incredulous.]

I was not including myself in that! [And just like that, it's the return of the roughhousing as Waver most assuredly finds himself placed in a headlock. There is no escaping or stopping the headpats now. Granted those headpats are more akin to a noogie, but the point still stands.] Why would I ever encourage anyone to defy me?

Waah!!

[ oh no... trapped... ]

Hey, d-don't...!

[ Graceful as ever, Waver flails and tries to squirm out of his grip-- not particularly effectively, considering he's pretty much stuck between the wall capping the edge of the booth, the narrow seating itself, and Ozymandias's body.

He does manage to wriggle downward a bit, but only really succeeds in mashing his face against Ozymandias's ~~royal tiddies~~ chest... producing the following extremely eloquently phrased protest: ]

Mmhhmh--

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