abit_ofboth | Inbox for Etraya

Hey

If you were dating a guy, would you like chocolates and flowers?

Hello

I believe I might be dating a man and yes, I would. Though that does not mean everyone would. May I ask why you wish to know?

I'm dating my first boyfriend and he wants to try out the Valentine holiday but I don't know how popular it is to give a guy chocolates and flowers?

And I think it would suck if I asked him directly

[ So he's hoping to find his answer everywhere else! ]

Yes, I see. Well, I personally would be thrilled that I was thought of at all. Anything my paramour got me as a gift I would think of highly. Plus chocolates are delicious and flowers are beautiful. I do not think you could go wrong.

I am curious about one thing though. Why ask me about this?

[He appreciates that Gorgug would come to with such things. Is actually a little touched, but he’s pretty new to dating himself and is curious.]

I wanted plenty of opinions, and you seem to present as a guy? And you've always been okay to talk with. I didn't think it would bother you if I asked

[ He hopes!! ]

did it? is it weird to ask?

That is my typical form, yes. And it does not bother me at all. It is just not the sort of question that has been presented to me before, so I was curious.

I actually asked something similar on the network a while back and got rather optimistic responses. Has anyone acted oddly with you about such questions?

[Loki might just have an issue if someone did.]

No one's bothered me. I didn't ask in public because I didn't want to embarrass my boyfriend. Because there's maybe a detail that's making me second guess it? He makes a big deal about toxic masculinity and killing it for himself, but I don't know if that means flowers are okay or not now.

Is toxic masculinity a thing where you're from?

[ Is this a universal thing. ]

Well, I can understand that. Besides, I suppose this keeps it more of a surprise for him.

[There’s a bit of a pause while Loki considers this. It isn’t a term that Loki is familiar with, but he’s pretty sure he knows what it means right off the bat.]

I suspect it is. Any time the males have more control than the females in any society, I believe it is possible. It seems to be something that comes with testosterone. Having said that, and hearing what you are saying about your boyfriend, I think flowers will not cause an issue for you. The real question is then, what kind of flowers does he like?

[ What kind of flowers does he like?

....

...................... ]

I don't know if he likes flowers.

[ This is... a problem, right? This sounds like the real problem here when he writes it like that? ]

But... do you have a favorite flower? Have you thought about that?

I see, yes. That does make things a little more difficult. There is quite a wide variety of options. Though I believe roses are typically the romantic flower, when in doubt.

[Loki doesn’t think it’s a real problem. Besides, if Gorgug’s new beau likes him as much as he should, then he will love anything he gets him. It really is the thought that counts.]

I do have a favourite flower. It’s called heather. My mother used to grow it in her garden when I was young. It also grew wild all along my homeland. The smell of it in spring is like nothing else.

Edited (Coding issue.) 2025-03-13 23:04 (UTC)

That's a nice pick for a flower. The reason behind it. I've never thought about it, but my side of town has a lot of flowers that show up around spring and summer too. I don't know the name of a lot of them but they're tiny and colorful. I like those kind of flowers

My parents like machines, but we have herb pots for the kitchen. Those smell good.

Thank you. I always found them quite lovely and it brings back such nice memories. I do not always have the luxury of that.

Now, let’s see if we can’t figure out what kind of flowers those were that grew in your town then, shall we? If we can find those, or something similar and you tell your date the story, I bet he will absolutely love them. So when you mean colourful, which colours specifically did you see? And if a few, which were your favourites?

Herbs are lovely. Does he like to cook? Then herbs could be quite a thoughtful gift.

The names of the flowers I saw here in bunches are different from the ones I recognize back home, but there were a lot of nice ones? For flowers. I can round back and go to the Kwik Trip again. They've got a lot of flowers right now if you want to look at them too.

And his idea of cooking is serving cereal. Maybe I could show him how to cook something? Actually cook

Yes, that would be lovely. I haven’t not been there to look at their flowers. I wouldn’t mind picking some out for my own date. And if you find anything that even reminds you of the ones you were thinking of, I bet they will work just as well.

Ha, yes, I have met the type before. I have enjoyed cooking for my date a couple of times myself and admit have had the same idea of trying to cook with him. Maybe you start with making him your favourite dish? Invite him over early and have him help. I think it’s very romantic.

I hope your date likes them if you go out and get him some. It sounds like you've done a lot with them, making him dinners and picking him flowers. Maybe I should try to do more stuff too. He always makes a fuss that I don't compliment him enough but I think he wants me to show him that I care? My last relationship was like that. I never know what's the right amount of attention

But I'll think of some food I can make. I like casseroles? I think they're easy to make

We have had a few dates now, yes. The idea of getting him flowers is new, but it really is something I feel I should’ve thought of before. But cooking for him has been quite a delight.

Ah yes, I know how difficult that can be. It seems too much attention for some is not enough for others. I’m afraid it just takes some time to figure out what is the right amount. But if he is asking for more, trying to accomplish that is a good first step. I am confident that you will figure it out.

A casserole is a fine idea. And if you ever wish to try something new, I will happily share some recipes with you.

I'd like any recipes you have, thank you. There's a lot in cooking books and I wouldn't know what's good to start with. Do you have fish recipes?

Excellent. I will gladly share with you anything I have. I’m even available to help if you are concerned at all with the recipe itself. I know sometimes they can be a bit daunting.

I do have fish recipes! I have a lovely one for grilled fish with lemon that is one of my favourites.

[continued from here]

Loki nods slowly as if considering what Gorgug is telling him. He wants to ask Hob about this, wants to know if he’s willing to stay. There’s a part of Loki, deep within him that is still like his old self that wants to demand it, but he knows realistically that the last thing he wants is to force any of this on Hob. Loki really has no right to ask this of his partner, no matter how much he wants it to be so.

“I would feel terrible asking others to stay. I have to think most would prefer to return home, even though I am sure there are a few, as you say, that also would prefer to stay. But how could I ask? If they do not wish to, it no longer matters if I stay or go.” Though at least part of this is due to Loki not wanting to go back to being alone, as time passes, it becomes more and more about not wanting to be without Hob.

He can hear the question in Gorgug’s reply. Can see it in his expression along with the concern, though Loki can’t really understand why his friend is concerned. It seems like a waste of energy for anyone to worry about him. He’s about to tell him about Hob anyway though, since he seems curious, but is beaten out by the arrival of the man himself.

The moment Loki sees Hob he has the urge to go to him, hug him, make sure he’s okay, but most importantly take comfort in the process, but manages to hold himself back. Hob’s presence helps in some way that Loki can’t quite understand, but it doesn't fully overpower the effects of the fog.

Not really knowing how to respond, Loki shakes his head, unable to speak at first. “You should not be out here. It is dangerous. I cannot protect you right now.”

How to ask? Is it a fear of rejection? When the answer is obvious, though Gorgug knows that even the obvious can seem really impossible -- the way that some people can be boisterous, shine amongst a crowd; how people can demand things from those around them, hold a normal, confident conversation.

Gorgug presses his lips together, wants to be some sort of confidence right now, for Loki; despite the fact he doesn't feel he can be, that he's asking for the impossible himself. But there's a voice, another, and Gorgug looks to see who it is--someone he's never seen before, and some nagging in him makes him wonder if they're real or not real.

A valid question, right now.

He glances between the pair, and he himself hesitates to speak up, this time. You know, he might just see how this guy responds to Loki, and how Loki responds in kind...

Staying in Etraya would be a difficult matter and not easily decided upon. There would be so many factors to consider. Far too many to consider in the midst of this fog. Right now, Hob's only focus is making sure others are safe; especially the one he was looking for.

Moving to Loki's side, he sets a hand on the man's shoulder in an easy, familiar way. "It is dangerous. We should go back to the apartments for now. Get our heads on straight." Before something pops out of the fog meant to mess with them.

Looking from Loki to Gorgug, Hob smiles faintly, knowing this might be a bad time for introductions. "I'm Hob. Do you want to come with us? It's safer if we travel together, I think."

And that is at least part of the reason why Loki won’t ask, no matter how much he wants to. The idea of going back to being alone on his throne is getting harder and harder to accept. It was hard enough to do the first time, but now? With everything he has here? It’s starting to feel downright impossible. Though some of that is likely to be the effects of the fog.

Loki looks between Gorgug and Hob. He cares about them both. Gorgug has been a good friend to him and Hob, well Hob might just be his favourite person ever. And he doesn’t deserve either of them, is suddenly terrified that just being in their presence will bring them nothing but misfortune or worse.

As Hob begins to approach, Loki retreats into himself as if that could somehow protect Hob and Gorgug, but the moment Hob touches him he relaxes, his head falling forward. “You shouldn’t be here,” he repeats quietly. “I was supposed to figure this out. I was supposed to fix this. I have failed, just like I always do.”

It doesn’t seem right to him, giving up already, but he doesn’t fight the idea of going back to the apartments. Just nods after a moment and glances back up. It doesn’t occur to him until Hob speaks that he and Gorgug haven’t met before. It’s not like him to not make proper introductions, but he’s clearly not himself. Instead he just looks at Gorgug and nods. “Yes, I would feel better if you came with us. I won’t leave you here alone.”

Oh, Hob. Okay. Being given a name alone shouldn't assuage Gorgug's worries for what this situation could be (trickery, trying to fool Loki; to make him let his guard down, pull him deeper into despair), but Gorgug is maybe not as suspicious as he should be. There's merit to be given to his approach to Loki, as well as the way that Loki reactions: with hesitation, initially, but then an easy kind of submission that's recognisable. Care. Love.

It could still be a trap, but still, Loki isn't alone--and while Hob turns to him, Loki following suit, Gorgug nods his head without much pause.

"Okay-- we'll work together." He says it, to acknowledge Loki's troubles; looking to both to them, hoping he can continue to put trust in Hob. This man who he feels isn't an illusion, a trick. "It really sucks-- I hate this too. But having people around helps."

A lighter note, a point made. Isn't that how they've always done this, been involved? Him and Loki, at the very least, and not always under positive means (thanks, Im'mari). But they've done good, or so Gorgug likes to think; even if he has to remind himself, too, that the good that they do doesn't always feel satisfying. But there has to be some good in there. Some positive.

Even if it's for the good of their universes. Their worlds.

"I'm Gorgug," he doesn't forget to add, a glance to Hob, to whom he nods to.

Failed? Hob shakes his head quickly. "Darling, I don't think anyone an fix this. Don't blame yourself. You're already my hero." Hob smiles warmly, hoping to offer Loki some reassurance.

At Gorgug's words, Hob nods in agreement. "Yes, we have to take care of each other. Especially in a situation like this." Having people around does help.

"A pleasure to meet you, Gorgug. Let's get Loki on his feet, shall we? When we get back to the flat, I'll warm something up for us to eat. A little food will help us get our strength back. Then, we can figure out where to go from there."

Normally, Loki would be suspicious. It's hardly like he would put it past this place to mess with him more by having an illusion of Hob and then having something horrible happen, but he can sense something once Hob is with him, sitting next to him and touching. This place is very good at trickery, but not better at it than Loki is and he can tell, is certain, there is nothing to worry about, at least when it comes to Hob actually being there.

"I am a god, I should have been able to protect you, not have you come save me." Not that he doesn't believe Hob capable, but he shouldn't have to. It doesn't hurt to have Hob call him his hero though, even if he doesn't really believe it. Not right now anyway.

He turns back to Gorgug as he begins to stand, suddenly worried that his friend won't come along even though he's said he would. "I've been told that my cooking is rather good, especially as leftovers." He looks hopeful, as if that will encourage him not to change his mind.

Inbox for Etraya

14th february, un: gorgug, text

UN: Loki | Text

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

For Gorgug and Hob. Mission 011 Continuation

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject