abraxaslogs | Smart men are always looking for loopholes.

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Smart men are always looking for loopholes.

WHO: Jesper Fahey and you!
WHAT: Catch-all for October
WHERE: Cadens, Nocwich, Horizon
WHEN: Throughout October (may add event things)
WARNINGS: Nothing right now.

[ooc: feel free to wildcard below or ask me for a custom starter on plurk]

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"Always an exciting thing to hear."

That anyone's looking for him, as long as it's not the guard, but the fact that it's Claude is particularly delightful. Jesper grins back at him, having had a good day already, although he's generally a good mood type of guy. He's shuffling a set of cards since he plays games by himself as the day goes on, he does have a short attention span, so visits are always encouraged.

What an interesting way of putting it. Jesper tilts his head curiously at him, amused at the theatrics since he absolutely adores theatrics, and he waggles his eyebrows at Claude.

"Well all you'd have to do is flutter your eyelashes at me and I'd probably drop everything." God he's so pretty. Jesper could look at his face all day. It's unfair that everyone from his world has that visible perfection, like Sylvain and Hilda. It's nice to always have pretty window dressing around him though. He reaches out to steal a chair from another merchant who isn't looking, using his telekinesis, and he sets it down next to the one he uses himself.

"Sit down, handsome, tell me about your hopes and dreams."

"That so? I should've started with that, then. Is it too late to take it back and do that?"

Asked teasingly considering he's already sitting down in that chair thoughtfully placed there for him, clearly without any real intentions to get up and start again. Still - that doesn't mean that he's not going to add a flutter of eyelashes for good measure and for the sake of entertaining Jesper. Missing an opportunity like that is never a good thing, after all.

"You're in luck, because I have both of those things here with me." Hopes and dreams, that is, since he's already rummaging in his satchel for his journal. With it in hand it's just a matter of flipping past this page of scribbles and that one of illustrations of plants, buildings around Cadens, whatever else he's come across, but there's some explanation to go with that. "I was inspired by the scarves you have for sale the last time I came by here, by the way, and I was hoping to commission a couple of things from you if I could. That part was less flattery and more truth."

A few more pages get flipped by, and then he turns the journal around to show Jesper an outfit in a very rough sketch with mostly the colors filled in and some of the lace detailing. "What I had in mind would be close to a scarf but something longer... and maybe wider? So it could also be used as a shawl if unfolded now that we're heading into some slightly cooler weather around here or refashioned in a couple ways, and maybe with," with a fingertip tapped over the lace, "something like this as the pattern on it, if any of this makes sense."

"Ooo look at those eyelashes." Jesper laughs, always glad that Claude is the type of person to play along. It's a trait of the Wheels, he's found, all the ones he's met have an unmistakable energy, usually one of mischief and playfulness.

Jesper takes the journal from him so he can see more clearly what he's talking about. While fashion isn't what he uses his gifts on the most, although he probably should because he loves it so much, this all seems easily within his range.

"Yeah it makes sense, should be doable. I'm sure it'll look fantastic on her." Since he assumes this is for Hilda, obviously. Can't see those colors without thinking of her and he knows Claude's feelings for her. "Have you two graduated from tension bickering to romantic gifts? If so, good, even if it means I have less of a shot with either of you." LESS of a shot. Jesper never gives up hope when it comes to pretty people, especially not in a polyamorous type of situation like he has.

Mostly he is testing the temperature of Hilda and Claude on their own. For all his flirting, they are his actual friends, so he cares. Sylvain's told him about their problems so he's saying this as casually as possible, not meaning to pry but a gentle prodding.

Another quick grin from Claude in regards to lashes, and then it's to wait for Jesper to consider the possibilities of the sketch. He absently drums a couple fingertips against the table, half-watching some passersby eying what's for sale before they stop at a stall nearby. First, he assumes, since that interest was too much to be idle, though his attention's pulled back to the other man when he speaks.

"I'd think it would." Less confirmation about it looking good on her and more of an inside joke with himself in knowing it will, really, and there's no small amount of amusement in his voice while saying so. It's a relief to hear it's possible and he trusts Jesper to see it through in what's created, mostly because he knows the man has far more experience in creating things than anyone else around.

But that's also stalling, really, when it comes to addressing the latter part of what was said and not without a grin at Jesper's disappointment over having less of a shot. It's casually asked enough, at least, that even Claude won't loop back into his usual circular tendencies when it comes to answering since a real answer's likely deserved here. "We've known each other for too many years for the bickering to ever stop given it's a mainstay of our relationship, but I'd like to hope it's changed varieties slightly from what it's been as of late.

"And," holding up a finger as though he's about to impart the most important thought of all to that, "I probably have a lot of gifts to make up for some of it, so I think we're off to a good start here though I wouldn't say no to any other recommendations you have to go with it."

Jesper has an eye for fashion and has been making clothes since he arrived, usually for the other Crows or for himself, and the core cloth went to his close friends. None of that is intentionally shiny, not like his own style, so he likes being able to stretch his wings out.

"Ah, a diplomat's reply." Jesper teases because he knows talking around a problem all too well, being a talker himself. "You are allowed to say mind your own business, Jesper, I won't take it personally." It also won't really stop him as he prods away occasionally, but most people know it comes from a place of care rather than gossip. He knows Sylvain's been tying himself into knots with the two of them, so it matters to him too.

He picks up a pencil, he has one of course, and taps onto the image. "I should make some very fashionable boots to go with that. A nice hair tie." It's not the sort of thing he's implying Claude should buy, all his suggestions are his own. "But as much as Hilda is a very glittery girl, I have a feeling she's more interested in behavior changes than shiny gifts."

That teasing gets a laugh from Claude since - well, guilty as charged even if it wasn't entirely his intention. Some habits are too hard to break, and the occasional circular answer falls well within there when it comes to those years of deflecting if not outright avoiding actually addressing what was said. Claude's also pretty sure he's said the same in regards to okaying someone else to tell him to mind his own business, and that's yet another thing the two of them share in common.

It's what follows which gives him pause for all of a second before laughter settles into a grin, albeit a bit of a knowing one. That's not an incorrect observation in any sense, nor is it one Claude takes as anything other than the care he knows Jesper offers those he cares about.

"I was thinking of this being a gesture for both, really. A long overdue one at that, as it's been a ... complicated last few years." To say the least; the same would've held true if they were back in Fodlan without those years coming into play in Abraxas. "Something we'll work on, hopefully."

As there are things to work on, and ones for Claude specifically, though for now he hums in thought while leaning back in his chair as the picture of ease. "I'll take you up on those other items at some point, definitely, though I think starting with this would be the right step first. Next time I'll also step aside to Hilda's far better abilities when it comes to designing something like this."

"When people love each other, they find a way to get through it." Jesper is a bit of a romantic, sure, but he also doesn't mean only in relationships. Friendships too, from his experience, and he's always come through things with the people he loves. Whatever Claude and Hilda were working past, he had faith they'd get there. Eventually.

"But I'm sure Sylvain will appreciate the gesture too. I think he was experiencing what I used to when Kaz and Inej were in a fight. In fact, I still feel that way if they do." Jesper is involved with both of them but they have their own thing too, long-standing and complicated on its own. In many ways he's been the Sylvain part of this for a lot longer, which is why he sympathized with his lover. He's not meaning to give away any confidences with that, but Sylvain is sometimes his and he cares for his sanity.

"Oh no, I didn't mean you." Jesper laughs, waving a hand. "I'll add the things myself. Although you can point her in my direction and she can ask what she'd like to add herself. She and I share similar taste I believe." Mostly involving color and brightness, to match their sunny dispositions.

There's a hum from Claude in lieu of a response, a placeholder meant to give himself a bit of time to think. Jesper's correct again - on all those topics mentioned, and ones he's considered himself both during everything and in the aftermath. It's not escaped him either that there's multiple things to be made up for here.

But - that Jesper means to add the flourishing compliments to this commission through his own gifts gets a genuine laugh out of Claude both in appreciation and for the fact that there is much overlap between Hilda and Jesper.

"I expect you'll end up designing an entire wardrobe for her if I do that." Said with nothing but fondness behind it as he files that away as a note for later since it's a good idea and one he'll be quick to give Jesper the credit for as with this scarf. Hilda would absolutely adore the idea of creating something entirely of her own just like she has with the jewelry and enchantments she's been working so hard on. Claude doesn't sound for a second she'd be excellent at this, too.

A tangential thought to that reminds Claude it's also not the only scarf he means to request today. He waits for Jesper to complete his notes before reaching for the journal to flip a few more pages forward to a palette of colors suiting Sylvain that's easy to see at a glance. "If it's not too much trouble, I'd also like to add a second scarf to my order for someone else we both know well."

Jesper notices that Claude doesn't respond to that outside of a hum but he doesn't take it personally. He can see the wheels turning in his head so he's considering what has been said. And also what hasn't been said, like his implication about Sylvain needing to be made up to too. He doesn't mean to meddle, but he meant it when he said it reminded him of his own triangle situation, in the past.

"I don't mind, she's excellent company." Hilda and Jesper are very similar in some ways, their sunny personalities and flourishes the obvious ones, but that they hide their inner depth through those bright smiles.

One of said bright smiles show when Claude moves to colors suiting Sylvain. "I'd be happy to. I'm very fond of him, you know. He was there for me when I really needed someone." During the gods, when he was deep into his sickness and couldn't drag himself out of it alone. He was hiding from Inej and Kaz out of deep shame, but Sylvain pulled him out. With sex, yes, but it came from kindness. He understood Jesper needed a distraction.

"You know what solved the problem with me, Inej, and Kaz?" He taps the journal playfully. "We're all together now. I'm not saying it works for everyone, but for some of us, it does."

"She is, isn't she? One of the very many things I like so much about her." That sliver of honesty slips out before Claude really realizes it's going to happen, but once it does? No need to sweep it aside or cover it up. It's the truth and easy to let it be, especially when the long list of what he loves about Hilda has so much more on it.

And in line with appreciation for that: the idea for the scarves had set in one day while he was (sort of) organizing his closet and thinking about home, and a way to bring that here. There'll have to be some explanations for their recipients, probably, but those can come later with other things tied to them, too.

Claude means to voice that Sylvain's every bit as fond as of Jesper with no question, but that'll have to wait when what follows wasn't something he was expecting even with the mention of Inej and Kaz. This time he chuckles, and a genuine laugh at that, since - "I wouldn't be opposed to such an arrangement either. Far from it, but their thoughts on that are far more important than mine when it comes to deciding."

He's considered it more and more because there's benefits to that in so many ways, he knows, strange as it seems to be considering. Only because it involves the letting of his guard he keeps up closely at all times down for not one but two people, and he shifts his gaze back to the page momentarily before looking back up at Jesper. "It's not uncommon where I grew up for someone to have more than one lover or even spouse, but I think the two of them are less familiar with it. They'll need to figure out if that's what they want too since I wouldn't ask either of them to accept something they don't."

"Brilliant, funny, kind, beautiful, she's one hell of a woman, you're a lucky man." Jesper is highly complimentary of his friends because he loves them, genuinely. He sees only the best in them, Hilda included. It is difficult to get Jesper to be critical of anyone he cares of, he's always likely to give them the benefit of the doubt or come up with excuses. They earn that.

"I may as well be saying all the same things about you to her though." He doesn't know what the hold up was to get them to this place, but it's nice to know they're getting past it. There's no reason good people should be fighting amongst themselves.

Jesper raises his eyebrows at that, but he's glad to hear it's something Claude is comfortable with and would want. "I mean, there's three of you in this, love. Your wants are as important as theirs, their thoughts aren't the only ones that matter. Sometimes you have to just tell people what will make you happy to give them the freedom to decide the same."

Unsurprisingly, he is the last person to need encouragement to speak his wants. "Right before getting here, Kaz let the two of us go on new paths, but he wanted us to stay, or at least he wanted to know we would come back. But he never said so, and he suffered for it. Here, he finally told us the truth, and now he's deliriously happy, not that you'd know talking to him." Kaz doesn't seem like a guy who is ever happy. He's got that permanent poker face of icy indifference, but Jesper knows who he is under it.

"They might not even think it's possible, Claude. Most people don't believe they deserve everything they can get."

There's another smile at all those descriptions Jesper offers - all of them accurate and then some, and he's in complete agreement. At the mention Jesper might be saying the same about him, he offers another one of those silly seated bows in playful gratitude for a little levity, but the rest is something he won't treat quite as lightly. Especially not that last statement and how much it resonates.

"It's more that if only one partner is something they'd rather have for themselves, I won't push them to accept something else just because this is something I want, you know? If it's something they've never considered before, I want to give them the time to think it through before deciding because they deserve that and it's a lot to think about. Even if it's the three of us, I don't think my wants outrank something that'd make them unhappy. But that said, you certainly have a point about being clearer."

It'd be a big change in many ways. Even though they aren't in Fodlan, it doesn't mean there aren't some things they've collectively carried with them in different ways. Of course, that also doesn't mean leaving time to think can't be a detriment even if it'd seemed logical enough to Claude. It wouldn't be the first mistake he'd made here - far from it - and that thought is one he keeps turning over in the back of his mind. It does help to hear from someone else who's been in the same position and has made it work, and that mention about Kaz's expression gets a grin from him.

"He's always seemed rather serious when I've passed by him, now that you mention it. So before you came here, there was a possibility for this to happen at home for Inej, Kaz, and you, too? Do you think being here was what made it possible? Or at least to start the conversation about it since you hadn't before?" And now there's an apologetic grin, considering he hadn't meant to ask quite so many questions all at once even despite his curiosity.

"I know, but how clearly do they know your wants? You've got a diplomat's tongue and mind, but when it comes to matters of the heart, being straightforward is my best suggestion." Jesper gets that it's not always easy to do that. It's very hard, in fact, something he knows personally. It took him longer than it should have to talk to Wylan, but that came from a place of guilt, but they figured it out. What Jesper is glad about is that he told the truth from the start.

He's very fond of Claude but Jesper is quite good at seeing through masks and he thinks Claude hides a great deal behind his charming demeanor. A sharp mind and his own discerning eye, for example. He suspects it isn't easy for people to know what is going on in that pretty head of his. It's not as if Jesper knows, but he can see there's a polite veneer.

"Oh yes, Kaz could have had me at any time, I've been down bad for him for years. The thing is that Kaz is the boss, he's the leader of our gang, and as long as he holds that position, he doesn't believe in showing weakness. That's the sort of thing that gets you killed in Ketterdam." And to him, being in love with Inej and Jesper was a weakness. Keeping them close and valuing them was already a danger, but it was more than that.

"Inej and I would've been his back home if he wanted, but he wasn't willing at that time. Coming here changed that, it changed all of us. So now we're going for it." Jesper grins cheekily. "I knew I'd get him eventually."

There's a tilt of his head at that, partially in acknowledgment and mostly in entertainment since - Claude has no way of arguing what Jesper's said. He could, of course, but it'd also be somewhat empty and for the sake of being difficult. Years of dodging around this topic or that to redirect conversations where he wants them to go certainly have created a bit of a disconnect with the idea of being forthcoming. All the time, at least; when directness is called for then it's simple to lean into. Mostly.

"Sounds a little bit like realizing you're in love with someone in the middle of a war," Claude adds dryly and totally not from experience. Definitely not. It's close enough to the actual dates involved, anyway, and he's really only saying this to commiserate - a bit - and for Jesper's amusement. "I get that, though. That's the kind of danger you can't overlook quite so easily especially when it comes to being a leader and keeping those you care about safe."

Among other things; from their talks of Ketterdam and from what he's lived through himself, danger can take many forms when it comes to either yourself or loved ones. That's also part of what makes it so easy to grin right back at Jesper when the other man flashes one first. "That also sounds familiar considering being here is what changed things for all of us too, I think. Now it's just a matter of seeing if they'll align, though I'm glad to hear it has for the three of you no matter what else happens."

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Smart men are always looking for loopholes.

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