[ He nods, and he's once again struck by how well Matt takes the very idea. It isn't as if it's regarded flippantly, since how Matt's laughter faded said that well enough, but it's certainly handled with more neutrality than Sebastian is used to. Ciel had taken the prospect well, all things considered, but that was more for self-loathing than anything. Here, it's entirely different, and it's almost... Refreshing, he thinks? ]
If someone is feeling a particularly strong emotion, I can "taste" that as well? It is hard to describe, but it hangs in the air, so to speak, and there are some I favor over others. [ He makes a thoughtful noise, then adds: ] Well, and there is food in my realm that is palatable? But much as I find human cuisine foul, I am sure a human would find the same for demons. It is very... visceral, shall we say?
Well, human cuisine covers a pretty wide array of sins. Intestines, cheese with maggots on it. Fruit that smells like sewage.
But I can imagine some things that might be ... more visceral than the vast majority of us would go for.
[ He tips his head thoughtfully. He's relieved to hear there's something on this plane of existence that Sebastian likes tasting apart from souls. Being stuck here with nothing on your tongue but "foul" strikes Matt as akin to torture. He isn't exactly a foodie, but he has too much appreciation for the realm of the sensual to feel otherwise. ]
[ Sebastian nods with a troubled expression as Matt describes some of the more colorful foods humans like to indulge in, and it's clear that he's at least familiar with some of those offerings... Though it may just as much be for his own kind's offerings as well, since even if Sebastian finds them more palatable, he also considers himself a gourmand. It's why he goes through the trouble of covenants at all, since even if his stomach could be filled with "normal" offerings for demons, it was never the same.
It's why the question makes him smile. ]
...Normally, that is a rather difficult question to answer, because my answer always felt imprecise. In short, it is the darker feelings people are prone to. Hatred, despair, fury... All a bit stereotypical, I know, but such is my taste. [ He can at least make fun of himself a little bit in this regard ] But even so, that never feels like it captures the depth of what I experience. It feels a bit dull compared to what I experience to describe them so simply, but I had never been able to think of something more vivid.
[ "Until now" is clear enough in how he's phrased it, and so he shrugs very lightly. ]
What comes forth when one experiences the Kenoma... That is it.
[ Matt's lips twitch ruefully for 'stereotypical.' ]
Hey, stereotypes are popular for a reason. I like burgers and pizza, [ he offers, forgetting that there might be something of a cultural divide where those are concerned. That's all he says before quieting, though.
Once Matt hears the answer, he thinks he could have predicted it. Of course the Kenoma would encompass all that, and more--though Matt himself isn't drawn to hatred as a concept. Only love. Love for everything, not just the things that make themselves easy to love: for the wildfire raging its way across an overgrown forest, for maggots as they chew an animal corpse into usefulness. For peace, at the end, to everyone who needs it. ]
Well. That makes me happy, then. [ Another quick smile, this one his widest in recent minutes. ] Which I guess doesn't taste great, so sorry.
[ "Burger" causes his brow to quirk lightly yet again when faced with a new term, and pizza certainly brings a different flavor profile to mind... But ultimately, his expression settles into one of a soft kind of surprise. It probably reads as lightly doubting, but it's more perplexed than that. ]
Well, you needn't apologize. It must be far more intense than that for me to catch a note of it.
[ He'll at least come to humor first, though it may be a bit of a joke only for him. But after breathing out a laugh, the humor shifts to a curiosity that's more earnest. ]
...But does it really? [ There's a laugh breathed out again as just a note, though it's near incredulous. There's a disparity here, and it's clearly one Sebastian himself hasn't thought about at any length. ] Why?
[ Matt's relieved that normal-strength emotions don't seem to ping Sebastian. They all have more than enough of that as things stand. But it seems to surprise him when Sebastian laughs--it's a pleasant sound, but Matt hadn't thought about trying to explain himself. It's almost jarring to realize he's been thinking his own thoughts, and that Sebastian isn't privy to them.
He smiles, breathing a laugh of his own. Half sheepishness, half unconscious echo. ]
I don't ... like thinking of anyone stuck in an existence that has nothing to offer them.
I know our purpose here is to reset things. Sweep away the last of the rot. And I believe in that, but I don't think that has to mean-- [ His lips twitch. ] --you know, "no fun." Maybe there's a version of me in the future who'll be able to move towards a goal without anything but that to look forward to, but I definitely can't do it now.
[ Even a demon, he almost asks reflexively, but Matt's answer is obvious at this point. He cants his head lightly as he listens, and his smile tilts towards warmth, but it would be difficult to pick out what Sebastian is feeling from it.
In part, this is a misunderstanding, he's sure. It's an endearing thing about many humans that they can assume better of people, even when the truth is obvious before them. It's a weakness that demons of Sebastian's ilk exploited in different shades. Social as he was, his tended to be deceptions to hide the beast lurking underneath an alluring mask and careful, honeyed words.
But it wasn't being hidden very much, was it? Especially not to Matt, who didn't merely witness it, but felt it. It's the part he's stuck on, because it goes against his expectations in a fundamental way. It intrigues him, but in a distant sort of way only a creature as ancient as he could feel. Luckily, it's also more than enough to catch his interest. ]
I should hope not. Even enjoying cleaning as I do, that is an extraordinarily dull thing to be captivated by, I would say.
[ Of course, his own pensive thoughts are kept to himself. The enigmatic smile warms further to one that shows just a little bit of playful mischief in it. ]
Should you ever find yourself drifting in such a way, then we shall have to be sure to remedy it. There is always something offered, and I would call myself a bit of an expert at finding even rare pleasures, naturally.
[ Matt laughs, realizing he did totally forget to take all Sebastian's domestic hobbies into account. But on the other hand, he stands by that. The pleasure one can find in knitting or baking babkas isn't quite the same as the kind one takes in a jaw-dropping celestial event, or really good sex, or eating that babka and finding it tastes wonderful. Maybe not all of Matt's list there is sensual per se, but it's--bigger than a single person. Fulfilling, in a way you can touch. And sensations matter. Kama is, after all, one of the four pillars of human existence.
In the context of their current conversation, the phrase "rare pleasures" catches on his ear. Matt's pretty sure that's just him, rather than anything Sebastian's specifically intending to put across, but he can't help how his smile curls at the words. ]
I appreciate that, [ he says, sincerely. He glances up to meet Sebastian's gaze. His thoughts, from starry to heated, flicker across his face, but as usual, Matt isn't aware of just how transparent he is. ] I know I just said that I think we should have fun, but it's true it's not always easy to get into that mindset.
[ His words find their mark, though perhaps not as fully as Sebastian thinks. He's being purposefully beguiling, though it's not for any reason but his own whimsy, ultimately. It's his own form of fun to tease at flirtation, but it's also neatly tied up in the manners of a gentleman. Or at least partially. This would still be far too bold for the standards of etiquette he had come from, but being completely behold to them certainly felt out of place in Achamoth...
As those thoughts drift openly across Matt's face, there's the slightest of acknowledgements in return. It's no more than his lips pursing just slightly in knowing, a little crinkle at the corners of his eyes as they match the smile, but. He's a tease. It's a thread with a promise of perhaps another time, but still so subtle as to be second-guessed.
His smile brightens easily with warmth, and he nods in agreement. ]
So indeed, and especially in an environment so dour. [ He looks generally up, though there's nothing to see there ] To say nothing of our surroundings now, of course. Achamoth is so full of such a dour luxury is more what I mean than these somewhat pitiful surroundings.
[ ...Truly, why not let your favored pawns at least come back to life in a nicer place? He won't try and understand the Regent's methods at this point, but that is absolutely not a topic that he'll get into here, so he continues without missing a beat as he looks back down. ]
Why, perhaps you would be interested in joining me, now that I think of it. Once matters are settled here in Achamoth, I was thinking of taking a trip outside the city. There is much to see of Horos, and I should like to.
[ Matt likes that expression. He's past second-guessing and onto fourth- or fifth-, so he has no real thought that any of it's meant for him. But he can't help wanting what he wants, and consequently can't help warming to the crinkle at the corners of Sebastian's eyes, the lilt of his smile.
In the meantime, "dour luxury" prompts a sudden grin, distracting him. That's totally it: Achamoth contains within its walls pretty much any vice you could lust for, but a surprising number of its fruits are hidden from public view, leaving one's primary impression of the city one of severity. As for the Citadel itself, like so many of its denizens--like the one who shaped it, who sits in its throne room--it's business, business, business. ]
Oh.
[ Matt's smile shifts from broad and bright to something smaller, more private. A self-contained glow of pleasure. It's not just the invitation that pleases him (though it does, especially with the way his thoughts have been tending), but the prospect of open air, new sights. Getting out of this graveyard. Until Sebastian said it, Matt didn't realize how much he wanted that. ]
Yeah, [ he says slowly, ] that sounds like it could be really fun. Um. Let me know when you're going, and ...
[ There's things Matt could say here about the tactical wisdom of learning more about Horos. That's what you do in conflict, right? Try to get as much terrain advantage as you can? But he doesn't marshal any martial arguments; for now, it feels like enough to want to leave.
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no subject
[ He nods, and he's once again struck by how well Matt takes the very idea. It isn't as if it's regarded flippantly, since how Matt's laughter faded said that well enough, but it's certainly handled with more neutrality than Sebastian is used to. Ciel had taken the prospect well, all things considered, but that was more for self-loathing than anything. Here, it's entirely different, and it's almost... Refreshing, he thinks? ]
If someone is feeling a particularly strong emotion, I can "taste" that as well? It is hard to describe, but it hangs in the air, so to speak, and there are some I favor over others. [ He makes a thoughtful noise, then adds: ] Well, and there is food in my realm that is palatable? But much as I find human cuisine foul, I am sure a human would find the same for demons. It is very... visceral, shall we say?
no subject
Well, human cuisine covers a pretty wide array of sins. Intestines, cheese with maggots on it. Fruit that smells like sewage.
But I can imagine some things that might be ... more visceral than the vast majority of us would go for.
[ He tips his head thoughtfully. He's relieved to hear there's something on this plane of existence that Sebastian likes tasting apart from souls. Being stuck here with nothing on your tongue but "foul" strikes Matt as akin to torture. He isn't exactly a foodie, but he has too much appreciation for the realm of the sensual to feel otherwise. ]
What emotions are your favorites?
no subject
It's why the question makes him smile. ]
...Normally, that is a rather difficult question to answer, because my answer always felt imprecise. In short, it is the darker feelings people are prone to. Hatred, despair, fury... All a bit stereotypical, I know, but such is my taste. [ He can at least make fun of himself a little bit in this regard ] But even so, that never feels like it captures the depth of what I experience. It feels a bit dull compared to what I experience to describe them so simply, but I had never been able to think of something more vivid.
[ "Until now" is clear enough in how he's phrased it, and so he shrugs very lightly. ]
What comes forth when one experiences the Kenoma... That is it.
no subject
Hey, stereotypes are popular for a reason. I like burgers and pizza, [ he offers, forgetting that there might be something of a cultural divide where those are concerned. That's all he says before quieting, though.
Once Matt hears the answer, he thinks he could have predicted it. Of course the Kenoma would encompass all that, and more--though Matt himself isn't drawn to hatred as a concept. Only love. Love for everything, not just the things that make themselves easy to love: for the wildfire raging its way across an overgrown forest, for maggots as they chew an animal corpse into usefulness. For peace, at the end, to everyone who needs it. ]
Well. That makes me happy, then. [ Another quick smile, this one his widest in recent minutes. ] Which I guess doesn't taste great, so sorry.
no subject
Well, you needn't apologize. It must be far more intense than that for me to catch a note of it.
[ He'll at least come to humor first, though it may be a bit of a joke only for him. But after breathing out a laugh, the humor shifts to a curiosity that's more earnest. ]
...But does it really? [ There's a laugh breathed out again as just a note, though it's near incredulous. There's a disparity here, and it's clearly one Sebastian himself hasn't thought about at any length. ] Why?
no subject
He smiles, breathing a laugh of his own. Half sheepishness, half unconscious echo. ]
I don't ... like thinking of anyone stuck in an existence that has nothing to offer them.
I know our purpose here is to reset things. Sweep away the last of the rot. And I believe in that, but I don't think that has to mean-- [ His lips twitch. ] --you know, "no fun." Maybe there's a version of me in the future who'll be able to move towards a goal without anything but that to look forward to, but I definitely can't do it now.
no subject
In part, this is a misunderstanding, he's sure. It's an endearing thing about many humans that they can assume better of people, even when the truth is obvious before them. It's a weakness that demons of Sebastian's ilk exploited in different shades. Social as he was, his tended to be deceptions to hide the beast lurking underneath an alluring mask and careful, honeyed words.
But it wasn't being hidden very much, was it? Especially not to Matt, who didn't merely witness it, but felt it. It's the part he's stuck on, because it goes against his expectations in a fundamental way. It intrigues him, but in a distant sort of way only a creature as ancient as he could feel. Luckily, it's also more than enough to catch his interest. ]
I should hope not. Even enjoying cleaning as I do, that is an extraordinarily dull thing to be captivated by, I would say.
[ Of course, his own pensive thoughts are kept to himself. The enigmatic smile warms further to one that shows just a little bit of playful mischief in it. ]
Should you ever find yourself drifting in such a way, then we shall have to be sure to remedy it. There is always something offered, and I would call myself a bit of an expert at finding even rare pleasures, naturally.
no subject
In the context of their current conversation, the phrase "rare pleasures" catches on his ear. Matt's pretty sure that's just him, rather than anything Sebastian's specifically intending to put across, but he can't help how his smile curls at the words. ]
I appreciate that, [ he says, sincerely. He glances up to meet Sebastian's gaze. His thoughts, from starry to heated, flicker across his face, but as usual, Matt isn't aware of just how transparent he is. ] I know I just said that I think we should have fun, but it's true it's not always easy to get into that mindset.
no subject
As those thoughts drift openly across Matt's face, there's the slightest of acknowledgements in return. It's no more than his lips pursing just slightly in knowing, a little crinkle at the corners of his eyes as they match the smile, but. He's a tease. It's a thread with a promise of perhaps another time, but still so subtle as to be second-guessed.
His smile brightens easily with warmth, and he nods in agreement. ]
So indeed, and especially in an environment so dour. [ He looks generally up, though there's nothing to see there ] To say nothing of our surroundings now, of course. Achamoth is so full of such a dour luxury is more what I mean than these somewhat pitiful surroundings.
[ ...Truly, why not let your favored pawns at least come back to life in a nicer place? He won't try and understand the Regent's methods at this point, but that is absolutely not a topic that he'll get into here, so he continues without missing a beat as he looks back down. ]
Why, perhaps you would be interested in joining me, now that I think of it. Once matters are settled here in Achamoth, I was thinking of taking a trip outside the city. There is much to see of Horos, and I should like to.
don't mind me gently puttin a bow on this
In the meantime, "dour luxury" prompts a sudden grin, distracting him. That's totally it: Achamoth contains within its walls pretty much any vice you could lust for, but a surprising number of its fruits are hidden from public view, leaving one's primary impression of the city one of severity. As for the Citadel itself, like so many of its denizens--like the one who shaped it, who sits in its throne room--it's business, business, business. ]
Oh.
[ Matt's smile shifts from broad and bright to something smaller, more private. A self-contained glow of pleasure. It's not just the invitation that pleases him (though it does, especially with the way his thoughts have been tending), but the prospect of open air, new sights. Getting out of this graveyard. Until Sebastian said it, Matt didn't realize how much he wanted that. ]
Yeah, [ he says slowly, ] that sounds like it could be really fun. Um. Let me know when you're going, and ...
[ There's things Matt could say here about the tactical wisdom of learning more about Horos. That's what you do in conflict, right? Try to get as much terrain advantage as you can? But he doesn't marshal any martial arguments; for now, it feels like enough to want to leave.
Feeling oddly lighter, he concludes: ]
And I'll pack my bags.