ximilialog | [OPEN MINGLE] aaaaaaas yooooou wiiiiiiish...!

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[OPEN MINGLE] aaaaaaas yooooou wiiiiiiish...!

CHARACTERS: Everyone! It's a mingle!
LOCATION: The Mess Hall (and Kitchen, on occasion)
DATE: not long after the 2nd mission
CONTENT: REALLY JUST... MOVIES AND COMFY BLANKETS. Yep, that's it.
WARNINGS: your character will see kate winslet's booby at some point. it's a good booby.

You may notice, in the day just before the scheduled movie-watching night, that a lot of pillows go missing. A lot of blankets, too. Where the hell —

Ahhhh. Right. Newton.

Welcome to the "Very Relaxed Easy Breezy Pajama Positive Post-Mission Sleepover" — yes, that is what was drawn in big letters on the sign outside of the mess hall, and he's not changing it, thank you very much. Everyone's generally advised to just come in whatever they're comfortable in and to bring whatever soft, comfy items they may possess. Soooomeone has, in fact, swiped a considerable amount of emergency blankets and pillows (and some from the laundry area, sorry), and the floor of the Mess Hall is now dramatically soft with a deluge of pillows that have turned the linoleum ground into the lumpy clouds you'd find straight out of a child's drawing. Some spots under and around the tables have even been raised into little forts, so you can live out your best hermit lives and pretend you're in a cave.

(And hey, make your own if you want; nobody's gonna stop you.)

There are still tables, sure, it's kind of like that game, 'the ground is lava'? Only now it's 'the ground is pillows'. You get it. Before the movie plans to start, there are a few important tasks to be done: firstly, they need food. Popcorn was easy — popcorn is kind of a perfect emergency food, actually. Kernels + fire = success! But really, they need people who are savvy in the kitchen to make some snacks for the movie. That's why for the first hour, before they're set to start, they're gonna drag anyone even remotely capable of cooking (who isn't injured still, of course) into the kitchen to help with this cause.

Godspeed, please make them something good, chefs.

While that's going on, Newton proceeds to display the fine art of shadow puppets on the currently unused projector — how lucky are they, that the mess hall has a bunch of big, beautiful white walls? Eventually he gets out some paper and scissors and gets really ridiculous —

And maybe he'll wax poetic about how he and his uncle used to spend all night making these when Newton was sick with the flu... Which is to say, you all should make shadow puppets with him. What? Did you say that it's a childish partaking? Well that's just rude, and it won't be tolerated, especially considering the first movie that plays once everything's set up is The Princess Bride. A story full of adventure! Of Rodents Of Unusual Size! Of Andre the Giant! What's there not to love, especially for those who have never seen a movie before?

Popcorn and other treats made by any kind Sleepers will be given to the hungry, and anyone who's still in a pretty bad state will get lots of pillows shoved under their legs.

The second movie is Titanic, and a certain someone has stealthily placed concerning tissue boxes around the area, some of which read 'IN CASE OF CRYING - EMERGENCY USE'. It's a longer one, and warning is given for length, but where else do you have to be? Ah, yes, the thrilling love story of Jack and Rose — can't wait to scandalize all the modest folks with that nude drawing scene! But more importantly, this ship is gonna hit an iceberg, and Kate Winslet is gonna walk through literal ice-cold water for her man Leo. You love to see it.

Just have those tissues handy if you're a sensitive person, especially during that scene where Jack's looking down at Rose and the flares are going off behind him? Anyone else get weepy at that? No? Okay, I'll just sit over here.

Once both movies have ended, everyone's welcome to stay there, of course. Why bother leaving, when you've got everything you need to sleep right here? A certain someone has used empty tins and has punched dozens of holes in them, leaving them around the mess hall tables with lights inside, so that they're not all totally left in the dark; it leaves blurry little stars scattered across the walls, imperfect but lit all the same.

See, sometimes Newt can make a quiet event happen.

... Sometimes.

On very rare occasion.

Good night, Orbers!

(OOC: Feel free to use this log however you'd like! Knowing me, I'll probably hit everyone with Newt at some point, because I'm a glutton for inbox punishment, but this is a log for everyone to mingle together and do whatever floats their boat; if you'd rather just handwave your character came to this, feel free! It's just a little thing for destressing for the characters. I'll never let go, Jack!

As always, any mention of or interaction with Newt is cool, I'll appear like a ghoul in your top level.)

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[ Even if Finn doesn't say anything, Jim can tell there's something on his mind. He can sense it in the way that smile fades, and he can see that brief moment where he nearly asked something, then gave up on it.

Not that he's complaining about the kiss. It's warmer, slower, sweeter than before, but it's like there's a layer of something else on it. Maybe just a form of distraction.

It doesn't work, and when Jim pulls from the kiss, it's probably obvious by his expression that whatever's on Finn's mind, he's not going to let it go. ]

What is it?

[ Maybe partly a distraction, yes, but Finn did honestly just want to kiss him. Especially with the "this isn't going to last long" thought running through his head.

All the same, Finn's kind of bummed that the distraction didn't actually work. Now he really doesn't know how to broach the subject but he doesn't want to keep avoiding it either, even if he thinks it's smarter to do so at this point. Probably just making a big deal out of nothing.

It doesn't feel like nothing. Not to him. Which is the problem. ]

I was just... thinking... [ Still thinking. Trying to figure out the opener here. ]

I really like you a lot... You know?

[ Could have done better. Didn't they go through something similar back at the motel? But that's also what it boils down to, isn't it? ]

[ Jim's quiet for a bit, letting Finn's words settle between them. Ah, so this is... The Talk, he's assuming. Which frankly isn't that surprising to him. The same thing's been weighing on his mind for a while and he figured that it must be on Finn's too.

Well, at least assuming that Finn does care about him kind of the same way. It could be he just wanted to have some good, casual fun, but Jim's pretty sure they're a little past that at this point. ]

Yes. I know. [ He smiles at Finn, curling his fingers tighter. ] I like you a lot, too.

[ He shifts a little, so he can lie down more comfortably, head also resting on the same pillow as Finn. ]

Do you want to talk about it?

[ Were they really ever in the good, casual fun stage?

Anyway, the affirmation, the hand in his, James shifting closer, it makes Finn smile a little again, that sweetness warm in his chest. ]

Sort of. [ ... Then his face scrunches up. ] And not really.

[ He can't say that it's pointless to do so, that none of this matters just because it won't last. It definitely matters. So how does he word this? ]

I guess I'm a little scared... We don't know when we'll go home. And I don't want to say something that will... make this end. I'm happy with what we have...

[ ... Wait, does that sound like he's asking for more? ]

I- I'm not saying I want more- I mean, I'd be happy with more, I'd love more, I'm not saying I don't- I wasn't trying to pressure you or- That's not even what I was trying to talk about. I just meant that I don't want to say the wrong thing and... then I immediately said the wrong thing. I didn't really mean it like that- I mean, I kinda did, but I- It-

[ He abruptly shuts up, closing his eyes and putting his free hand over them. Don't look at him. He's not here. That all came out wrong. ] Can I start over?

[ It takes a bit of effort not to smile when Finn starts rambling. Because yes, he gets all of that. The uncertainty of their situation, the impermanence of if all. Knowing they could both so easily be gone the next day.

But also, Finn's just really cute when he babbles and gets all awkward. It's what prompts Jim to just shake his head at that question. ]

No. No, what about... I give it a go?

[ There, that seems more fair, the two of them making some kind of effort. Besides, Jim does have a question to pose, something that's been on his mind for a while. ]

I think before we talk about anything more, I need to ask you... how you feel about polyamory. And also about open relationships.

[ He has no idea if Finn even knows what both of those are, what the difference is, so he waits to see if he asks more about it. ]

[ Wait, what?

No, the wide, surprised eyes peeking out from behind his fingers isn't about the idea of an open or polyamorous relationship. It's about the idea of... a relationship. Like... a real one. Is that what James is getting at?

So when Finn's hand falls, he doesn't actually answer Jim's questions. ] You want to do this?

[ Though, he's not sure-... Okay. Okay, yes, okay, he gets why this is what's coming up first, because his second thought behind the surprise is if they're really doing this or if it's going to be more of the same thing. Them hanging out together sometimes, sometimes being with other people, where they are now. So, yes, okay.

He blinks a couple of times like he's resetting and tries again. ]

I- I mean, I've never done any of that but... I don't have a problem with it. So long as we talk and know where we stand, what we want.

[ Jim shifts back with a small smile and a raised eyebrow, both amused and confused by Finn's surprise. ]

Of course I want to do this. I told you I like you, what did you think I meant by that?

[ Granted, he may not be the best at expressing some things, especially when it comes to relationships. But then that's why talking about it is much preferred, to him. He can certainly be direct and straightforward, even if it is the fear that Finn wouldn't be fine with what Jim's proposing that's been holding him back.

But it looks like he was worried for nothing. His smile widens and he lets out a quiet, relieved breath, and he nods. ]

I can do that. [ He pauses. ] Do you want me to tell you who else I'm seeing, or would you rather not know?

[ To be fair it's not a whole lot of people right now, he just wants to know how Finn wants to handle that aspect, from this point onward. ]

Well- I mean, it's not just that.

[ Even if Finn had thought that James really did like him back the same way, which he wasn't even sure about, there's still the whole situation they're in. There's a reason why many people back home chose to not pursue relationships like this.

But even while he thinks it, Finn's smiling. This is pretty much unbelievable! And it can't be this easy, right? This feels too easy.

Anyway, he shakes his head. ]

You can if you want to, but it's not some sort of requirement or anything. I trust you. [ Which means a lot here. Which... has him thinking and makes his smile dim a little. ] I trust your judgement of character, too.

[ IE, he doesn't want someone that James cares about betraying him later, so this really only chalks up to worry about safety. As it stands, Finn can count... maybe three people he fully trusts to not leave him to die when it came down to it.

He hates that this matters. ]

[ There are a myriad of reasons why they shouldn't pursue anything serious, just like Jim has always had a myriad of reasons to avoid relationships, preferring casual hookups or, as of the last few years, nothing whatsoever. Whether those are good or bad reasons, honestly he's just felt... lonely. More than he'd care to admit.

Not that he's just using Finn to fill that void of loneliness. They've grown close here in good part due to the fact that Jim never had anyone from home here with him, no support network so to speak, but he's come to realize that Finn makes him feel good, he makes him smile and he wants to have that, even if it might not last. He wants to be able to make Finn smile, too. ]

Well— I would prefer telling you. For transparency's sake. [ Not that he'd see not telling as keeping a secret or lying to Finn, but he just likes the open honesty, and he likes that he feels so sure that Finn won't be upset to know who Jim might or might not be seeing or spending time with. It's... honestly, it's so liberating. ]

So, I've slept with Newton. It's very casual, I like him but we're just friends. And I've been seeing Erik too, but I'm not really... I don't know, we haven't had this talk yet. I think it's kind of serious for him, but I want to make sure he's fine with something like this too. I don't want to hurt him, or you.

[ He lets out a long breath with that, then smiles. It kinda feels like letting go of some weight he was carrying around, and he feels so good about it. ]

[ For transparency's sake is more than understandable. And Finn's pretty sure he's not going to have a huge reaction to it... right up until Jim's through the first sentence.

Newton? Finn's eyebrows rise. Is Hermann okay with that? He didn't think they were the open relationship type. Sure, there was that post Finn was locked out of but- That is a whole other conversation, though. The main piece of this discussion is Erik, presumably. Because sex is one thing, but they're talking about feelings right now.

Finn tries to parse how he feels about it but there's no jealousy or worry involved. Erik's a good man, someone that Finn does trust... to an extent. There's a lot that Erik keeps hidden, things he doesn't say, and Finn doesn't know what kind of regret he carries with him, but he can imagine it. All the same, if James thinks Erik really cares about him, Finn can't find it in himself to worry about betrayal.

He doesn't know what Erik will think about this, though. Their conversation back on Braccia still bothers him a little. It's probably nothing. He'd rather focus on how relieved James look, anyway ]

Well, when you guys do have that talk, I'll support whatever the two of you decide.

[ It should really be his turn, though, huh? ] As for me, I haven't slept with anyone else. There are... other things, though. I'm not sure how to describe it. Blue and I have this sort of connection in the Force that I think he... needs, in a way. And Kirigan- [ ... ] Actually, I have no idea what's going on with Kirigan. [ Like, in general, but it feels like?? something?? no?? ]

Anyway, on the topic of seriousness... How serious are you about this?

[ Jim would probably agree there's something there with Newt and Hermann, but he's also pretty sure they're not... actually dating or anything. Not yet, anyway. Either way, Jim's not trying to butt into anything there, so if and when Newt's no longer interested in casual sex, then that's fine. They're friends before anything else.

As for what he and Erik decide... honestly, it's down to what Erik decides. Jim's not going to change the kind of person he is, and he doesn't want to break things off with Finn, as much as he might care for Erik too. So it's really down to how Erik feels about it. ]

Blue's sweet, [ He agrees, a little smile on his face. ] And Kirigan's... well, he's pretty attractive. But— I don't know, feels like there's something a little off about him. Strange.

[ He wouldn't go so far as to say he finds him suspicious, but Jim has a few reservations. And it genuinely worries him a little, just a little, that he's one of the two people that Finn names.

As for that question... He lets out a chuckle, then a sigh. ]

I have no idea. I've never had a serious relationship before, so I guess I'm going in a little blind. [ He glances at Finn. ] What about you?

No, no, I know what you mean. He's... intense.

[ Which is what throws Finn off, but he hasn't been actively wondering about it until this very moment. But does Finn trust him? Well... actually, yeah. Their interests align in frightening ways and they each know the cost of war. Which is partly why Finn wouldn't trust Kirigan fully. They know the cost.

Anyway, Finn's glad about the honesty of Jim's answer. ]

I'm the same, really. Never had a real relationship before. I just... know how I feel. I know that I like you a lot, that I trust you. Considering where we are, that scares me a little... It'd scare me back home, too, honestly. But I know that whether we had this conversation or not, I'd still feel the same and I'd still be scared. So-... [ Might as well. Right? ]

[ Jim doesn't actually know that he can trust Kirigan, but then he trusts precious few people on this station so far. He's seen enough to not be fooled by a charming approach, if anything that makes him feel a little more reticent. He does, however, trust Finn. And he also cares for his well-being, which may or may not mean he'll keep a closer eye on Kirigan. Just... in case. ]

Does it really matter where we are? I mean, life's unpredictable. We never know what might happen the next day.

[ Which is to say, it's not really their current predicament that's held Jim back, or made him worry. Hearing Finn say how much he likes him certainly smooths over a lot of those concerns, though. ]

So... does that mean you want to be boyfriends?

[ He feels like a teenager using that word, but what other word is he going to use? Anyway. ]

[ No, they never know. But their odds could be better. Then again, if Finn waited around for good odds, he wouldn't have ever done anything.

When Jim finally asks the big question, though, Finn's almost surprised by the bluntness. For why, he doesn't know. But he laughs and smiles and ducks his head because this is the sweetest thing he's ever experienced. Also, his answer is probably obvious.

When he looks back up at James, his smile is barely tamed. ]

Yeah. Yes. I'd like that.

[ Jim doesn't seem to be particularly worried about Finn's answer, even though he is a little nervous. It's mostly just excitement, though, but other than that he knows how Finn feels, and after the talk they've just had, he's sure that Finn wants this too. Otherwise, why bring it up?

His smile still brightens even more, if possible, when Finn answers. He curls his fingers into Finn's shirt and scoots closer, head tilting so he can press an eager kiss to Finn' lips, clinging a little to him. It seems almost unbelievable, but... yeah, he's going to love getting used to this. ]

[ What a rollercoaster of emotions this evening became. He was sobbing himself into a ball just a few minutes ago. Now he's laughing into a kiss, smiling a bit too wide to return it properly. But he clings back just as much, still gripping his hand while the other rests on his neck.

It is unbelievable, and Finn's not sure how different things will be from now on, but he's really excited to find out. ]

[ Well, Jim vastly prefers Finn laughing and looking happy than crying as he was before, so that's definitely a win in his books. He grins wide into the kiss too, breaking away from the kiss so he can meet Finn's eyes, stroking his cheek sweetly while he just... tries to absorb this whole moment. Let the notion really sink in.

His boyfriend, huh. Not that he hadn't thought of it before, but... well, it's certainly a new and exciting experience for him. ]

[ Boyfriends... It's going to take him a while to get used to that idea. And with James, as well. It's one thing when he daydreamed about the concept, but the reality is so much... better.

Finn smiles softly back, watching James watch him, resting a hand against his jaw and cheek. It's so unbelievable and the moment's so sweet, he could probably start crying again. There's a fear there, too, of course. This is precious, special. He has to protect this, protect James. He can't fail him. No matter where this relationship goes, he can't.

But he's too happy about now to show any of his trepidation. So he takes the moment to really look at him, meet his eyes and memorize the moment, his thumb moving just a little over the edge of his lips. Finn's unwilling to say anything and break the moment. Especially when all he wants to do right now is just look at him. ]

[ Well, luckily with the movie over and the room generally quiet, aside from a few people moving about to get some food or tuck in for the night, there's nothing to stop them from just looking at each other, which works just wonderfully for Jim too. He just wants to keep stroking Finn's face, watching his beautiful smile, every once in a while tipping his head closer to steal a few light kisses from his lips.

Eventually he nuzzles against Finn's cheek, then scoots closer while pulling up a few blankets, burying his face in the curve of Finn's neck, perfectly content if they just cuddle each other to sleep. ]

[ Finn's more than content to spend a long while just looking at James and ignoring everything else, including the end of the movie. But he moves closer and tucks his face against his neck, Finn is also happy to wrap his arms around Jim and let himself be covered up. Apparently they're sleeping there for the night. He's down for that.

And maybe he'll even fall asleep eventually, despite the huge smile that won't wipe off his face. ]

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[OPEN MINGLE] aaaaaaas yooooou wiiiiiiish...!

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