|
Post by Mirage on May 29, 2010 9:10:32 GMT -5
The waiter brings Mirage's drink with surprising swiftness. He also bring Mirage a small silver box tied with twisted black cord, and emblazoned with the restaurant and club logos. Mirage stares at the box, a bit of sadness coloring his expression before he subspaces it without saying anything.
He does not sip his drink. No, what Mirage orders wasn't meant for delicate handling. Nearly half of the liquid disappears on the first pass as he uses the motion to cover up the unexpected anger that flashes across his face when Rodimus snaps at him. Again.
Mirage is getting very, very tired of being made to feel less, simply because he is doing his job and being himself.
It's an easily quelled emotion, however, especially in the face of the Prime's last words.
"I know you don't enjoy it," Mirage says, as he starts to reach for Rodimus's hand. The motion is aborted before it's completed, Mirage's fingers flexing a bit before he drops his hand to the table. "I never said you did."
The spy shakes his head. "You can surely unite your world one day, Rodimus, I have no doubt of that. But removing the distinctions of class? I think not. True, after so long in conflict such things have, I'm sure, fallen away; certainly, the Mirage you may know is not as myself, after so long at war. But in the absence of some other focus, some binding goal, class schism is inevitable. There will be those who succeed and those who don't. The haves and the have nots. Not immediately, of course; the shift will be subtle. But I don't think it is something that can be avoided."
"Really, do you think labels like 'Autobot' and 'Decepticon' can be forgiven or forgotten, even in the face of peace? Would you ever fully trust someone who was an enemy, just because they agree to peace terms? I...think you are too much Primus's own to do so blindly."
"If...you want to try and understand the machinations of society, I will try to help you do so. But you will have to interact with said society to understand it, and yes, sometimes that mean swallowing pride and self-respect to gain a foothold against someone."
|
|
|
Post by Rodimus Prime on May 29, 2010 23:19:44 GMT -5
Perhaps if Rodimus weren't being reminded that he's less than at every opportunity, he'd be less likely to snap.
"Actually, I... did, once," he says at Mirage's claim that he'd never trust blindly. "I can't again." He looks down from the dance floor to examine his hands again. "I can't afford to make that mistake again. I lost too much last time." Then he tilts his head up and looks towards the ceiling. "But I admit. Part of me... part of me still wants to."
In Rodimus's reality, Primus did not create Autobots and Decepticons. He created Autobots, and some Autobots renamed themselves.
He leans back into his seat and rests his head tiredly against his hand. "At any rate... if i assume it's inevitable, and do nothing to stop it, it becomes inevitable. Maybe it is, anyway." Rodimus shrugs. "But it will be if I don't try. And even if it can't be prevented, maybe it could be mitigated. Other cultures manage more... fluid class systems." Rodimus Prime then smirks as he lifts his head, once more looking at nothing in particular, gazing generally off towards the ceiling.
"People... well, some people are less likely to treat their 'inferiors' like dirt if those inferiors could end up their superiors down the road, after all." The smirk fades, and Prime murmurs, "Even these people would be better off remembering that they don't know what the future holds."
He looks back at Mirage and considers the spy's words, remaining silent as he turns them over. Mirage is right about needing to play the game for awhile in order to understand it - Rodimus is used to just changing the rules when they don't suit him, though. Always has been. Finally, he says, "I... well, perhaps."
"But isn't it a little late at this point for me to be going back in there and playing your cleaned-up gutter diamond again?"
|
|
|
Post by Mirage on May 30, 2010 0:03:48 GMT -5
Mirage listens to Rodimus with the same seriousness and respect the Prime showed him, not interrupting. It's a bit of a surprise at first to find that Rodimus was ever so innocent as to trust so easily, but then again....
"You are an idealist," Mirage muses softly, and this time he does reach out and try to gently grasp Rodimus's hand, "I would have expected more gray from you, rather than such a black and white outlook." His expression turns thoughtful, "However, now that I've opportunity to observe you closely, I see it."
His brow furrows at the "gutter diamond" comment, and he frowns, "Well, no, I don't think that attempting that avenue would be feasible. Even if they were willing- I would not want you in such a position. It would give the impression that you were more...passive than you are, if I could persuade you after such an outburst of pride. And you could never play that type of role, at any rate."
"No, I was talking of later, if opportunity presents, or even in simulations. But Rodimus-" Mirage's gives the Prime a concerned look, "with the exception of my act upstairs, I haven't been treating you like a social inferior."
Now Mirage looks uncertain. It's an odd look for the aristocrat.
"Have I?"
|
|
|
Post by Rodimus Prime on May 30, 2010 13:21:41 GMT -5
Rodimus doesn't respond as Mirage calls him an idealist and comments on his lack of grays - the young Prime regrets the results of having trusted once, and while he may view that as mistake, he won't apologize for having hoped, for wanting still to hope.
He said he can't afford to trust blindly again. This isn't the same as never trusting at all.
Rodimus rubs his chin thoughtfully. "It would probably be a good idea to start with simulations," he answers. "They're, uhm, less trouble if I haul off and punch one."
At the last question, Rodimus's optics dim faintly and he considers. "Really, I was talking more generally, not you-specific, but..." he pauses. "I assume you mean outside of off-hand comments about not expecting me to understand things because I wasn't built to it?" He shrugs. "Not generally me, specifically, but, well... I tend to get a bit defensive over some of your remarks about people who are... well, really, they're my class."
|
|
|
Post by Mirage on May 30, 2010 19:44:28 GMT -5
"Ah."
It is a woefully insufficient response, but every other comment that comes easily to the spy's lips could be construed as either patronizing or insulting. Mirage is...not used to editing himself in quite this way.
So instead he downs the rest of his drink, and takes his turn staring out over the dance floor. The empty glass is gone within seconds of being set down, the waiter or waitress who takes it barely noticeable.
At length, Mirage says, "I can't be other than I am, Rodimus, and despite every thing I am of a noble line. I have come to accept- more quickly and more thoroughly than some might think- that my linage, my upbringing places me in a minority of two here." He smiles, and it isn't pleasant. "Not that it was much different in my own time. Very few of people in my circles chose the Autobots."
Which...says quite a lot about the members of high society in Mirage's universe.
"Prime or not, no matter how beautiful and enticing, or how much I find you in my thoughts, time was I would still have cut you dead with a glance. If you thought my words upstairs were harsh..." Mirage shakes his head, "I have learned that there are more important things to consider about a person than where they were sparked or who their friends are."
"Some things I can't ignore. I prefer to avoid those who bring out the worst in me- Nightbeat, for example, or Grimlock."
Mirage finally looks back at Rodimus. "I could play the perfect lover," he says, "and court you with a false image and manner that you would fine pleasing, never giving offense at all or speaking my honest mind. But for all that my function is deception, that I am an arrogant, manipulative bastard, I have my own pride to consider."
"Pandering to your sensibilities just to make you think kindly of me is the worst insult to you, and I respect you too much to do such a thing."
Idly, Mirage uses one finger to trace random patterns on the table. He sighs, places an elbow upon the table and rests his forehead in his palm.
"You should be proud, Rodimus," he says wryly, "It is a rare thing for someone to upset me to such a degree, and an even rarer thing for me to show it, especially with such pathetic rambling."
|
|
|
Post by Rodimus Prime on May 31, 2010 20:49:26 GMT -5
"Well. You did ask," Rodimus points out.
He seems to have relaxed somewhat from his time upstairs, and is falling back into his default demeanor, which tends towards the casual. "I'm not asking you to lie to me, Mirage, but assurances that that sort of thing is natural for you and that you used to be worse doesn't really make it any more pleasant to deal with on my part."
He looks at Mirage and gives a faint smile. "You've got to understand, Mirage. I'm not saying I don't like you - far from it. Just that there are times when those aspects of who you are come up, and it rubs me the wrong way." He smirks and rubs the back of his head. "But that's, like, normal for everyone. I'm sure I have my moments when I get on other people's nerves, too. No two people get along one hundred percent of the time." He snorts a faint laugh. "Hell, even sharing minds doesn't change that."
No, he's not talking about that. Hot Rod was once binary bonded, after all.
|
|
|
Post by Mirage on Jun 1, 2010 11:00:31 GMT -5
The change in Rodimus's mood is both welcome and infectious. Mirage lifts his head and smiles at the Prime, a fair approximation of his usual.
"You are quite right about that point at least. Complete compatibility is a horrible bore, and I've a feeling you would quickly become disenchanted with such complacency."
In other words, Mirage thinks Rodimus prefers having someone to push and challenge him.
Mirage smirks, rises, and moves gracefully over to stand next to Rodimus. The spy tries to grasp Rodimus's hand, bring it up to his lips, and press a chaste kiss to the back of it.
"Do you like me enough to favor me with a dance on the floor below?" he teases.
The music has changed from grinding industrial to something a bit more techno, lots of synth and violin, with a goth edge.
|
|
|
Post by Rodimus Prime on Jun 1, 2010 12:54:50 GMT -5
There's a shadow that falls briefly across Rodimus's expression as Mirage implies that the Prime enjoys being pushed and challenged. It's not that he doesn't, but declarations like that are far too similar to ones in memories not his of a Mirage not this one.
The shadow passes quickly, however, as Rodimus forces it to the back of his mind.
At the offer, however, his expression turns thoughtful as he gazes down at the dance floor, considering. Finally, he shrugs, picks up his own drink, and downs it. Then he smirks up at Mirage and allows the spy to help him up. "Sure. Why not?"
The Boy Prime grins
|
|
|
Post by Mirage on Jun 1, 2010 15:52:40 GMT -5
Mirage catches that fleeting shadow on the Prime's face- not for the first time this evening. The look puzzles him, as it doesn't seem to fit the situation or conversation. It bears investigation- but later. Not now, with Rodimus smiling at him like that.
Of course, he is under no illusion that the previous heavy topics are done, but he promised the young Prime a night of fun, and Mirage intends to make good on that promise.
As he tugs Rodimus up, Mirage also tries to tug him into his arms, tries to slide one arm around Rodimus's waist. Mirage is still a bit concerned that they are observed- and not by stalker fangirls; good as Mirage is, his looking into X's records was likely noticed by someone. The quick hug, the smile, the dance, will all give the appearance of making up. Again.
As they head downstairs, either arm-in-arm or side-by-side, Mirage smiles, "Since you seem to enjoy this type of music while I'm rather unused to it, I'll have to let you lead. Though at first blush, ordered dancing doesn't seem the proper style."
"Though it definitely seems very...intimate," he adds, quirking a brow at the moves of some of the couples.
|
|
|
Post by Rodimus Prime on Jun 1, 2010 20:47:01 GMT -5
Rodimus gives the newer music a listen, then shrugs. "I think I liked that earlier stuff better, really." He gives a shrug and grins sheepishly. "But this is pretty good, too."
He allows Mirage to slip the arm around his waist, though there's a looseness - not because Rodimus is trying to put distance between himself and Mirage, but because sometimes it's easier to go single-file through the dance floor.
He glances around. "Oh, some of it." Then he nods his head toward a small group dancing. "Lends itself all right to solo dancing, too, though." He chuckles. "Not sure about taking the 'lead,' though. This really isn't follow-the-leader music."
|
|
|
Post by Mirage on Jun 1, 2010 21:42:55 GMT -5
"Hmmm, so I see," Mirage says, looking in the direction of the dancers.
It isn't that Mirage has only ever danced ballroom style; he was a regular on the Iacon club scene. This music, though, is quite different to him, and he has the aristocrat's fear of Doing It Wrong.
He quirks a smile up at Rodimus, and teases,"But if we each dance alone, it defeats the purpose of my asking you to the floor in the first place. I want to see your graceful body moving with pleasure and rhythm."
Back to flirting, back to the heated looks and teasing suggestions. Back to terrain more easily navigated than their differences and tempers.
Mirage grins and tries to pull Rodimus onto the dance floor proper.
|
|
|
Post by Rodimus Prime on Jun 1, 2010 23:13:25 GMT -5
Rodimus Prime is pulled onto the dance floor, and he gives Mirage a sheepish smile. "Well, this sort of music isn't really... couples music. It's more about doing your own thing. You dance 'with' someone else by doing your own thing really close to them."
He smirks. "Of course, we could just do our own thing by doing an entirely different style of dance, but space becomes a problem."
|
|
|
Post by Mirage on Jun 2, 2010 10:34:17 GMT -5
Mirage laughs as he tries to pull the young Prime back in close to him, tries to glide his hands down Rodimus's sides to rest at the narrow taper of the Prime's waist. Primus, but what is it about Rodimus that attracts him so!? Mirage hasn't worked this hard on a date in... well, longer than he can remember. But the spy doesn't care. It's worth it, to have that easy smile turned his way, to see the worry and sadness eased from Rodimus's features if only for a handful of moments. "Oh, I'm sure they'll make room, if we're interesting enough. Such is the rule of the dance floor, you know," he says, returning that smirk as a new song starts- more synth, heavy keyboards, haunting melody. Then Mirage throws caution to the winds, raises up on tiptoe to try and press a quick kiss to Rodimus's lips before trying to sweep the Prime into a ballroom dance that...oddly enough works with the beat of the song. Again, I rip off modern music. Here's the song, if you want it for reference. www.youtube.com/watch?v=LII7Lts2dp0 I found the lyrics rather fitting for Pz-Zazz.
|
|
|
Post by Rodimus Prime on Jun 2, 2010 14:29:42 GMT -5
Ballroom dancing?! Wait, no fair! Rodimus doesn't do ballroom dancing!
The Boy Prime is taken completely off-guard by the kiss, and his optics are still flickering in surprise when he's pulled out onto the dance floor and swept up into a ballroom dance. His expression turns from surprise to a self-conscious grin. As he does his best to mirror Mirage's movements, he admit, "Erm, actually, this... isn't a style of dance I have much experience with." He pauses and glances around before adding, sheepishly, "Or any." He's graceful, agile enough to make for a talented beginner, but a beginner he still is.
Watch your toes, Mirage!
|
|
|
Post by Mirage on Jun 2, 2010 22:16:48 GMT -5
Mirage chuckles and pauses in step, what little space the crowd had given them immediately closing, leaving them in the middle of a crush.
Mirage doesn't seem to mind.
"Well, if you'd rather lead, I don't mind following, as I said before," he says, smirking up at the Prime.
He tries to run fingertip down Rodimus's arm, a move that starts at the shoulder and continued along the fabric and then over the exposed pipes before reaching the hand, which Mirage once again tries to capture.
"Or you could let me lead, enjoy the ride, and see what you've been missing."
|
|