video ∞ both courts, dated to Dec 2nd

[depicted]

[A youth appears across the screen. He isn't quite comfortable with the device, holding it low and a little away from himself as one might a snuffbox or cigarette case when admiring the work in its design. Also, the image might be just a little shaky, but it's rude to comment on that. The boy musters a smile, an expression that seems to flicker in its uncertainty.] How do you do? I'm Dorian Gray—is that—is that how these are used? I'm so sorry, I can't tell if it is better to use one's manners for introductions or for telegrams.

[There's a fluttering laugh as Dorian tries to inexpertly use humour to diffuse the point. Of course, for lack of a person before him, the strategy doesn't actually make him feel any less awkward, so he tries to move to his reason for talking.]

I was wondering if there were any players here of chess? I mean to say, I'd like to play chess—not that I'm much good, of course, but I'm very much fond of the game—if there are players already and a third would interfere with things, I'd be very happy to just watch. If it isn't trouble. It is only with all of this talk of competing factions, I can't help but think of a game of chess, and it has made me crave the sport.

[Dorian's face falls as he turns the locket away, not in misery but in an awkward embarrassment, and there is the faintest start of a mutter at himself as he accidentally shuts it before he is finished his message.

Smooth move, Dorian Gray.]

[ooc: + permissions for fourth walling for any characters who would know the name]

Comments

Video

[depicted]

On the contrary, I don't think I could decline one such. [He smiles, slight but friendly.] I am not at my most practiced, personally.

Video

[starspangled]

You're making me feel like I might actually win a game. I was never able to beat the guy who taught me how to play. Who taught you?

Video

[depicted]

[If anything can make Dorian shy and awkward and nervous again, it's a question where the answer is 'no one because I was a friendless loser of a child.'] I, ah, taught myself, truly. But I have played some, with male relatives, when the mood has suited them. [Almost never. MOVING ON] Who was it who taught you, that you have yet to win against?

Video

[starspangled]

[Steve only had one friend himself, but it was a damn good one.]

His name's Bucky.

[Is, not was, because Steve knows now that he isn't dead. He's not a ghost, not really.]

And I take back what I said before. I bet you're actually pretty good if you were able to teach yourself.

[depicted]

[Dorian laughs then, a soft and gentle sound, diffusing his own pride with an expression of modesty.] We shall see if that holds. But perhaps in a few matches, we can both practice so you may win against your friend.

[starspangled]

[He hesitates at that, forces a polite smile.]

Yeah, maybe. I'm Steve.

[depicted]

[Oh. Has he misstepped? He doesn't know how.] It is a pleasure to meet you—Steve. [For a second, he had pressed his lips together. Whyyyy won't people let him address them properly with a title and their surname. Why.] I look forward to playing with you whenever you should have the time and inclination. [And no more pushing about that friend because something is wrong over there.]

[starspangled]

[Through no fault of his own. To be fair it doesn't take much to make him cry about Bucky Barnes.]

Pleasure's mine. If you don't mind my asking, which court recruited you?

[depicted]

The Seelie did. [He pauses, and then the question comes out,] Does one's court matter much?

[starspangled]

Not to me.

[Steve offers a quick, reassuring smile at that.]

And not to a lot of other people either. It just makes it easier to find a place for the game.

[depicted]

Oh! Yes. [He is really just relieved to hear it.] Then might we meet at the Seelie court, or must it be elsewhere?

[starspangled]

Sounds good. It's about time I pay it a visit anyway.

[depicted]

Whenever you are in, I should—[no calling cards, um]—well, I would be happy to speak with you, and play you in a game if you should like, when you arrive.