un: sieglindesullivan / video

[grunehexe]

[If you've ever seen an illegal cam recording from the back row of a theater, you are familiar with the style of this broadcast.

Observe, (as best you can), the players upon the stage. The stage being the cave in which many of them have taken shelter from the storm outside, specifically a large, flat rock, at which two fine male specimens you may recognize as Achilles, son of Peleus, and a certain McCree, locked in the midst of a fierce... arm wrestling battle.

Bare arm muscles flexing, beads of sweat dripping, jaws gritting, knuckles white and shaking, eyes narrowed in concentration and competition, testosterone veritably sparking in the air... as two very fit grown men have it out in a no holds barred thirst-fanning battle of the bulges. Arm muscle bulges.

You might catch glimpse of the lovely referee, (blond, very appropriately serious about judging this contest, thanks, Riza), and hear snatches of people rooting for a particular candidate, (the broadcaster herself seems to favor Achilles, if "steel yourself for victory, Achilles!" is any indication), but mostly this is about enjoying a good man on man test of strength.

Until, that is, a voice can be heard.]

- Are you recording that?

[The video sadly? and promptly goes black as the magitek jewelry is clutched to a bosom in scandalous retort.]

Is it not a sight worth sharing? For posterity, you see-

[And apparently she thought it best to post... for posterty. What? Any lady or inclined fella unfortunate enough to not see it go down surely wouldn't want to miss the show... ?]

Comments

[winces]

Oh no, that's terrible!!

[whatshimadayou]

[Hanzo snorts, definitely amused now.]

And why is that so terrible?

[winces]

B-Because it's... [ she glances around, half-expecting maribelle to pop up out of nowhere and whack her with her parasol. ] It isn't very ladylike, is it?

[whatshimadayou]

And?

It is not as if we are functioning in a very traditional arrangement. Unless that tradition of being ladylike is somehow important to you.

[winces]

[ it... never used to be, really. but maribelle has a way of making her influence known... even thousands and thousands of miles away. ]

I mean — isn't it for everybody?

1/2

[whatshimadayou]

Tradition?

It depends on the kind. Some traditions are there to follow for a reason. Perhaps to strengthen yourself physically, or your resolve. Others...

Others are better off ignored.

It is up to you to decide which--

[whatshimadayou]

[This somewhat serious topic is cut off when Hanzo realizes that both McCree and Achilles are lacking any shirts.

Heinous.

His words trail off, and Hanzo's ears turn a little red.]

1/2

[winces]

[ she had been nodding along as he spoke, but when he suddenly cuts off, she is left glancing back at him in mild worry. his expression is rather curious, though, a strange mixture of what appears to be surprise, horror, and — intrigue? and it doesn't really click until olivia follows his line of sight and

oh

oh my.

but while olivia is well aware why her cheeks have turned red, she isn't quite sure yet why his ears are blushing.

unless— ]

2/2

[winces]

Ohmygosh you're in love with Achilles too?!

1/2

[whatshimadayou]

Of course not! Do not be absurd, Olivia!

[whatshimadayou]

...Ah, so you are in love with him.

[He hadn't known, but-- well, that certainly puts things in perspective.]

[winces]

[ —ah. somehow this has spiralled out of her control once more, and (not for the first time in her life or this conversation) olivia wishes she had taken more time to "think first, yell passionately later".

please watch this elegant dancer try to backpeddle out of this one. ]

Th-This isn't about me??!

[ cue a dramatic and accusatory finger jabbed your way, hanzo. maybe if she makes more erratic gestures, everyone will just forget her words. ]

This is about you! And Mr. McCree! About you and Mr. McCree! Congratulations!!

[whatshimadayou]

[This would almost be touching if she wasn't frantically screaming in his face, as if he'll suddenly forget how she feels about Achilles.

But she certainly is making a spectacle about this, and it's not helping the blush keep from crawling down to the back of his neck.]

It is very clearly about how you just admitted to being in love with Achilles and not about any feelings I may have about Jesse.

[if there was a cave in right now that would be great not for another week though whoops]

[winces]

No, I don't remember any of that...!

[ look. it's not as if she's ashamed or anything. of course she's not. who would be? and, frankly, she's pretty sure anyone in their right mind would be a little in love with achilles i mean have you seen the man but this isn't really about her, either. this is about achilles, and how he has drawn a crowd about himself, and garnered a following, and how it wouldn't really help his image at all right now, would it, if his fans got wind of some peasant girl being crazy about him.

you know?

so, sorry, hanzo... you and mccree are just collateral damage as she tries to do some damage control. ]

I-I'm very happy for you both!!

[whatshimadayou]

I heard it distinctly. I am not a man who confuses words.

I have admitted nothing. Stop making assumptions!

[Even if it's not exactly wrong.]

[winces]

[ she squints her eyes at him, leaning in. ]

So you don't like him...?

[whatshimadayou]

I-- did not say that either!

Stop making this about Jesse and me.

[winces]

[ too late, it already is!

though, to be fair, at this point olivia had really begun to take interest in this, and not just for the sake of a scapegoat. ]

Oh my gosh, so you do! Does he know?!

[whatshimadayou]

[He takes it back. If there was a cave in now, that would be perfect. Hanzo sighs and rubs his forehead.]

Yes. He knows. Jesse is-- we are--

[He knows the terminology, but it feels difficult to say. So he looks away and huffs softly.]

We are trying.

[winces]

Ohmygosh.

[ she takes an unconscious step forward, her eyes suddenly as glossy as her cheeks are pink. ]

Mr. Hanzo... I'm so — so happy for you both.

[ your children will be so hairy ;3; ]

[whatshimadayou]

[Well, this is immensely embarrassing. Hanzo looks away, closing his eyes, shutting out the embarrassment. Maybe.]

It is not as if we have sworn anything to each other. Just.

That I am fond of him. And I want to try.

[winces]

[ with his eyes closed, he will feel a small hand come upon his arm. it is a gentle touch, and should he feel prompted to look, he will see that she has calmed significantly. though the smile on her face is still watery, she only looks incredibly happy for him. ]

That's beautiful.

[whatshimadayou]

[The contact surprises him, and he opens his eyes to look at Olivia. The warm expression she wears now is startling, and he almost can't meet her gaze. Subjects as delicate as the heart is difficult to speak of, but she welcomes it readily.

Hanzo doesn't brush away her arm, but he is a little flustered.]

It is... simply the truth.

He is a good man. Better than I.

[winces]

Better than you, Mr. Hanzo? That must make him a great man.

[ hehe. she may be teasing him a bit now... ]

[whatshimadayou]

[Gently, he brushes her hand off now, and he frowns a little.]

It would be unfair to compare him to someone like me.

But I recognize your words. They are appreciated.