[ Joe's never seen Dennis as someone who wasn't a good person. Learning, maybe, nervous and prone to mistakes and a little bit of awkwardness, but never not a good person. Then again, even after a year of knowing him, there's still a lot about Dennis that Joe doesn't know, and vise versa.
For a moment, he thinks maybe he's said something wrong ( of course. typical. great job, Joe ) when Dennis smile falters and his attitude shifts for a moment. He breathes out through his nose, about to apologize for whatever stupid thing he's just said without realizing it, when Dennis' smile returns, bringing with it a small sense of relief.
Joe chuckles, shaking his head. As far as he's concerned, nothing good comes from Joe rubbing off on anyone. Everything he touches eventually falls apart - improvement and growth aren't things he bestows upon anyone. ]
Don't credit me, it's been all you.
[ And he believes that much. Dennis has grown a lot as a person since the day he first met him, but Joe would never take credit for that. He couldn't and he won't, even if Dennis thinks otherwise.
Joe wets his lips, setting his drink back down on the counter, untouched. He leans on the same hand, looking at Dennis with a faint fondness in his eyes. How a year has gone by so fast is beyond him, and it's also a little bit terrifying, but... for the most part, it's been a good year. In comparison to his life before Eudio, it's been pretty great. ]
[ Joe grins and laughs a little, his brows furrowing slightly like he's questioning if maybe he misheard Dennis, even though he knows he hasn't. It's a strange comparison to make, and definitely not anywhere close to anything he's been compared to before. A vegetable is... new. ]
A carrot?
[ Really, Dennis? At least Joe seems mostly amused by it. However, he doesn't entirely agree that he was the driving force in Dennis becoming who he is now. He's made too many shitty decisions in regards to the two of them to be any kind of positive influence on him, but he's not here to argue.
He's here to spend time with Dennis on an anniversary of sorts, even if neither of them knew they'd make it this far back then.
Joe just looks at Dennis for a few moments, his head tilted slightly and his expression soft. He presses his lips together, then pushes away from the counters a little with his hip, reaching to pick up his glass. ]
... Why don't you go put some shoes on? I want to take you somewhere.
[And really he is absurd, Joe should know this by now. Things get quiet again and Dennis feels like he's on display, Joe's eyes regarding him. While he feels... shy, it's not in a bad way, he just doesn't know what to do when Joe studies him like that.
Though he's hardly uncomfortable. If Dennis is anything, he's curious, because Joe is asking him to put his shoes on and saying he wants to take him some where. What. He just got here though.]
Huh? You just got here and now we're gonna leave?
[He'll set his cup aside and goes to find his boots, kicked off in his bedroom like the slob he is.]
Where we going?
[His voice asks from in his room as he sits on the bed to put them on.]
[ Joe picks his drink up again, pausing with it halfway to his mouth. At this rate, it's going to get warm before he even gets anywhere close to finishing it, but Dennis is sweeter than the cup of fruit juice anyway, so he's really not losing out on too much, he thinks. ]
I mean, [ He says, tilting his head and shrugging one shoulder nonchalantly. The cup hovers in front of his mouth, and he follows Dennis with his eyes as the younger man starts to move away, no doubt wandering off to find his shoes. ] We could keep standing here talking about carrots if you want.
[ He chuckles, more to himself than anything, and then drinks most of his beverage before reaching for Dennis' cup and setting the two of them down in the sink to be taken care of later. ]
Or, [ There's a pause as Joe steps out of the kitchen to go and put his own shoes back on. Stepping out of boots is much easier than stepping into them. He bends over to tighten up the laces, lifting his head to look in the direction of Dennis' room, where his voice is coming from. ] You could just let me surprise you.
I ain't standing though, so you can keep standing and I'll sit.
[Cheeky little shit. Once he's got his boots on and tied he ponders getting his moon, it's put away right now, he can't stand it around his head all the time okay. He looks towards his door, to Joe's voice then back at the box he keeps it in when he's not having it orbit him.]
... hey you mind a third wheel or this just a party for two?
[ Cheeky little shit indeed. Joe huffs a quiet laugh through his nose, shaking his head to himself with a half-smile as he finishes tightening up the laces on one boot and then moving on to the other. He straightens up once his all done up, smoothing the creases out of his shirt out of habit and adjusting the cuffs of his sleeves where they're rolled up to his elbows.
While he waits, he does a quick down of his pockets to make sure he's got everything - back pocket for his wallet, front left for his keys, front right for his phone -, just to make sure he's not leaving anything important behind that he might need later on. He takes a few steps toward Dennis' bedroom at his question, his brows ticking together briefly. Give him a minute - he's not getting it. ]
Uh, [ He says, drawing out the sound for an extra second or two. He... hadn't planned on anyone joining them (then again, he hadn't really planned this little trip at all), but if Dennis wants to bring someone along, that's... fine. ] No, sure. Whatever you want.
[It takes Dennis a second to realize that Joe doesn't get what he's asking. It's... kinda cute actually. Joe just 'sure whatever you want'. Dennis smiles to himself, going to get his moon, letting it out and it slowly lifts up from inside the box, like it's waking up, drowsy and starts to orbit about his head.]
He's real quiet, you might not even notice anyone else is with us.
[He says as he starts to walk out of his bedroom with a cute grin on his face.]
[ Joe's standing in the middle of the living room with his hands pushed down into his back pockets by the time Dennis emerges from his bedroom. Even with the moon orbiting around Dennis' head, it still takes Joe a few seconds to understand that he's not talking about an actual person (thank god - any other time, he probably wouldn't mind Dennis inviting a friend along, but today is kind of about them in a not so official way), but... the moon. Which, apparently, Dennis refers to as if it has a name and a personality and an identity of its own.
How cute
Joe smiles, small at first, but then it widens into something a little brighter as he chuckles. He takes a step forward toward Dennis, reaching out and turning at the same time to loop his arm around the younger man's shoulders, careful of the moon so he doesn't knock it off course.
It's kind of perfect, actually. Not that Dennis knows that. ]
Fine, I guess he - he? - can tag along. C'mon, you got everything?
[He has his moments, being cute and all. It's difficult to not smile when Joe does. Both of them smiling together, happy, feeling good, what more can they want or ask for?
Dennis leans into Joe's warmth as his arm goes around his shoulders.]
Got my shoes on, my key, wallet, moon here... oh and you. M'good.
[ Joe shifts his arm a little from where it is around Dennis's shoulder so he can cup the back of his head for a moment in an affectionate gesture. Sometimes Joe thinks Dennis is too good for him - in fact, it's more than sometimes that he feels this way.
He guides him toward the door, absently doing one more pat down of himself to make sure he's got all of this things before he tugs open the door and steps aside ( and slightly away from Dennis ) to let him go first. ]
This isn't ruining any plans you may have had today, is it? [ He pulls the door closed and moves aside to give Dennis room to lock it. ]I mean, not that you saying yes will change anything.
[Funny. Dennis thinks Joe is too good for him, that he's not good enough for anyone... even if he does still feel like he's become a much better person here in Eudio. Being around Joe and his friends.]
Wha... no uh, weren't doing nothing really. Should go for a run or something, but was feeling a lazy day today.
[He does that cute little pouty like smile, turning to walk backwards out of the door so he can still talk at Joe.]
[ Joe follows after him a little, absently sliding his hands into his pockets. He smiles, faintly but fondly, at Dennis' own pouty smile. Too good for him. Too handsome, too forgiving of the things he's done. ]
Well, [ He says, a little suddenly and with mild exclamation. ] You want to get up off your ass a little higher?
[ Joe tugs his hands out of his pockets and holds them out at his sides a little like he's offering something - and he is. He tips his head back and to the side a bit, like he's beckoning Dennis. ]
[They could both play this game forever. Too this. Too that.
His brows pop up and then he's laughing when he seems to understand what Joe is offering.]
You gonna carry me where we going? I've put off a bit of weight, but I ain't no feather.
[Doesn't mean he's not eagerly rounding Joe and hoping on up. Climbs his not!bf giant like a tree. Arms loose around Joe's shoulders he nudges his head against Joe's gently.]
Y'know this kinda defeats the purpose of me not being lazy.
[ When Dennis hops up, Joe makes a huffing sound like it takes a lot of effort to actually hoist him up and keep him on his back. Honestly, Dennis isn't really that heavy, and he never really was before he started working out more, either.
Joe hooks his arms in underneath Dennis' knees, craning his head a little to look at him. ]
I know, [ He says, his voice low, because they're close enough that he doesn't really have to speak much louder than a murmur. Joe pauses for a moment, then presses a quick kiss to the edge of Dennis' jaw where he can reach, and then they're off to this surprise destination. ] You can carry me on the way back to make up for it.
[Joe playing at not being able to hold him gets a little 'stop iiiit' from Dennis, but he's smiling. Of course he is. The kiss against his jawline only makes him smile more, turning his face into Joe's neck.
Some days it feels like everything is so perfect, like his life couldn't be any better. With Joe like this, what else could he ask for?]
Deal.
[And as Joe walks he happily hangs on, enjoying Joe's warmth, the comfort of the smell of his cologne. Today is a really good day.]
[ Joe chuckles a little as Dennis agrees without protest. There's no actual chance that Joe's going to let him carry him home — he's too tall for him not struggle, not to mention he's probably too heavy as well, regardless of how strong Dennis might be.
But still, it's kind of fun to just play along and take things easy. Relax a little. Enjoy his company.
Dennis' breath is warm against Joe's neck with his face tucked close, but not uncomfortably so. The weather is cool enough now that the warmth doesn't really bother him too much, and even if it did he wouldn't say anything because he likes having Dennis close.
He tilts his head back a little and hums thoughtfully. ]
Ummm. Ursa Major. Monoceros. [ Joe pauses, then smiles a bit, turning his head a bit so he can glance at Dennis. ] Orion?
[ Joe curls his arms in a little, giving Denni's knees a light squeeze as he looks up at him. He looks somewhat surprised that the last clue went over Dennis' head, but then again, without a little more context, he supposes it may not actually be as obvious of a clue as it would to him.
At least Dennis got that it was Greek. That's impressive enough. ]
... I am, actually. Did you know that, or were you just guessing?
[ If it was a guess, it was a good one. Joe hikes Dennis up a bit, jostling him gently. ]
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no subject
For a moment, he thinks maybe he's said something wrong ( of course. typical. great job, Joe ) when Dennis smile falters and his attitude shifts for a moment. He breathes out through his nose, about to apologize for whatever stupid thing he's just said without realizing it, when Dennis' smile returns, bringing with it a small sense of relief.
Joe chuckles, shaking his head. As far as he's concerned, nothing good comes from Joe rubbing off on anyone. Everything he touches eventually falls apart - improvement and growth aren't things he bestows upon anyone. ]
Don't credit me, it's been all you.
[ And he believes that much. Dennis has grown a lot as a person since the day he first met him, but Joe would never take credit for that. He couldn't and he won't, even if Dennis thinks otherwise.
Joe wets his lips, setting his drink back down on the counter, untouched. He leans on the same hand, looking at Dennis with a faint fondness in his eyes. How a year has gone by so fast is beyond him, and it's also a little bit terrifying, but... for the most part, it's been a good year. In comparison to his life before Eudio, it's been pretty great. ]
... Yeah. Sounds kind of crazy, doesn't it?
no subject
Nuh uh, you were like... the carrot dangling right in front of me the whole time. Driving me to be better.
[Dennis is a rabbit now apparently.]
... feel like a whole different person now, but I like who I am here. Like what I got here. Friends and. You.
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A carrot?
[ Really, Dennis? At least Joe seems mostly amused by it. However, he doesn't entirely agree that he was the driving force in Dennis becoming who he is now. He's made too many shitty decisions in regards to the two of them to be any kind of positive influence on him, but he's not here to argue.
He's here to spend time with Dennis on an anniversary of sorts, even if neither of them knew they'd make it this far back then.
Joe just looks at Dennis for a few moments, his head tilted slightly and his expression soft. He presses his lips together, then pushes away from the counters a little with his hip, reaching to pick up his glass. ]
... Why don't you go put some shoes on? I want to take you somewhere.
no subject
What, I like carrots.
[And really he is absurd, Joe should know this by now. Things get quiet again and Dennis feels like he's on display, Joe's eyes regarding him. While he feels... shy, it's not in a bad way, he just doesn't know what to do when Joe studies him like that.
Though he's hardly uncomfortable. If Dennis is anything, he's curious, because Joe is asking him to put his shoes on and saying he wants to take him some where. What. He just got here though.]
Huh? You just got here and now we're gonna leave?
[He'll set his cup aside and goes to find his boots, kicked off in his bedroom like the slob he is.]
Where we going?
[His voice asks from in his room as he sits on the bed to put them on.]
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I mean, [ He says, tilting his head and shrugging one shoulder nonchalantly. The cup hovers in front of his mouth, and he follows Dennis with his eyes as the younger man starts to move away, no doubt wandering off to find his shoes. ] We could keep standing here talking about carrots if you want.
[ He chuckles, more to himself than anything, and then drinks most of his beverage before reaching for Dennis' cup and setting the two of them down in the sink to be taken care of later. ]
Or, [ There's a pause as Joe steps out of the kitchen to go and put his own shoes back on. Stepping out of boots is much easier than stepping into them. He bends over to tighten up the laces, lifting his head to look in the direction of Dennis' room, where his voice is coming from. ] You could just let me surprise you.
no subject
[Cheeky little shit. Once he's got his boots on and tied he ponders getting his moon, it's put away right now, he can't stand it around his head all the time okay. He looks towards his door, to Joe's voice then back at the box he keeps it in when he's not having it orbit him.]
... hey you mind a third wheel or this just a party for two?
no subject
While he waits, he does a quick down of his pockets to make sure he's got everything - back pocket for his wallet, front left for his keys, front right for his phone -, just to make sure he's not leaving anything important behind that he might need later on. He takes a few steps toward Dennis' bedroom at his question, his brows ticking together briefly. Give him a minute - he's not getting it. ]
Uh, [ He says, drawing out the sound for an extra second or two. He... hadn't planned on anyone joining them (then again, he hadn't really planned this little trip at all), but if Dennis wants to bring someone along, that's... fine. ] No, sure. Whatever you want.
no subject
He's real quiet, you might not even notice anyone else is with us.
[He says as he starts to walk out of his bedroom with a cute grin on his face.]
no subject
How cute
Joe smiles, small at first, but then it widens into something a little brighter as he chuckles. He takes a step forward toward Dennis, reaching out and turning at the same time to loop his arm around the younger man's shoulders, careful of the moon so he doesn't knock it off course.
It's kind of perfect, actually. Not that Dennis knows that. ]
Fine, I guess he - he? - can tag along. C'mon, you got everything?
no subject
Dennis leans into Joe's warmth as his arm goes around his shoulders.]
Got my shoes on, my key, wallet, moon here... oh and you. M'good.
[He smiles warmly up at Joe.]
no subject
He guides him toward the door, absently doing one more pat down of himself to make sure he's got all of this things before he tugs open the door and steps aside ( and slightly away from Dennis ) to let him go first. ]
This isn't ruining any plans you may have had today, is it? [ He pulls the door closed and moves aside to give Dennis room to lock it. ]I mean, not that you saying yes will change anything.
[ He smirks a little, only teasing. ]
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Wha... no uh, weren't doing nothing really. Should go for a run or something, but was feeling a lazy day today.
[He does that cute little pouty like smile, turning to walk backwards out of the door so he can still talk at Joe.]
Least you got me up off my arse.
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Well, [ He says, a little suddenly and with mild exclamation. ] You want to get up off your ass a little higher?
[ Joe tugs his hands out of his pockets and holds them out at his sides a little like he's offering something - and he is. He tips his head back and to the side a bit, like he's beckoning Dennis. ]
Hop on?
[ You want a piggy back? ]
no subject
His brows pop up and then he's laughing when he seems to understand what Joe is offering.]
You gonna carry me where we going? I've put off a bit of weight, but I ain't no feather.
[Doesn't mean he's not eagerly rounding Joe and hoping on up. Climbs his not!bf giant like a tree. Arms loose around Joe's shoulders he nudges his head against Joe's gently.]
Y'know this kinda defeats the purpose of me not being lazy.
no subject
Joe hooks his arms in underneath Dennis' knees, craning his head a little to look at him. ]
I know, [ He says, his voice low, because they're close enough that he doesn't really have to speak much louder than a murmur. Joe pauses for a moment, then presses a quick kiss to the edge of Dennis' jaw where he can reach, and then they're off to this surprise destination. ] You can carry me on the way back to make up for it.
[ Joking! ]
no subject
Some days it feels like everything is so perfect, like his life couldn't be any better. With Joe like this, what else could he ask for?]
Deal.
[And as Joe walks he happily hangs on, enjoying Joe's warmth, the comfort of the smell of his cologne. Today is a really good day.]
... so you gonna give me a hint where we going?
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But still, it's kind of fun to just play along and take things easy. Relax a little. Enjoy his company.
Dennis' breath is warm against Joe's neck with his face tucked close, but not uncomfortably so. The weather is cool enough now that the warmth doesn't really bother him too much, and even if it did he wouldn't say anything because he likes having Dennis close.
He tilts his head back a little and hums thoughtfully. ]
Ummm. Ursa Major. Monoceros. [ Joe pauses, then smiles a bit, turning his head a bit so he can glance at Dennis. ] Orion?
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Wha... you're speaking Greek to me.
[None of that meant a thing to him, maybe it should, but it's not clicking in his head at all.]
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At least Dennis got that it was Greek. That's impressive enough. ]
... I am, actually. Did you know that, or were you just guessing?
[ If it was a guess, it was a good one. Joe hikes Dennis up a bit, jostling him gently. ]
You've never heard of Orion's belt?
no subject
Oh yeah, I know that... what there some Greek place you're taking me? Never had Greek food.
[He holds on a bit tighter when Joe gives him a little jostle, nuzzling his face into the back of his shoulder.]