Logs:A Successful Seduction

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Cast
Setting

Quinn's House

Log

Quinn Tolliver: Quinn hasn't really left the house for about five days or so. He's called in sick to work for the first time; his boss was so concerned that he sent a welfare check to Quinn's house. Quinn is doing....fine. Just fine. Nothing to worry about. In fact, right now he's preparing for Dandelion's homecoming. In a pair of ratty cargo pants and a thin gray t-shirt, hair in a bun, Quinn is cleaning every meticulous inch of the house. Right now he's taking a toothbrush to the vent covers; his hands chapped and red from doing such a good job.


Jeremiah Hamilton: Another welfare check of sorts was incoming, it seemed, judging by the "shave and a haircut" knock at the sanctum's front door. Jeremiah had kept in touch with Quinn since that first frantic message but wanted to see the young man for himself as preparations were being made to find those who had been taken.


Quinn Tolliver: Quinn pauses, head cocked; he's sure he heard a knock. Indecision makes him waffle; one one hand, it's the social expectation that he answer the door. It could be Dandelion. On the other hand, he's built a good little shell to keep out the world. And it could be Dandelion.

Social expectations win out. Quinn goes to the door and checks the peephole; his relief is evident when he opens the door. Hands twisting together, his makes eye contact with Jay's knees. "Oh, you came over," he greets him, head bobbing. "I thought maybe you would eventually, and here you are. I mean, came over again," he clarifies. "Would you like to come in?"


Jeremiah Hamilton: "I would, yeah. Wanted to see how you were doing." He replied with a small smile, giving Quinn a quick once-over. For his part the Warlock was dressed casually in jeans and a tshirt, sporting a pair of chunky black glasses and holding a small cardboard box like what one gets from a bakery under his arm. "Brought some of Heather's most recent baking experiment as well, if you're up for it."


Quinn Tolliver: Quinn eyes the box; he's pretty sure there's a sacred baking treasure in there. He seems unsure what to do for a moment, fidgeting. A great breath rushes from Quinn, and he drops his toothbrush in favor of throwing his arms around Jay's neck desperately tight. "I'm fine," comes the muffled reply. Convincing.


Jeremiah Hamilton: He let out a quiet oof at the unexpected glomp, finding somewhere to set the box down so he could properly embrace the young Guardian. "It's gonna be alright." He softly replied, one hand gently rubbing the small of his back in a soothing manner. "I'm sure of it."


Quinn Tolliver: "How do you know?" He backpedals to drag Jay into the house with him, letting go long enough to shut the front door and lock it. The house inside is immaculate, the fumes of bleach and citrus and pine nigh-overwhelming. The place looks sanitized, like something staged for a magazine.


Jeremiah Hamilton: "Because I know what we all can do when we put our minds to it." Jeremiah let himself be led into the house without issue, looking almost impressed at how thorough Quinn had been in his efforts. "Things are in motion to find exactly where they are and how to get them out, along with taking out the rats themselves."


Quinn Tolliver: "The rats," he breathes, jerking back to release Jay; he takes him by the hand instead, leading him through the house - a historic home, Queen-Anne Victorian style built long ago and lovingly kept - into a sunroom. One wall of the sunroom has been converted into a giant whiteboard; it's covered from ceiling to floor in notes, drawings, diagrams, and obsessive, rambling theories on the Rat Host. "I ah, I think I may have discovered something of the rats in my research, I need to put a note at Maddy's. But I can relay it to you, too."

Quinn moves to one end of the wall, pointing out a list that's been worked across a graph that looks somewhat like a spiderweb. "There are historical records that state these rats have an armored hide, very difficult to penetrate." He gestures to another point. "They can also burrow, which I'm sure we know. They can eat the Gauntlet - I believe we knew of that as well - but they can also just dissolve back into spiritual form at will, which could make physical means complicated." He moves to another section; this is a sketched anatomical diagram of a rat magnified, with Quinn's precise notes throughout. "Another thing to be aware of - their blood is venomous. I found an account from Germany in the fourteenth century describing something exactly like these with 'the elixir of life that, instead of containing sainted virtue, consisted only of the Hydra's taint'. Loosely. Their claws and fangs are like...not like a rat. More like...a grizzly bear. And they're huge." Quinn looks over his wall, gaze erratic; his arms fold in against his middle, shoulders hunched.


Jeremiah Hamilton: Jeremiah let out a low whistle as he looked over the whiteboard, nodding as Quinn went over what he had found. "Good to know, and definitely something to pass onto the folks doing the wet work. I'll be with Maddy on overwatch."


Quinn Tolliver: Quinn's hands stop fluttering, motionless as dead birds. He turns toward Jay, brow pinched. "What is overwatch...?"


Jeremiah Hamilton: "Seeing what we can find down there via a scrying window and getting people out if we can manage it, primarily. Probably keep an eye on the folks going down there as well, I imagine. "


Quinn Tolliver: The relief that washes over Quinn is nearly palpable. "So you'll be somewhere safe, not killing rats?"


Jeremiah Hamilton: "Oh yeah." He smiled a touch as he saw that wave of relief. "I try to be a lead from the front type, but when it comes to this kind of thing I know where my strengths are and that ain't it."


Quinn Tolliver: "Good." Quinn's tone is blunt. He fidgets with the hem of his t-shirt for a moment, and then drifts closer to Jay to renew his embrace. "Thank you for coming to see me," he murmurs. "I was very excited about the idea of you coming to my house, but it was under better circumstances."


Jeremiah Hamilton: "You're welcome." He said with a smile, giving Quinn a proper hug when he came in close. "It's a gorgeous house, too; always loved Victorians."


Quinn Tolliver: "It belonged to my parents," he mutters, then corrects: "Belongs. I didn't spend much time here, but I always loved it. They let me have the attic."


Jeremiah Hamilton: "Belongs." He confirmed with a nod, still smiling. "Nice. Got the loft room in...Charlotte, I think it was, when I was there for about a year."


Quinn Tolliver: Quinn takes a deep breath, dropping his forehead onto the Mastigos' shoulder. "I could make tea," he offers. "We could drink tea and eat Heather's baking, and I could show you my attic."


Jeremiah Hamilton: "Sounds good to me. I have a feeling you could use a break, anyway..." he glanced down to the red marks on Quinn's hands before looking to the man himself, a note of concern clear in his gaze. "Can't work yourself too hard."


Quinn Tolliver: Quinn lifts one shoulder defensively, lower lip catching between his teeth. "I had to distract myself. It's...I don't like situations like this," he explains, as if anyone does. "I can't..process..." He makes a noise of frustration, the muscle in his jaw flexing. "This is why I don't like getting to know anyone," he blurts out, lifting two fingers to rub and rub at his hairline. Gaze averted to the ground, shuttered. "People get hurt. People fade away. People go missing."


Jeremiah Hamilton: Jeremiah nodded quietly, shifting one arm to start up that light massage of Quinn's lower back again. "They do, but what you get from the connections you forge is worth it. There's a light that only they can shine, and letting that star into the sky of your life makes it all the more beautiful for as long as it's there."


Quinn Tolliver: Quinn sniffs once and lifts his head, nodding. "You're right. I don't know what I would do without...River, and Liezel, and...and Dandy," he nods, his voice even. "And...I am making more friends." He drops one hand to coil and weave with Jay's, giving it a tug. "Do you want tea? I bought the tea from the tea place."


Jeremiah Hamilton: "Good." He nodded with a smile, giving Quinn's hand a small squeeze. "I do indeed. Lead on."


Quinn Tolliver: Quinn weaves his way back to the kitchen to prepare the tea; he collects a tray, two mugs, various accessories. He has a real porcelain teapot snuggled into a tea cozy. He's a little flustered; about to enjoy tea with a boy in his room. River would be so proud. He collects the tea tray and nods to Jay, offering a faint smile. "Ready?" He doesn't wait for an answer, turning to lead Jeremiah up the stairs to the "attic", which really just seems to be the third floor.


Jeremiah Hamilton: While the tea was in the works Jeremiah ducked back into the entryway to grab the box of goodies, giving Quinn a nod before following him up the stairs.


Quinn Tolliver: The attic is a typical loft, with the slanted ceiling and wood paneling. It's been remodeled into a cozy space; there's a bed on the floor beneath sunlights, and Quinn has strung patio lights across the ceiling, back and forth. One wall is his bookshelf, double-stacked with all sorts of books; on top of the shelf are some mementos from his time in Norway. There are no family pictures or portraits of anyone. For seating, there's a bed and there's a chaise that looks overstuffed with down, covered in an intricately crocheted afghan.


Jeremiah Hamilton: Jeremiah nodded with approval as he looked over the room, letting Quinn lead the way as far as where they would be sitting. "Very nice..."


Quinn Tolliver: "I like it," he agrees, clearly pleased that Jeremiah approves. He sweeps some papers and a sketchbook off an end table and moves it to be near the chaise, setting the tray on top. "Is this okay for sitting? I didn't...I wasn't sure which one was um...polite." He gestures between the sofa and the bed.


Jeremiah Hamilton: "Sofa's fine by me." He said with a smile, helping to clear off space before setting the box down by the tea tray. Upon opening it a collection of cookies could be found within, ready to be noshed upon. "Whatever you're more comfortable with."


Quinn Tolliver: Quinn fidgets a moment, gaze dropping. "I'm comfortable with you regardless. I don't know the appropriate speed to move. Chaise is good." He slinks over to the chaise and sits, leaning forward to explore the cookie choices. "What kind did she make this time? Once she made me lemon bars. They were like lemon bars, but they were a cookie instead. It was the best day."


Jeremiah Hamilton: "Chocolate chip and salted caramel, I think. Should be amazing either way." He took a seat on the chaise as well, sliding the box over to let Quinn grab one first.


Quinn Tolliver: "Her cookies always are," he agrees. He leans forward to select a chocolate chip, careful not to touch the other cookies. Once his cookie has been chosen, he flops to his side to form a noodle around Jay, even if he remains sitting. "How did you meet Heather? Before you were in a cadre together, I mean. I have this predicament of wanting to know everything about you but never knowing where to start."


Jeremiah Hamilton: Jeremiah smirked as Quinn got himself comfortable, grabbing one of the caramel cookies for himself before settling in again. "We all ended up gravitating towards an issue that came up with someone who was experimenting on mortal souls. Between the lot of us we got him locked down and handed over to the consilium for judgement, and since we worked well together we decided to make it official."


Quinn Tolliver: Quinn sits up to peer at Jay, his expression owlish. "Experimenting on mortal souls? How? Why?"


Jeremiah Hamilton: "The why was hubris, and the how was varied. Best as I can tell he was basically trying to see how they ticked and ways to poke and prod at them for his own gain." He shook his head quietly, a look of disappointment on his face. "He hurt a lot of people, though, and we couldn't let that stand."


Quinn Tolliver: Quinn makes a face, something akin to disgusted. "Some people...they don't deserve this," he murmurs, shoulders curling inward. "They don't deserve this gift. I try to understand, but...I just don't."


Jeremiah Hamilton: "Some get overwhelmed by the power we have at our call and forget what it's supposed to be put towards." He nodded quietly. "That's what the rest of us are here for, to guide them towards the proper path."


Quinn Tolliver: "I guess," he murmurs, but doesn't sound entirely convinced. Quinn sits up, drawing his legs up criss-cross to sit facing Jeremiah. "And what about Charlotte? Why did you live there? Why did you come here?"


Jeremiah Hamilton: "It's that whole 'lead a horse to water' thing, I'll admit. You can't force wisdom upon others, but if you don't try and show them the way they have even less of a chance of reaching it, and I'm not one to sit idly by."

"I moved up and down the East Coast when I was a kid, thanks to my father's work. The firm he works out of is based in Boston but he preferred to be on site for his projects and my mother and I always went with him. We were in Charlotte for about two years, give or take."


Quinn Tolliver: "I think I remembering you telling me that before; that your father had to travel for his work, and you went with him. Did they - are they still alive? Do you see them, or want to see them?"


Jeremiah Hamilton: "They are, and...not particularly, honestly. We had a bad falling out while I was in LA, and I'm not really inclined to reconnect any time soon."


Quinn Tolliver: "That was foolish of them," Quinn decides, taking a bite of his cookie. "What...was the falling out over?"


Jeremiah Hamilton: "My 'deviant behavior' and being a 'shame to the family', the usual bullshit." He shrugged, breaking off a piece of his cookie before noshing it. "Their loss."


Quinn Tolliver: Quinn nods, lips pressing together; suspicions confirmed. He breaks off a piece of his cookie, lips kicked up in one corner. "Their loss. It sounds like it is probably my gain. You are welcome to be a deviant all you like, in my opinion."


Jeremiah Hamilton: "Why thank you." He replied with a smirk, nudging away the somber mood that had started to settle about the conversation. "I'd rather be myself than what the world thinks I should be, both mundanely and magically, and if I can be an inspiration to others to find their own truth then all the better."


Quinn Tolliver: "If you were not as you are now, and somehow changed your behavior or personality, I would pout," Quinn discloses, eating his cookie in neat, broken-off squares. "And then I would...I would probably yell at you." Quinn lifts his gaze to Jay, brows lifting. "I can be very fierce."


Jeremiah Hamilton: Jeremiah paused as that particular mental image flashed across his brain, giving the young Guardian a warm smile after the fact. "I can imagine. And no worries on that front; I alwys endeavor to learn and grow from that knowledge, but the core has been rather firmly set at this point."


Quinn Tolliver: Quinn leans to one side, bracing on his hand; he leans a little closer, gaze roaming. A faint smile traces his lips. "You...You're so....together," Quinn admits, squinting as if he's puzzling it out. "Were you always like that? How do you do it? You know what you want and you just...that is the path and there is no wavering?"


Jeremiah Hamilton: "God no." He shook his head with a low chuckle. "The ambition was always there, no question of that, but the forethought and focus beyond 'what feels good in that moment' were nowhere to be seen. It took my walk through Pandemonium to shake off those chains and actually be worth what I was looking for."


Quinn Tolliver: Quinn immediately affects a sulky look. "Well, that certainly backfired. I admire your drive and ambition, but the sacrifice of your focus on feeling good in the moment is a loss to the world." Quinn hmphs, taking a huge bite of his cookie.


Jeremiah Hamilton: "I didn't say it was sacrificed," he replied with a smirk, "just that it's not the only thing I give a damn about these days."


Quinn Tolliver: "Oh, then I find myself renewed!" He leans forward to pour a mug of tea, doctoring it with cream and sugar before drawing back. He wraps both hands around his mug, his features pensive. "I think...I think I am going to go with the others in case they need healing. That's something I can do; I cannot fight, but there are important things to do besides fighting."


Jeremiah Hamilton: "Good." Jeremiah nodded with a smile, polishing off the cookie he had in hand before turning his attention to fixing a cup of tea for himself. "Indeed. Be careful if you do go."


Quinn Tolliver: "Oh I will," he assures Jay, nodding. "I do not often take risks, and if I am expected to, I am careful to consider all avenues. But this is one avenue that should probably be explored. I know there are other Thyrsus here; but I do not think there's such a thing as too many medics."


Jeremiah Hamilton: "Agreed. A smart enemy always goes for the healers first, though, so keep your eyes up."


Quinn Tolliver: "I will." His tone is earnest as he watches Jay over the rim of his mug. "I plan to keep my head up, pay attention, and come home battle-hardened and victorious." He takes a sip of tea, nonchalant. "And then I will seduce you. A lot."


Jeremiah Hamilton: Jeremiah chuckled at that, doing a fair job at hiding the smile that followed behind his own cup as he took a drink. "I look forward to it."


Quinn Tolliver: "You should." Sip. "I have a habit of throwing myself into mastering any endeavor I wish to excel at." Sip; this time he's truly fighting his amusement behind his mug. "You better brace yourself."


Jeremiah Hamilton: "Oh I shall, I assure you."


Quinn Tolliver: "You might have to carb load." Quinn holds his mug by the handle, feigning a thoughtful expression. "Stretch first." He lowers his mug to give Jay an affectionate smile, hesitant, and then leans in to touch his lips to Jay's cheek.


Jeremiah Hamilton: "Naturally. I have a reputation to uphold." Jeremiah's smile was impossible to hide at this point, very nearly on the verge of a proper laugh, but he was managing to keep it under control for the moment. The peck on the cheek earned a quiet look, not disapproving of the gesture but more curious to see what he would do next.


Quinn Tolliver: Quinn holds very still, as if he's waiting to see what happens; he pulls back to look at Jay with a little sound of impatience. "I am not sure how to proceed. I want to kiss you. I have been waiting for you to kiss me, and I did careful research on how to kiss well. But I am also impatient, so I do not want to wait to kiss you anymore. I know that the next important thing to do is ask permission to kiss you. May I kiss you now?" Quinn's gaze lifts briefly to Jeremiah's and then averts to his mouth. "May I please kiss you now," he revises, ever polite.


Jeremiah Hamilton: That almost-overwhelming mirth slowed to a low simmer as Quinn spoke, the smile turning warm and welcoming as Jeremiah nodded. "You certainely may."


Quinn Tolliver: "Thank you," is the hasty reply; Quinn leans in to press his lips to Jeremiah's. It is very obvious that Quinn has not done this before, if his testimonies to research were no indication. He's nothing if not enthusiastic, re-aligning himself more than once to improve. He only breaks away once he's got Jay's shirt fisted in both hands, eyes closed. "Thank you," he murmurs, his lips still close enough to strafe his thanks against Jay's mouth.


Jeremiah Hamilton: The tea cup was set down as Quinn came in for the first pass, a hand raised to ever-so-gently cup his chin and guide him to the proper place. He returned the kiss in kind, light as a feather and sweet from the treats and the tea, smiling softly when all was said and done. "Very welcome."


Quinn Tolliver: "Will you just stay for awhile? I am very tired, and we do not have to do anything else, but I cannot think of anything I would like more than to just lie with you for awhile and not think about anything at all."


Jeremiah Hamilton: "Sounds like a good plan to me."