Fiyero stares at him for a couple moments, that smile still on his face but looking maybe a little stiff, a little bit static.
"What makes you think I'm worried about your judgement?" he counters, still with his cheerful facade. It's definitely not remotely about that. And what it is about, well, it's no one's business, certainly not a guy Fiyero just met - however lovely and friendly and helpful he might be.
Probably says something that Fiyero is willing to alienate his currently only source of guaranteed housing and food, rather than talk openly about emotional stuff.
Kitty just stares over the rim of his glass for a long moment before he finally places it down on the bench, resting his elbows on his table and his chin on his hands.
"I don't know how it is in Oz, but I know in this world that a lot of men try to pretend things don't phase them even when it does because other men are less empathetic towards them." He shrugs. "Look, you don't have to tell me anything if you don't want to but just know that... it's okay if all of this is leaving you feeling... less cheerful and okay than you want me to think. Your situation is really fucked up and you don't have to be okay."
This entire turn this conversation has taken is so far outside the realm of what Fiyero is used to, especially for someone he just met, that he has no idea how to parse it, let alone respond to it.
It's not about other people's empathy - then again, maybe a little bit. Certainly, Elphaba was the only one who was really able to draw any kind of vulnerability out of him, because of her empathy and her own vulnerability. A lot of people neither look that close nor have all that much going on to begin with. Kitty... is definitely doing both.
"You're a really strange guy, you know that?" he says finally, after a long silence. His eyes are slightly narrowed, like he's trying to figure Kitty out -- while trying to keep as neutral expression as he can, only partially succeeding.
He has no idea how to address any of the things Kitty just said - so he simply won't.
Kitty can tell that's another deflection, but he's made his point and there's no point pushing it. He knows well enough to know that pushing someone as determined to deflect as Fiyero clearly is will only make things worse and it'll just result in the prince shutting him out completely and that leaves him with no option but to keep couch surfing and he doesn't want to put him in that position.
"Yeah, I've been told. Most people call me a mother hen." Kitty shrugs and grabs some fries, nudging the bowl towards Fiyero to indicate he intends to share. "Least I'm cute."
There's a tiny release of tension in Fiyero's shoulders when Kitty drops the subject, even if a hint of the emotional intensity still hangs over the conversation (as well as in a slight knot inside Fiyero's chest).
He reaches out and grabs a piece of food, almost like a peace offering. The breaking of bread.
"Yeah, it's a valuable asset. Speaking from experience," he quips. In fact, being cute is what prevents most people from looking deeper.
“Being cute and funny are the best two qualities a man can have. Even just one is better than nothing.” At least from a shallow point of view. They were good traits to have to draw people in but still be able to keep them at arms distance. A tactic Kitty was getting the impression Fiyero used often but if that was how he protected himself, who was Kitty to judge?
There's the question of whether projecting himself like that was doing more harm than good, though. But Fiyero didn't often find people it felt worthwhile to open up to.
"I did actually meet a hen who was both funny and cute - for a hen. Obviously not a man though, cause then she would've been a.. rooster."
"Oh. Huh," Fiyero answers, smile fading into a more gently surprised look at the correction. "You know, there's already so many strange inventions to get used to. Wish the words were at least the same."
He appreciates it, though. And he will make an attempt to remember. Blending in is not exactly his strong suit, but something tells him he should try a little bit, so he needs all the help he can get.
"Well, I knew what you meant either way so they're similar enough." Kitty offers a soft smile. "You'll get used to it. And you can just say things however you do back home. At least at the Mansion, people will know why there's a difference."
Kitty eats a few more fries. "Please don't think I'm criticising you."
Fiyero gives a thoughtful hum as he sips his drink, almost having finished this one too now. Kitty's very encouraging, which makes it all seem a little less daunting.
The reassurance makes him raise his eyebrows in more genuine surprise. When has anyone ever said that to him? (Well, occasionally, though it's a bit more fawn-y then.)
And then the bright smile is right back, a mutual reassurance. "Do I look like someone bothered by people criticising me?" he asks, as if you could tell from his looks. His behaviour, probably. (Which is not to say he doesn't care what people think, obviously.)
"Another round?" Kitty takes another sip of his own drink and eats a few more fries, indicating to Fiyero's almost-empty drink with his other hand.
There's something about his smile that does things to Kitty, things he's going to blatantly ignore because Fiyero is engaged and therefore entirely off limits, even if he is trapped in a different world from his bride-to-be and Kitty will not let himself go there, no matter how easy it is to talk to him - at least when he's not trying to brush off actual real things.
"No. But I still want you to know I'm not just criticising you when I point things out. I just wanna give you the best chance you have of surviving here."
He scrunches his nose and vaguely shakes his head at the offer of another drink. He's already pretty loose and he doesn't need to get completely wasted. Besides, his worries have slightly lessened as of this conversation, so he doesn't need it as much.
"Well! I appreciate you trying to guide me through a confusifying new world," Fiyero announces genuinely, unknowingly immediately using another strange word, as he raises his glass in a toast to Kitty before draining the last of it, setting it down with a decisive thud. "Now, I believe I was promised a dance," he says, already getting out of the booth and gently tugging at Kitty's arm, clearly not about to take no for an answer.
"More than happy to be your guide." Kitty says, smiling around a mouthful of fries, ignoring yet another strange Ozian variation of a word. He knows what Fiyero means and makes a mental note to write down the ones he notices with his world's version of it. He can make a little cheat sheet for Fiyero, or something.
Kitty finishes his own drink and the last of the fries before letting out a breath, "I don't recall promising a dance." But he lets Fiyero tug him out of the booth and pull him out onto the dancefloor.
"No, you definitely did," Fiyero counters cheerfully, despite also not remembering Kitty saying those exact words. But it was definitely implied in there somewhere. For sure.
His hand slides down Kitty's arm to find his hand, pulling him along. Now they're not separated by a booth or the formal greeting, it'll become quickly clear that Fiyero is a very casually tactile person, with zero hesitation when it comes to touch - as long as it doesn't seem unwanted.
The song is upbeat, a great dance rhythm, although Fiyero is too unfamiliar with it to do any complicated choreography. Even so, the improvised moves he pulls out makes it clear he's had a lot of practice. Definitely kind of showy (and yes, of course he's showing off), but still leaving enough room for Kitty to do his thing as well.
Kitty gives Fiyero a look because he definitely didn't make any such promise but he's also not upset about it. Fiyero drags him into the middle of the dance floor by his hand and Kitty has to force himself not to focus on the warmth of Fiyero's hand in his own.
For all that he focused on his past ballet career and made no real mention of having any ability to dance in a club setting, Kitty is also not a stranger to this scene. After all, he was a 20 something year old at some point not long ago and Jubilee still liked to party. That doesn't change that whatever dance moves he - and most of the other patrons - have, are anything quite like Fiyero's own. There's a ridiculous grace to his movements and Kitty finds himself watching more than focusing on his own moves.
Fiyero probably would've blended easier into a swing ballroom than the club scene, but despite being very recently arrived, it's not the first time he dances at a place like this, so he doesn't stick out as bad as he did the first time. The extent to which he sticks out is intentional and welcomed.
And there are some looks, including from Kitty himself. But as much as Fiyero likes getting attention, he also loves giving it.
As soon as he's had a moment to observe Kitty's moves, he adjusts his own a bit to better match - and then to actually dance together. Dancing is a conversation, and Fiyero doesn't want to be the only one blabbing on and on. He wants to invite Kitty to participate. Sure, twirling and dipping his partner might not work in this setting, but Fiyero's a quick learner - in this particular context, at least.
Kitty falls easily into the rhythm of Fiyero's moves, letting the other man guide their bodies easy enough. He's aware of the looks they're getting, more Fiyero than himself though he's also used to getting looks. Being a superhero came with perks after all, like a superhero physique for example, but Fiyero stood out even as he shifted into moves that fit in a little more.
It was probably a combination of his fluidity, stupidly handsome good looks and the extravagance of his outfit, even without his jacket on.
Not a lot of people here are wearing matching green and gold. Even his suspenders are embroidered. Without the jacket, it's not the wackiest look ever, but it sure doesn't blend with the crowd here. Especially with the knee-high boots, which are easier to dance in than you'd think.
Despite barely any talking happening, beyond the occasional sentence half drowned out by the music, the time seems to pass much quicker. Dancing is freeing, distracting, fun - and exhausting enough that you can't think that much afterwards.
It takes a while, Fiyero starts getting tired before Kitty, though he's looking kind of winded too. At least they're well matched in that regard.
As a song shifts seamlessly into another, Fiyero leans in close to be heard over the crowd. "Let's get a drink." He takes Kitty's hand again, definitely warm now and a bit sweaty, tugging him towards the bar. The bartender is there immediately, Fiyero ordering this time - but just two waters with ice.
It's far too easy to lose himself in the music, in the sway of his body and the way he and Fiyero seem to be so in sync despite the differences between them. It was true that Kitty was far less interested in hookup culture than the scenery suggested but dancing with Fiyero, he thought maybe he understood why this was such a big part of it.
And then he had to remind himself that this was strictly platonic because Fiyero was engaged and Kitty was just gonna be his friend and guide for the strange new world he found himself in.
It doesn't stop him from gripping Fiyero's hand a little tighter than necessary when he drags them off the dancefloor and to the bar for a drink. Kitty's almost shocked when water is placed down in front of them and he finally lets go to lift his glass, drinking the entire thing at once and waving for another.
Pushing his sweaty hair out of his face, Kitty grins. "That's certainly a better workout than superhero training."
Meeting Fiyero's smile he realised quickly that he was so fucked.
Fiyero downs his water as well, a little slower, his hair sticking slightly to his sweaty forehead (yet somehow still looking perfect) as he leans his head back, his Adam's apple bobbing. Letting out a loud, satisfied sigh as he finishes. He probably looks like a water commercial.
"Probably more fun too, huh?" he agrees, brightly grinning right back. Anything named 'hero training' was probably a bit more serious. "I get bored with too serious workout stuff. I want my exercise to be fun."
The innuendo is unintended. But he obviously doesn't have trouble keeping in shape.
no subject
"What makes you think I'm worried about your judgement?" he counters, still with his cheerful facade. It's definitely not remotely about that. And what it is about, well, it's no one's business, certainly not a guy Fiyero just met - however lovely and friendly and helpful he might be.
Probably says something that Fiyero is willing to alienate his currently only source of guaranteed housing and food, rather than talk openly about emotional stuff.
no subject
"I don't know how it is in Oz, but I know in this world that a lot of men try to pretend things don't phase them even when it does because other men are less empathetic towards them." He shrugs. "Look, you don't have to tell me anything if you don't want to but just know that... it's okay if all of this is leaving you feeling... less cheerful and okay than you want me to think. Your situation is really fucked up and you don't have to be okay."
no subject
It's not about other people's empathy - then again, maybe a little bit. Certainly, Elphaba was the only one who was really able to draw any kind of vulnerability out of him, because of her empathy and her own vulnerability. A lot of people neither look that close nor have all that much going on to begin with. Kitty... is definitely doing both.
"You're a really strange guy, you know that?" he says finally, after a long silence. His eyes are slightly narrowed, like he's trying to figure Kitty out -- while trying to keep as neutral expression as he can, only partially succeeding.
He has no idea how to address any of the things Kitty just said - so he simply won't.
no subject
"Yeah, I've been told. Most people call me a mother hen." Kitty shrugs and grabs some fries, nudging the bowl towards Fiyero to indicate he intends to share. "Least I'm cute."
no subject
He reaches out and grabs a piece of food, almost like a peace offering. The breaking of bread.
"Yeah, it's a valuable asset. Speaking from experience," he quips. In fact, being cute is what prevents most people from looking deeper.
no subject
Another reason Jubilee likely chose his number.
no subject
"I did actually meet a hen who was both funny and cute - for a hen. Obviously not a man though, cause then she would've been a.. rooster."
He's just gonna have another sip of this drink.
no subject
no subject
It is a valid question, when Fiyero doesn't take the time to specify.
no subject
For a baby bird.
“I wish I could meet some of the Animals. I feel like it would be so cool.”
no subject
Fiyero lights up when Kitty mentions wanting to meet the Animals though. "You pronouncified it right!"
no subject
Kitty's only smile brightens at Fiyero's obvious happiness. "We just say 'pronounced' here."
no subject
He appreciates it, though. And he will make an attempt to remember. Blending in is not exactly his strong suit, but something tells him he should try a little bit, so he needs all the help he can get.
no subject
Kitty eats a few more fries. "Please don't think I'm criticising you."
no subject
The reassurance makes him raise his eyebrows in more genuine surprise. When has anyone ever said that to him? (Well, occasionally, though it's a bit more fawn-y then.)
And then the bright smile is right back, a mutual reassurance. "Do I look like someone bothered by people criticising me?" he asks, as if you could tell from his looks. His behaviour, probably. (Which is not to say he doesn't care what people think, obviously.)
no subject
There's something about his smile that does things to Kitty, things he's going to blatantly ignore because Fiyero is engaged and therefore entirely off limits, even if he is trapped in a different world from his bride-to-be and Kitty will not let himself go there, no matter how easy it is to talk to him - at least when he's not trying to brush off actual real things.
"No. But I still want you to know I'm not just criticising you when I point things out. I just wanna give you the best chance you have of surviving here."
no subject
"Well! I appreciate you trying to guide me through a confusifying new world," Fiyero announces genuinely, unknowingly immediately using another strange word, as he raises his glass in a toast to Kitty before draining the last of it, setting it down with a decisive thud. "Now, I believe I was promised a dance," he says, already getting out of the booth and gently tugging at Kitty's arm, clearly not about to take no for an answer.
no subject
Kitty finishes his own drink and the last of the fries before letting out a breath, "I don't recall promising a dance." But he lets Fiyero tug him out of the booth and pull him out onto the dancefloor.
no subject
His hand slides down Kitty's arm to find his hand, pulling him along. Now they're not separated by a booth or the formal greeting, it'll become quickly clear that Fiyero is a very casually tactile person, with zero hesitation when it comes to touch - as long as it doesn't seem unwanted.
The song is upbeat, a great dance rhythm, although Fiyero is too unfamiliar with it to do any complicated choreography. Even so, the improvised moves he pulls out makes it clear he's had a lot of practice. Definitely kind of showy (and yes, of course he's showing off), but still leaving enough room for Kitty to do his thing as well.
no subject
For all that he focused on his past ballet career and made no real mention of having any ability to dance in a club setting, Kitty is also not a stranger to this scene. After all, he was a 20 something year old at some point not long ago and Jubilee still liked to party. That doesn't change that whatever dance moves he - and most of the other patrons - have, are anything quite like Fiyero's own. There's a ridiculous grace to his movements and Kitty finds himself watching more than focusing on his own moves.
no subject
And there are some looks, including from Kitty himself. But as much as Fiyero likes getting attention, he also loves giving it.
As soon as he's had a moment to observe Kitty's moves, he adjusts his own a bit to better match - and then to actually dance together. Dancing is a conversation, and Fiyero doesn't want to be the only one blabbing on and on. He wants to invite Kitty to participate. Sure, twirling and dipping his partner might not work in this setting, but Fiyero's a quick learner - in this particular context, at least.
no subject
It was probably a combination of his fluidity, stupidly handsome good looks and the extravagance of his outfit, even without his jacket on.
no subject
Despite barely any talking happening, beyond the occasional sentence half drowned out by the music, the time seems to pass much quicker. Dancing is freeing, distracting, fun - and exhausting enough that you can't think that much afterwards.
It takes a while, Fiyero starts getting tired before Kitty, though he's looking kind of winded too. At least they're well matched in that regard.
As a song shifts seamlessly into another, Fiyero leans in close to be heard over the crowd. "Let's get a drink." He takes Kitty's hand again, definitely warm now and a bit sweaty, tugging him towards the bar. The bartender is there immediately, Fiyero ordering this time - but just two waters with ice.
no subject
And then he had to remind himself that this was strictly platonic because Fiyero was engaged and Kitty was just gonna be his friend and guide for the strange new world he found himself in.
It doesn't stop him from gripping Fiyero's hand a little tighter than necessary when he drags them off the dancefloor and to the bar for a drink. Kitty's almost shocked when water is placed down in front of them and he finally lets go to lift his glass, drinking the entire thing at once and waving for another.
Pushing his sweaty hair out of his face, Kitty grins. "That's certainly a better workout than superhero training."
Meeting Fiyero's smile he realised quickly that he was so fucked.
no subject
"Probably more fun too, huh?" he agrees, brightly grinning right back. Anything named 'hero training' was probably a bit more serious. "I get bored with too serious workout stuff. I want my exercise to be fun."
The innuendo is unintended. But he obviously doesn't have trouble keeping in shape.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
of course Kitty wants to know Fiyero's size and preferences-- i mean
😜
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)