Characters: Roman Skye, Dorian Sloan Setting: Bookstore, Marketplace ; Late afternoon June 5, 2019 [Backdated] Summary: Introductions, conversation, new friendship Rating: Low Status: Complete
Now with a focused and re-centered state of mind, Dorian had made his way to the Marketplace’s bookstore to find some more books. Dressed in the t-shirt and jeans he wore to the Memorial Day festivities, he browsed some of the classics - Shakespeare, Mary Shelley - and some modern tales by Anne Rice.
Rarely was Roman casual. He prided himself in looking posh and well polished every place he went: work, out into the community, etc. It was commonplace to see him dressed for the office even when the sun was beating down upon them or the forecast predicted a blizzard. Today was no exception.
Meeting the citizens was part of the game. In effort for Roman to keep up his appearance as the liaison for the island knowing a bit about the people was key to earning their trust.
He had yet to approach or speak with the dark haired man but he had noticed him around. One as lovely as that one would be a tragedy to miss - but he knew skittish when he saw it. Roman bided his time.
Through the lenses of his glasses he watched, now and then his gaze would tumble to a selection making it seem as if he were browsing the selections instead of watching the people.
And then he moved up beside the stranger, reaching out for a book. He pretended to not realize that the other man had reached for the same and the side of Roman’s hand brushed upon the hand of the other man, quickly pulling the limb backwards. “Oh goodness, I am so sorry. I didn’t see you were going for the same selection. Please, I’d rather you have it.”
A gentle, warm smile would come.
Dorian had noticed the glasses-wearing man, watching him a little but also interested in some more books to read, ones he hadn’t read before and were a bit more mature. He kept his eyes open and his mouth shut as he occasionally looked over at the other man, but was now engrossed in scanning the shelf.
Then he reached for Violin by Anne Rice when he felt the other man’s hand brushed upon his for that brief moment. Dorian paused and looked over at the man as he withdrew and spoke to him.
Smiling back, he shook his head, “If you would like it, go ahead.”
Palm would cascade down the front of his suit as if to flatten the pristine, lightly patterned fabric of his sports coat. His eyes didn’t leave the stranger all the while, intrigued and mystified. “Really,” Roman breathed softly, “I insist. It’s a good one, one of my favorites. I’d be happier knowing it made someone else hold their breath at the prose.” Anne Rice wasn’t always his favorite; he was entranced a bit by a vampire story here and there but after a while he found them a touch repetitive. Violin was unique in the fact that it was written to not include the series of essence drinkers that Rice was known for.
Eyes would fall to the ID card the other wore but not long enough to obtain information. He had found long ago that many found it intrusive to glean intel from the card as opposed to asking for it directly.
“Good to know someone else has good taste, too, if you don’t mind my saying so. I don’t think I’ve seen you around before. You’ve recently arrived, yes?” He hoped the other man didn’t mind the casual peppering of questions or comments.
“Oh, okay,” Dorian smiled as he let his hand fall away from the book for now. He watched the other man, noticing the way his hand fell and how he spoke. He had briefly known men like this one, but looks could be deceiving.
Then he breathed and briefly looked down at his ID before returning to look at the other man in the eye.
“Yes. I’ve been here for close to a month.” He nodded. “And...you?” Then it clicked - perhaps this man forgot his ID, didn’t want to wear it, or wasn’t a captive resident.
As the suspicion was confirmed Roman offered a warm smile, “Ah, a month. I see. Well, welcome to the island. I know it isn’t much but it’s come a long way in the few years that I’ve been here.” He answered the question without really answering it.
A hand would come up to shake, offered to the stranger. “Roman Skye, pleased to meet you. I’m the island liaison, sort of the spokesperson for the residents here against the governmental powers.”
He didn’t have to have an ID brandishing his information because he had no abilities to speak of.
“Mmm, I’d hate to see it then,” Dorian offered as a job. He was still slightly skittish. But honestly, this man before him was handsome and his height and Dorian reminded himself he needed to make more friends.
He slipped his hand into Roman’s and curled his fingers around. “I didn’t know we had one of you. Dorian, nice to meet you.” Dorian smiled warmly.
A soft sigh escaped. “No, be lucky you didn’t have to see this place in its infancy. It’s much better now and becoming more progressive. Little by little, like any new place.” You couldn’t get an empire to flourish in mere years, good things took time. “But I’m glad you’re part of the movement.”
Shaking Dorian’s hand gently, Roman’s smile grew again. He let the other man go so as not to offend or overstep. And then he laughed softly. “Yes, you do. But only one of me. I’m glad to meet you, too.”
Dorian blinked at Roman’s words, unsure of what he meant by ‘movement’. He nodded instead of replying to that, making a mental note to tell Caspian of the wording.
He shook the other man’s hand in return, carefully as to not be offensive. When his hand was released, he did the same. “It’s nice to have you here then. Thank you,” Dorian nodded, drawing a tiny bit of his lower lip into his mouth and under his front teeth. “....would you like to look for another book since I interrupted that by having such good taste?” A tiny bit of humor he hoped wasn’t taken poorly.
What Roman considered a movement was a gathering of people pushing for a common goal - rights, freedom, an art studio, something that would make life better. He was interested to see what the residents were after and how those things could be obtained in an effort to make himself more appealing in this role.
Those words warmed him. He couldn’t help the smile. “Thank you. That means a lot to me. It’s not always the easiest role to have.” A lot of the people here looked down on him, despised him.
At the invitation to continue to browse Roman nodded, “I’d like that, but only if you would look with me.”
“You’re welcome,” Dorian nodded. Perhaps there was more beyond the liaison role. Who knew? If there was someone just don’t a shred of representation, perhaps that would be beneficial.
“Yes, I will.” He smiled. “I’m thankful to have someone to look with.” Dorian was a bit thrilled. He was curious about Roman.
A toss of his head would come. “Let’s find something good then.” His hand was offered, but would the other man take it? It was a friendly gesture with no obligation. Regardless Roman was moving on through the shelves.
“What do you recommend? I do most of my reading while in bed getting ready for the night.” A bit of sharing something personal seemed alright.
Nodding, Dorian looked down at Roman’s hand for a moment. He decided not to take it for now. He pulled the copy of Violin from the shelf and followed along with the other man.
“I find that favorite….titles are often comforting before bed.” Dorian replied, pausing for a moment as his imagination sparked. “If it’s a new title, I think it can keep you from sleeping. What kinds of books do you like besides this one?” He asked, wondering out loud as he held the book slightly.
“Mostly I read about people, biographies, history…” Roman waved a hand. To some those things could be boring but he loved to know how people were raised, how they came to be who they were remembered. “I do love a true crime novel, though. Something complicated and perplexing. Those tend to keep me up past my set time for sleep.”
But he was also open for recommendation by his new friend. “But I’m open to new things. What do you recommend?”
“That’s good. History is good. Hopefully interesting stuff, not the bad parts,” Dorian nodded as he followed along. He had always like fantasy, science fiction. They were an escape and often like coming home when he re-read his favorites.
“Oh, uhm. You will think I’m dumb.” He shook his head.
“Well, bad parts are part of life, the same as good parts. We are stronger to recognize both and not live on the premise of sunshine and roses.” He wished life was more positive but you were smarter knowing the darker slices of the world too.
A pause in stride. Roman swiveled on the balls of his Italian shoes to face Dorian. “Why would I think that?”
“Yes, you’re right.” Dorian shrugged his shoulders. He hated to think about the bad parts. But then he thought of everything he’d gotten through alongside Caspian. He wouldn’t have traded those times...well perhaps not having Caspian nearly dying at any point.
He shifted the Anne Rice book into the crook of his arm. “Perhaps because some of the titles are in the childrens’ section or the fantasy section.”
Born with a silver spoon in his mouth Roman had never really been subject to bad times, but he knew enough to be sympathetic in the right moments.
“Children can be the best judge of character at times. There innocence can transcend levels adults learn to hold bias against. I trust you.”
He tried not to air out the bad times he’s gone through. It wasn’t something that brought equal footing emotionally sometimes. So Dorian kept that history buried as much as he could. The last few weeks didn’t help.
“Okay. Sometimes the books written and placed in the childrens’ sections can have some profound meanings.” He nodded.
Listening, Roman nodded at Dorian’s remark about the books he would be recommending. “Life lessons come in many forms,” he agreed. Little things here and there, in and out of books, could teach valuable lessons should you choose to interpret the signals.
Moving alongside the other man Roman kept pace easily, slowly, waiting to see what his new friend would recommend.
Smiling softly, Dorian nodded. He wanted to believe that someone as handsome and well put-together as Roman appreciated what he himself did.
“I like the Lord of the Rings series and also Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” he offered as he looked over at Roman.
“Ah, yes, both of those I’ve heard of though neither have I read. I don’t have a good excuse as to why, but now seems as good a time as any to start to remedy that. I might start with Dracula and work my way into the Lord of the Rings series.”
There was no jesting, no poking fun at anyone. He was as serious about this as Dorian seemed to be.
Dorian smiled brightly and nodded. “I like J.R.R. Tolkien’s writing style with his works…Lord of the Rings. He creates such beautiful mental pictures.” He truly was a nerd, a hopeless romantic.
He was continuing to be surprised and encouraged by the attention Roman gave to his opinions. In the back of his mind, he wondered if the other man was tricking him. But it felt so good to have a serious conversation, especially with someone who did not have to crane their neck or tilt their head to the point of discomfort.
He watched with delight as the other man seemed to light up. What made people tick was important, it was the key to winning the keys to their hearts. While he couldn’t give a flip about what Dorian was talking about in any outside context he was invested in the moment and thus gave everything his all.
Roman smiled in kind, warm and true, “I can see the way it moves you. Do your eyes always brighten like that when you’re excited?” It was a simple, complex question.
Turning to the shelf he looked at the selections, taking one of the books from the display. He held it up, “This is the first one in that series, right?”
Dorian used to be very attentive to what made other people happy - scents, touch, and other intimate things. The thought was beginning to move from the back of his mind, but he wanted this to be an intellectual thing so much.
“Oh? He blinked and smiled, taking a half step backward. Now that was an interesting question.
Shaking his head at the break in subject, Dorian nodded as he examined the cover and spine, “Yes. The Fellowship of the Ring, that’s it.”
He couldn’t help but grin playfully at the reaction, turning to look at the book in his hand to politely spare the other man from having to answer the question. It was an observation, regardless.
Roman tucked the book beneath a long arm. “I’ll start with this one. I’ll let you know what I think about it, if that’s alright with you?”
Watching Roman grin, Dorian breathed. He observed him as well. It was curious.
“Okay. That’s alright. And I will,” he began and took the copy of Violin out from under his arm. “...begin reading this one and let you know?”
His smile grew a bit more charming. Roman nodded, “Yes, please. I have a feeling we are starting the beginnings of a book club.” A laugh would come, the end of his nose wrinkled, his eyes creased with the amusement. “Not a bad thing at all, either.”
“If it would be alright with you, I could always give you my number. You could text me with updates, or we could arrange to get together to discuss our findings. I understand if that’s too forward, after all we have only just met.” He was betting on the mutual interest, though.
“Mmm, it seems like I attract book club people,” Dorian smirked and laughed in return.
“That is a bit forward, but I would like to think we could become friends. I’m thinking you are probably not a more permanent resident like I am,” Dorian spoke in a whisper as he stepped closer to Roman. He couldn’t admit it out loud yet that he found the other man alluring.
He found Dorian’s laugh endearing. A nod would come, “Those are not bad people to attract. Better the smart ones, right? Those seeking knowledge?” It was not a bad thing to have allure to smart people.
“My apologies for being too forward, then.” A humble bow was given. Eyebrows would arch at the whisper. “I’m not,” He confirmed, also speaking in a low tone. “But you aren’t permanent either, not as long as I have anything to say about it.” Helping the people was the illusion.
“Yes, better the smart ones, the open-minded seeking knowledge,” Dorian echoed and nodded. He hoped he had guessed well.
“No, no apologies. If...you are compelled to act, sometimes that is natural.” He shrugged and sighed. “Really?” Dorian breathed. Perhaps this could be someone Caspian could reason with.
It was good that they had a common mindset, smarter people tended to challenge the system but they could be rational. They could see what he was laying down. “I’m glad that we agree. It makes me happy, actually.”
A breath would escape as a sigh of relief at the backtracking. “I just didn’t want to come on too strong, is all,” Roman admitted. “I’m here for the people. I do the best that I can as a single person taking care of an entire island’s worth of problems.”
“Mmm.” Dorian smiled and slipped the book under his arm once more. “Slow and steady win the race...is that how it goes?”
“Well there’s strong and then there’s shy. But that’s what friendship building, trust is about? Sounds stressful. They don’t have more liaisons?” Dorian spoke, his confidence a little smooth but also cautious.
“That’s exactly how it goes,” Roman replied, offering a smile. “At least that’s the version I’ve heard.”
A nod would come. “Strong, meet shy, learn to compromise.” He was speaking to no one in particular and then to both of them at the same time. “There are a few others,” Roman admitted, he made a face, “But they don’t care the way that I do. It’s all about the title for them. The recognition.” A hand would wave dismissively. “I’ve probably said too much.”
Nodding, Dorian smiled as he kept his eyes on Roman.
“Mmm. Is that all you do...liaison?” He asked, wanting to expand the conversation a little. No many people wanted to talk about work all the time. Right?
“I’m a lawyer, actually.” He was giving this information in vulnerability. A lot of people hated lawyers. “I try to protect the rights of the people here. All of you are still American citizens, what they do here is wrong.” All of that had come in a soft voice.
“My role as a liaison is strictly to help the people here.”
The other man had an idea Roman was. The posture, way of speaking, the clothes - but those could be stereotypes. Oops. “I appreciate that you have taken the position of protecting us.” Dorian spoke softly.
“I hope things continue to improve.”
That warmed him. “Thank you. It’s not an easy job, but I like doing it.” The statement was uttered in humility even if Roman didn’t really feel the humbleness.
“As do I. Progress is slow, but I think the most valuable things take time to cultivate.”
Dorian smiled.” You’re welcome.” He continued to be observant of Roman. Lawyers and government types were normally not trustworthy, at least in his past.
“I agree.” He looked over towards the bookstore’s windows at the sunlight and then looked back at the other man. “I hope I’m not keeping you.”
His own sharp gaze fluttered to the window, following the observational conclusion of his new friend. The day was moving on without either of them, but then you couldn’t necessarily control the seconds ticking away. He would if he could.
Once the observation was completed his gaze turned back to Dorian. “Not at all. It’s nice being out of the office, actually. I can appreciate a good distraction.”
Dorian grinned. “I’m glad I could be a good distraction.” He liked the company and thankfully he wasn’t keeping Roman from anything important. The gears turned in his mind as he thought for a moment.
“I was thinking of looking at the diner’s menu...but there’s one thing I haven’t gotten the hang of yet. Could you help me?”
Upon mention of the request Roman’s perfect eyebrows arched. “What do you need help with?” He was willing to assist should the request fit into the realm of things he could actually do. Any requests for things beyond his capacity to fill in that moment, or those requiring legislation or decisions above his pay grade, would be considered and a raincheck would be given.
“Um, I know that residents get food to have in their homes. But how about eating at the places like the diner? I don’t have a job.” It was a simpler request than the one Dorian wanted the most - get the Finn’s, Riley and Finn off the island.
“So you’re needing help getting a job with the diner in the marketplace? All jobs are voluntary. If you approach the employees with an interest in working they can direct you from there. As far as the distribution of food that’s primary a guard duty.”
“No, um. I didn’t phrase that right,” Dorian frowned as he broke eye contact. “I was concerned more about currency.” He replied.
“How to make money?” Roman nodded, “there is a stipend given to every person on the island regularly. It’s enough to purchase essentials that aren’t provided by the government. Some people save. Are you needing extra income?”
“Yes, that’s it,” Dorian nodded in return. “I may want extra income. First to keep busy and also perhaps dine out with friends.”
“I’ll look and see what I can do about that. Maybe nothing, maybe something. I would say make a good impression with those above us, work hard and follow the rules. They can’t argue with an upstanding citizen.”
“Okay. Sounds good. I was planning on getting something to eat before heading back to where I live.” Dorian replied and mentioned. Why not make a friend? What didn’t kindle friendship like food?
“Would you mind some company along the way? I hear it’s better to travel in the company of another. I hope no guards are rough with the citizens but I always hear rumors. You’ll let me know if anything you experience is ever negative, won’t you?”
“I wouldn’t mind,” Dorian smiled warmly. “It is or so I’ve heard. I will.” He took a step towards the cashier to buy the book he had in his hands.
Roman nodded. He smiled warmly, motioning for Dorian to go first toward the counter. “Since you’re not yet sure of your finances would it be alright if I took care of the books this one time? As one friend to another.”
At the motioning, Dorian took the step towards the counter. “Oh? Really? Thank you. ‘Friend’? Are you sure?” He was surprised and flattered. He wasn’t used to lawyers or higher ups being so generous.
Roman nodded, smiling, “If that’s alright with you.” It was the answer he gave to all of Dorian’s answers. His book, and the ones his friend had chosen went to the counter and Roman took care of the bill.
One paper bag went to Dorian, he accepted his own book without a bag.
“I hope we can spend time together again.”
“It is. I appreciate it, Roman,” Dorian smiled. He soon watched as the other man purchased the books.
Nodding, he took his bag. “I hope so too.”
“Of course, Dorian. Any time.” He seemed glad to help with the purchase. “Now. Do you need help getting home or will you be alright on your own?”
“I will be alright on my own. Whoever watches probably already knows my routine,” Dorian nodded.
Then he offered his right hand. “Have a good evening.”
A nod and a smile would come. Roman shook that outstretched hand. “Alright then. Be safe on your travels and I hope to see you again soon.”