Re: [Gala, Capital: Burden & Damian]
It was not difficult. It was simple. To deny oneself. One simply minimized the importance of whatever this desired thing or act, et cetera, was. One rendered such inconsequential. Any sign of weakness was ruthlessly detained, then unceremoniously ejected from the brain pan. For example, should one feel the urge to peer longingly at another's lips, one would reprimand oneself, remind oneself of one's foolishness, along with the utter lack of importance of aforementioned lips. Lips could be found upon, statistically speaking, every face. There was naught special about these one sought. Here would be the reiteration of minimization.—One followed these steps for each such urge, until none were left. Damian had been taught control through self-denial early in his conscious life. (He did not always succeed. But, he certainly excelled more than most.) This was simply another exercise, and it would not take long, yes? To achieve success. He told himself this with an unshakable certainty, as there was no other way to believe it.—It was with this in mind that he followed Burden, who was nothing more to him than a vaguely interesting thief.
With his gaze a graze over the named Mr. Coltan, Damian awaited the introduction. He allowed himself to watch Burden circle the man, but not for any true length of time. The boy emptied the man's glass in a swallow, and this, Damian did not have the foresight to look away from. He began his silent mantra of diminishment, as Burden coiled around the other man's form. This would be when the thief returned his key, leaning upon the borrowing of the glass for distraction. There was no expression given space upon his features as Burden leaned in to speak closely with Mr. Coltan. Damian gave his smile, yes, but, this was only once Burden had stepped away and back toward him, Damian.—Damian was familiar with Bejamin Coltan, as a name and legacy more than as a man. He had not met him in person, or not so closely and personally. To be sure, they each were familiar with the other, in some form or another, but, they had never been thusly introduced. "Hello," Damian said, following Burden's lessons of introductory protocol pointedly, if with a put-upon ease. "It is nice to see you here. You are dressed nicely."
The man, Benjamin Coltan, smiled at Damian with an intent Damian understood with clarity. He offered his hand and allowed it to be clasped. He did not appreciate the lingering of the touch, but he did not reel himself away so urgently. Mr. Coltan expressed his pleasure at the chance to meet the young Wainright. He gave Damian a lurid look-over before replying that Damian himself was dressed nicely as well. During this, Damian retrieved his hand. He glanced sideways at Burden, then back to Benjamin Coltan. "Thank you," he said. "It has garnered some attention, yes."