Two academics at one excavation, trying to find Netheril artifacts, not kill their colleagues (or any intruding paparazzi), and take good care of their ~~ducklings~~ grad students. Need to give a good impression of their fields after all. What could go wrong? Cast Dr. Delton Naïlo, head anthropologist (Played by @Bee (Tav: Delton)) Dr. Adriel Estareh, head paleontologist (Played by @Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel))

2

Bee (Tav: Delton)

traver1111

Ell (Tav: Rosie and Co.)

polarized2023

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It starts out like any other day at the dig. Up at six am, check the local weather, get ready, grab coffee from the hotel lobby, drive to the dig site and help the grad students with setup before it's time to get to excavating. This morning, however, does not follow that oh so simple plan. He's barely had time to get out of the car when his phone starts ringing, a frown coming across his features when he sees the caller ID. What the hell was Baldur's Gate General Hospital calling him about this early in the morning? He answers quickly, worried that something had happened with his mother. "Hello?" "Hi, is this Adriel Estareh? My name is Elizabeth, I'm with Baldur's Gate General Hospital," the voice on the other end asks. "This is Adriel, might I ask what this call is about?" He can feel his stomach twisting in knots as he speaks, dreading the response from the woman on the other end. "Well, it's about your brother, Alexi. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but he was in a severe car crash last night and unfortunately passed away here at the hospital about twenty minutes ago." Oh, thank the gods it wasn't Nessa. He feels relief flood him as his shoulders sag, leaning against his car. "Have you called my mum yet?" "Yes, she's already been notified of his passing. We'll be sending along a pamphlet about our grief counseling team in the coming days, if you would like their help with the process." He nods before remembering that it's just a regular phone call, clearing his throat a bit. "Thank you, Elizabeth. Is there anything else you need from me before I go?" "No, there's nothing else we'll need," she says, her voice soft. "And I extend my condolences...losing a loved one is no easy thing." "Thank you," he says quietly, sighing and pinching the bridge of his nose. "Well, if that's all, I need to get to work. If you guys call and I don't pick up, just leave a message." *"Of course, Mr. Estareh. I hope the rest of your day goes

@Bee (Tav: Delton)

> blank" rel="noreferrer" title="">Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > as smoothly as possible." "Thank you, Elizabeth. Goodbye." He hangs up the phone and runs a hand over his face, a combinati... Sometimes, having a baby face is a curse. Usually, he appreciates it, just a little. He knows he makes the students more comfortable because he resembles a peer to them, even if he isn't really. But, when working with asshole academics? Well, let's just say that most over a certain age don't tend to do even the most cursory of research. He was waiting for Adriel, if he's honest. The man's work combining the sciences with magic when it comes to appropriately dating and cataloging artifacts and fossils has inspired a paper idea. So he was in the main tent, sipping on his chai and listening to music on his bone conduction headphones - he wants to be able to hear everything going on after all - when an older professional comes up to him and starts complaining about 'how inattentive your generation is' and 'don't you understand what a privilege it is to be here?' Assumably, it's because Delton is not falling over himself to offer the man coffee and fawning. His headphones aren't even visible under his hair. He just listens while he sips his tea, waiting for the other man to run out of steam. Most of the excavators aren't even here yet, which is why he's sitting in the tent, making a spreadsheet of jobs he wants all of the anthropology students to get experience in. But the man eventually shuts up, a little after Adriel walks through the tent flaps with his coffee. Delton decides that is the appropriate time to say, "Hello, I'm Dr. Delton Naïlo and I'm the head anthropologist on this dig. And you are?" '*An asshole,*' his mind supplies.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Sometimes, having a baby face is a curse. Usually, he appreciates it, just a little. He knows he makes the students more comfort... He can't help but snicker a bit as the man flounders, eventually sputtering out his name - or what sounded like it at least. He watches as the man - Evans, or at least he thinks that's what he said - races out of the tent, shaking his head a bit. "Talk about a hell of a morning, eh? It seems like everything is going a bit off the rails today." He looks a bit disgruntled as he sits down, sighing and running his hand through his hair. "Between the phone call I got right when I got here, and Pissy Bitch McGee that just went running, I'm half expecting something else to slide sideways. What're you working on, by the way?"

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > He can't help but snicker a bit as the man flounders, eventually sputtering out his name - or what sounded like it at least. H... Watching Evans turn tail and pretty much run out of the tent is very satisfying, even if he's pissed that man is on a dig. He blows his red hair out of his face, reaching up to tie it half back. "I can't believe people don't even do basic research in our field, Adriel. Remind me to keep that piece of work as far away from the students as possible. "I'm making a spreadsheet tracker of all the tasks I want the grad students to get experience on," he turns his computer around, "I'll send it out and each student will be able to check odd - with approval - when they successfully completed it. Hopefully the visualization will help it be less overwhelming. I can make one for the paleo students too, if you want?" Then his eyebrows crease. "A phone call? Is everything alright?" From the sound of 'everything going off the rails today,' he imagines it isn't.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Watching Evans turn tail and pretty much run out of the tent is very satisfying, even if he's pissed that man is on a dig. He ... "I'd appreciate that, thank you," he says, smiling softly. He sighs at the question of the phone call, taking the opportunity to slouch in his chair a bit. "It's fantastic, relatively meh and fucking horrendous all at once. The call was from the Gate's general hospital, apparently my dumbass of a brother got into a nasty car accident sometime overnight and passed away from his injuries around six this morning." He takes another swig of coffee, a rueful chuckle leaving him. "On the one hand, I couldn't care less that he's dead. It means that it'll be one less headache to deal with if and when my mum dies, but also...the media is gonna be swarming me as the sole heir to the family fortune once they find out. And I am not looking forward to that."

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > "I'd appreciate that, thank you," he says, smiling softly. He sighs at the question of the phone call, taking the opportunity to... Delton hums, already creating a copy of the spreadsheet that he will edit to better bit the paleontology students. His eyes are drawn to Adriel's slouch, a hint of worry in them. Adriel's words make him pause. He's not unfamiliar with not loving one's family. In fact, if he got a call today saying that his brother or parents died, he'd probably feel only relief. He tries to not feel too guilty about that. But, for all intents and purposes, Adriel thinks he's an orphan. You simply don't advertise the fact that your family is made up of society-hating terrorists who tried to murder you as a kid. It's a real mood killer. "Do you...need to take time off? I'd offer my condolences but I'm unsure they'd be appreciated..." At the words about the Estareh family fortune, Delton can't help but snort, "That's such a first world problem Adriel, no offense."

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton hums, already creating a copy of the spreadsheet that he will edit to better bit the paleontology students. His eyes are ... The smile that creeps onto his face is genuine, if a bit tired. "More like top 1% problems, to be honest. As for needing to take time off, I probably will, but I'm also gonna be coordinating with mum on that front...so we've got a bit." He can't help but chuckle again, though, raising his cup of coffee with a grin. "In the meantime, here's to not having to deal with a brother who hated my guts, and making idiots like Evans shit their pants over realizing we're the ones running this dig~" He knocks back the rest of his coffee before stretching, tossing the enpty cup in the trash. "I'm still not looking forward to the paparazzi showing up, though. 30 odd years of managing to avoid their attention is about to go down the drain," he says, standing and moving over so that he can have a look at the spreadsheet properly. It's part of why he likes working with Delton; his own organizational abilities are bordering on atrocious most days.

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > The smile that creeps onto his face is genuine, if a bit tired. "More like top 1% problems, to be honest. As for needing to take... He lifts his own mug in a salute, smiling softly. "If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know. For you or your mum." He's already marked down on his to-do list - conveniently on his computer - to send Mrs. Estareh an edible arrangement and the funeral flowers. He figures an edible arrangement is good - he of all people knows that grief can make eating difficult. Fruit is small and easy to eat. "And, it wasn't my intention to scare Evans," he ducks his head, cheeks going a little pink from embarrassment, "but he wouldn't let me get a word in. And he just *wouldn't stop talking.*" He scootches over a bit to show Adriel the sheet better, "We'll have the master plan of course, but I thought it would be better to split it up into broad areas with specific tasks. That way they know what to expect and have a blueprint for future digs. I know I've dealt with enough people who try to use students as secretaries instead of giving them proper experience so this can help them prove their qualifications later." His life is neatly outlined and labelled. Everything has its place and use. Sometimes, he wishes he could be a little less, well, obsessive. It would make it easier when things go wrong.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > He lifts his own mug in a salute, smiling softly. "If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know. For you or your mum."... He can feel the warmth of Delton's arm next to his own, and he quickly does his best to focus on the screen in front of him, willing his skin to stay normal and not flushed. So what if he harbored a bit of a crush on his colleague, the other man is attractive. "This is actually pretty damn perfect...infinitely better than anything I could've come up with, thank you!" Fuck it, it's still fuck ass o' clock in the morning, if he's blushing he figures he can blame it on that. He does wish he had more of a head for organizing, though. His office at Baldur's Gate University always looks like a tornado has ripped through it to some degree, and it makes it impossible to send someone else to grab something if he needs it. Maybe he could get Delton to help him with that? Now there's a thought for later- The grad students begin to trickle in, then, most of them looking about as tired as he feels. Time to get to work. "Lliira give me the strength not to make Evans or any of his cohorts mysteriously disappear down a deep hole today..."

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > He can feel the warmth of Delton's arm next to his own, and he quickly does his best to focus on the screen in front of him, wil... Delton ducks his head in embarrassment, ears going pick. He's not used to receiving praise so freely. His colleagues at New Olamn were not nearly as profusive with their compliments. They were more likely to see everything as a competition. It was exhausting. "Oh, it's no problem. I'm sure you'd have come up with something. You have more experience that me, after all," he shoots Adriel a smile, "I'll send it to you tonight and give you administrative access. That way, students have to essentially get 'approved' to sign off on something." He hums happily as he watches the grad students start to trickle in, but he laughs at Adriel. "As tempting as that might be, I like you here helping me run this site rather than being questioned by the police," hestarts to get up from his seat. "Well, let's get started!"

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton ducks his head in embarrassment, ears going pick. He's not used to receiving praise so freely. His colleagues at New Olam... He chuckles and shakes his head, straightening up and quickly making himself another cup of coffee at the setup in the tent. "Hmm, I should probably get a better coffee for here...this one keeps coming out tasting burnt. Oh well, that's a problem for later." He makes sure he has everything before heading out, looking around at the various students that had started milling about. It's then that he notices a glint of what appears to be obsidian sticking out of the exposed hillside, a little ways up from where the main dig is occurring. "Hey, Delton? You seeing what I'm seeing in the side of the hill, there?" he asks, nodding towards the glassy protrusion.

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > He chuckles and shakes his head, straightening up and quickly making himself another cup of coffee at the setup in the tent. "... He chuckles and shakes his head, straightening up and quickly making himself another cup of coffee at the setup in the tent. "... Delton can't help that his eyes are drawn to the movement of Adriel's throat as he drinks his coffee, his strong jaw emphasized by the way he tilts his head back. He shakes his head to clear it, not wanting to get caught ogling his colleague. Frankly, he hates that he did it in the first place. It makes him feel like he's just as bad as the paparazzi Adriel's bound to face down. "Maybe it's the machine itself? Probably check that first before you spend any more money," he shrugs. He doesn't like coffee. He has a truly ridiculous number of teabags in his satchel, alongside little sugar packets. He heads out and starts to do a headcount, mentally splitting his anthropology students into groups. But at Adriel's words, he turns and his eyes widen. "Oh, yes!" He leans in, speaking quietly so as to not preemptively excite the students, "Do you think it could be a Black Obelisk?" Regardless, obsidian is a great find on a dig. The chemical composition of it can tell a person so much about what the world was like. "We might have to move the dig a bit! Mark off even more area for the excavation. Maybe we should call the local authorities? Let them know we might have to dig a little further up?"

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > He chuckles and shakes his head, straightening up and quickly making himself another cup of coffee at the setup in the tent. "... "It could be, this excavation is one of the larger cities. And if it's intact, there's still a possibility of some residual magic...though we'd have to call in someone else to assess that," he says, grabbing his set of tools. "Wanna go get a start on unearthing it so we can see what it is?" He's grinning wide, feeling a lot more awake now than he did a few minutes ago. There's nothing like the prospect of a major historical find to wake someone up in the morning.

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > "It could be, this excavation is one of the larger cities. And if it's intact, there's still a possibility of some residual ma... Delton is pretty much buzzing with excitement. The prospect of unearthing a mostly intact Black Obelisk is just insane. He grabs his own set of tools and shoots a goofy, lopsided smile in Adriel's direction. "Wouldn't miss it for the world!" He tries to walk calmly up the hill, not wanting to get the entire camp buzzing if it's really nothing. After all, if it is intact - and a Black Obelisk at all, he wants as few people messing with it as possible. Netherese artifacts are nothing to mess idly with, after all. The last thing he wants is someone getting hurt because they don't have the appropriate experience or are a little too eager.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton is pretty much buzzing with excitement. The prospect of unearthing a mostly intact Black Obelisk is just insane. He grab... He quickly settles in with his bag once he reaches the hillside, grabbing a trowel out of the bag so that he can clear away some of the muck. Whatever it is, it's definitely obsidian, and in a deep enough soil layer to correspond with the remains of the Netherese city being unearthed by the rest of the dig. Soon, the glint of shining stone had been further exposed, revealing it to be the top point of an obelisk. They've hit the jackpot.

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > He quickly settles in with his bag once he reaches the hillside, grabbing a trowel out of the bag so that he can clear away some... Holy shit. Delton's read about Black Obelisks before. They were centers of magical power that could potentially bend the fabric of space-time itself. So he never expected to see one in real life, much less an intact one. "Adriel, we might have to completely reevaluate what we thought we were unearthing. This couldn't have been just any town center if this is around..." His voice is filled with awe and eyes wide. He reaches for his camera to start taking photos, first of Adriel doing the unearthing and then of the structure itself. No flash, of course. It wouldn't do for it to be damaged.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Holy shit. Delton's read about Black Obelisks before. They were centers of magical power that could potentially bend the fabr... "I knew this was one of the larger cities in Netheril, just based on the types of building foundations we've been finding, but I never expected to find an intact Black Obelisk," he says, his voice quiet as he looks at what he's unearthed so far in awe. He hovers his hand over it gently, seeing if he can sense any magic eninating from the giant stone. "Doesn't feel like there's any power left in it at the moment, or not enough to render it unsafe to touch, at any rate. This is still absolutely spectacular, though!"

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > "I knew this was one of the larger cities in Netheril, just based on the types of building foundations we've been finding, but I... Delton hums, "Yes, but the buildings we've unearthed so far seemed relatively...middle class? I wouldn't have expected a Black Obelisk among their midst..." His mind is already going a thousand miles a minute, thinking of all the people they'll need to call. "Even if it seems inactive, I want a specialist to evaluate it before we let the wider site investigate. The last thing we need is someone getting hurt." Or for us to mess up the time-space continum. He takes a step backwards to get a better angle to demonstrate the Obelisk's size, but instead of hitting solid ground, his foot slips into a decent-sized hole. The momentum causes him to fall flat on his ass, only serving to roll his ankle further. However, he doesn't make a sound. He takes a moment to regain his bearings and starts to get up again, his left foot and ankle not liking that too much. But, he's had plenty worse. And there's so much to do.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton hums, "Yes, but the buildings we've unearthed so far seemed relatively...middle class? I wouldn't have expected a Black O... "Shit, you okay?!" he asks, immediately straightening up and looking like he's ready to carry him off to the med tent at a moment's notice. "That looked like it was pretty nasty, do you need to go to the med tent?"

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > "Shit, you okay?!" he asks, immediately straightening up and looking like he's ready to carry him off to the med tent at a momen... Delton waves him off, "Oh, I'm fine. Should've been looking where I was going. Shows that we need to properly prime this area for the dig - too many holes and rocks all over the place." His voice is chipper, but slightly strained. He's definitely favoring his right side, but it's not that big of a deal really. He's had far worse. Had even kept working with far worse before. His first advisor in grad school was a right bastard, after all. "This entire time we could've been digging in a magical hotspot, and we didn't even know! Oh, this is phenomenal..." He winces silently as he starts taking pictures again, both with his camera and phone. He's got a colleague in mind who can evaluate the Obelisk for magic.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton waves him off, "Oh, I'm fine. Should've been looking where I was going. Shows that we need to properly prime this area fo... "As long as you're sure..." He resolves to keep an eye on his collegue, considering he knows how stubborn most people in their field can be. They would run themselves into the ground before admitting that they should probably rest before they injure themselves further. After a few more minutes of work, and noticing Delton's wincing, he puts his tools away and straightens up, looking around the area. "Alright, this area needs to be sectioned off and properly cleared, and you need to go to the med tent to get your ankle looked at," he says, brushing himself off as he stands. "I can see you favoring your left leg, so don't even try to deny it. At least get some ice and painkillers to help with the swelling."

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > "As long as you're sure..." He resolves to keep an eye on his collegue, considering he knows how stubborn most people in their... Delton is flitting around, though he shouldn't be, wincing when he hits his ankle the wrong way. But he's had much worse, had pushed through much worse. The dig had barely started today and now he has a million tasks to handle before he can rest. "Adriel, I've had much worse. I'm fine." It doesn't sound forced. He honestly believes this is not that big of a deal. "Plus, we need to gather everyone for task delegation, call the local authorities..." He trails off, counting out the substantial amount of things that need to be done in his head.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton is flitting around, though he shouldn't be, wincing when he hits his ankle the wrong way. But he's had much worse, had ... "You can pause long enough to get ice and painkillers, Delton," he says, his voice dipping into what some of the grad students had dubbed his 'dad voice'. "It's better to take ten minutes now than you having to take a week off work instead. Now, are you going to go to the med tent, or am I going to have to carry you?"

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > "You can pause long enough to get ice and painkillers, Delton," he says, his voice dipping into what some of the grad students h... "There's no world where a twinge in my ankle makes me take a week off, Adriel." He's not very fond of resting. Resting makes his thoughts go wild. He doesn't advocate this method to the kids-the students, but it's how he's always been. His messed up childhood made breaks seem like a luxury, rather than a necessity. Enough so that he took an exam after waking up with a fever and sick to his stomach. He just triple-masked and went to it. Yes, it turned out he had appendicitis and his score was waved. But it didn't really serve to change his mind. He just doesn't want to disappoint anyone, after all. "I'm not letting everyone get behind because of my own screw up."

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > "There's no world where a twinge in my ankle makes me take a week off, Adriel." He's not very fond of resting. Resting makes hi... "Delton, it's *five minutes*. The dig can wait for five minutes," he says, his expression a bit deadpan. "If you won't go, then let me have a look at it at least." If it's swelling, he's taking him to the med tent, even if he has to carry him, dammit.

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > "Delton, it's *five minutes*. The dig can wait for five minutes," he says, his expression a bit deadpan. "If you won't go, the... Delton rolls his eyes but acquieses. It's just rolled, nothing broken. So he starts to unlace his boot. The release of pressure feels nice, even if he finds this pointless.

Oh yeah, that's definitely swollen. Pretty severely, in fact. "Delton, your ankle is twice the size it's supposed to be. You're going to the med tent." He's not having any arguments on the matter, thank you very much.

@Bee (Tav: Delton)

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > Oh yeah, that's definitely swollen. Pretty severely, in fact. "Delton, your ankle is twice the size it's supposed to be. You... Delton grumbles a bit, but even he can recognize that it's much worse than he thought. "Fine," he sighs, already dreading the walk down this hill. He doesn't want to be hurt even worse, after all.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton grumbles a bit, but even he can recognize that it's much worse than he thought. "Fine," he sighs, already dreading the ... He frowns a bit and moves, kneeling down so that Delton can climb on his back. "Get on, I'll carry you down the hill to the med tent."

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > He frowns a bit and moves, kneeling down so that Delton can climb on his back. "Get on, I'll carry you down the hill to the m... He weighs his options. Not taking Adriel's offer would involve him having to navigate the obstacle-laden hill and, now that they had loosened his boot - getting rid of his temporary splint, he knew every step would be Hells. On the other hand, he's going to be carried by his frustratingly attractive colleague, which is embarrassing. He swallows his pride and climbs on. "Sorry for being such a mess. And thank you. For looking out for me." It's not a feeling he's used to, now that Theo's gone.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > He weighs his options. Not taking Adriel's offer would involve him having to navigate the obstacle-laden hill and, now that they... He can't help but chuckle softly, shaking his head a bit as he stands, Delton clinging to his back like a monkey. "Hey, don't worry about it, alright? These things happen. I look out for my colleagues, especially those I like working with~" The trek down to the med tent is an easy one for him, the redhead a barely noticeable weight on his back. One of the perks of him having a strict workout routine, he could carry Delton like it was nothing. It doesn't take long before the on site nurse gets an ice pack and some ibuprofen for his colleague, with instructions to Delton that he's to stay there while the swelling goes down so she can get a proper look at his ankle. "I'm gonna go get the new dig are sectioned off and cleared, okay? And if you've got someone in mind you wanna call in to help with the latest find, you're more than welcome to go ahead and see if they can come in to assess."

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > He can't help but chuckle softly, shaking his head a bit as he stands, Delton clinging to his back like a monkey. "Hey, don't wo... Delton can't help but laugh at little and roll his eyes. "I'm sure that doesn't usually involve you carrying a grown man to the med tent, 'driel." But Adriel carries him down the hill like it's nothing. Delton's slight, yes, but he's also a full grown man. It shouldn't be this easy for him. Gods, that's attractive. He's set gently on a cot and given ice and an ibuprofen. Hells, he wishes they had a magical healer on site. He could be already up and going by now. But the magical arts are falling by the wayside due to modern medicine. And those who do have magical healing aren't generally situated on excavation sites. "I'll call them. They'll be ecstatic, I imagine." After all, it's not every day that you get to examine a Black Obelisk. He dials the number, letting his head fall back against the pillow. Now that he's off of it, his ankle hurts. Not a break, but probably a sprain. He hopes they can just splint it and let him do his job.

We're Ready To Dig In: N&E Interns Jord added five people to the group Jord changed their name to Vel-ace-raptor *Rolan*: All of your puns are terrible *Jord*: ur just boring *Bex*: Hey did anyone just see Dr. Estareh literally carry Dr. Naïlo to the med tent? *Lakrissa*: Pics or didn't happen *Danis*: Attached an image *Alfira*: Oh is Dr. Naïlo okay? *Lakrissa*: Who cares about that? Estareh is not even breaking a sweat *Bex*: I thought the two of them looked rather cozy... *Rolan*: Are we really using this chat to speculate on our profs personal lives? *Vel-ace-raptor*: And thirst over them No one changed their names \:( At least I have the image of Estarlo to sustain me Shit Estareh is handing out tasks ttyl, dino friends

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton can't help but laugh at little and roll his eyes. "I'm sure that doesn't usually involve you carrying a grown man to the ... He nods and gently pats Delton's shoulder before heading outside again, directing the grad students to start cording off and clearing the area of the hillside containing the obelisk. The nurse, however, is still fussing over Delton's ankle, frowning a bit. He doesn't get a splint until the meds, ice, and elevation alleviate a fair bit of the swelling, and even then, he's dismissed with a warning not to go climbing up the hills, and to stay sitting down as much as possible to avoid aggravating the sprain further. Adriel smiles when he sees Delton emerging, however, coming over from the new area where he was observing the grad students. "How's the ankle feeling?"

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > He nods and gently pats Delton's shoulder before heading outside again, directing the grad students to start cording off and cle... Delton sighs, weight mostly distributed on his uninjured leg. "It's a sprain, fortunately, but I've been benched. Supposed to stay sitting for a while." He grimaces at that. He's never been the one to sit still on the job. He prefers to be constantly doing something. "I'll just do admin tasks while you direct out here, I suppose. I can probably pull another chair over to keep it elevated." His voice sounds disappointed and a little self-deprecating. He's kicking himself for getting injured right out of the gate. "Real confidence booster, hmm? Lead anthropologist gets injured within the first two hours of the dig."

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton sighs, weight mostly distributed on his uninjured leg. "It's a sprain, fortunately, but I've been benched. Supposed to ... He can't help but chuckle and shake his head a bit. "Hey, don't be so hard on yourself. Shit happens sometimes, I managed to break my wrist on a dig once. Was my first time as the lead, too."

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > He can't help but chuckle and shake his head a bit. "Hey, don't be so hard on yourself. Shit happens sometimes, I managed to b... Delton gives a strained smile. "I'll try but it's just...difficult." He's never been a lead before. He knows he's plenty qualified, but he's also dealt with a lot of people implying he isn't. It's what tends to happen when you're young. And in a competitive field. Lots of people competing against him in terms of wanting to study magical civilizations, many of whom who haven't had as much success (nor do they believe he deserves his). He takes a more nuanced approach to combine magic and science together. "Don't want to disappoint anyone. Or make it seem like this dig isn't being handled properly, at least on the anthro side." Because he knows that it isn't likely they'd have the same complaints about Adriel. But the man has almost twenty years of experience on him, after all.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton gives a strained smile. "I'll try but it's just...difficult." He's never been a lead before. He knows he's plenty qualif... "If anyone tries to give you shit, send them my way. It wouldn't be the first time I've torn these idiots several new assholes," he says, grumbling a bit. He's all too familiar with the flavor of complaints and snark that comes from the university staff.

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > "If anyone tries to give you shit, send them my way. It wouldn't be the first time I've torn these idiots several new assholes,"... He sighs a bit, smiling a little ruefully. "You don't need to defend my honor at every turn, Adriel. I've dealt with far worse bullies. Foster care, remember?" He's a little too nonchalant about that fact. But, it's just his reality. His family were his first bullies and he was a malnourished kid in state care. Not the best way to repel bullies, that. Pulling out his phone, he sends the list of tasks to Adriel he has for the anthro students. "These are the groups I want them in. And please keep Evans away from the kids. I fear what impression he will leave on them." He's barely ten years older than some of the 'kids' but that doesn't seem to fully matter to him.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > He sighs a bit, smiling a little ruefully. "You don't need to defend my honor at every turn, Adriel. I've dealt with far worse b... "Oh, don't worry. I have every intention of keeping Evans busy with menial work," he says with a wry grin, gently patting Delton's shoulder. "I'll be back in a bit." With that, he heads back into the main dig, sorting out the groups and - as promised - setting Evans to some incredibly boring task that the man would have assigned a student to if he were the one in charge. Payback's a bit of a bitch, isn't it? He soon returns, a couple of the grad students who had more of a focus in ancient magical studies trailing behind him. "I corralled these two to help with the site clearing and excavation. They both have a focus in ancient magical technology, so I think this will be a pretty good learning experience."

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > "Oh, don't worry. I have every intention of keeping Evans busy with menial work," he says with a wry grin, gently patting Delton... Delton settles in a chair close to the front able to drag over another chair to elevate his bum ankle. He's at least got enough paperwork to do to pass the time, along with some contacts to get in touch with. Honestly, he wasn't expecting Adriel to come back so he blinks owlishly when he comes with two students - if he's not wrong, Bex and Danis are their names. "Thank you Adriel," he says with a smile before turning to the two, "I fear I have to be off my ankle for a bit, but the front entrance has a great view of the excavation. I also have some people I'm going to get into contact with that I'm sure would love to talk to some people trying to break into our field." He doesn't tend to contact assholes to help him with such an important find after all.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton settles in a chair close to the front able to drag over another chair to elevate his bum ankle. He's at least got enoug... He can't help but smile softly when he hears Delton giving the pair a quick rundown. Out of all their grad students, Danis and Bex are the two he's most keen on keeping away from Evans. They're sweethearts, and exceptionally eager to learn. "Alright, I'm gonna go prep the dig site so I don't end up turning my ankle as well. I'll keep you guys updated on things...oh, and feel free to just have whoever you called in head straight over to the hill when they get here." Another sunshine smile is on his face as he leaves the tent, humming softly to himself. Even with Delton twisting his ankle, this is turning out to be a pretty damn good dig so far.

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > He can't help but smile softly when he hears Delton giving the pair a quick rundown. Out of all their grad students, Danis and B... We're Ready To Dig In: N&E Interns Vel-ace-raptor changed their name to Jord *Jord*: if all of u r going 2 b boring, i will 2 *Rolan*: What an impressive sacrifice *Bex*: Guys, you should see the smile Dr. Estareh sent Dr. Naïlo Could've sworn that Dr. N hung the moon *Danis*: Before you ask Danis attached an image *Lakrissa*: bless you danis and your ability to snipe you weren't noticed, right? *Danis*: who do you take me for, Kris? *Alfira*: ahh, they're cute! 💜 *Jord*: all hail estaïlo *Lakrissa*: yuck *Jord*: dino boos *Bex*: Dr. N doesn't study dinosaurs at all *Jord*: well do any of u have anything better???? *Rolan*: sunlight *Jord*: ur highness??? participating??? *Rolan*: Well, you all are going to argue about this for weeks. Estareh looks at Naïlo like he's sunlight. Ergo, sunlight. *Lakrissa*: buddy you are so boring ....but it's a good name All in favor Six people reacted 👍 Jord changed the groupchat's name to SunLight Squad *Rolan*: I regret everything

📘 📕 📗 📙 📘 📕 📗 📙

It was only a couple of weeks before he found himself needing to go home, to deal with all the paperwork and aftermath of Alexi's death. Which is why he finds himself going a bit stir crazy in his penthouse, and texts Delton to see if he's available for a zoom call. To: Delton > I feel like I'm going insane over here, you up for a video call? I'm curious how the dig is going.

-# @Bee (Tav: Delton)

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > It was only a couple of weeks before he found himself needing to go home, to deal with all the paperwork and aftermath of Alexi'... Delton immediately sends a call request. On screen, the redhead has his hair braided and looks a little frazzled. "Hi Adriel! I'm about to head out to check on the Obelisk extraction, if you want to join me?

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton immediately sends a call request. On screen, the redhead has his hair braided and looks a little frazzled. "Hi Adriel!... "Absolutely!" He's still in his suit from his earlier meetings, tie included. Far more formal than anything Delton's likely ever seen him in, even at conferences. "I've been in meetings with lawyers all day, so the change of pace would be wonderful."

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > "Absolutely!" He's still in his suit from his earlier meetings, tie included. Far more formal than anything Delton's likely ev... Delton purses his lips at that, picking up the phone. His bone conductor headphones are clearly on. "Are you alright?" His own experience with lawyers was not the best. But, that was criminal defense attorneys accusing him of being a liar... He flips the camera so Adriel can see outwards, toward the excavation. The progress has been slow and careful, not wanting any risk of damaging the artifact. Fortunately, the Obelisk is also inactive so that they could let people work on it without magical dampeners. For certain races, long-term exposure to sussur can be harmful, after all. "The students are all on track. No major delays, thus far. Certain people who shan't be named aren't happy with their assignments, but otherwise, it's moving relatively smoothly." He reaches over to knock on a wooden table, just in case.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton purses his lips at that, picking up the phone. His bone conductor headphones are clearly on. "Are you alright?" His own ... "Well that's good to hear," he says, chuckling a bit. He's not surprised that Evans is still grumbling about the students' assignments - and his own - for the excavation. "As for me, I'm alright. I've just heard enough legalese today to get an honorary law degree, is all." He sips at the coffee he'd made himself, humming a bit. "Looks like it's coming along quite nicely, has the team had a chance to check the ground scans to make a size estimate?"

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > "Well that's good to hear," he says, chuckling a bit. He's not surprised that Evans is still grumbling about the students' assig... "Those meetings are never fun," he agrees. There's a smudge of dirt on his cheek, probably gotten earlier in the day. He hums a bit at Adriel's question, "The full report got emailed to me today. I'll, of course, send it to you too. They're thinking about forty-five feet? So not the biggest ever, but pretty substantial." It's still not clear why a Black Obelisk would be here, of all places - a relatively middle-class neighborhood by all accounts, but that's half the fun, isn't it? "In other news, I had to tell the grad students that the ancient magic dildos we found had to be referred to as 'objects used for fertility rituals' if we wanted any publications to be taken seriously."

Fourty five feet? Damn, that's definitely a hell of a find then. Delton's comment about the dildos catches him off guard, however, and he damn near ends up with coffee up his nose. He's laughing as he sets the cup down, not wanting to spill it everywhere. "I'm sure they had a field day with that, they always do. To be fair, I do also usually end up cracking up when I find ancient dildos at a dig...the epitome of being reminded that people are people, no matter the year in question." He hums a bit as he thinks, mulling over the possibilities for why a black obelisk would be in what appeared to be a middle class neighborhood, based on what they had uncovered so far. "You know...I wonder if the obelisk was set up as a sort of fast travel point? We know the larger ones were usually capable of warping time and space with chronomancy, but the fact that there's one present in a relatively middle class district...perhaps they doubled as a teleportation circle to make travel easier?"

@Bee (Tav: Delton)

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > Fourty five feet? Damn, that's definitely a hell of a find then. Delton's comment about the dildos catches him off guard, howe... Delton smiles broadly when Adriel starts laughing, happy to cheer the man up a little. "It's lovely to see that we're still connected to our ancestors somewhat. I guess our baser instincts have never quite been tamed," his tone is teasing, and the only thing keeping him from giggling is the fact that he's in public. He waves at the people currently attending the Obelisk before turning back to Adriel. "I think that theory makes sense. Keeping a centralized portal point could be extremely helpful. That leaves the question of its size...I mean it surely makes it noticeable. I'm wondering if there's something about this specific point. Needing to triangulate or even amplify something..." He hums, scratching his cheek. It just serves to make the smudge bigger.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton smiles broadly when Adriel starts laughing, happy to cheer the man up a little. "It's lovely to see that we're still co... Gods, Delton is adorable. He knows he really shouldn't think such things about the man who happens to be his *work partner*, but...well, he can't help it. It's the truth, after all, and he's never been all that good at lying, even to himself. "We may have to see if we can arrange some more aerial sonar scans, see if we can pinpoint just how large this particular site actually is. I have a feeling we've barely scratched the surface of what lies beneath the soil here..." If it turns out that the obelisk they found was being used to triangulate with or amplify another, larger obelisk...there's a high probability that they're on the verge of an absolutely massive discovery, and lucky enough to be a fair ways away from any developed land.

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > Gods, Delton is adorable. He knows he really shouldn't think such things about the man who happens to be his *work partner*, but... "I think I can get that arranged to happen when you get back. That way we have our lead paleontologist making sure we don't miss anything," he says, absolutely genuine. Delton knows his own limitations. He's been on a lot of digs, but his focus is on culture and connecting findings to that. He's much less trained on picking out what might be a legitimate artifact compared to, say, a coal deposit. Of course, an obelisk is much harder to miss. "I'm hopeful that it pans out. If we find out that this is truly an amplification site, that could potentially reveal something absolutely astounding about the connection between magic and the common people."

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > "I think I can get that arranged to happen when you get back. That way we have our lead paleontologist making sure we don't miss... "It would also give us more of an idea on how magic was utilized in the day to day lives of Netherese citizens. Sure, we may have moved past using magic for most things as a society, but can you imagine the kind of research we could do with this? It might even give us an idea of how the dilophosaurus population in Chult managed to survive the mass extinction event that took out the rest of the dinosaurs, and why they managed to avoid getting eliminated by other, larger carnivorous species as well!" He's getting properly excited now, his eyes alight with joy at the prospect of finally getting a lead on a problem that's been puzzling the paleontologists of Toril for decades.

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > "It would also give us more of an idea on how magic was utilized in the day to day lives of Netherese citizens. Sure, we may hav... You can take the boy away from the dinos, but you can't take the dinos away from the boy. Delton has an indulgent smile on his face, happy to see Adriel get so excited. He's always been attracted to passion in people, and the other man has it in spades. Maybe he shouldn't think that about his colleague but, alas, what's done is done. "I think we have a good chance of discovering something really big, Adriel. While I'll differ to your expertise on dinosaurs," his voice is slightly teasing, "I think whatever we find might really change our perceptions of Netheril culture." He can't help his own excitement at the prospect. This is essentially his life's work, potentially delivered to him on a silver platter, all because Adriel spotted a flash of obsidian. "And all because of your discerning eye catching a flash of it."

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > You can take the boy away from the dinos, but you can't take the dinos away from the boy. Delton has an indulgent smile on hi... He can't help but smile at that, blushing a bit. He knows that most people don't typically care for how much he can talk about his line of work, even among others in his field, so the fact that Delton enjoys it is a refreshing change for him. "Honestly, it's sheer luck. If it had been dusty and not caught the light, I wouldn't have seen it at all and we'd still be excavating the main dig." He reaches up and loosens his tie before flat out deciding to take it off, undoing the top couple of buttons on his dress shirt. That's better, less stuffy. He's quiet for a moment before he speaks again, his smile turning to a wry grin. "Oh, I should be back relatively soon. The paperwork was finalized today and the funeral arrangements have been made. I'll be on my way back a couple of days after. And mum sends her thanks for the edible arrangement you sent her, she said to tell you it made for a fantastic snack while dealing with the lawyer induced headaches~"

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > He can't help but smile at that, blushing a bit. He knows that most people don't typically care for how much he can talk about h... "There's always a bit of serendipity in discovery. The legend of Newton and the apple, Fleming and penicillin, Einstein and the Theory of Relativity. That doesn't make there discoveries any less important or impactful. Show some pride, Adriel." His smile is still indulgent, but he has to look away when Adriel starts to unbutton the top of his shirt. It feels too intimate and like he's ogling a colleague. That doesn't stop the blush from heating his face, his pale complexion leaving him with no ability to hide it. "That's-that's good. You're missed here. The grad students look so sad whenever you're not here. I think I ought to be jealous," he teases. His face softens, "I'm glad she enjoyed it. It was easier to eat when it was small stuff, after..." Theo. There will always be a Theodus Naïlo-shaped hole in his heart, even if his loss has gotten easier in the last few years.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > "There's always a bit of serendipity in discovery. The legend of Newton and the apple, Fleming and penicillin, Einstein and the ... He's aware that Delton was married before; it's common knowledge among the other faculty, so it isn't difficult to piece together the unspoken end of his sentence. His expression softens a bit, then, and he nods in understanding. He doesn't want to dwell on the topic however, so he decides to ask the question that he's been itching to ask all day. "So, has Evans made an even bigger fool of himself yet, or did he finally realize he was getting too big for his britches?"

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > He's aware that Delton was married before; it's common knowledge among the other faculty, so it isn't difficult to piece togethe... Delton immediately rolls his eyes, disdain on the normally pleasant face. "He's trying to suck up to me, now that he knows I have real authority. He's just...exhausting. Hasn't really learned because he keeps protesting his assignments - saying that we'd work well together or whatever, laying it on thick. I just want him as far way from the kids as possible." Being a grad student is hard enough without a jackass advisor, after all.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton immediately rolls his eyes, disdain on the normally pleasant face. "He's trying to suck up to me, now that he knows I ha... He rolls his eyes when Delton mentions the ass kissing, shaking his head. "Leave it to that idiot to try and gain favor by being a kiss ass. Honestly, he's the last thing the students need. If we could get him transferred off the dig, I'd do it in a heartbeat," he says, running a hand through his hair and mussing it up further, several strands falling forward to frame his face. It's a much more relaxed and disheveled look than he normally chooses to let people see, but Delton...well, with Delton, he finds he doesn't mind. He feels like he can actually let go and relax around him, to be himself a bit more and not having to always be in his lead paleontologist mode.

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Bee (Tav: Delton)

traver1111

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> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > He rolls his eyes when Delton mentions the ass kissing, shaking his head. "Leave it to that idiot to try and gain favor by bei... Delton can't help but smile at the slight dishevelment. Adriel looks so mortal like this. Sometimes, that's hard to remember with how he seems to have it all figured out. "I would too but, alas, we must deal. As long as he leaves the students alone, I don't care if he bothers me. I've dealt with far worse than some ass kissing and flirting in hopes that it'll get him his way." Evans is just a sad man who thinks that being accomplished and esthetically pleasing will get him his way. Privileged boy behavior. Adriel has twice the accomplishments, the charisma, the attractiveness and he doesn't act like that. Maybe he's a little gone on his coworker. Something to stamp down and ignore, he supposes. "But you're missed. I admit I feel a little...in over my head, right now." He's never led a dig before, after all.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton can't help but smile at the slight dishevelment. Adriel looks so mortal like this. Sometimes, that's hard to remember w... He nods in understanding, his smile gentle. He may have twenty years of experience on Delton, but that doesn't mean he's forgotten how nervous he'd been the first time he'd gotten assigned as the lead on a dig. "Thankfully, I should be back soon, another week at most," he says, his gaze soft as he studies Delton's features on his phone screen. "In the meantime, though, you're always welcome to call me. And if I don't answer right away, I promise I'll call back the second I get a chance to do so." Is it perhaps a bit more than what someone would typically offer their coworker? Yes, it is. Does he care? No, no he does not, especially considering that he had started developing feelings for Delton when they had first met at a conference, and those feelings had only been intensifying as they worked on this dig.

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > He nods in understanding, his smile gentle. He may have twenty years of experience on Delton, but that doesn't mean he's forgott... The look on Adriel's face makes him nervously play with one of his loose braids. Now is really not the time to be thinking about how he wants that look on him all the time. Gods, he's as pathetic as a schoolgirl with a crush. "That's good to hear. Is there anything I can do? To make things easier?" He knows Adriel didn't get along with his brother. That they disliked each other. But grief is a fickle thing. It doesn't care about what you think you should feel. It just is. "If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here...I know something about having a...difficult relationship with one's family." Understatement of the century, that. His own eyes softens and his smile is sincere when he responds, "And, thank you. I really appreciate it Adriel. Appreciate you. You've been so patient with me and that means the world." Adriel's genuine kindness isn't helping him ignore his developing feelings. It just makes him feel warm inside and, then, guilty for having those thoughts about Adriel. The other man's just being nice. Helpful to someone who's nervous about his position. His heart shouldn't flutter at feeling prioritized by Adriel - the other man would likely do it for anyone. His heart keeps fluttering anyway, because it doesn't about rational thought.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > The look on Adriel's face makes him nervously play with one of his loose braids. Now is really not the time to be thinking abo... Little does Delton know, this level of openness and prioritization isn't something he does for just anyone - even others who've been in the lead position for the first time while working with him. "Honestly, I...I don't know what, if anything, would really make this easier...I do appreciate it, though, and I enjoy your company." He pauses for a moment, taking a breath before continuing, his cheeks flushed a bit. He may end up kicking himself for this later, but if the feelings won't go away...it could perhaps act as a bit of a gauge on how Delton feels towards him. "It's...not very often that I feel truly comfortable around people, like I can actually be myself...you're one of the only ones. And...it's very nice. I appreciate it, a lot." His cheeks are still tinged pink when he finishes speaking, his smile a little sheepish as he ducks his head a bit. Gods, he hopes he hasn't just completely put his foot in his mouth-

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > Little does Delton know, this level of openness and prioritization isn't something he does for just anyone - even others who've ... Delton's cheeks flush pink at that and he chews on his lip. He's about to respond, when Adriel continues. I make him feel like he can be himself. His face flushes crimson, matching his hair, and he curses his complexion for it's inability to hide anything. When he speaks, it's with the utmost sincerity, even if he looks terribly embarassed. "I'm glad I make you feel that way, Adriel. You deserve to feel comfortable. I'm...very happy that I can be that for you. I want you to be happy, even if the circumstances are a little grim right now." Funerals, lawyers, tabloids, Adriel's dealing with all that and, besides his mother, doesn't seem to have a lot of people to confide in. That's got to be difficult. "If you ever need anyone," he says, ducking his head, "I will try my hardest to be that person. I really appreciate you too, Adriel, and don't want you to feel alone."

-# gentle ping @Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton's cheeks flush pink at that and he chews on his lip. He's about to respond, when Adriel continues. *I make him feel like... Okay, thank the gods that he hadn't put his foot in his mouth there. Crisis averted! "Thank you, Delton, truly...I'll be back soon, and then things should be back to normal - or some semblance of it, at least," he says with a chuckle. Gods, but he misses his colleague something fierce. It's too quiet in his penthouse, not having the buzzing warmth of other people around him - though he'd particularly enjoy having Delton's company specifically at the moment. "Alright, I'm gonna hop off here so I can get some dinner sorted and hopefully get some sleep...oh, and you've got a bit of dirt on your cheek, by the way~ I'll talk to you later, yeah?"

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > Okay, thank the gods that he hadn't put his foot in his mouth there. Crisis averted! "Thank you, Delton, truly...I'll be back ... Delton's smile is crooked and a little boyish, making him look even younger. "I look forward to it. Don't run yourself too hard, yeah? And enjoy your dinner..." At the mention of dirt on his cheek, he flushes further, one hand going up to cover his face. Then he sighs, and stops, knowing there's nothing he can do now. "Talk to you soon, Adriel. Be well."

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton's smile is crooked and a little boyish, making him look even younger. "I look forward to it. Don't run yourself too har... "I'll do my best. You take care of yourself in the meantime, though, I'll see you soon." He's still got that soft smile as he hangs up the call, flopping onto his couch and running his hand over his face, cheeks still flushed. He feels like a schoolboy with a crush, and he knows he's a goner where Delton's concerned. The other man is just too damn cute, and an absolute sweetheart. How could he not? "Just one more week, Estareh...one more week till you get to see him again."

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > "I'll do my best. You take care of yourself in the meantime, though, I'll see you soon." He's still got that soft smile as he ... Delton's smile doesn't waver even after the calls ends, unable to control it. Adriel just makes him...happy. Comfortable. Secure. He's too far gone already, Ilmater knows. Theo's probably laughing at him, wherever he is. One phone call and he feels significantly less useless, like he isn't irreparably messing everything up. Adriel Estareh might just be a miracle worker. And only one week til I see him again.

🗓️🗓️🗓️🗓️🗓️🗓️

The next week is both obscenely fast, yet agonizingly slow somehow, but thankfully, he's back at the dig site before too long. He'd gotten a low profile rental car to avoid being spotted by the hordes of paparazzi swarming around, and thankfully, he seems to have been able to get here without someone tailing him. There's also a much more obvious and present security detail guarding the perimeter of their dig area, having gotten permission to expand out further from where the obelisk had been found with evidence of further architectural structures showing up on the sonar scans. Hopefully, the added presence will make any overly curious paparazzi think twice before getting too close. He's immediately looking around for a certain red head when he gets out of his car, grinning when he spots him over by one of the tents and resisting the urge to go running over. He still has a professional image to maintain, after all.

-# @Bee (Tav: Delton)

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > The next week is both obscenely fast, yet agonizingly slow somehow, but thankfully, he's back at the dig site before too long. H... Delton is on edge. There's paparazzi everywhere - which could disturb the dig and Adriel's peace, not to mention the unsuspecting locals. But, he's also not thrilled for himself. Yes, the Úrnordh trial is nearly two decades in the past, but, with the parole hearing coming up within the next year... Delton stands out on the best of days with his hair. If pictures of him end up next to his parents' mugshots, he will probably face harassment for months - from their supporters and enemies both. So, he's careful to hide as much of his hair beneath his hat as possible. Fortunately, it's unusual, but not extremely so. The heat index is supposed to shoot up and he burns like any other ginger. When he spots Adriel, he waves, smile there, but subdued.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton is on edge. There's paparazzi everywhere - which could disturb the dig and Adriel's peace, not to mention the unsuspectin... He lets himself speed up to a jog as he heads towards Delton, looking excited to be back. His expression softens when he sees Delton's subdued expression, however, concern lacing his features. "Everything okay? Have the paparazzi been a pain in the ass still? I can make a call to my security team and have them send more people if you want."

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > He lets himself speed up to a jog as he heads towards Delton, looking excited to be back. His expression softens when he sees De... Delton smiles, slightly strained. "No, no. It's okay. I just am worried about you and the locals and, um, don't like to he on camera." He's done voice overs for a few documentaries in the past - the wonders of being one of the few people in his field - but he always requests to not be on camera. He's just...very recognizable. "You are alright, yes? They didn't bother you too much getting in?" He's careful to never turn straight on to the road, his profile the most a camera could see. Gods, he wishes it wasn't necessary. "The kids are ecstatic that you're back, you know."

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton smiles, slightly strained. "No, no. It's okay. I just am worried about you and the locals and, um, don't like to he on ... He can tell Delton is trying to avoid the cameras, all too familiar with the way that he's moving and holding himself. He spent twenty years avoiding the paparazzi, after all. "Yeah, didn't have any issues getting in here, thankfully, and I'm glad to be back. Lets go to the tent, we'll be out of sight lines there at least," he says, noting the telltale glint of a camera lense just outside the perimeter fence of the dig. He gestures for Delton to follow him, making his way towards the enclosed admin tent. It'll at least give them a chance to talk without Delton having to monitor how he's moving to avoid his full face being caught by the cameras.

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > He can tell Delton is trying to avoid the cameras, all too familiar with the way that he's moving and holding himself. He spent ... Delton gratefully follows Adriel, trusting he knows the best ways to avoid being caught on camera. Still, he's rather stiff and nervous, very different from his usual chipper self. His entire life could be completely upended just because some people decide a quick buck is worth invading Adriel's privacy. And that makes him feel worse. That he's worried about himself, when Adriel is clearly struggling.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton gratefully follows Adriel, trusting he knows the best ways to avoid being caught on camera. Still, he's rather stiff and ... Once they're inside the tent, he pulls the privacy screen over the opening, to make sure that they can relax without having to worry about idiots with high zoom lenses circling around the back of the site to try and snipe pictures. "You look like you're about to bolt like a startled rabbit, Delton...what's wrong?" His voice is soft as he speaks, barely audible above the noise of the fans working to keep the air in the tent cool despite the hot sun beating down on the canvas. The paparazzi are an inconvenience and a nuisance to him, to be sure, but Delton almost seems terrified of being caught on their cameras.

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > Once they're inside the tent, he pulls the privacy screen over the opening, to make sure that they can relax without having to w... Delton freezes like a deer in headlights, pale skin going paler. He thinks about denying it for the briefed moment but, what good will that do? Adriel just wants to help, after all. And probably will be of more use than most people, in this context. He glances around and, seeing no one, says very quietly, "...What have you heard about the Úrnordh family?"

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton freezes like a deer in headlights, pale skin going paler. He thinks about denying it for the briefed moment but, what g... "I know a few of them lead a cult of shadow druids, and they got arrested and charged with attempted murder and domestic terrorism about twenty years ago," he says, his voice still soft. "I don't remember all the details, but the gist of the trial was all over the news when it happened." He sits down in one of the chairs, figuring that they might be in the tent for a bit for this discussion.

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > "I know a few of them lead a cult of shadow druids, and they got arrested and charged with attempted murder and domestic terrori... He slumps into the chair next to Adriel, seemingly trying to make himself seem small. "...They were my parents. I was the attempted murder victim..." He hasn't admitted this in years. The Naïlos were the last people he talked about it to. Even now, with his "Mairwen-approved" lawyer, he doesn't really mention his connections to the case very often. Pretending that it didn't happen has been his coping mechanism for years. His therapist isn't the fondest of it, but he also needs to be able to function. "...They're up for parole soon. I don't...want people to know that I'm here."

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > He slumps into the chair next to Adriel, seemingly trying to make himself seem small. "...They were my parents. I was the attem... He nods in understanding and pulls out his phone, opening his contacts and clicking on one number in particular. "I'm gonna have a proper blockade perimeter set up, give me a moment..." It isn't long before someone answers the phone, and he starts speaking. "This is Adriel Estareh...yes, I need enough guards and portable privacy fences to fully enclose a dig site I'm working on...the site's about half an acre...that's fine, I'm not worried about the cost, I'm worried about keeping the dig away from prying eyes...okay, thank you, I'll let my colleagues know so they know when to expect everything. Have a good day." He has a bit of a smirk on his face when he hangs up the phone, slipping it back in his pocket. "An additional full security team will be here tomorrow, along with enough privacy fences to line the perimeter of our main site. We should be able to work in peace once everything's set up, but until then...might be best to just chill and lay low." He stands and stretches a bit before glancing over at Delton again, his expression soft once more. "Would you like a hug? You look like you could use one."

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > He nods in understanding and pulls out his phone, opening his contacts and clicking on one number in particular. "I'm gonna ha... Delton blinks at Adriel, utterly confused. "...You just...set up a blockade...because I am concerned about having my picture taken?" That seems like...a lot. Delton doesn't want to be that much trouble for the other man and he says as much. "...That's a lot of trouble for my sake..." He breathes out, sounding exhausted, "...yes. please..."

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton blinks at Adriel, utterly confused. "...You just...set up a blockade...because I am concerned about having my picture t... "Yeah, I did," he says, smiling gently. "I'm used to this...having these idiots buzzing around like obnoxious flies. They've been doing it for most of my life, ever since I was a kid. You're not, though...and you've got a damn good reason for not wanting your face plastered all over the tabloids." He pulls him into a gentle hug, the scent of his cologne surrounding Delton as he holds him close. Perhaps a bit selfishly, he wishes that he could do this more, that he could even go so far as to press a kiss to the top of the other man's head without it being very much beyond the bounds of friendship. Instead, he settles for rubbing soothing circles with his thumbs, letting Delton take as much time as he needs.

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > "Yeah, I did," he says, smiling gently. "I'm used to this...having these idiots buzzing around like obnoxious flies. They've b... Delton can't help but bury his face into the other man's shoulder, relaxing into the embrace. It's the safest he's felt since he pulled up in the taxi and saw the paparazzi everywhere. "You...don't have anything to say about me being...related to them?" He feels like there's a lot of people who think the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, after all. There's a reason he took his husband's last name as quickly as possible, after all. "...You just...accepted my relation to...that without question..."

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton can't help but bury his face into the other man's shoulder, relaxing into the embrace. It's the safest he's felt since ... "The only thing I have to say on that front is that if they try something, they're going to regret it," he says, still holding him close. Considering the kind of shit that Bartholomew and Alexi used to do, to judge Delton based on his parents would be hypocritical and a rather dickish move.

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > "The only thing I have to say on that front is that if they try something, they're going to regret it," he says, still holding h... Delton shakee his head, "Adriel - they're dangerous. Frankly I-I don't know why they'd be considered for parole..." '*Good behavior,*' his lawyer had said, as if that excused all the damage they had done. As if that changed that he flatlined because of them. "This isn't...gods, I'm scared, okay? I don't know what I'm going to do if they get out...Hells, if they see that I'm still on Toril, they'll never let me rest."

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton shakee his head, "Adriel - they're dangerous. Frankly I-I don't know why they'd be considered for parole..." '*Good be... On the one hand, he wants to tell Delton the full extent of just what it is his family does...but on the other hand, he doesn't want to scare him. Perhaps...easing into it a bit? "Well, on that front...let's just say that my family has...connections. They will not lay a finger on you, Delton, I promise you that. I'll make sure of it."

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > On the one hand, he wants to tell Delton the full extent of just what it is his family does...but on the other hand, he doesn't ... Delton just keeps his face buried in Adriel's shoulder for a few more moments, breathing in his cologne and counting back from two hundred. "Thank you. I just...don't want you to get tangled up in my messes...I don't want to burden you. You've already done so much just in the last few minutes..." Literally locked up the dig site so no prying eyes can get in. On a whim. He pulls back and nervously starts putting braids in his hair. It's probably for the best if he stays in this tent for the day, as much as he loathes the idea. He can blame it on being overwhelmed by the cameras, easily enough. When he saw the paparazzi, he told the grad students to take the day. No need to get kids involved and harassed, after all.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton just keeps his face buried in Adriel's shoulder for a few more moments, breathing in his cologne and counting back from t... He lets him move, watching him with the same soft expression that he had during their video call the week before. "Delton, if I minded getting tangled up in your mess, as you put it, I wouldn't be helping like this in the first place. I meant what I said last week, that you're one of the only people I feel I can really be myself around...and I want to help you in any way that I can."

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > He lets him move, watching him with the same soft expression that he had during their video call the week before. "Delton, if ... Delton doesn't know what to do with that, cheeks flushing and ducking his head. "Just, still. Thank you so much. I'm more grateful than I can convey." He manages to braid one half of his hair and moves onto the other side. His hands are much less steady than usual. "I'm glad...that I make you feel comfortable. I'm sorry that you're facing this harassment, truly. You don't deserve it. You deserve to be comfortable." He sighs, "I told the kids to take the day. I really didn't feel like letting them harassed."

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton doesn't know what to do with that, cheeks flushing and ducking his head. "Just, still. Thank you so much. I'm more gr... The slight shakiness of Delton's hands doesn't go unnoticed, though he nods in understanding. "Yeah, no, the kids don't need to get harassed by the paparazzi...I didn't think they'd find the dig this quick, though, the only people who knew about me being on lead are other university staff, and the people with us on the dig. So someone had to leak the information somewhere..." A problem for another day, perhaps, though he did notice Evans seemed to be on the verge of blowing a gasket when he realized Adriel had shown up. He's quiet for a moment before he speaks again, barely resisting the urge to brush a stray bit of hair back from Delton's face. Goddammit, he's too far gone on his colleague, and he knows it. "Are you going to have to testify at the parole hearing? I'm more than happy to go with you, if so...that way you're not by yourself in there."

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > The slight shakiness of Delton's hands doesn't go unnoticed, though he nods in understanding. "Yeah, no, the kids don't need t... Delton laces his fingers together when he's finished with the second braid, trying to resist the urge to pick at his fingers. "I'm...unsure myself. I know the kids didn't because they know the consequences of that better than anyone...but it could've been anyone," he's chewing on his cheek again. He wasn't very good at people watching this morning, what with the stress., "Sorry, I wasn't watching people very closely this morning. I was...really not dealing well, unfortunately." Somehow, he's ended up picking at his nails anyway. Probably because the next question makes him blanche. Well, he tried. "Yes, I am supposed to testify...They want me in person because that can often be more influential to a board. Gods, I have to do it three times, Adriel..." His mother, his father, and his brother. The rest of his family is not supposed to be there, but he's unsure. They were more brainwashed than he, after all,

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton laces his fingers together when he's finished with the second braid, trying to resist the urge to pick at his fingers. "... "I saw Evans before he saw me this morning...he looked awfully pleased with himself, until he realized I'd shown up. Then he looked about ready to blow a gasket. I wouldn't be surprised if he's the one who leaked the information," he says with a huff, rolling his eyes. His expression softens almost immediately when Delton says he'll have to testify three times, and he decides to at least somewhat give into the urge to comfort him, his hand resting lightly on the redhead's upper arm. "If you want me to be there, then I'll be there. For all of them...D'you want another hug? It's not like we're going to be able to get much of anything done today anyway, not with all the cameras lurking around."

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > "I saw Evans before he saw me this morning...he looked awfully pleased with himself, until he realized I'd shown up. Then he loo... Evans. Of course. Asshole. "I can talk to him and see? Don't know if he'll tell me anything but he's less...openly antagonistic to me, for some reason." He sighs and gives Adriel a weak smile, "I'd-I'd really appreciate it. I'm, um, already all tied up in knots over it, to be honest." Nauseous as all Hells and then the worries about the cameras made it even worse. "...Yes, please. Thank you...You give good hugs." Is he a little touch-starved? Probably. But that doesn't change the fact that Adriel gives good hugs.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Evans. Of course. Asshole. "I can talk to him and see? Don't know if he'll tell me anything but he's less...openly antagonist... He immediately pulls Delton close when he says he wants another hug, the hand that was on his arm moving up to gently cradle the back of his head as his left arm wraps around Delton's waist. 'It's just to comfort him,' Adriel tells himself, once again forcing back the rapidly building desire to press a kiss to the redhead's hair, the proximity of the other's face to his neck making his heart race - more so than any amount of coffee ever has. Gods, but he *wants*. He wants Delton to kiss him, wants him to stay in his arms until the end of time, wants to be able to bring him home so that the penthouse isn't quite so cold and lonely when he has to go home. That had been the hardest part of the whole ordeal with Alexi's death - going home and remembering that there's no one else there. That Delton wasn't there. Gods, he's hopeless, and he damn well knows it. In the meantime, well...he'll take what he can get.

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > He immediately pulls Delton close when he says he wants another hug, the hand that was on his arm moving up to gently cradle the... Delton essentially melts into the embrace, arms wrapping around Adriel's strong torso and burying his face in the other man's neck. He can feel the pitter patter of Adriel's fast heartbeat, immediately getting a little concerned. "Your heart is racing...Are you sure you're so uneffected? It's really okay. Hells, I should be the one comforting you. Your brother just died..." Guilt sits in his stomach like lead, so he just proceeds to squeeze Adriel harder, hoping to provide the other man with some comfort. Adriel deserves comfort. He deserves...so much. And, selfishly, Delton wants to cradle Adriel in his arms, take the little scraps of the other man that he can get. Because he knows the other man could do so much better than the broken foster kid.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton essentially melts into the embrace, arms wrapping around Adriel's strong torso and burying his face in the other man's ne... Shit, should he admit his feelings right now? Maybe not in full, but partially, perhaps... "Trust me, this whole thing with your relatives is not why my heart is racing right now." Its the fact that you have your face buried against my neck, and fucking hells I want you to kiss me so badly- "I may or may not have had an extra cup of coffee on my way in because the jet lag was so bad this morning...and as for my brother, there's no love lost there. He may as well have been a random acquaintance from the grocery store or something, we were so distant from each other. The only thing I care about with him is the fact that he was lucky enough to only take himself out when he wrapped himself around the tree." Gods, he hopes Delton doesn't pull back. He doesn't want him to pull back yet, his breath hitching slightly as a slight shifting of his weight causes Delton to nose against his neck. Fucking hells, his neck being so sensitive has always been both a blessing and a curse, there was no way the other man would have missed that hitch in his breath.

He notices the hitch in Adriel's breath and moves his hands up a little further, assuming he might have grazed against a bruise or something. In their profession, that isn't exactly unusual. Delton scrunches his eyes shut for a moment, squeezing tighter, face still pressed against Adriel, "...for what it's worth, I know what it's like to have a complicated family life." The laugh he releases into Adriel's neck is sad and a little bitter, "...I suppose that's the understatement of the century, huh?" "Thank you, Adriel. You don't have to be so nice to me, but you always are. I really appreciate it."

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > He notices the hitch in Adriel's breath and moves his hands up a little further, assuming he might have grazed against a bruise ... He can feel a different kind of desire starting to build, and he knows that the longer he holds Delton close to him like this, the more likely it is that things will end up getting awkward. "You're welcome, but also...I care about you, so of course I'm going to be nice." He allows himself one last indulgence, nuzzling ever so slightly against Delton's hair, his nose unintentionally brushing against the sensitive point of the other man's ear. He doesn't even realize he's done it, too sidetracked by the scent of his colleague's shampoo.

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > He can feel a different kind of desire starting to build, and he knows that the longer he holds Delton close to him like this, t... Delton can't help his gasp at the accidental touch to the sensitive tip of his ear, lips incidentally brushing Adriel's neck. His ears have always been insanely sensitive, after all. He pulls back a little, looking embarrassed, if not outright mortified. He immediately feels cold. "S-sorry. My ears are very sensitive." "I, um, care about you too, Adriel," probably too much. Probably way too much.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton can't help his gasp at the accidental touch to the sensitive tip of his ear, lips incidentally brushing Adriel's neck. Hi... The feeling of Delton's lips against his neck - even with it being ever so briefly - draws an inadvertent noise of pleasure from his lips. He's suddenly glad that Delton pulled back a bit, considering the rising wave of desire that had been building has suddenly broken free and come crashing into him full force, and he's already damn near half hard in his pants. His cheeks are flushed as he looks over Delton's face, a look of want crossing his features as his eyes land on the other's lips, subconsciously licking at his own as his breathing picks up ever so slightly. Shit, he's definitely going to need a cold shower after this. "How about, uh-" he clears his throat a bit, trying to get back to his normal tone of voice, not the rough and husky tone that just came out of him. "Maybe we should just call it a day here, wait for the security team to arrive tomorrow? I can drive you back to the hotel, I've parked in a spot that'll let us duck over to the cars without being spotted by cameras, so you can stay out of sight..." Not to mention, he can then disappear back to his own hotel room and calm the fuck down again.

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > The feeling of Delton's lips against his neck - even with it being ever so briefly - draws an inadvertent noise of pleasure from... Delton's ideas are blown a little wide at Adriel's reaction, unable to tear his eyes away from the other man's lips, biting on his bottom lip in return. Maybe...just maybe... He can't control his shudder at that tone of voice, his face as red as his hair. "I, um, think that would be a good idea. I'd-I'd appreciate the ride..." Finally, he's able to meet Adriel's eyes again, feeling so embarassed at his lack of control.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton's ideas are blown a little wide at Adriel's reaction, unable to tear his eyes away from the other man's lips, biting on h... He nods, his cheeks flushed almost as much as Delton's with the sheer amount of want coursing through him now. "Here, you'll need to hide your hair, for sure," he says, handing Delton his hat back that he'd been wearing. He grabs a hat for himself as well, tugging the front of his shirt down a bit to try and cover the not-so-subtle bulge in the front of his pants. Damn this weather for making him have to wear light colored work pants instead of his usual darker ones. Once they're both situated, he opens the tent again, peeking out and noting the lack of cameras again. "Okay, stay close to me and keep your head down. We're gonna have to be quick."

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > He nods, his cheeks flushed almost as much as Delton's with the sheer amount of want coursing through him now. "Here, you'll... Delton tucks his hair back up into his hat, still beet red. He nods and grabs onto Adriel's arm, shifting his hat so it covers his face. "I'm ready." He sounds a lot more confident than he is.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton tucks his hair back up into his hat, still beet red. He nods and grabs onto Adriel's arm, shifting his hat so it covers... He nods and opens the tent the rest of the way, immediately setting off on a bit of a convoluted path that keeps them entirely out of view of the cameras, soon arriving at the car. Adriel quickly opens the passenger door for Delton, keeping an eye out as his colleague slips into the car and he shuts the door behind him. Success, they managed to avoid the cameras! He slips into the driver's seat with a sigh, firing up the car and going out of the rear entrance of the parking area, further away from the paparazzi that had stationed themselves near the main road across from the dig. The drive back to the hotel is easy, and he manages to avoid being followed. Unfortunately, this means that his mind is free to wander - more specifically, it's free to replay the feeling of Delton's lips on his neck, and the noise that he'd made when he brushed against his ear. He can't help but look him over with a heated gaze when they hit a red light, the mental image of just how far down those freckles run painting a vivid picture in his mind and quickly causing him to become fully hard. Shit. All he can do is hope that Delton doesn't decide to look at his lap while he's driving, and he licks his lips again before refocusing on the road as the light changes once more. Thankfully, it isn't much longer till he's pulling into the hotel parking lot, a quick scan of the bushes revealing that they are, in fact, alone. No paparazzi in sight. They'll be able to get in the door without being harassed.

Delton trusts Adriel to not lead him astray as they zigzag through the parking lot, pretty much tumbling into the passenger seat after the paleontologist opens the door. He keeps an eye out himself as they drive along, eventually relaxing when he realizes they haven't been followed. At a red light, he turns to say something to Adriel to see the other man is already looking at him, causing him to flush again once the other man licks his lips. Is it wishful thinking or is his gaze rather...heated? He tries to shake that thought from his head, looking out the window instead. Grateful to be in the parking lot and not seeing anyone with cameras, he deflates a little in relief, turning and says, "Thank you. Really, Adriel, I appreciate it so much."

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton trusts Adriel to not lead him astray as they zigzag through the parking lot, pretty much tumbling into the passenger seat... "You're welcome," he says, his cheeks flushing when he realizes his voice has gone husky again. Dammit. "Like I said, you have a perfectly valid reason to avoid having your face plastered in the tabloids...I'm glad my old avoidance skills haven't gotten rusty~" He can't help but look his colleague over again, his mind once again supplying him with an image of what may be hiding beneath his clothes. He can't help but bite his lip a bit as his cock twitches in the confines of his pants, reminding him of one of the reasons he had for suggesting that they leave the dig till tomorrow. He gets out of the car and goes to open Delton's door for him, using the frame to at least somewhat hide the problem he's developed in his pants. "Come on, no sense in sitting out here all day." He just hopes he can get inside and to his room without getting any awkward looks.

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > "You're welcome," he says, his cheeks flushing when he realizes his voice has gone husky again. Dammit. "Like I said, you have... Delton shoots Adriel a shy smile, thanking him again for opening the door. He pointedly ignores the other man's voice getting husky again, because down that path is torment. "Yes...maybe in a few hours we could go swimming? Take advantage of our day off?" He blurts out the idea with very little forethought. But, he couldn't help it. He just wants to spend time with the other man. He had missed him terribly.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton shoots Adriel a shy smile, thanking him again for opening the door. He pointedly ignores the other man's voice getting hu... "Yeah, yeah that sounds great, actually," he says, nodding. The hell with a cold shower, he's gonna have to rub one out first if he wants to survive whatever swimwear Delton's packed. He gestures towards the door of the hotel, locking the car behind them as he bites his lip again. Gods, that smile is gonna be the death of him. "I'll see you in a few hours then, eh?"

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > "Yeah, yeah that sounds great, actually," he says, nodding. The hell with a cold shower, he's gonna have to rub one out first ... Delton nods at the other man, smile still on his face. "See you in a few hours. I'll see if I can catch a nap after this morning's stress." Or try to find some way to relax, his mind supplies, alongside the memory of Adriel's voice two octaves deeper. Gods, he's fucked.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton nods at the other man, smile still on his face. "See you in a few hours. I'll see if I can catch a nap after this morning... One last nod and a smile before he makes a beeline for his room, pulling his shirt off the second the door is closed and tossing it to the side. His shoes quickly follow suit, along with his belt, and he's already fighting to undo his pants as he lands on his bed, only shoving them down enough to get at his achingly hard cock. "Fuck, Delton," he whispers, his head thrown back against the pillow as he wraps his hand around himself, his hips bucking up of their own accord as a bit of pre already starts to coalesce at the head of his cock. The feeling of the redhead's lips on his neck is replaying in his mind again, and he can't help the whimper that escapes him as he starts to stroke himself in an almost teasing manner. Gods, it's far too easy to imagine that his hand is Delton's, the other male hovering over him in his mind's eye, freckles on full display and covering his chest as much as they do his face. He wants to kiss every one of them, to find his most sensitive points and make him moan. "Oh, fuck...yes...gods below, Delton!" It isn't long before he's coming hard, the mess coating his chest and stomach, some of it even landing on his collarbone as he works himself through, panting heavily.

Delton walks to his own room and enters, slipping off his shoes. His face is a little flushed at the memory of Adriel's voice slipping into that husky register, his eyes looking at him with heat. Gods, he hopes he's not imagining things. He's not prone to, well, desire. He made peace with the fact that that isn't really central to his person a long time ago. But that doesn't mean he never feels it. Especially with someone he's so emotionally attached to. The emotional attachment is the key, anyway. The memory of Adriel holding him, a wall blocking out the rest of the world, makes him melt. The way he easily comforted him, gentle yet strong. The way his nose brushed along his ear, a gentle caress to a sensitive spot. Adriel's voice husky, his eyes dancing. He realizes belatedly, he's hard. Oh, he's so fucked. He sheds his clothes, leaving them a mess on the floor, and lays down. Taking himself in hand, all he can imagine is Adriel hovering above him, running gentle, teasing fingertips down his chest and inner thighs, maybe tweaking a nipple on the way down. His stomach jumps a little at the memory of Adriel's voice, eyes falling shut as he imagines the other man leaning down to kiss him, murmuring words of encouragement as the other man strokes him. He whimpers, unable to help imagining the other man manhandling him around, moving him exactly as the other wants. Putting those shoulders to good use so that he can hold the redhead down and fuck him. That causes his pace to speed up, burying his face into the pillow to quiet his soft moans. His grip is slick with pre-come, and he twists his wrist to tease at his head. "Fuck, *Adriel-*" his voice is a whine. He'd feel a little pathetic if he didn't feel so good. It doesn't take long for him to come, black spots decorating his vision as he bites down on the pillow. It takes a few moments to catch his breath, groaning as the fact that he just did that to a coworker sets in.

It takes him a bit to regain his bearings, but once he does, he can't help but run a hand over his face, groaning a bit. Delton's his coworker, his *friend*, and he just ran to his room at light speed to jerk off while thinking about him. He knows that he's quickly falling head over heels for the anthropologist, but gods... Adriel pushes himself up off the bed then, choosing to take a nice, long shower in order to unwind a little bit. Delton did want to go swimming later, after all, and if his colleague is anything like himself, he won't be wearing a shirt in the pool. Which means he'll have to come to terms with the fact that he's going to want to map out entire constellations amidst those freckles that he's sure go further down below the collar of his shirt. He stays in there until the water starts to run cold, even by hotel standards, finally emerging and towel drying his hair a bit before he digs out his swim trunks and slides, slipping them on before gathering his things to head to the pool. Towel, room key, phone, sunglasses, sun screen. Perfect. He decides to check his phone before he heads out though, wondering if Delton had messaged him yet. If not, well, there's nothing wrong with catching a few rays before hopping in the pool.

-# @Bee (Tav: Delton) cause I forgot to tag whoops-

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > It takes him a bit to regain his bearings, but once he does, he can't help but run a hand over his face, groaning a bit. Delto... Delton takes a long shower. Not too long, because he doesn't want to waste water, but long enough that he's just standing there with his head against the tile for a while. He just feels guilty and a little gross. When he gets out, he towel dries his body and hair. Looking at the time, he decides to just get ready to go to the pool. Taking a nap now will likely just make him feel worse. It's not enough time for a refreshing nap. Just one where you wake up unsure of what year it is. Slathering on sunscreen and changing into his swimsuit and a shirt to walk around non-pool areas, he collects his towel, room key, and sunglasses. He also grabs a book in case he gets tired of the water. Sliding on flip-flops, he heads out the door. Fortunately, the hotel has high fences for privacy, so he sets up under an umbrella and saves the spot next to him for Adriel. Shooting the other man a text and a pic of the location, he heads to the bar. He's had a bad day. He's having one frozen daiquiri (because he's such a rebel) and going to chill with his book until Adriel arrives.

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton takes a long shower. Not too long, because he doesn't want to waste water, but long enough that he's just standing there ... He grins when he sees the picture, opting to pull a tshirt on for the trek over to the pool. No need to have random people drooling over him when he has zero interest, anyway. He makes his way to the pool, a soft smile returning to his features when he sees Delton lounging with his daiquiri, red hair making him stand out easily amongst the few people milling about at the moment. He wanders over, then, unable to help the grin on his face when he sits down in the chair Delton had saved for him. "I see you got yourself a drink already~" he says, his tone slightly teasing but good natured.

> Reply to: @Adriel Estareh (@Mairon✨ (Tav: Adriel)) > He grins when he sees the picture, opting to pull a tshirt on for the trek over to the pool. No need to have random people drool... Delton shoots a bashful grin at the other man, "It's been a day. I wanted to enjoy something cold and alcoholic that I didn't have to make, if I'm honest." He keeps sipping on his drink before pulling his shirt over his head, figuring he can get a little sun before he has to slather on sunscreen again. Scar cream has made many of the scars much less noticeable, but they're still there, decorating his chest and back, just as much apart of him as the freckles that seem to be everywhere on his body. "I'll probably finish this," he gestures at his drink, "before I get in the pool, yeah?"

> Reply to: @Delton Naïlo (@Bee (Tav: Delton)) > Delton shoots a bashful grin at the other man, "It's been a day. I wanted to enjoy something cold and alcoholic that I didn't ha... "Yeah, sounds like a plan," he says, pulling his shirt off as well. The telltale glint of his nipple piercings catch the light, and now, the half sleeve tattoo is on full display for Delton to see. A phoenix, rising from the ashes and melding into a floral design that dips onto his chest and connects with the rose on his neck. The only part of it that's typically visible is the rose, however, as he tends to keep his upper arms covered while working. As such, it's the first time Delton's seen...well, any of it, really. He gets to work on putting on sunscreen, humming softly to himself before he glances at Delton over his shoulder. "Could you help me with my back really quick?"