[ He doesn't mind. In fact, he loves playing for others, so he gets up to fetch the guitar, sitting back down on the bed, turned a little more on his side so he's facing Blue.
He plucks at the strings for a few seconds, thinking of a song, then he smiles as he thinks of something.
It's a soft tune, and Jim's voice is melodic, gentle and sweet to the ear. He doesn't miss a beat, or a note, and he lingers with parts of the lyrics, little bits here and there that make him think of Blue. ]
[the song as it's played, the song as it's envisioned, the song as it's willed to be fold together as they're presented to Blue. a gentle shiver leaves goosebumps on his arms and a flutter in his heart. Blue's expression softens and grows a little distant despite how present he is; it's just a shifting of focus as he takes in this new facet of Jim and all that is brought before him.
what you had...and what you had lost...
he can't help but think of them. Physis, Jomy...Harley, Brau, Mira...Zel... he still doesn't know if they made it away, if they escaped Megiddo after he triggered the detonation on himself.
he can hope, can't he? hope and dream.
Blue's trancelike state lingers some seconds after music and voice have faded, and his eyes are slow to blinking back open and fixing on Jim.
barely above a whisper:] That was beautiful. Your voice, those sounds...those intentions...
[ He doesn't mind it that Blue closes his eyes and seems to almost drift away. If anything, he's glad to see him almost melt into the song, into the meaning behind each word and each chord.
He smiles a little once Blue looks at him again, dipping his head slightly. ]
Thank you. [ He says of the part about his voice and the sounds. That much, at least, was all him. ] I like music that carries intention. Meaning. Music that makes me feel.
Well, good. Then that means I've conveyed the feelings well.
[ He smiles a little. ] That's true. But there are different types of feeling. Some people like music that's good for dancing. It's more of a physical feeling, I think. Other songs can make you think, others make you feel something deeper. Notes that tug at your heart, bring tears to your eyes.
Every kind of music carries emotion of some kind, if it's done well. It depends on how what you want to feel.
then...] Then...you wanted me to feel this way. [he puts a hand over his heart.]
It's strange... How scared so many are of true feelings here...and you aren't at all. I wonder if that's...the way people are where you're from, or...if it's uniquely you.
Well, I don't know how you feel right now, but yes, I hoped I'd make you feel something.
[ Otherwise, why not just pluck at some chords to show Blue how a guitar works? No, he chose that particular song for a reason.
He smiles a little at Blue's observation, arms resting crossed over the guitar. ] I don't think it depends on where I'm from. Each person is different, in that regard. For some it feels strange not to guard your feelings. I used to be that way too, when I was younger. Makes it harder for others to hurt you.
It just means...you spend a lot of time...hurting yourself, I think. [so maybe there's no true comfort in the extremes, one way or another. happy mediums win the day again?]
This kind of music, though... I like it a lot. Thank you for sharing it with me, James.
[ Jim smiles at that, nodding slowly. ] Yes. That's right.
[ Indeed a middle ground is the best way to go about it, as is the best way to go about most anything. Balance and tolerance, like with everything else. ]
It's my pleasure. [ He sets the guitar aside, leaning closer to press a quick kiss to Blue's cheek. ] But I've got more you can listen to, similar stuff. Maybe you'll find other songs you like.
[ He enjoys that a little too much every time. The only reason why Jim doesn't dive straight in for more than just that is because he kind of worries a little that Blue might faint on him again. ]
Oh. You want me to play more for you?
[ He will, gladly so, but he was thinking of just playing music for him to listen to. He'll leave it up for Blue to choose. ]
No, that's alright! I can play you one more. [ He smiles. ] I know just the song.
[ He picks up the guitar again and sets it up to start playing. A different start this time, quieter and slower, building up steadily once Jim starts singing. ]
Ground Control to Major Tom...
[ Maybe Blue will recognize it from Jim's chosen username on earpiece communications, and maybe paying attention to the song will help him understand why Jim chose it in the first place. ]
[it's only as recognizable as it would be were it at the forefront of Jim's mind in playing. as it stands, Blue once again lets himself get wrapped up in all those layers that the performance, his posture relaxing a bit more as he's eased by it all.
he shifts a little closer, but not so close as to disrupt the performance, resting his weight on the arm closest to Jim, settling into that same contemplative, immersed trace as before. a small smile plays on his features as he paints his own notions of what those words mean alongside what Jim's already got in mind; this song seems...closer to Jim's heart than the other, he thinks.
after a bit of quiet settles in from the end of the song, Blue's head tilts to gently settle against Jim's shoulder.]
It'd be nice...if you could see how that music looks...in a psionic sense... But it's already so lovely as it is.
[ It's a good guess, on Blue's part. For all the possible meanings of these words he sings, this song is closer to him than the other, the words resonating in him, striking chords in his heart. He's smiling a little as he finishes it, glancing over to where Blue leans against him, setting the guitar away carefully so Blue can rest his head more comfortably against his shoulder.
Slowly, he rests an arm around Blue's back. ]
Maybe one day you can show them. But I'm glad you like it either way.
[it's comforting to be around someone so open to closeness without that natural recoil most have. he doesn't fault people for it, even if he can't help but feel a little hurt when the natural response is to panic, to overthink, to wince away from being too close for fear of being perceived in ways they don't like... it's not their fault no more than his perception is his.
someone like Jim is a bit of a refuge from that sort of apprehensive energy that tends to pervade places.
it's also just nice to be held, you know? he'll indulge in that for a little bit.]
Are those...the kinds of songs you found? The ones you meant to share when you called, I mean.
[ It's like Blue said; it's just not the kind of person he is. He's open with the way he feels, and he cherishes closeness with others. It doesn't mean he would accept this kind of proximity with just anyone, though. But Blue is special to him, closer to him than most others on this station, so there's no move Blue could make that would ever make him recoil or hesitate. ]
Most of them, yes. Some are a little older than these ones, different styles too. I just put together some for you, you can have a listen and see if you like any.
[ He hits play on the list he's set up on his PADD, letting the sounds just flow out from the speaker on his nightstand. ]
[music generated from a machine hits differently than the stuff being played by the living, feeling person at one's side. it's still lovely, of course, but it doesn't have the same mesmerizing feeling that those personal little performances elicited. which is...probably a good thing, lest Blue just be glassy-eyed and enrapt the whole time. like a weirdo.
no, for now he can stay drawn in close against Jim while a few minutes of song plays out, stirring only a little when it transitions to something else entirely.
he lifts his head enough to peer through his bangs:] You compiled these...for me? [just to see if he liked them?]
[it's almost absurd how kind Jim is to him, especially in the face of most...everything else? not that kindness is exclusive to him alone, but rather...it's still something Blue doesn't inherently expect. after all, what has he done in return?]
Thank you. I'm grateful for those those thoughts...and this effort. [after a slight hesitation, he tilts his head so he can gingerly kiss his cheek in something of an echo of the moment before.]
[ Jim certainly hopes he's not the one capable of showing kindness here, that's a seriously depressing thought. But he doesn't do it expecting anything in return, or after getting something in return. Blue has been a friend all this while, has taken interest in him, showed to enjoy spending time with him, and Jim hardly needs a reason beyond that.
He doesn't quite fluster as Blue did at the kiss, though he tips his head and closes his eyes, smiling at the gentle touch of lips to cheek. His hand gives Blue's side a light squeeze. ] You're welcome, Blue. And I'm glad you like them. We can just get comfortable and listen for a while, if you want.
[ The touch is gentle, sweet, and it gets a smile from Jim. Slowly, he guides them so they can both lean back against the pillows on his bed, not quite lying down but not sitting up anymore either. Easier to relax like this. ]
[Blue's spent far too much time laying down for his liking, yet something like this is far from unpleasant. in a way, it reminds him of how he used to rest his head against Physis' lap, absorbed in the quiet comfort of her presence as she ran her fingers through his hair and Alfred's music gently filled the air around them...
he stretches his arm around Jim's middle once he's nestled against him, pale eyelashes grazing the other's cheek as they blink a few times before closing entirely. the little aches throughout his body fade into the background of his mind as Jim's presence and that music takes the forefront of his meditative focus. for a little while, the worry of being so short on returns for all these thoughtful gestures and moments fades, too; all he fears is falling asleep and losing his sense of presence here! but Jim's a strong anchor; keeping hold of him in more than one sense helps a lot.]
[ Jim doesn't mind nearly as much just lying down for a little while, not that he's tired but sometimes it's just nice to get cozy and cuddle with someone special. Seems like the nicest thing to do while they're listening to the music, so they're both more relaxed and not just awkwardly sitting by the edge of the bed.
He sighs, lips curling when Blue's voice echoes in his mind. His hand moves in slow circles on Blue's back, up and down soothingly, gently brushing through his hair as his other hand rests over Blue's arm. ]
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He plucks at the strings for a few seconds, thinking of a song, then he smiles as he thinks of something.
It's a soft tune, and Jim's voice is melodic, gentle and sweet to the ear. He doesn't miss a beat, or a note, and he lingers with parts of the lyrics, little bits here and there that make him think of Blue. ]
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what you had...and what you had lost...
he can't help but think of them. Physis, Jomy...Harley, Brau, Mira...Zel... he still doesn't know if they made it away, if they escaped Megiddo after he triggered the detonation on himself.
he can hope, can't he? hope and dream.
Blue's trancelike state lingers some seconds after music and voice have faded, and his eyes are slow to blinking back open and fixing on Jim.
barely above a whisper:] That was beautiful. Your voice, those sounds...those intentions...
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He smiles a little once Blue looks at him again, dipping his head slightly. ]
Thank you. [ He says of the part about his voice and the sounds. That much, at least, was all him. ] I like music that carries intention. Meaning. Music that makes me feel.
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That's...what people use music for, right?
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[ He smiles a little. ] That's true. But there are different types of feeling. Some people like music that's good for dancing. It's more of a physical feeling, I think. Other songs can make you think, others make you feel something deeper. Notes that tug at your heart, bring tears to your eyes.
Every kind of music carries emotion of some kind, if it's done well. It depends on how what you want to feel.
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then...] Then...you wanted me to feel this way. [he puts a hand over his heart.]
It's strange... How scared so many are of true feelings here...and you aren't at all. I wonder if that's...the way people are where you're from, or...if it's uniquely you.
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[ Otherwise, why not just pluck at some chords to show Blue how a guitar works? No, he chose that particular song for a reason.
He smiles a little at Blue's observation, arms resting crossed over the guitar. ] I don't think it depends on where I'm from. Each person is different, in that regard. For some it feels strange not to guard your feelings. I used to be that way too, when I was younger. Makes it harder for others to hurt you.
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This kind of music, though... I like it a lot. Thank you for sharing it with me, James.
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[ Indeed a middle ground is the best way to go about it, as is the best way to go about most anything. Balance and tolerance, like with everything else. ]
It's my pleasure. [ He sets the guitar aside, leaning closer to press a quick kiss to Blue's cheek. ] But I've got more you can listen to, similar stuff. Maybe you'll find other songs you like.
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With...a different instrument...?
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Oh. You want me to play more for you?
[ He will, gladly so, but he was thinking of just playing music for him to listen to. He'll leave it up for Blue to choose. ]
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there's a missed bit of understanding thanks to that little bit of twitterpated energy, and it takes Blue a moment to catch up.]
...Ah, you meant...some other means. I see. Forgive me. I'll listen to what it is you meant.
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[ He picks up the guitar again and sets it up to start playing. A different start this time, quieter and slower, building up steadily once Jim starts singing. ]
Ground Control to Major Tom...
[ Maybe Blue will recognize it from Jim's chosen username on earpiece communications, and maybe paying attention to the song will help him understand why Jim chose it in the first place. ]
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he shifts a little closer, but not so close as to disrupt the performance, resting his weight on the arm closest to Jim, settling into that same contemplative, immersed trace as before. a small smile plays on his features as he paints his own notions of what those words mean alongside what Jim's already got in mind; this song seems...closer to Jim's heart than the other, he thinks.
after a bit of quiet settles in from the end of the song, Blue's head tilts to gently settle against Jim's shoulder.]
It'd be nice...if you could see how that music looks...in a psionic sense... But it's already so lovely as it is.
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Slowly, he rests an arm around Blue's back. ]
Maybe one day you can show them. But I'm glad you like it either way.
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someone like Jim is a bit of a refuge from that sort of apprehensive energy that tends to pervade places.
it's also just nice to be held, you know? he'll indulge in that for a little bit.]
Are those...the kinds of songs you found? The ones you meant to share when you called, I mean.
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Most of them, yes. Some are a little older than these ones, different styles too. I just put together some for you, you can have a listen and see if you like any.
[ He hits play on the list he's set up on his PADD, letting the sounds just flow out from the speaker on his nightstand. ]
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no, for now he can stay drawn in close against Jim while a few minutes of song plays out, stirring only a little when it transitions to something else entirely.
he lifts his head enough to peer through his bangs:] You compiled these...for me? [just to see if he liked them?]
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He looks down at Blue's question, smiling with a tilt of his head. ]
Yes. Guess I was just... thinking it would be the kind of music you'd like, when I was making this playlist.
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Thank you. I'm grateful for those those thoughts...and this effort. [after a slight hesitation, he tilts his head so he can gingerly kiss his cheek in something of an echo of the moment before.]
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He doesn't quite fluster as Blue did at the kiss, though he tips his head and closes his eyes, smiling at the gentle touch of lips to cheek. His hand gives Blue's side a light squeeze. ] You're welcome, Blue. And I'm glad you like them. We can just get comfortable and listen for a while, if you want.
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he stretches his arm around Jim's middle once he's nestled against him, pale eyelashes grazing the other's cheek as they blink a few times before closing entirely. the little aches throughout his body fade into the background of his mind as Jim's presence and that music takes the forefront of his meditative focus. for a little while, the worry of being so short on returns for all these thoughtful gestures and moments fades, too; all he fears is falling asleep and losing his sense of presence here! but Jim's a strong anchor; keeping hold of him in more than one sense helps a lot.]
This...
This is nice...
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He sighs, lips curling when Blue's voice echoes in his mind. His hand moves in slow circles on Blue's back, up and down soothingly, gently brushing through his hair as his other hand rests over Blue's arm. ]
It is. I'm glad you came.
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