Snippets and Stories: (WtI) Orientation

Esti stared, dumbfounded.

In kinder words, he had never seen so flawless a mask. In his own, Silas was a two-faced snake if he ever saw one.

He had seen them a distance off, Silas and some stranger he had yet to be acquainted with.

The tall man had stood there, a patient and attentive ear as the explained their orientation, how they identified themselves, and all the details. It was impressive how much of it touched on their life. This the brunette had listened intently, and continued to do so as his conversational partner prattled on. 

Esti who had joined them shortly made himself busy with reading the large screen announcements, and when he tired of that, his Surreal- implanted headband.

Only after they had left did Esti turn to Silas who was looking rather sour, "That was a poor use of Time. Would that he told someone who had 100% more interest, and the same in ignorance."

"You don't think it's important? It's what's been stirring politics these days. Oh yeah, Neiro's lookin' for you."

Silas sneered, "That I know, but is there a need to know on a personal level? I do not know them nor do I wish to."

Clearly the taller man had not missed the coy glances thrown his way by his acquaintance. 

"Homophobic? Transphobic?" he tried. The redhead had listened enough to catch on to what the person had been talking about.

"Nay. A lack of interest in the matter is not the same as revulsion of."

"Y'know, that stuff is kinda important to people. Myself included."

"Indeed. And the display board must've been of greater importance still."

Esti let out a surprised snort of laughter before catching himself and shaking his head, "I know it all, same as you. And what of you? Was that not why you were listening oh so closely?"

That brought a grimace, that Esti couldn't help but grin at, "The suffering of social etiquette."

Silas headed off towards the lift, presumably to find Neiro. Esti followed in a brisk step behind. Those long legs were tough to keep up with. "You should care a little more. It's offensive."

"The socially inappropriate ideas, thoughts, and notions are saved for private conversation with those you trust, is it not?"

It was flattering to know he was one of those trusted. Silas was not an easy person to know on a personal level, and most only knew the affable serene mask.

"Knowing the appropriate 'when' and 'where' is what's important." Silas peered over his shoulder, "Thus why I left it unsaid. It saves them the hurt and I myself the headache and backlash."

It was so callous Esti couldn't help the bark of laughter, before managing out, "You're being ignorant and intolerant."

"Am I?" the tall man stopped and Esti almost walked into him, "I am free to think my thoughts am I not?"

Silas seemed to be musing, "Is intolerance not wanting to listen to another's personal life? Do you only consider it intolerance when the other is of your so called 'discriminated'?" A low chuckle, "How ridiculous. It is not intolerance for I indiscriminately despise listening to anyone's personal life. But yet what is seen is what one chooses to see. It is not the countless others, you see but the one flag amongst many that stand out. Even what I have taken that was 'necessary' for me to understand them, is but the shackle of social obligation."

Truth be told, the monologue was rather intriguing, and a bit embarrassing. But if there's one thing he'd learned, and which Silas himself that taught him, it was that wit and humor were the best of counters.

"Are you done yet?"

"Don't you have somewhere to be?"

"Of course, Neiro invited me over for dinner." Speaking of which, "What would Neiro think if he knew? Pretty sure he's bi." It was hard to tell with the albino, he didn't seem to show much romantic interest in anyone.

A sardonic smile that split Silas's face was terrifying and fascinating to see, and he ironically answered, "Pansexual actually. And if you think there's nothing more to him than being bisexual, then consider me disappointed."

"What--" he began, but was abruptly cut off.

"Hypothetically speaking, let us pretend you are him, and bisexual. Tell me, are you interested in me?"

"You wish."

Silas ignored him, "Is being bisexual all there is to your identity?

"Well of course not--"

"Then no. I don't need to know nor do I care to know about what your preferences are, what orientation you consider yourself, or what is under your clothes. There's more to a person than such shallow qualities, and if one is but that, the then I have no interest in associating with such vapid characters."

There wasn't really any good counter and his wit had run dry. 

"How would you feel if the best quality everyone knew you for was that of your sexual orientation?"

"..."

"Exactly. Those who are involved in gay pride, parading it around and with a need to make it known aren't worth knowing themselves." a pause, "Having confidence and being comfortable with oneself is perfectly acceptable. Forcing yourself and your views onto others, is not. I shouldn't have to like you or care just because you are of some minority or another. That's just conceited and entitled."

"These lectures are making me feel like a kid again."

"I am lecturing you because you are far too naive."

His anger flared a moment but he forced it away, "Why's that."

At least they were finally at his ridiculously far dwelling. It was incredibly inconvenient at Times.

Silas stood in front of the door, the recognition system of the security blipping, and the bolt slid, "You are too quick to judge, and your judgement is not your own but the social construct of popular 'rebellious' opinion. And while I preach, what you make of it is but your own. Do what you will."

Esti grumbled as he stepped in, but the reprimanding tone was all but gone, and the redhead no longer knew which mask was real when he took in the scene.

Everyone except them were already there and eating, though there was one unusual guest. Shyloris rarely left her room for social mingling, but the redhead noted that though casual, she still cut an elegant figure.

How had Neiro convinced her to

Neiro grinned sheepishly, "Sorry, we started without you. Didn't want the hot food to go to waste."

"You're forgiven for setting the table for me." Silas returned. And it was a wonder how he managed to sound so playfully cross in his monotone.

Ken waved her over, eyes bright, "Esti! Try the mashed potatoes! I helped make them."

With a shrug and a smile he joined the rest of them at the table as they passed dishes and drinks alike to the fresh arrivals.