Paz

Looking for scraps.

[venomoftechandwar]

I buy and sell parts, prices can be negotiated.

My full first name is Paz, it’s not short for anything.

I don’t take other form of currency besides from cash. I take cash up front and up front only.

OOC!

I understand if you don’t fw paz (for reasons related to vamp) but ask more questions rather than hate related questions!

like all my characters, paz is a morally grey character and has his own motives and beliefs!

paz is a hybrid of lionfish and human, (nationality is a mix of white and hispanic) and he has artificially altered some bits of himself to where they can help him better fight so

ill provide some images of what his stripe colors are

also the owner of @spiteofgloves3

@turnthetrackup @ishallholdyourhandinmine @adiamondsbestfriend

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

He opened the door to a more lab focused looking area.. Honestly, most of his home was just different workspaces. I don’t even think Ven’s SEEN his bedroom door. It’s more mythical than Veneno at this point. He gestured the siren inside politely.

They had already gotten the scans and X-rays done, so for the most part, the hard stuff was already finished! Now, it was.. MOSTLY smooth sailing!

Apologies if all of the uh.. larger equipment caught you off guard.

He hummed, lightly gesturing the siren to a seat so he could sit down comfortably. He moved over to a computer, pulling up some things and looking over the scans.

.. Hm..

.. It really is interesting.. It’s like you can control the evolution of your body- And in such rapid time.- Does it cause any discomfort?

He asked, turning in his chair to look back at Veneno.

@venomoftechandwar

Agean sits down. His whole time here he was letting Paz do... Whatever he wishes. He swings his legs in the seat, looking around. The hybrids house is cramped... With so many things... He just wants to grab them all and snoop around. But of course, he holds back. He doesn't want Paz to.... Hate him, or something.

Discomfort? It... Does hurt a little. But it's easy to ignore, especially after such long time of doing it.

Agean points at the scans, titling his head curiously. The whole time, he's been asking a lot of questions. Not only about the 'studying', but about everything. The furnitures, things laying around, every thing he sees at Pazs house. So it's no surprise when he asks another.

The scans you were doing. Can i see? What does it say?

[venomoftechandwar]

Really then?

He thought for a moment, before continuing, fins lowering and making him look sort of softer, friendlier.

Sorry for making you switch forms so much for the scans then.

He hummed politely- looking to the scans when Agean asked if he could see them.

Oh- go ahead, it’s just some scans of your skeletal structure, then the others cover your tissues, brain, spine, muscles and whatnot.

He spoke, scooting over so the siren had space to look at the computer screen, crossing his legs comfortably.

[venomoftechandwar]

Paz, was it?

Paz.

Remember when you mentioned... Uh. Studying me.

...

I'd be okay with that.

@deep-in-the-w4ter

Oh-

Oh!-

Great!- Glad to hear it, then!- We can set up times- schedule it for whenever you wish!

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

I'm free... All day. And tomorrow. And... Whole week in general. Whenever you want.

[venomoftechandwar]

Oh- well, I’ve finished all my commissions for the day, do you want me to come pick you up right now, then?

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Yes.

[venomoftechandwar]

Right- I’ll be over in a moment!

[venomoftechandwar]

Paz, was it?

Paz.

Remember when you mentioned... Uh. Studying me.

...

I'd be okay with that.

@deep-in-the-w4ter

Oh-

Oh!-

Great!- Glad to hear it, then!- We can set up times- schedule it for whenever you wish!

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

I'm free... All day. And tomorrow. And... Whole week in general. Whenever you want.

[venomoftechandwar]

Oh- well, I’ve finished all my commissions for the day, do you want me to come pick you up right now, then?

[venomoftechandwar]

Paz, was it?

Paz.

Remember when you mentioned... Uh. Studying me.

...

I'd be okay with that.

@deep-in-the-w4ter

Oh-

Oh!-

Great!- Glad to hear it, then!- We can set up times- schedule it for whenever you wish!

[venomoftechandwar]

Unlikely? How so?

I don’t know how to explain it.. It just seems unlikely? Apologies, I would explain better if I had the words for it.

[venomoftechandwar]

I think the other fish might have a crush on you ngl

Hm? Fish.?? Veneno?

He’s a siren- not a fish. And I feel that’s a little unlikely.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

//Continuation of this post because the thread long asf//

@venomoftechandwar

────

Maybe... Just a little. Sorry. Didn't foresee that.

Agean puts up his hand, as if to calm Paz down. He's been high many times before, he will be fine.

Don't mind me... I control myself.

[venomoftechandwar]

I see..

He hummed, fins lowering as he returned to his thoughts- though, when Agean spoke again it knocked him right out of his mind- looking up to the other man.

Oh- Don’t worry, I wasn’t too stressed about it!

He assured, giving a smile as his fins rose.

..

.. And back into thinking, gaze falling to the floor.. He does really have an issue with zoning out, doesn’t he? I guess Ven interests him that much.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

... Silence again. A bit awkward, for Agean at least. He's not sure what to do. Just standing there, looking around...

... Are you going to finish that?

He finally speaks up, pointing at the abandoned commission Paz was working in.

[venomoftechandwar]

Hm? Oh!- Oh right, I forgot.

He chuckled, albeit a bit awkwardly, shifting to sit back down and crossing his ankles underneath his seat.

Sorry, was stuck in my thoughts for a moment..

He apologized lightly, giving a glance back at the siren before looking back to the commission, deconstructing it so he could just start from anew instead of trying to fix something he worked on when he was upset.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

You're good.

Agean sits back down, looking at the table, grabbing a random tool once again. He looks like a little kid in a toystore, trying everything out. Watching the tools closely, touching every single one, pressing every button he sees...

[venomoftechandwar]

He was able to work on it much more smoothly now, his disgust from the situation earlier having already passed. Just has to let himself not think about it for a bit..

He double checked a small note that was set on the desk, specific instructions he wrote down for the commission.. This one was luckily an easier thing to deal with, pretty much just a gas bomb, but with venom. Just need to add some thickener..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

//Continuation of this post because the thread long asf//

@venomoftechandwar

────

Maybe... Just a little. Sorry. Didn't foresee that.

Agean puts up his hand, as if to calm Paz down. He's been high many times before, he will be fine.

Don't mind me... I control myself.

[venomoftechandwar]

I see..

He hummed, fins lowering as he returned to his thoughts- though, when Agean spoke again it knocked him right out of his mind- looking up to the other man.

Oh- Don’t worry, I wasn’t too stressed about it!

He assured, giving a smile as his fins rose.

..

.. And back into thinking, gaze falling to the floor.. He does really have an issue with zoning out, doesn’t he? I guess Ven interests him that much.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

... Silence again. A bit awkward, for Agean at least. He's not sure what to do. Just standing there, looking around...

... Are you going to finish that?

He finally speaks up, pointing at the abandoned commission Paz was working in.

[venomoftechandwar]

Hm? Oh!- Oh right, I forgot.

He chuckled, albeit a bit awkwardly, shifting to sit back down and crossing his ankles underneath his seat.

Sorry, was stuck in my thoughts for a moment..

He apologized lightly, giving a glance back at the siren before looking back to the commission, deconstructing it so he could just start from anew instead of trying to fix something he worked on when he was upset.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

//Continuation of this post because the thread long asf//

@venomoftechandwar

────

Maybe... Just a little. Sorry. Didn't foresee that.

Agean puts up his hand, as if to calm Paz down. He's been high many times before, he will be fine.

Don't mind me... I control myself.

[venomoftechandwar]

I see..

He hummed, fins lowering as he returned to his thoughts- though, when Agean spoke again it knocked him right out of his mind- looking up to the other man.

Oh- Don’t worry, I wasn’t too stressed about it!

He assured, giving a smile as his fins rose.

..

.. And back into thinking, gaze falling to the floor.. He does really have an issue with zoning out, doesn’t he? I guess Ven interests him that much.

[venomoftechandwar]

Paz stood hunched over his desk, head in his hands. Ughh, his mood was ruined. Working on this commission wasn’t helping anything. Hell, he’s just… thrown it against a wall because it wasn’t going well.

He straightened up, dragging his hands across his face. He mumbled a small sorry before making his way over to the now pretty much broken commission, picking it up off the floor.

His fins lowered, anger forming into disappointment. That’s mostly what it was anyways.. he was disappointed with himself. He’d failed Beckett now for.. what, the third time? He failed to teach him or keep him safe all those years back. Now he’s just.. not him. Not who he’s meant to be.

..

.. Fuck, for gods sake get out of your head.

@deep-in-the-w4ter

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Veneno has no idea what happened. He actually would rather not know... That would equal him having to listen to it and require him try and cheer Paz up. Yeah, noo...

So instead, he just sits behind Paz quietly, not even watching him, but instead playing with some parts found in the techlab. Fun to touch.

His presence here probably isn't helping one bit, but he tried to show he cares. That he wants to keep in contact, or something like that.

[venomoftechandwar]

He moved back over to his desk, setting the commission down flat on the table. He took in a small breath, fidgeting with it to try and take it apart- yeah, maybe throwing it wasn’t the smartest idea.. Now that “customer provided” venom is just leaking out of the broken tech, covering his gloves and staining like ink.

He should’ve tested the venom prior to putting it in the contraption to make sure he was immune to it, but he wasn’t really in his right mind to consider that.

He got as much of the venom that he could off of his gloves, putting a drop or too in a small disk. He changed his gloves and reached for a small vial with a scratched up label, pouring just a drop of the substance into the dish, watching closely for any reaction.

.. His foots tapping repeatedly. Faster than the second hand of a clock.

.. Ugh. I doubt he even knows, to be fair.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Even if he tried, Ven... Isn't great at telling apart emotions. Neither his nor others. His focus is on the parts, as he never saw anything like most of these up close.

Accidently, he drops one of the tools he was messing with, which makes a pretty loud 'thud'. With an annoyed sigh, he bends down to grab it. He examines it a little. Actually, he didn't wonder what it is used for when first grabbing it.

Hey Paz?

Good, he finally managed to remember the name, even if it took him a little time.

What is it for? He asks casually, not minding the obvious stress Paz is in. It looks funny.

[venomoftechandwar]

Paz jolts when he hears the loud thud, turning around to quickly see what had dropped. He watches the siren go to grab what had fallen, and lets out a quiet sigh. He was worried something important had fallen, luckily it was just a tool.

His eyes shifted from the tool to the person holding it when he heard his name, spoken in a surprisingly curious or casual way. He looked to the tool when Ven asked what it was. Ah, that was his crimper. Or.. hydraulic crimper.. Manual hydraulic crimper.. It’s a stupidly long name.

It’s used to um.. create strong connections on hydraulic hoses, or wire lugs. That tool’s typically used for more heavy duty stuff.

He explained, looking over the tool one more time before remembering what he was doing- turning to look back at the venom and the liquid.

.. No clear reaction. Hm.

.. He could so something kind of stupid now.. In the name of science, yknow??-

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Mhm... It's fun.

He looks up from the tool at the hybrid. Then, he puts the tool away, not really looking where and stands up. He walks up to Paz and leans close, looking over his shoulder, gaze stopping on the liquid.

What's this?

His tone is similar to the one of a curious kid, pointing at the liquid.

[venomoftechandwar]

Oh, so.. the liquid is sort of a mimick to my nerve cells and responders, it sort of behaves and reacts the way that the not liquid nerves in my body would, or.. close enough to it.

The venom I was given by the customer is a neurotoxin, so it directly affects my nerves and responders, so I watch for reactions between the two.. I’m pretty much watching to see if the venom blocks the nerve signals or “overpowers” it kinda.. just to make sure that if it gets absorbed through my skin I won’t experience paralysis.

.. And, no negative signs have shown..

He looks through the microscope once more, which has always been there and I have not forgotten to mention.

Which makes me wonder..

He hummed, fidgeting with his glove as he moved the microscope away.

//sorry if this is inaccurate or too far fetched im trying to do my research guys.. shh

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Agean... Understand some of it. Venom, toxins, reactions, chemistry, customers... Whatever.

Makes you wonder? He leans even closer, his shoulder touching Pazs.

I don't know much about these things. I never... researched my own. I just sort of accepted it's there.

He shrugs, looking at the microscope. Crazy how long he's been alive and have never seen half or more of the things that are around him now.

How does it work? He points at the microscope.

[venomoftechandwar]

He looked over to Ven when he felt the sirens shoulder go up against his. He didn’t realize how close the siren was. Hm.

That’s fair.. I think I only started researching mine out of.. curiosity? I think? A need to understand it, maybe..

He looked to what Ven pointed to- the microscope, and scooted it carefully towards Agean, angling it to where the eyepieces faced him.

It magnifies whatever’s underneath the lenses. It’s used to reveal what can’t be seen with the naked eye.. Do you want to look?

He gestured, lifting a small hand towards it and pointing to the eyepiece.

Just look through the eyepiece.

He hummed, eyes flickering between the microscope to Veneno.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Yeah i know what it is itself just... Never used one. Or understood how it even works.

He bends down to look. He lets out a little surprised sigh. He's never seen stuff like that... He never even assumed something like that could be interesting. It isn't pretty, not really, but just- something about it amazes him. That's what things really look like?

... It's... Interesting. He mumbles, straightening and looking back at Paz. He doesn't understand anything he just saw, but that doesn't matter much.

I... Like it. Looks nice.

[venomoftechandwar]

He watched Agean bend down to look into the eyepiece, hearing that surprised sigh and amazed glint in his expression. That is sort of poetic.. living so long yet still being able to be amazed by things.

It’s really interesting, right?

He smiled, his fins lifting with his expression. Maybe Veneno staying with him was helping more than he’d initially thought.

He brought the microscope back towards himself, looking through it before letting out a small hum.

By the looks of it, the venom shouldn’t affect me..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Do you think it would work on me?

His voice sounds casual when he asks the question, as if it wasn't possibly lethal.

I could try. Or yours? Do you think it would affect me?

Throughout all the years he's been alive, he's tried a lot of... Possibly lethal things. Poison and venom are a majority of these. Most don't work. And If they do? It works more like a drug, and he doesn't mind that.

[venomoftechandwar]

Oh- hm.. Maybe..

He looked back to the disk with the venom and the substance, setting it aside. Before looking back to Veneno.

I don’t think mine would work on you.. probably.. At most it might make you dizzy, but seeing as you’re a siren.. I wonder if it’d work at all.

He tilted his head, his fins following his movement and expression. His hand fidgeted with his prosthetic silently.

Though, I wonder if I’d be immune to yours.. it could be worth a try?

I could learn more about how it works also..

Do.. you know what your venom does? What it effects when it enters the body?

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

I'd be willing to try.

He smiles... Sort of. Closest to smile Paz has received from him, anyway.

We can... Switch. You know what i mean?

And... Dizziness, hallucinations, nausea... Mostly.... I think.

Yeah... He usually makes sure his targets die right away, he doesn't care for watching the show. But from what he's seen, that's probably about it.

[venomoftechandwar]

He thought for a moment, turning his chair to face Veneno. He could blindly test it, surely he’ll have something in here that could counter the venom.. It’s gotta be similar to something, anyways.

.. Sure

He hummed, standing up as he took off his glove.

If I’m not immune I’ll probably be able to find something before anything escalates to.. well yknow, death.

The ones on my head carry a normal amount of poison, the ones in my arm carry twice the dose..

Who would Paz be if he didn’t satisfy his morbid curiosity?

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

I doubt. I'll make sure to give you only a little, i can control it.

... More or less, but he chooses to leave that part out.

I want you to use the stronger ones. I'll go first.

His voice turned demanding quickly.

He sticks his tongue out, pointing at the spikes the surface is covered in. One lick and the venom is in. Suuure, he has other methods for that. Like his nails or specific places on his skin but...-

... No, no excuses. That's just his thing. He just wants to do it via licking.

[venomoftechandwar]

Alright then,

He nodded to the man’s words, giving a glance to the spines on his arm before looking back to Ven once he said he wanted to go first. He watched the man point at the little spikes on his tongue.

.. He wanted to lick him?

Why that instead of the alternatives? Paz thought he had.. You know what, it’s fine. Any way works, really! Venom’s venom.

He reached him his hand, the back of his hand up. His hand was clean, plus it was about the only bit of exposed skin except the spine covered arm and his head, so..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Agean carefully touches his hand, to not touch the spines. Not yet at least. He brings it to his lips, giving a long lick, quickly drawing blood, venom getting in. The whole time, he focuses on the face of the other man, carefully watching for his reaction.

He's promised to not inject too much, so just in time he pulls away, letting go of Paz's hand.

It usually works really fast.

[venomoftechandwar]

Paz watches as the siren carefully takes his hand and brought it to his lips, before licking the back of his hand. It felt a bit tingly, truly.. He watched Ven let go and pull away afterwards. He brought his hand towards himself, looking at the back of it.

Eyes lifted to Agean when he spoke again, giving a light nod and trying to focus on if there was even a slight change in how he felt.

..

Hm. I don’t feel anything yet..

Could he be immune?? REALLY? To a sirens venom?

.. Maybe all of that exposure and self experimentation really worked off..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

He pulls away, savoring the blood.

Let's wait a little. Just... Five minutes. If nothing happens then... I guess you're immune.

He looks down at Paz's hand, looking at the spines.

Your venom's stronger from these, yes? I want you to use these on me.

He points at the artificial spine, touching it, but not hard enough to draw any blood yet. He won't say it out loud, but it's weirdly exciting.

[venomoftechandwar]

Right.

He hummed, lowering his hand. His fins raised when Ven started speaking, asking him about the spines on his arm.

Yes, typically with these it works.. sort of like needle?

Usually they’re used as a weapon, I take them out of my arm and stick them into the person who I’m fighting, and the venom immediately gets dispersed.. But I don’t think you’d have to be so violent with it. You can truly just do it however you want.

He hummed, his metal hand clasping around the spine Ven had pointed at, taking it out of his arm. He reached it towards the siren.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Does it hurt, ripping it out?

He has to stop himself from just... Grabbing it. Remember, a living person, has feelings, and all that.

Does it just grow back? How often do you have to use it?

The whole situation makes him- somehow happy? If he talks to anyone besides that unicorn, it's a client. Now, there is a man whose presence he genuinely enjoys, and it seems like Paz feels the same. Or maybe it's just Agean making it all up in his head.

[venomoftechandwar]

Mildly.. I’m more or so used to the feeling. It’s mostly just.. kinda fused to my skin. I make it that way, sort of.

He carefully placed the spine into Veneno’s hand, making sure to not accidentally poke him.

It doesn’t grow back, no. I sort of- make them myself, then.. well the way I fuse them into my arm is.. relatively graphic.

Paz did really hold a lot of respect for the siren, outside of fascination.. He was truly good company to have, and Paz really did find he enjoyed being around Agean. He wasn’t the best at outwardly expressing it, but he’d hoped his genuine smiles and expressions were enough to pass that on.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Do you think i could see it one day? How you get these into your arm, i mean.

He's not sure why he would even want to see that. Perhaps just curiosity. He wouldn't mind seeing that, and now that Paz mentioned it? His imagination is working hard.

If you don't mind somebody watching, i mean. But it seems like an interesting... Interesting thing to witness. Can't help but be a little curious about how you do it... Overall...

He stops himself. Okay, admitting to someone straight up that you're curious about them, their anatomy and you're more than interested in finding out more about everything related to them maybe isn't the best thing to do.

[venomoftechandwar]

Oh- sure. I’ll.. tell you when I need to. I don’t mind.

He leans back against his desk, eyes towards Ven as he spoke to him, ankles crossed.

It should be pretty soon.. I’ve been needing to make a new batch. I don’t mind, it just might be.. a bit unnerving to watch, I suppose.

His gaze travelled across the siren, before landing back on his eyes, relatively relaxed. The venom hadn’t yet started to affect him.. Maybe he really is immune? That’s strange, but I guess he should’ve expected it- after years of trying to make himself immune to a various amount of toxins, it probably would work, so..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Agean squeezes the spine in his hand pretty tightly. God he can't wait to feel it- he shouldn't be as happy about possibly getting paralyzed from poison as he is. But who cares? It surely isn't him.

... So it seems like you really are immune.

For a second, he wants to ask if Paz wants Agean to lick him again, but he holds himself back.

Where do i inject? He gestures at the spine in his hand

[venomoftechandwar]

He nodded when Agean made the comment about him being immune, fins lowering to signal he had his guard down.

Yeah, it seems..

He hummed, eyes flickering to the hand that held the spine- before returning eye contact as Agean began speaking again.

Wherever should be fine.. though maybe..

He took one of Ven’s hands, turning his palm up and pressing his finger lightly on his pulse point, (or where it should be) underneath his palm.

.. Maybe here?

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

He relaxes fully when Paz touches his hand. He nods, his grip on the spine also loosening.

Would you like to do it? I won't be struggling, unless you want me to.

Another smile from him- a thing closest to one at least. He doesn't know Paz much, not really. But there's something that makes him want to pounce on the hybrid. He can't quite name it... He will have to talk it out with Atlas later, ask him about that feeling.

[venomoftechandwar]

He looked up to Ven when he started to speak, giving a small chuckle to that last little comment. He held the siren’s hand in his prosthetic. His other hand carefully took the spine out from Ven’s grasp.

Alright.. Hm.

He moved the spine to his pointer finger and thumb, feeling around for a pulse point with his back hand.. Once he’d found one, he carefully pressed the spine down into his skin, holding it there carefully for about 10-20 seconds. Eyes flickered up to Agean, almost double checking that he was fine, or that he hadn’t stuck the spine in uncomfortably.

It shouldn’t take very long.

He hummed quietly, carefully taking out the quill once the time had passed.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

How long is it usually? Instant? A few minutes?

He asks as Paz stucks the spine in. It hurts, sure, but Agean doesn't really show any reaction. Even with the pain, it feels somehow pleasant. Or maybe that's just him being... Him. Probably that...

When Paz takes the spine out, he rolls his wrist with a humm.

Nothing... Nothing much.

A hint of disappointment audible.

[venomoftechandwar]

At times instant.. It depends on the size of the person, their immunity..

He hummed, watching the man roll his wrist. His eyes lifted back to Veneno- his expression furrowing for a bit- hands resting back against the desk.

..

Has Ven’s eyes always looked so glassy? No, he would’ve noticed.. maybe??

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Agean huffs, putting the spine down on the table. Nothing's changed... No, nope, maybe something's changed. His mouth feels a little dry. After years of trying different poisons, substances, he already knows what's up, but he stays quiet.

I see.

He doesn't say anything after. Now it's just a tiny bit awkward silence.

[venomoftechandwar]

Meanwhile Paz is staring intensely towards Agean. Something seems different, he just can’t point it out. He seems stupidly focused about it..

.. has.. anything changed? Do you feel any different?

He finally asks, his voice surprisingly soft- as if he had barely pushed out the words while thinking. He straightened up, head tilting slightly..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

He does. He feels a little more relaxed, and he knows the feelings well- when you have no people to talk to, you have to find some entertainment.

It feels good.

He looks directly at Paz, not concerning himself with how weird it must sound.

[venomoftechandwar]

Good?

He hummed, looking almost confused. He leaned back against the desk, thinking to himself in silence. Hm. He has glossy eyes, if it feels good maybe it’s akin to getting high? Does he face symptoms of being high like a human does?

Dolphins do get high off of pufferfish venom.. Maybe that’s similar to this? Though, neuromuscular toxins and neurotoxins aren’t very similar.. Though- this is a siren, so it could be the case…

..

.. He’s thinking very hard. Understanding Agean means a lot to him..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Good. Sort of.

He clenches his fists, trying to focus on Paz, but he can't help and glance at the spine he just put down. Maybe just a little more? Would Paz let him?

[venomoftechandwar]

His foot tapped quietly as he thought, his gaze aimed at nothing in particular. I mean- he wanted to understand Agean, he WANTED to study him, so he will take this as an advantage to learn more!

He questioned things silently in his head before his eyes lifted towards Ven- head tilting.

.. Are you intoxicated? Do you feel intoxicated? High?

He asked, a bit blatant- but it was important to him!

[venomoftechandwar]

Paz stood hunched over his desk, head in his hands. Ughh, his mood was ruined. Working on this commission wasn’t helping anything. Hell, he’s just… thrown it against a wall because it wasn’t going well.

He straightened up, dragging his hands across his face. He mumbled a small sorry before making his way over to the now pretty much broken commission, picking it up off the floor.

His fins lowered, anger forming into disappointment. That’s mostly what it was anyways.. he was disappointed with himself. He’d failed Beckett now for.. what, the third time? He failed to teach him or keep him safe all those years back. Now he’s just.. not him. Not who he’s meant to be.

..

.. Fuck, for gods sake get out of your head.

@deep-in-the-w4ter

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Veneno has no idea what happened. He actually would rather not know... That would equal him having to listen to it and require him try and cheer Paz up. Yeah, noo...

So instead, he just sits behind Paz quietly, not even watching him, but instead playing with some parts found in the techlab. Fun to touch.

His presence here probably isn't helping one bit, but he tried to show he cares. That he wants to keep in contact, or something like that.

[venomoftechandwar]

He moved back over to his desk, setting the commission down flat on the table. He took in a small breath, fidgeting with it to try and take it apart- yeah, maybe throwing it wasn’t the smartest idea.. Now that “customer provided” venom is just leaking out of the broken tech, covering his gloves and staining like ink.

He should’ve tested the venom prior to putting it in the contraption to make sure he was immune to it, but he wasn’t really in his right mind to consider that.

He got as much of the venom that he could off of his gloves, putting a drop or too in a small disk. He changed his gloves and reached for a small vial with a scratched up label, pouring just a drop of the substance into the dish, watching closely for any reaction.

.. His foots tapping repeatedly. Faster than the second hand of a clock.

.. Ugh. I doubt he even knows, to be fair.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Even if he tried, Ven... Isn't great at telling apart emotions. Neither his nor others. His focus is on the parts, as he never saw anything like most of these up close.

Accidently, he drops one of the tools he was messing with, which makes a pretty loud 'thud'. With an annoyed sigh, he bends down to grab it. He examines it a little. Actually, he didn't wonder what it is used for when first grabbing it.

Hey Paz?

Good, he finally managed to remember the name, even if it took him a little time.

What is it for? He asks casually, not minding the obvious stress Paz is in. It looks funny.

[venomoftechandwar]

Paz jolts when he hears the loud thud, turning around to quickly see what had dropped. He watches the siren go to grab what had fallen, and lets out a quiet sigh. He was worried something important had fallen, luckily it was just a tool.

His eyes shifted from the tool to the person holding it when he heard his name, spoken in a surprisingly curious or casual way. He looked to the tool when Ven asked what it was. Ah, that was his crimper. Or.. hydraulic crimper.. Manual hydraulic crimper.. It’s a stupidly long name.

It’s used to um.. create strong connections on hydraulic hoses, or wire lugs. That tool’s typically used for more heavy duty stuff.

He explained, looking over the tool one more time before remembering what he was doing- turning to look back at the venom and the liquid.

.. No clear reaction. Hm.

.. He could so something kind of stupid now.. In the name of science, yknow??-

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Mhm... It's fun.

He looks up from the tool at the hybrid. Then, he puts the tool away, not really looking where and stands up. He walks up to Paz and leans close, looking over his shoulder, gaze stopping on the liquid.

What's this?

His tone is similar to the one of a curious kid, pointing at the liquid.

[venomoftechandwar]

Oh, so.. the liquid is sort of a mimick to my nerve cells and responders, it sort of behaves and reacts the way that the not liquid nerves in my body would, or.. close enough to it.

The venom I was given by the customer is a neurotoxin, so it directly affects my nerves and responders, so I watch for reactions between the two.. I’m pretty much watching to see if the venom blocks the nerve signals or “overpowers” it kinda.. just to make sure that if it gets absorbed through my skin I won’t experience paralysis.

.. And, no negative signs have shown..

He looks through the microscope once more, which has always been there and I have not forgotten to mention.

Which makes me wonder..

He hummed, fidgeting with his glove as he moved the microscope away.

//sorry if this is inaccurate or too far fetched im trying to do my research guys.. shh

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Agean... Understand some of it. Venom, toxins, reactions, chemistry, customers... Whatever.

Makes you wonder? He leans even closer, his shoulder touching Pazs.

I don't know much about these things. I never... researched my own. I just sort of accepted it's there.

He shrugs, looking at the microscope. Crazy how long he's been alive and have never seen half or more of the things that are around him now.

How does it work? He points at the microscope.

[venomoftechandwar]

He looked over to Ven when he felt the sirens shoulder go up against his. He didn’t realize how close the siren was. Hm.

That’s fair.. I think I only started researching mine out of.. curiosity? I think? A need to understand it, maybe..

He looked to what Ven pointed to- the microscope, and scooted it carefully towards Agean, angling it to where the eyepieces faced him.

It magnifies whatever’s underneath the lenses. It’s used to reveal what can’t be seen with the naked eye.. Do you want to look?

He gestured, lifting a small hand towards it and pointing to the eyepiece.

Just look through the eyepiece.

He hummed, eyes flickering between the microscope to Veneno.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Yeah i know what it is itself just... Never used one. Or understood how it even works.

He bends down to look. He lets out a little surprised sigh. He's never seen stuff like that... He never even assumed something like that could be interesting. It isn't pretty, not really, but just- something about it amazes him. That's what things really look like?

... It's... Interesting. He mumbles, straightening and looking back at Paz. He doesn't understand anything he just saw, but that doesn't matter much.

I... Like it. Looks nice.

[venomoftechandwar]

He watched Agean bend down to look into the eyepiece, hearing that surprised sigh and amazed glint in his expression. That is sort of poetic.. living so long yet still being able to be amazed by things.

It’s really interesting, right?

He smiled, his fins lifting with his expression. Maybe Veneno staying with him was helping more than he’d initially thought.

He brought the microscope back towards himself, looking through it before letting out a small hum.

By the looks of it, the venom shouldn’t affect me..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Do you think it would work on me?

His voice sounds casual when he asks the question, as if it wasn't possibly lethal.

I could try. Or yours? Do you think it would affect me?

Throughout all the years he's been alive, he's tried a lot of... Possibly lethal things. Poison and venom are a majority of these. Most don't work. And If they do? It works more like a drug, and he doesn't mind that.

[venomoftechandwar]

Oh- hm.. Maybe..

He looked back to the disk with the venom and the substance, setting it aside. Before looking back to Veneno.

I don’t think mine would work on you.. probably.. At most it might make you dizzy, but seeing as you’re a siren.. I wonder if it’d work at all.

He tilted his head, his fins following his movement and expression. His hand fidgeted with his prosthetic silently.

Though, I wonder if I’d be immune to yours.. it could be worth a try?

I could learn more about how it works also..

Do.. you know what your venom does? What it effects when it enters the body?

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

I'd be willing to try.

He smiles... Sort of. Closest to smile Paz has received from him, anyway.

We can... Switch. You know what i mean?

And... Dizziness, hallucinations, nausea... Mostly.... I think.

Yeah... He usually makes sure his targets die right away, he doesn't care for watching the show. But from what he's seen, that's probably about it.

[venomoftechandwar]

He thought for a moment, turning his chair to face Veneno. He could blindly test it, surely he’ll have something in here that could counter the venom.. It’s gotta be similar to something, anyways.

.. Sure

He hummed, standing up as he took off his glove.

If I’m not immune I’ll probably be able to find something before anything escalates to.. well yknow, death.

The ones on my head carry a normal amount of poison, the ones in my arm carry twice the dose..

Who would Paz be if he didn’t satisfy his morbid curiosity?

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

I doubt. I'll make sure to give you only a little, i can control it.

... More or less, but he chooses to leave that part out.

I want you to use the stronger ones. I'll go first.

His voice turned demanding quickly.

He sticks his tongue out, pointing at the spikes the surface is covered in. One lick and the venom is in. Suuure, he has other methods for that. Like his nails or specific places on his skin but...-

... No, no excuses. That's just his thing. He just wants to do it via licking.

[venomoftechandwar]

Alright then,

He nodded to the man’s words, giving a glance to the spines on his arm before looking back to Ven once he said he wanted to go first. He watched the man point at the little spikes on his tongue.

.. He wanted to lick him?

Why that instead of the alternatives? Paz thought he had.. You know what, it’s fine. Any way works, really! Venom’s venom.

He reached him his hand, the back of his hand up. His hand was clean, plus it was about the only bit of exposed skin except the spine covered arm and his head, so..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Agean carefully touches his hand, to not touch the spines. Not yet at least. He brings it to his lips, giving a long lick, quickly drawing blood, venom getting in. The whole time, he focuses on the face of the other man, carefully watching for his reaction.

He's promised to not inject too much, so just in time he pulls away, letting go of Paz's hand.

It usually works really fast.

[venomoftechandwar]

Paz watches as the siren carefully takes his hand and brought it to his lips, before licking the back of his hand. It felt a bit tingly, truly.. He watched Ven let go and pull away afterwards. He brought his hand towards himself, looking at the back of it.

Eyes lifted to Agean when he spoke again, giving a light nod and trying to focus on if there was even a slight change in how he felt.

..

Hm. I don’t feel anything yet..

Could he be immune?? REALLY? To a sirens venom?

.. Maybe all of that exposure and self experimentation really worked off..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

He pulls away, savoring the blood.

Let's wait a little. Just... Five minutes. If nothing happens then... I guess you're immune.

He looks down at Paz's hand, looking at the spines.

Your venom's stronger from these, yes? I want you to use these on me.

He points at the artificial spine, touching it, but not hard enough to draw any blood yet. He won't say it out loud, but it's weirdly exciting.

[venomoftechandwar]

Right.

He hummed, lowering his hand. His fins raised when Ven started speaking, asking him about the spines on his arm.

Yes, typically with these it works.. sort of like needle?

Usually they’re used as a weapon, I take them out of my arm and stick them into the person who I’m fighting, and the venom immediately gets dispersed.. But I don’t think you’d have to be so violent with it. You can truly just do it however you want.

He hummed, his metal hand clasping around the spine Ven had pointed at, taking it out of his arm. He reached it towards the siren.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Does it hurt, ripping it out?

He has to stop himself from just... Grabbing it. Remember, a living person, has feelings, and all that.

Does it just grow back? How often do you have to use it?

The whole situation makes him- somehow happy? If he talks to anyone besides that unicorn, it's a client. Now, there is a man whose presence he genuinely enjoys, and it seems like Paz feels the same. Or maybe it's just Agean making it all up in his head.

[venomoftechandwar]

Mildly.. I’m more or so used to the feeling. It’s mostly just.. kinda fused to my skin. I make it that way, sort of.

He carefully placed the spine into Veneno’s hand, making sure to not accidentally poke him.

It doesn’t grow back, no. I sort of- make them myself, then.. well the way I fuse them into my arm is.. relatively graphic.

Paz did really hold a lot of respect for the siren, outside of fascination.. He was truly good company to have, and Paz really did find he enjoyed being around Agean. He wasn’t the best at outwardly expressing it, but he’d hoped his genuine smiles and expressions were enough to pass that on.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Do you think i could see it one day? How you get these into your arm, i mean.

He's not sure why he would even want to see that. Perhaps just curiosity. He wouldn't mind seeing that, and now that Paz mentioned it? His imagination is working hard.

If you don't mind somebody watching, i mean. But it seems like an interesting... Interesting thing to witness. Can't help but be a little curious about how you do it... Overall...

He stops himself. Okay, admitting to someone straight up that you're curious about them, their anatomy and you're more than interested in finding out more about everything related to them maybe isn't the best thing to do.

[venomoftechandwar]

Oh- sure. I’ll.. tell you when I need to. I don’t mind.

He leans back against his desk, eyes towards Ven as he spoke to him, ankles crossed.

It should be pretty soon.. I’ve been needing to make a new batch. I don’t mind, it just might be.. a bit unnerving to watch, I suppose.

His gaze travelled across the siren, before landing back on his eyes, relatively relaxed. The venom hadn’t yet started to affect him.. Maybe he really is immune? That’s strange, but I guess he should’ve expected it- after years of trying to make himself immune to a various amount of toxins, it probably would work, so..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Agean squeezes the spine in his hand pretty tightly. God he can't wait to feel it- he shouldn't be as happy about possibly getting paralyzed from poison as he is. But who cares? It surely isn't him.

... So it seems like you really are immune.

For a second, he wants to ask if Paz wants Agean to lick him again, but he holds himself back.

Where do i inject? He gestures at the spine in his hand

[venomoftechandwar]

He nodded when Agean made the comment about him being immune, fins lowering to signal he had his guard down.

Yeah, it seems..

He hummed, eyes flickering to the hand that held the spine- before returning eye contact as Agean began speaking again.

Wherever should be fine.. though maybe..

He took one of Ven’s hands, turning his palm up and pressing his finger lightly on his pulse point, (or where it should be) underneath his palm.

.. Maybe here?

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

He relaxes fully when Paz touches his hand. He nods, his grip on the spine also loosening.

Would you like to do it? I won't be struggling, unless you want me to.

Another smile from him- a thing closest to one at least. He doesn't know Paz much, not really. But there's something that makes him want to pounce on the hybrid. He can't quite name it... He will have to talk it out with Atlas later, ask him about that feeling.

[venomoftechandwar]

He looked up to Ven when he started to speak, giving a small chuckle to that last little comment. He held the siren’s hand in his prosthetic. His other hand carefully took the spine out from Ven’s grasp.

Alright.. Hm.

He moved the spine to his pointer finger and thumb, feeling around for a pulse point with his back hand.. Once he’d found one, he carefully pressed the spine down into his skin, holding it there carefully for about 10-20 seconds. Eyes flickered up to Agean, almost double checking that he was fine, or that he hadn’t stuck the spine in uncomfortably.

It shouldn’t take very long.

He hummed quietly, carefully taking out the quill once the time had passed.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

How long is it usually? Instant? A few minutes?

He asks as Paz stucks the spine in. It hurts, sure, but Agean doesn't really show any reaction. Even with the pain, it feels somehow pleasant. Or maybe that's just him being... Him. Probably that...

When Paz takes the spine out, he rolls his wrist with a humm.

Nothing... Nothing much.

A hint of disappointment audible.

[venomoftechandwar]

At times instant.. It depends on the size of the person, their immunity..

He hummed, watching the man roll his wrist. His eyes lifted back to Veneno- his expression furrowing for a bit- hands resting back against the desk.

..

Has Ven’s eyes always looked so glassy? No, he would’ve noticed.. maybe??

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Agean huffs, putting the spine down on the table. Nothing's changed... No, nope, maybe something's changed. His mouth feels a little dry. After years of trying different poisons, substances, he already knows what's up, but he stays quiet.

I see.

He doesn't say anything after. Now it's just a tiny bit awkward silence.

[venomoftechandwar]

Meanwhile Paz is staring intensely towards Agean. Something seems different, he just can’t point it out. He seems stupidly focused about it..

.. has.. anything changed? Do you feel any different?

He finally asks, his voice surprisingly soft- as if he had barely pushed out the words while thinking. He straightened up, head tilting slightly..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

He does. He feels a little more relaxed, and he knows the feelings well- when you have no people to talk to, you have to find some entertainment.

It feels good.

He looks directly at Paz, not concerning himself with how weird it must sound.

[venomoftechandwar]

Good?

He hummed, looking almost confused. He leaned back against the desk, thinking to himself in silence. Hm. He has glossy eyes, if it feels good maybe it’s akin to getting high? Does he face symptoms of being high like a human does?

Dolphins do get high off of pufferfish venom.. Maybe that’s similar to this? Though, neuromuscular toxins and neurotoxins aren’t very similar.. Though- this is a siren, so it could be the case…

..

.. He’s thinking very hard. Understanding Agean means a lot to him..

[venomoftechandwar]

Paz stood hunched over his desk, head in his hands. Ughh, his mood was ruined. Working on this commission wasn’t helping anything. Hell, he’s just… thrown it against a wall because it wasn’t going well.

He straightened up, dragging his hands across his face. He mumbled a small sorry before making his way over to the now pretty much broken commission, picking it up off the floor.

His fins lowered, anger forming into disappointment. That’s mostly what it was anyways.. he was disappointed with himself. He’d failed Beckett now for.. what, the third time? He failed to teach him or keep him safe all those years back. Now he’s just.. not him. Not who he’s meant to be.

..

.. Fuck, for gods sake get out of your head.

@deep-in-the-w4ter

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Veneno has no idea what happened. He actually would rather not know... That would equal him having to listen to it and require him try and cheer Paz up. Yeah, noo...

So instead, he just sits behind Paz quietly, not even watching him, but instead playing with some parts found in the techlab. Fun to touch.

His presence here probably isn't helping one bit, but he tried to show he cares. That he wants to keep in contact, or something like that.

[venomoftechandwar]

He moved back over to his desk, setting the commission down flat on the table. He took in a small breath, fidgeting with it to try and take it apart- yeah, maybe throwing it wasn’t the smartest idea.. Now that “customer provided” venom is just leaking out of the broken tech, covering his gloves and staining like ink.

He should’ve tested the venom prior to putting it in the contraption to make sure he was immune to it, but he wasn’t really in his right mind to consider that.

He got as much of the venom that he could off of his gloves, putting a drop or too in a small disk. He changed his gloves and reached for a small vial with a scratched up label, pouring just a drop of the substance into the dish, watching closely for any reaction.

.. His foots tapping repeatedly. Faster than the second hand of a clock.

.. Ugh. I doubt he even knows, to be fair.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Even if he tried, Ven... Isn't great at telling apart emotions. Neither his nor others. His focus is on the parts, as he never saw anything like most of these up close.

Accidently, he drops one of the tools he was messing with, which makes a pretty loud 'thud'. With an annoyed sigh, he bends down to grab it. He examines it a little. Actually, he didn't wonder what it is used for when first grabbing it.

Hey Paz?

Good, he finally managed to remember the name, even if it took him a little time.

What is it for? He asks casually, not minding the obvious stress Paz is in. It looks funny.

[venomoftechandwar]

Paz jolts when he hears the loud thud, turning around to quickly see what had dropped. He watches the siren go to grab what had fallen, and lets out a quiet sigh. He was worried something important had fallen, luckily it was just a tool.

His eyes shifted from the tool to the person holding it when he heard his name, spoken in a surprisingly curious or casual way. He looked to the tool when Ven asked what it was. Ah, that was his crimper. Or.. hydraulic crimper.. Manual hydraulic crimper.. It’s a stupidly long name.

It’s used to um.. create strong connections on hydraulic hoses, or wire lugs. That tool’s typically used for more heavy duty stuff.

He explained, looking over the tool one more time before remembering what he was doing- turning to look back at the venom and the liquid.

.. No clear reaction. Hm.

.. He could so something kind of stupid now.. In the name of science, yknow??-

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Mhm... It's fun.

He looks up from the tool at the hybrid. Then, he puts the tool away, not really looking where and stands up. He walks up to Paz and leans close, looking over his shoulder, gaze stopping on the liquid.

What's this?

His tone is similar to the one of a curious kid, pointing at the liquid.

[venomoftechandwar]

Oh, so.. the liquid is sort of a mimick to my nerve cells and responders, it sort of behaves and reacts the way that the not liquid nerves in my body would, or.. close enough to it.

The venom I was given by the customer is a neurotoxin, so it directly affects my nerves and responders, so I watch for reactions between the two.. I’m pretty much watching to see if the venom blocks the nerve signals or “overpowers” it kinda.. just to make sure that if it gets absorbed through my skin I won’t experience paralysis.

.. And, no negative signs have shown..

He looks through the microscope once more, which has always been there and I have not forgotten to mention.

Which makes me wonder..

He hummed, fidgeting with his glove as he moved the microscope away.

//sorry if this is inaccurate or too far fetched im trying to do my research guys.. shh

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Agean... Understand some of it. Venom, toxins, reactions, chemistry, customers... Whatever.

Makes you wonder? He leans even closer, his shoulder touching Pazs.

I don't know much about these things. I never... researched my own. I just sort of accepted it's there.

He shrugs, looking at the microscope. Crazy how long he's been alive and have never seen half or more of the things that are around him now.

How does it work? He points at the microscope.

[venomoftechandwar]

He looked over to Ven when he felt the sirens shoulder go up against his. He didn’t realize how close the siren was. Hm.

That’s fair.. I think I only started researching mine out of.. curiosity? I think? A need to understand it, maybe..

He looked to what Ven pointed to- the microscope, and scooted it carefully towards Agean, angling it to where the eyepieces faced him.

It magnifies whatever’s underneath the lenses. It’s used to reveal what can’t be seen with the naked eye.. Do you want to look?

He gestured, lifting a small hand towards it and pointing to the eyepiece.

Just look through the eyepiece.

He hummed, eyes flickering between the microscope to Veneno.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Yeah i know what it is itself just... Never used one. Or understood how it even works.

He bends down to look. He lets out a little surprised sigh. He's never seen stuff like that... He never even assumed something like that could be interesting. It isn't pretty, not really, but just- something about it amazes him. That's what things really look like?

... It's... Interesting. He mumbles, straightening and looking back at Paz. He doesn't understand anything he just saw, but that doesn't matter much.

I... Like it. Looks nice.

[venomoftechandwar]

He watched Agean bend down to look into the eyepiece, hearing that surprised sigh and amazed glint in his expression. That is sort of poetic.. living so long yet still being able to be amazed by things.

It’s really interesting, right?

He smiled, his fins lifting with his expression. Maybe Veneno staying with him was helping more than he’d initially thought.

He brought the microscope back towards himself, looking through it before letting out a small hum.

By the looks of it, the venom shouldn’t affect me..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Do you think it would work on me?

His voice sounds casual when he asks the question, as if it wasn't possibly lethal.

I could try. Or yours? Do you think it would affect me?

Throughout all the years he's been alive, he's tried a lot of... Possibly lethal things. Poison and venom are a majority of these. Most don't work. And If they do? It works more like a drug, and he doesn't mind that.

[venomoftechandwar]

Oh- hm.. Maybe..

He looked back to the disk with the venom and the substance, setting it aside. Before looking back to Veneno.

I don’t think mine would work on you.. probably.. At most it might make you dizzy, but seeing as you’re a siren.. I wonder if it’d work at all.

He tilted his head, his fins following his movement and expression. His hand fidgeted with his prosthetic silently.

Though, I wonder if I’d be immune to yours.. it could be worth a try?

I could learn more about how it works also..

Do.. you know what your venom does? What it effects when it enters the body?

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

I'd be willing to try.

He smiles... Sort of. Closest to smile Paz has received from him, anyway.

We can... Switch. You know what i mean?

And... Dizziness, hallucinations, nausea... Mostly.... I think.

Yeah... He usually makes sure his targets die right away, he doesn't care for watching the show. But from what he's seen, that's probably about it.

[venomoftechandwar]

He thought for a moment, turning his chair to face Veneno. He could blindly test it, surely he’ll have something in here that could counter the venom.. It’s gotta be similar to something, anyways.

.. Sure

He hummed, standing up as he took off his glove.

If I’m not immune I’ll probably be able to find something before anything escalates to.. well yknow, death.

The ones on my head carry a normal amount of poison, the ones in my arm carry twice the dose..

Who would Paz be if he didn’t satisfy his morbid curiosity?

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

I doubt. I'll make sure to give you only a little, i can control it.

... More or less, but he chooses to leave that part out.

I want you to use the stronger ones. I'll go first.

His voice turned demanding quickly.

He sticks his tongue out, pointing at the spikes the surface is covered in. One lick and the venom is in. Suuure, he has other methods for that. Like his nails or specific places on his skin but...-

... No, no excuses. That's just his thing. He just wants to do it via licking.

[venomoftechandwar]

Alright then,

He nodded to the man’s words, giving a glance to the spines on his arm before looking back to Ven once he said he wanted to go first. He watched the man point at the little spikes on his tongue.

.. He wanted to lick him?

Why that instead of the alternatives? Paz thought he had.. You know what, it’s fine. Any way works, really! Venom’s venom.

He reached him his hand, the back of his hand up. His hand was clean, plus it was about the only bit of exposed skin except the spine covered arm and his head, so..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Agean carefully touches his hand, to not touch the spines. Not yet at least. He brings it to his lips, giving a long lick, quickly drawing blood, venom getting in. The whole time, he focuses on the face of the other man, carefully watching for his reaction.

He's promised to not inject too much, so just in time he pulls away, letting go of Paz's hand.

It usually works really fast.

[venomoftechandwar]

Paz watches as the siren carefully takes his hand and brought it to his lips, before licking the back of his hand. It felt a bit tingly, truly.. He watched Ven let go and pull away afterwards. He brought his hand towards himself, looking at the back of it.

Eyes lifted to Agean when he spoke again, giving a light nod and trying to focus on if there was even a slight change in how he felt.

..

Hm. I don’t feel anything yet..

Could he be immune?? REALLY? To a sirens venom?

.. Maybe all of that exposure and self experimentation really worked off..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

He pulls away, savoring the blood.

Let's wait a little. Just... Five minutes. If nothing happens then... I guess you're immune.

He looks down at Paz's hand, looking at the spines.

Your venom's stronger from these, yes? I want you to use these on me.

He points at the artificial spine, touching it, but not hard enough to draw any blood yet. He won't say it out loud, but it's weirdly exciting.

[venomoftechandwar]

Right.

He hummed, lowering his hand. His fins raised when Ven started speaking, asking him about the spines on his arm.

Yes, typically with these it works.. sort of like needle?

Usually they’re used as a weapon, I take them out of my arm and stick them into the person who I’m fighting, and the venom immediately gets dispersed.. But I don’t think you’d have to be so violent with it. You can truly just do it however you want.

He hummed, his metal hand clasping around the spine Ven had pointed at, taking it out of his arm. He reached it towards the siren.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Does it hurt, ripping it out?

He has to stop himself from just... Grabbing it. Remember, a living person, has feelings, and all that.

Does it just grow back? How often do you have to use it?

The whole situation makes him- somehow happy? If he talks to anyone besides that unicorn, it's a client. Now, there is a man whose presence he genuinely enjoys, and it seems like Paz feels the same. Or maybe it's just Agean making it all up in his head.

[venomoftechandwar]

Mildly.. I’m more or so used to the feeling. It’s mostly just.. kinda fused to my skin. I make it that way, sort of.

He carefully placed the spine into Veneno’s hand, making sure to not accidentally poke him.

It doesn’t grow back, no. I sort of- make them myself, then.. well the way I fuse them into my arm is.. relatively graphic.

Paz did really hold a lot of respect for the siren, outside of fascination.. He was truly good company to have, and Paz really did find he enjoyed being around Agean. He wasn’t the best at outwardly expressing it, but he’d hoped his genuine smiles and expressions were enough to pass that on.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Do you think i could see it one day? How you get these into your arm, i mean.

He's not sure why he would even want to see that. Perhaps just curiosity. He wouldn't mind seeing that, and now that Paz mentioned it? His imagination is working hard.

If you don't mind somebody watching, i mean. But it seems like an interesting... Interesting thing to witness. Can't help but be a little curious about how you do it... Overall...

He stops himself. Okay, admitting to someone straight up that you're curious about them, their anatomy and you're more than interested in finding out more about everything related to them maybe isn't the best thing to do.

[venomoftechandwar]

Oh- sure. I’ll.. tell you when I need to. I don’t mind.

He leans back against his desk, eyes towards Ven as he spoke to him, ankles crossed.

It should be pretty soon.. I’ve been needing to make a new batch. I don’t mind, it just might be.. a bit unnerving to watch, I suppose.

His gaze travelled across the siren, before landing back on his eyes, relatively relaxed. The venom hadn’t yet started to affect him.. Maybe he really is immune? That’s strange, but I guess he should’ve expected it- after years of trying to make himself immune to a various amount of toxins, it probably would work, so..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Agean squeezes the spine in his hand pretty tightly. God he can't wait to feel it- he shouldn't be as happy about possibly getting paralyzed from poison as he is. But who cares? It surely isn't him.

... So it seems like you really are immune.

For a second, he wants to ask if Paz wants Agean to lick him again, but he holds himself back.

Where do i inject? He gestures at the spine in his hand

[venomoftechandwar]

He nodded when Agean made the comment about him being immune, fins lowering to signal he had his guard down.

Yeah, it seems..

He hummed, eyes flickering to the hand that held the spine- before returning eye contact as Agean began speaking again.

Wherever should be fine.. though maybe..

He took one of Ven’s hands, turning his palm up and pressing his finger lightly on his pulse point, (or where it should be) underneath his palm.

.. Maybe here?

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

He relaxes fully when Paz touches his hand. He nods, his grip on the spine also loosening.

Would you like to do it? I won't be struggling, unless you want me to.

Another smile from him- a thing closest to one at least. He doesn't know Paz much, not really. But there's something that makes him want to pounce on the hybrid. He can't quite name it... He will have to talk it out with Atlas later, ask him about that feeling.

[venomoftechandwar]

He looked up to Ven when he started to speak, giving a small chuckle to that last little comment. He held the siren’s hand in his prosthetic. His other hand carefully took the spine out from Ven’s grasp.

Alright.. Hm.

He moved the spine to his pointer finger and thumb, feeling around for a pulse point with his back hand.. Once he’d found one, he carefully pressed the spine down into his skin, holding it there carefully for about 10-20 seconds. Eyes flickered up to Agean, almost double checking that he was fine, or that he hadn’t stuck the spine in uncomfortably.

It shouldn’t take very long.

He hummed quietly, carefully taking out the quill once the time had passed.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

How long is it usually? Instant? A few minutes?

He asks as Paz stucks the spine in. It hurts, sure, but Agean doesn't really show any reaction. Even with the pain, it feels somehow pleasant. Or maybe that's just him being... Him. Probably that...

When Paz takes the spine out, he rolls his wrist with a humm.

Nothing... Nothing much.

A hint of disappointment audible.

[venomoftechandwar]

At times instant.. It depends on the size of the person, their immunity..

He hummed, watching the man roll his wrist. His eyes lifted back to Veneno- his expression furrowing for a bit- hands resting back against the desk.

..

Has Ven’s eyes always looked so glassy? No, he would’ve noticed.. maybe??

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Agean huffs, putting the spine down on the table. Nothing's changed... No, nope, maybe something's changed. His mouth feels a little dry. After years of trying different poisons, substances, he already knows what's up, but he stays quiet.

I see.

He doesn't say anything after. Now it's just a tiny bit awkward silence.

[venomoftechandwar]

Meanwhile Paz is staring intensely towards Agean. Something seems different, he just can’t point it out. He seems stupidly focused about it..

.. has.. anything changed? Do you feel any different?

He finally asks, his voice surprisingly soft- as if he had barely pushed out the words while thinking. He straightened up, head tilting slightly..

[venomoftechandwar]

Paz stood hunched over his desk, head in his hands. Ughh, his mood was ruined. Working on this commission wasn’t helping anything. Hell, he’s just… thrown it against a wall because it wasn’t going well.

He straightened up, dragging his hands across his face. He mumbled a small sorry before making his way over to the now pretty much broken commission, picking it up off the floor.

His fins lowered, anger forming into disappointment. That’s mostly what it was anyways.. he was disappointed with himself. He’d failed Beckett now for.. what, the third time? He failed to teach him or keep him safe all those years back. Now he’s just.. not him. Not who he’s meant to be.

..

.. Fuck, for gods sake get out of your head.

@deep-in-the-w4ter

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Veneno has no idea what happened. He actually would rather not know... That would equal him having to listen to it and require him try and cheer Paz up. Yeah, noo...

So instead, he just sits behind Paz quietly, not even watching him, but instead playing with some parts found in the techlab. Fun to touch.

His presence here probably isn't helping one bit, but he tried to show he cares. That he wants to keep in contact, or something like that.

[venomoftechandwar]

He moved back over to his desk, setting the commission down flat on the table. He took in a small breath, fidgeting with it to try and take it apart- yeah, maybe throwing it wasn’t the smartest idea.. Now that “customer provided” venom is just leaking out of the broken tech, covering his gloves and staining like ink.

He should’ve tested the venom prior to putting it in the contraption to make sure he was immune to it, but he wasn’t really in his right mind to consider that.

He got as much of the venom that he could off of his gloves, putting a drop or too in a small disk. He changed his gloves and reached for a small vial with a scratched up label, pouring just a drop of the substance into the dish, watching closely for any reaction.

.. His foots tapping repeatedly. Faster than the second hand of a clock.

.. Ugh. I doubt he even knows, to be fair.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Even if he tried, Ven... Isn't great at telling apart emotions. Neither his nor others. His focus is on the parts, as he never saw anything like most of these up close.

Accidently, he drops one of the tools he was messing with, which makes a pretty loud 'thud'. With an annoyed sigh, he bends down to grab it. He examines it a little. Actually, he didn't wonder what it is used for when first grabbing it.

Hey Paz?

Good, he finally managed to remember the name, even if it took him a little time.

What is it for? He asks casually, not minding the obvious stress Paz is in. It looks funny.

[venomoftechandwar]

Paz jolts when he hears the loud thud, turning around to quickly see what had dropped. He watches the siren go to grab what had fallen, and lets out a quiet sigh. He was worried something important had fallen, luckily it was just a tool.

His eyes shifted from the tool to the person holding it when he heard his name, spoken in a surprisingly curious or casual way. He looked to the tool when Ven asked what it was. Ah, that was his crimper. Or.. hydraulic crimper.. Manual hydraulic crimper.. It’s a stupidly long name.

It’s used to um.. create strong connections on hydraulic hoses, or wire lugs. That tool’s typically used for more heavy duty stuff.

He explained, looking over the tool one more time before remembering what he was doing- turning to look back at the venom and the liquid.

.. No clear reaction. Hm.

.. He could so something kind of stupid now.. In the name of science, yknow??-

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Mhm... It's fun.

He looks up from the tool at the hybrid. Then, he puts the tool away, not really looking where and stands up. He walks up to Paz and leans close, looking over his shoulder, gaze stopping on the liquid.

What's this?

His tone is similar to the one of a curious kid, pointing at the liquid.

[venomoftechandwar]

Oh, so.. the liquid is sort of a mimick to my nerve cells and responders, it sort of behaves and reacts the way that the not liquid nerves in my body would, or.. close enough to it.

The venom I was given by the customer is a neurotoxin, so it directly affects my nerves and responders, so I watch for reactions between the two.. I’m pretty much watching to see if the venom blocks the nerve signals or “overpowers” it kinda.. just to make sure that if it gets absorbed through my skin I won’t experience paralysis.

.. And, no negative signs have shown..

He looks through the microscope once more, which has always been there and I have not forgotten to mention.

Which makes me wonder..

He hummed, fidgeting with his glove as he moved the microscope away.

//sorry if this is inaccurate or too far fetched im trying to do my research guys.. shh

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Agean... Understand some of it. Venom, toxins, reactions, chemistry, customers... Whatever.

Makes you wonder? He leans even closer, his shoulder touching Pazs.

I don't know much about these things. I never... researched my own. I just sort of accepted it's there.

He shrugs, looking at the microscope. Crazy how long he's been alive and have never seen half or more of the things that are around him now.

How does it work? He points at the microscope.

[venomoftechandwar]

He looked over to Ven when he felt the sirens shoulder go up against his. He didn’t realize how close the siren was. Hm.

That’s fair.. I think I only started researching mine out of.. curiosity? I think? A need to understand it, maybe..

He looked to what Ven pointed to- the microscope, and scooted it carefully towards Agean, angling it to where the eyepieces faced him.

It magnifies whatever’s underneath the lenses. It’s used to reveal what can’t be seen with the naked eye.. Do you want to look?

He gestured, lifting a small hand towards it and pointing to the eyepiece.

Just look through the eyepiece.

He hummed, eyes flickering between the microscope to Veneno.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Yeah i know what it is itself just... Never used one. Or understood how it even works.

He bends down to look. He lets out a little surprised sigh. He's never seen stuff like that... He never even assumed something like that could be interesting. It isn't pretty, not really, but just- something about it amazes him. That's what things really look like?

... It's... Interesting. He mumbles, straightening and looking back at Paz. He doesn't understand anything he just saw, but that doesn't matter much.

I... Like it. Looks nice.

[venomoftechandwar]

He watched Agean bend down to look into the eyepiece, hearing that surprised sigh and amazed glint in his expression. That is sort of poetic.. living so long yet still being able to be amazed by things.

It’s really interesting, right?

He smiled, his fins lifting with his expression. Maybe Veneno staying with him was helping more than he’d initially thought.

He brought the microscope back towards himself, looking through it before letting out a small hum.

By the looks of it, the venom shouldn’t affect me..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Do you think it would work on me?

His voice sounds casual when he asks the question, as if it wasn't possibly lethal.

I could try. Or yours? Do you think it would affect me?

Throughout all the years he's been alive, he's tried a lot of... Possibly lethal things. Poison and venom are a majority of these. Most don't work. And If they do? It works more like a drug, and he doesn't mind that.

[venomoftechandwar]

Oh- hm.. Maybe..

He looked back to the disk with the venom and the substance, setting it aside. Before looking back to Veneno.

I don’t think mine would work on you.. probably.. At most it might make you dizzy, but seeing as you’re a siren.. I wonder if it’d work at all.

He tilted his head, his fins following his movement and expression. His hand fidgeted with his prosthetic silently.

Though, I wonder if I’d be immune to yours.. it could be worth a try?

I could learn more about how it works also..

Do.. you know what your venom does? What it effects when it enters the body?

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

I'd be willing to try.

He smiles... Sort of. Closest to smile Paz has received from him, anyway.

We can... Switch. You know what i mean?

And... Dizziness, hallucinations, nausea... Mostly.... I think.

Yeah... He usually makes sure his targets die right away, he doesn't care for watching the show. But from what he's seen, that's probably about it.

[venomoftechandwar]

He thought for a moment, turning his chair to face Veneno. He could blindly test it, surely he’ll have something in here that could counter the venom.. It’s gotta be similar to something, anyways.

.. Sure

He hummed, standing up as he took off his glove.

If I’m not immune I’ll probably be able to find something before anything escalates to.. well yknow, death.

The ones on my head carry a normal amount of poison, the ones in my arm carry twice the dose..

Who would Paz be if he didn’t satisfy his morbid curiosity?

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

I doubt. I'll make sure to give you only a little, i can control it.

... More or less, but he chooses to leave that part out.

I want you to use the stronger ones. I'll go first.

His voice turned demanding quickly.

He sticks his tongue out, pointing at the spikes the surface is covered in. One lick and the venom is in. Suuure, he has other methods for that. Like his nails or specific places on his skin but...-

... No, no excuses. That's just his thing. He just wants to do it via licking.

[venomoftechandwar]

Alright then,

He nodded to the man’s words, giving a glance to the spines on his arm before looking back to Ven once he said he wanted to go first. He watched the man point at the little spikes on his tongue.

.. He wanted to lick him?

Why that instead of the alternatives? Paz thought he had.. You know what, it’s fine. Any way works, really! Venom’s venom.

He reached him his hand, the back of his hand up. His hand was clean, plus it was about the only bit of exposed skin except the spine covered arm and his head, so..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Agean carefully touches his hand, to not touch the spines. Not yet at least. He brings it to his lips, giving a long lick, quickly drawing blood, venom getting in. The whole time, he focuses on the face of the other man, carefully watching for his reaction.

He's promised to not inject too much, so just in time he pulls away, letting go of Paz's hand.

It usually works really fast.

[venomoftechandwar]

Paz watches as the siren carefully takes his hand and brought it to his lips, before licking the back of his hand. It felt a bit tingly, truly.. He watched Ven let go and pull away afterwards. He brought his hand towards himself, looking at the back of it.

Eyes lifted to Agean when he spoke again, giving a light nod and trying to focus on if there was even a slight change in how he felt.

..

Hm. I don’t feel anything yet..

Could he be immune?? REALLY? To a sirens venom?

.. Maybe all of that exposure and self experimentation really worked off..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

He pulls away, savoring the blood.

Let's wait a little. Just... Five minutes. If nothing happens then... I guess you're immune.

He looks down at Paz's hand, looking at the spines.

Your venom's stronger from these, yes? I want you to use these on me.

He points at the artificial spine, touching it, but not hard enough to draw any blood yet. He won't say it out loud, but it's weirdly exciting.

[venomoftechandwar]

Right.

He hummed, lowering his hand. His fins raised when Ven started speaking, asking him about the spines on his arm.

Yes, typically with these it works.. sort of like needle?

Usually they’re used as a weapon, I take them out of my arm and stick them into the person who I’m fighting, and the venom immediately gets dispersed.. But I don’t think you’d have to be so violent with it. You can truly just do it however you want.

He hummed, his metal hand clasping around the spine Ven had pointed at, taking it out of his arm. He reached it towards the siren.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Does it hurt, ripping it out?

He has to stop himself from just... Grabbing it. Remember, a living person, has feelings, and all that.

Does it just grow back? How often do you have to use it?

The whole situation makes him- somehow happy? If he talks to anyone besides that unicorn, it's a client. Now, there is a man whose presence he genuinely enjoys, and it seems like Paz feels the same. Or maybe it's just Agean making it all up in his head.

[venomoftechandwar]

Mildly.. I’m more or so used to the feeling. It’s mostly just.. kinda fused to my skin. I make it that way, sort of.

He carefully placed the spine into Veneno’s hand, making sure to not accidentally poke him.

It doesn’t grow back, no. I sort of- make them myself, then.. well the way I fuse them into my arm is.. relatively graphic.

Paz did really hold a lot of respect for the siren, outside of fascination.. He was truly good company to have, and Paz really did find he enjoyed being around Agean. He wasn’t the best at outwardly expressing it, but he’d hoped his genuine smiles and expressions were enough to pass that on.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Do you think i could see it one day? How you get these into your arm, i mean.

He's not sure why he would even want to see that. Perhaps just curiosity. He wouldn't mind seeing that, and now that Paz mentioned it? His imagination is working hard.

If you don't mind somebody watching, i mean. But it seems like an interesting... Interesting thing to witness. Can't help but be a little curious about how you do it... Overall...

He stops himself. Okay, admitting to someone straight up that you're curious about them, their anatomy and you're more than interested in finding out more about everything related to them maybe isn't the best thing to do.

[venomoftechandwar]

Oh- sure. I’ll.. tell you when I need to. I don’t mind.

He leans back against his desk, eyes towards Ven as he spoke to him, ankles crossed.

It should be pretty soon.. I’ve been needing to make a new batch. I don’t mind, it just might be.. a bit unnerving to watch, I suppose.

His gaze travelled across the siren, before landing back on his eyes, relatively relaxed. The venom hadn’t yet started to affect him.. Maybe he really is immune? That’s strange, but I guess he should’ve expected it- after years of trying to make himself immune to a various amount of toxins, it probably would work, so..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Agean squeezes the spine in his hand pretty tightly. God he can't wait to feel it- he shouldn't be as happy about possibly getting paralyzed from poison as he is. But who cares? It surely isn't him.

... So it seems like you really are immune.

For a second, he wants to ask if Paz wants Agean to lick him again, but he holds himself back.

Where do i inject? He gestures at the spine in his hand

[venomoftechandwar]

He nodded when Agean made the comment about him being immune, fins lowering to signal he had his guard down.

Yeah, it seems..

He hummed, eyes flickering to the hand that held the spine- before returning eye contact as Agean began speaking again.

Wherever should be fine.. though maybe..

He took one of Ven’s hands, turning his palm up and pressing his finger lightly on his pulse point, (or where it should be) underneath his palm.

.. Maybe here?

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

He relaxes fully when Paz touches his hand. He nods, his grip on the spine also loosening.

Would you like to do it? I won't be struggling, unless you want me to.

Another smile from him- a thing closest to one at least. He doesn't know Paz much, not really. But there's something that makes him want to pounce on the hybrid. He can't quite name it... He will have to talk it out with Atlas later, ask him about that feeling.

[venomoftechandwar]

He looked up to Ven when he started to speak, giving a small chuckle to that last little comment. He held the siren’s hand in his prosthetic. His other hand carefully took the spine out from Ven’s grasp.

Alright.. Hm.

He moved the spine to his pointer finger and thumb, feeling around for a pulse point with his back hand.. Once he’d found one, he carefully pressed the spine down into his skin, holding it there carefully for about 10-20 seconds. Eyes flickered up to Agean, almost double checking that he was fine, or that he hadn’t stuck the spine in uncomfortably.

It shouldn’t take very long.

He hummed quietly, carefully taking out the quill once the time had passed.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

How long is it usually? Instant? A few minutes?

He asks as Paz stucks the spine in. It hurts, sure, but Agean doesn't really show any reaction. Even with the pain, it feels somehow pleasant. Or maybe that's just him being... Him. Probably that...

When Paz takes the spine out, he rolls his wrist with a humm.

Nothing... Nothing much.

A hint of disappointment audible.

[venomoftechandwar]

At times instant.. It depends on the size of the person, their immunity..

He hummed, watching the man roll his wrist. His eyes lifted back to Veneno- his expression furrowing for a bit- hands resting back against the desk.

..

Has Ven’s eyes always looked so glassy? No, he would’ve noticed.. maybe??

[venomoftechandwar]

Paz stood hunched over his desk, head in his hands. Ughh, his mood was ruined. Working on this commission wasn’t helping anything. Hell, he’s just… thrown it against a wall because it wasn’t going well.

He straightened up, dragging his hands across his face. He mumbled a small sorry before making his way over to the now pretty much broken commission, picking it up off the floor.

His fins lowered, anger forming into disappointment. That’s mostly what it was anyways.. he was disappointed with himself. He’d failed Beckett now for.. what, the third time? He failed to teach him or keep him safe all those years back. Now he’s just.. not him. Not who he’s meant to be.

..

.. Fuck, for gods sake get out of your head.

@deep-in-the-w4ter

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Veneno has no idea what happened. He actually would rather not know... That would equal him having to listen to it and require him try and cheer Paz up. Yeah, noo...

So instead, he just sits behind Paz quietly, not even watching him, but instead playing with some parts found in the techlab. Fun to touch.

His presence here probably isn't helping one bit, but he tried to show he cares. That he wants to keep in contact, or something like that.

[venomoftechandwar]

He moved back over to his desk, setting the commission down flat on the table. He took in a small breath, fidgeting with it to try and take it apart- yeah, maybe throwing it wasn’t the smartest idea.. Now that “customer provided” venom is just leaking out of the broken tech, covering his gloves and staining like ink.

He should’ve tested the venom prior to putting it in the contraption to make sure he was immune to it, but he wasn’t really in his right mind to consider that.

He got as much of the venom that he could off of his gloves, putting a drop or too in a small disk. He changed his gloves and reached for a small vial with a scratched up label, pouring just a drop of the substance into the dish, watching closely for any reaction.

.. His foots tapping repeatedly. Faster than the second hand of a clock.

.. Ugh. I doubt he even knows, to be fair.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Even if he tried, Ven... Isn't great at telling apart emotions. Neither his nor others. His focus is on the parts, as he never saw anything like most of these up close.

Accidently, he drops one of the tools he was messing with, which makes a pretty loud 'thud'. With an annoyed sigh, he bends down to grab it. He examines it a little. Actually, he didn't wonder what it is used for when first grabbing it.

Hey Paz?

Good, he finally managed to remember the name, even if it took him a little time.

What is it for? He asks casually, not minding the obvious stress Paz is in. It looks funny.

[venomoftechandwar]

Paz jolts when he hears the loud thud, turning around to quickly see what had dropped. He watches the siren go to grab what had fallen, and lets out a quiet sigh. He was worried something important had fallen, luckily it was just a tool.

His eyes shifted from the tool to the person holding it when he heard his name, spoken in a surprisingly curious or casual way. He looked to the tool when Ven asked what it was. Ah, that was his crimper. Or.. hydraulic crimper.. Manual hydraulic crimper.. It’s a stupidly long name.

It’s used to um.. create strong connections on hydraulic hoses, or wire lugs. That tool’s typically used for more heavy duty stuff.

He explained, looking over the tool one more time before remembering what he was doing- turning to look back at the venom and the liquid.

.. No clear reaction. Hm.

.. He could so something kind of stupid now.. In the name of science, yknow??-

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Mhm... It's fun.

He looks up from the tool at the hybrid. Then, he puts the tool away, not really looking where and stands up. He walks up to Paz and leans close, looking over his shoulder, gaze stopping on the liquid.

What's this?

His tone is similar to the one of a curious kid, pointing at the liquid.

[venomoftechandwar]

Oh, so.. the liquid is sort of a mimick to my nerve cells and responders, it sort of behaves and reacts the way that the not liquid nerves in my body would, or.. close enough to it.

The venom I was given by the customer is a neurotoxin, so it directly affects my nerves and responders, so I watch for reactions between the two.. I’m pretty much watching to see if the venom blocks the nerve signals or “overpowers” it kinda.. just to make sure that if it gets absorbed through my skin I won’t experience paralysis.

.. And, no negative signs have shown..

He looks through the microscope once more, which has always been there and I have not forgotten to mention.

Which makes me wonder..

He hummed, fidgeting with his glove as he moved the microscope away.

//sorry if this is inaccurate or too far fetched im trying to do my research guys.. shh

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Agean... Understand some of it. Venom, toxins, reactions, chemistry, customers... Whatever.

Makes you wonder? He leans even closer, his shoulder touching Pazs.

I don't know much about these things. I never... researched my own. I just sort of accepted it's there.

He shrugs, looking at the microscope. Crazy how long he's been alive and have never seen half or more of the things that are around him now.

How does it work? He points at the microscope.

[venomoftechandwar]

He looked over to Ven when he felt the sirens shoulder go up against his. He didn’t realize how close the siren was. Hm.

That’s fair.. I think I only started researching mine out of.. curiosity? I think? A need to understand it, maybe..

He looked to what Ven pointed to- the microscope, and scooted it carefully towards Agean, angling it to where the eyepieces faced him.

It magnifies whatever’s underneath the lenses. It’s used to reveal what can’t be seen with the naked eye.. Do you want to look?

He gestured, lifting a small hand towards it and pointing to the eyepiece.

Just look through the eyepiece.

He hummed, eyes flickering between the microscope to Veneno.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Yeah i know what it is itself just... Never used one. Or understood how it even works.

He bends down to look. He lets out a little surprised sigh. He's never seen stuff like that... He never even assumed something like that could be interesting. It isn't pretty, not really, but just- something about it amazes him. That's what things really look like?

... It's... Interesting. He mumbles, straightening and looking back at Paz. He doesn't understand anything he just saw, but that doesn't matter much.

I... Like it. Looks nice.

[venomoftechandwar]

He watched Agean bend down to look into the eyepiece, hearing that surprised sigh and amazed glint in his expression. That is sort of poetic.. living so long yet still being able to be amazed by things.

It’s really interesting, right?

He smiled, his fins lifting with his expression. Maybe Veneno staying with him was helping more than he’d initially thought.

He brought the microscope back towards himself, looking through it before letting out a small hum.

By the looks of it, the venom shouldn’t affect me..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Do you think it would work on me?

His voice sounds casual when he asks the question, as if it wasn't possibly lethal.

I could try. Or yours? Do you think it would affect me?

Throughout all the years he's been alive, he's tried a lot of... Possibly lethal things. Poison and venom are a majority of these. Most don't work. And If they do? It works more like a drug, and he doesn't mind that.

[venomoftechandwar]

Oh- hm.. Maybe..

He looked back to the disk with the venom and the substance, setting it aside. Before looking back to Veneno.

I don’t think mine would work on you.. probably.. At most it might make you dizzy, but seeing as you’re a siren.. I wonder if it’d work at all.

He tilted his head, his fins following his movement and expression. His hand fidgeted with his prosthetic silently.

Though, I wonder if I’d be immune to yours.. it could be worth a try?

I could learn more about how it works also..

Do.. you know what your venom does? What it effects when it enters the body?

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

I'd be willing to try.

He smiles... Sort of. Closest to smile Paz has received from him, anyway.

We can... Switch. You know what i mean?

And... Dizziness, hallucinations, nausea... Mostly.... I think.

Yeah... He usually makes sure his targets die right away, he doesn't care for watching the show. But from what he's seen, that's probably about it.

[venomoftechandwar]

He thought for a moment, turning his chair to face Veneno. He could blindly test it, surely he’ll have something in here that could counter the venom.. It’s gotta be similar to something, anyways.

.. Sure

He hummed, standing up as he took off his glove.

If I’m not immune I’ll probably be able to find something before anything escalates to.. well yknow, death.

The ones on my head carry a normal amount of poison, the ones in my arm carry twice the dose..

Who would Paz be if he didn’t satisfy his morbid curiosity?

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

I doubt. I'll make sure to give you only a little, i can control it.

... More or less, but he chooses to leave that part out.

I want you to use the stronger ones. I'll go first.

His voice turned demanding quickly.

He sticks his tongue out, pointing at the spikes the surface is covered in. One lick and the venom is in. Suuure, he has other methods for that. Like his nails or specific places on his skin but...-

... No, no excuses. That's just his thing. He just wants to do it via licking.

[venomoftechandwar]

Alright then,

He nodded to the man’s words, giving a glance to the spines on his arm before looking back to Ven once he said he wanted to go first. He watched the man point at the little spikes on his tongue.

.. He wanted to lick him?

Why that instead of the alternatives? Paz thought he had.. You know what, it’s fine. Any way works, really! Venom’s venom.

He reached him his hand, the back of his hand up. His hand was clean, plus it was about the only bit of exposed skin except the spine covered arm and his head, so..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Agean carefully touches his hand, to not touch the spines. Not yet at least. He brings it to his lips, giving a long lick, quickly drawing blood, venom getting in. The whole time, he focuses on the face of the other man, carefully watching for his reaction.

He's promised to not inject too much, so just in time he pulls away, letting go of Paz's hand.

It usually works really fast.

[venomoftechandwar]

Paz watches as the siren carefully takes his hand and brought it to his lips, before licking the back of his hand. It felt a bit tingly, truly.. He watched Ven let go and pull away afterwards. He brought his hand towards himself, looking at the back of it.

Eyes lifted to Agean when he spoke again, giving a light nod and trying to focus on if there was even a slight change in how he felt.

..

Hm. I don’t feel anything yet..

Could he be immune?? REALLY? To a sirens venom?

.. Maybe all of that exposure and self experimentation really worked off..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

He pulls away, savoring the blood.

Let's wait a little. Just... Five minutes. If nothing happens then... I guess you're immune.

He looks down at Paz's hand, looking at the spines.

Your venom's stronger from these, yes? I want you to use these on me.

He points at the artificial spine, touching it, but not hard enough to draw any blood yet. He won't say it out loud, but it's weirdly exciting.

[venomoftechandwar]

Right.

He hummed, lowering his hand. His fins raised when Ven started speaking, asking him about the spines on his arm.

Yes, typically with these it works.. sort of like needle?

Usually they’re used as a weapon, I take them out of my arm and stick them into the person who I’m fighting, and the venom immediately gets dispersed.. But I don’t think you’d have to be so violent with it. You can truly just do it however you want.

He hummed, his metal hand clasping around the spine Ven had pointed at, taking it out of his arm. He reached it towards the siren.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Does it hurt, ripping it out?

He has to stop himself from just... Grabbing it. Remember, a living person, has feelings, and all that.

Does it just grow back? How often do you have to use it?

The whole situation makes him- somehow happy? If he talks to anyone besides that unicorn, it's a client. Now, there is a man whose presence he genuinely enjoys, and it seems like Paz feels the same. Or maybe it's just Agean making it all up in his head.

[venomoftechandwar]

Mildly.. I’m more or so used to the feeling. It’s mostly just.. kinda fused to my skin. I make it that way, sort of.

He carefully placed the spine into Veneno’s hand, making sure to not accidentally poke him.

It doesn’t grow back, no. I sort of- make them myself, then.. well the way I fuse them into my arm is.. relatively graphic.

Paz did really hold a lot of respect for the siren, outside of fascination.. He was truly good company to have, and Paz really did find he enjoyed being around Agean. He wasn’t the best at outwardly expressing it, but he’d hoped his genuine smiles and expressions were enough to pass that on.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Do you think i could see it one day? How you get these into your arm, i mean.

He's not sure why he would even want to see that. Perhaps just curiosity. He wouldn't mind seeing that, and now that Paz mentioned it? His imagination is working hard.

If you don't mind somebody watching, i mean. But it seems like an interesting... Interesting thing to witness. Can't help but be a little curious about how you do it... Overall...

He stops himself. Okay, admitting to someone straight up that you're curious about them, their anatomy and you're more than interested in finding out more about everything related to them maybe isn't the best thing to do.

[venomoftechandwar]

Oh- sure. I’ll.. tell you when I need to. I don’t mind.

He leans back against his desk, eyes towards Ven as he spoke to him, ankles crossed.

It should be pretty soon.. I’ve been needing to make a new batch. I don’t mind, it just might be.. a bit unnerving to watch, I suppose.

His gaze travelled across the siren, before landing back on his eyes, relatively relaxed. The venom hadn’t yet started to affect him.. Maybe he really is immune? That’s strange, but I guess he should’ve expected it- after years of trying to make himself immune to a various amount of toxins, it probably would work, so..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Agean squeezes the spine in his hand pretty tightly. God he can't wait to feel it- he shouldn't be as happy about possibly getting paralyzed from poison as he is. But who cares? It surely isn't him.

... So it seems like you really are immune.

For a second, he wants to ask if Paz wants Agean to lick him again, but he holds himself back.

Where do i inject? He gestures at the spine in his hand

[venomoftechandwar]

He nodded when Agean made the comment about him being immune, fins lowering to signal he had his guard down.

Yeah, it seems..

He hummed, eyes flickering to the hand that held the spine- before returning eye contact as Agean began speaking again.

Wherever should be fine.. though maybe..

He took one of Ven’s hands, turning his palm up and pressing his finger lightly on his pulse point, (or where it should be) underneath his palm.

.. Maybe here?

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

He relaxes fully when Paz touches his hand. He nods, his grip on the spine also loosening.

Would you like to do it? I won't be struggling, unless you want me to.

Another smile from him- a thing closest to one at least. He doesn't know Paz much, not really. But there's something that makes him want to pounce on the hybrid. He can't quite name it... He will have to talk it out with Atlas later, ask him about that feeling.

[venomoftechandwar]

He looked up to Ven when he started to speak, giving a small chuckle to that last little comment. He held the siren’s hand in his prosthetic. His other hand carefully took the spine out from Ven’s grasp.

Alright.. Hm.

He moved the spine to his pointer finger and thumb, feeling around for a pulse point with his back hand.. Once he’d found one, he carefully pressed the spine down into his skin, holding it there carefully for about 10-20 seconds. Eyes flickered up to Agean, almost double checking that he was fine, or that he hadn’t stuck the spine in uncomfortably.

It shouldn’t take very long.

He hummed quietly, carefully taking out the quill once the time had passed.

[venomoftechandwar]

You're so.... So gay with Veneno...

I don’t know what you’re referring to..

[venomoftechandwar]

Paz stood hunched over his desk, head in his hands. Ughh, his mood was ruined. Working on this commission wasn’t helping anything. Hell, he’s just… thrown it against a wall because it wasn’t going well.

He straightened up, dragging his hands across his face. He mumbled a small sorry before making his way over to the now pretty much broken commission, picking it up off the floor.

His fins lowered, anger forming into disappointment. That’s mostly what it was anyways.. he was disappointed with himself. He’d failed Beckett now for.. what, the third time? He failed to teach him or keep him safe all those years back. Now he’s just.. not him. Not who he’s meant to be.

..

.. Fuck, for gods sake get out of your head.

@deep-in-the-w4ter

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Veneno has no idea what happened. He actually would rather not know... That would equal him having to listen to it and require him try and cheer Paz up. Yeah, noo...

So instead, he just sits behind Paz quietly, not even watching him, but instead playing with some parts found in the techlab. Fun to touch.

His presence here probably isn't helping one bit, but he tried to show he cares. That he wants to keep in contact, or something like that.

[venomoftechandwar]

He moved back over to his desk, setting the commission down flat on the table. He took in a small breath, fidgeting with it to try and take it apart- yeah, maybe throwing it wasn’t the smartest idea.. Now that “customer provided” venom is just leaking out of the broken tech, covering his gloves and staining like ink.

He should’ve tested the venom prior to putting it in the contraption to make sure he was immune to it, but he wasn’t really in his right mind to consider that.

He got as much of the venom that he could off of his gloves, putting a drop or too in a small disk. He changed his gloves and reached for a small vial with a scratched up label, pouring just a drop of the substance into the dish, watching closely for any reaction.

.. His foots tapping repeatedly. Faster than the second hand of a clock.

.. Ugh. I doubt he even knows, to be fair.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Even if he tried, Ven... Isn't great at telling apart emotions. Neither his nor others. His focus is on the parts, as he never saw anything like most of these up close.

Accidently, he drops one of the tools he was messing with, which makes a pretty loud 'thud'. With an annoyed sigh, he bends down to grab it. He examines it a little. Actually, he didn't wonder what it is used for when first grabbing it.

Hey Paz?

Good, he finally managed to remember the name, even if it took him a little time.

What is it for? He asks casually, not minding the obvious stress Paz is in. It looks funny.

[venomoftechandwar]

Paz jolts when he hears the loud thud, turning around to quickly see what had dropped. He watches the siren go to grab what had fallen, and lets out a quiet sigh. He was worried something important had fallen, luckily it was just a tool.

His eyes shifted from the tool to the person holding it when he heard his name, spoken in a surprisingly curious or casual way. He looked to the tool when Ven asked what it was. Ah, that was his crimper. Or.. hydraulic crimper.. Manual hydraulic crimper.. It’s a stupidly long name.

It’s used to um.. create strong connections on hydraulic hoses, or wire lugs. That tool’s typically used for more heavy duty stuff.

He explained, looking over the tool one more time before remembering what he was doing- turning to look back at the venom and the liquid.

.. No clear reaction. Hm.

.. He could so something kind of stupid now.. In the name of science, yknow??-

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Mhm... It's fun.

He looks up from the tool at the hybrid. Then, he puts the tool away, not really looking where and stands up. He walks up to Paz and leans close, looking over his shoulder, gaze stopping on the liquid.

What's this?

His tone is similar to the one of a curious kid, pointing at the liquid.

[venomoftechandwar]

Oh, so.. the liquid is sort of a mimick to my nerve cells and responders, it sort of behaves and reacts the way that the not liquid nerves in my body would, or.. close enough to it.

The venom I was given by the customer is a neurotoxin, so it directly affects my nerves and responders, so I watch for reactions between the two.. I’m pretty much watching to see if the venom blocks the nerve signals or “overpowers” it kinda.. just to make sure that if it gets absorbed through my skin I won’t experience paralysis.

.. And, no negative signs have shown..

He looks through the microscope once more, which has always been there and I have not forgotten to mention.

Which makes me wonder..

He hummed, fidgeting with his glove as he moved the microscope away.

//sorry if this is inaccurate or too far fetched im trying to do my research guys.. shh

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Agean... Understand some of it. Venom, toxins, reactions, chemistry, customers... Whatever.

Makes you wonder? He leans even closer, his shoulder touching Pazs.

I don't know much about these things. I never... researched my own. I just sort of accepted it's there.

He shrugs, looking at the microscope. Crazy how long he's been alive and have never seen half or more of the things that are around him now.

How does it work? He points at the microscope.

[venomoftechandwar]

He looked over to Ven when he felt the sirens shoulder go up against his. He didn’t realize how close the siren was. Hm.

That’s fair.. I think I only started researching mine out of.. curiosity? I think? A need to understand it, maybe..

He looked to what Ven pointed to- the microscope, and scooted it carefully towards Agean, angling it to where the eyepieces faced him.

It magnifies whatever’s underneath the lenses. It’s used to reveal what can’t be seen with the naked eye.. Do you want to look?

He gestured, lifting a small hand towards it and pointing to the eyepiece.

Just look through the eyepiece.

He hummed, eyes flickering between the microscope to Veneno.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Yeah i know what it is itself just... Never used one. Or understood how it even works.

He bends down to look. He lets out a little surprised sigh. He's never seen stuff like that... He never even assumed something like that could be interesting. It isn't pretty, not really, but just- something about it amazes him. That's what things really look like?

... It's... Interesting. He mumbles, straightening and looking back at Paz. He doesn't understand anything he just saw, but that doesn't matter much.

I... Like it. Looks nice.

[venomoftechandwar]

He watched Agean bend down to look into the eyepiece, hearing that surprised sigh and amazed glint in his expression. That is sort of poetic.. living so long yet still being able to be amazed by things.

It’s really interesting, right?

He smiled, his fins lifting with his expression. Maybe Veneno staying with him was helping more than he’d initially thought.

He brought the microscope back towards himself, looking through it before letting out a small hum.

By the looks of it, the venom shouldn’t affect me..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Do you think it would work on me?

His voice sounds casual when he asks the question, as if it wasn't possibly lethal.

I could try. Or yours? Do you think it would affect me?

Throughout all the years he's been alive, he's tried a lot of... Possibly lethal things. Poison and venom are a majority of these. Most don't work. And If they do? It works more like a drug, and he doesn't mind that.

[venomoftechandwar]

Oh- hm.. Maybe..

He looked back to the disk with the venom and the substance, setting it aside. Before looking back to Veneno.

I don’t think mine would work on you.. probably.. At most it might make you dizzy, but seeing as you’re a siren.. I wonder if it’d work at all.

He tilted his head, his fins following his movement and expression. His hand fidgeted with his prosthetic silently.

Though, I wonder if I’d be immune to yours.. it could be worth a try?

I could learn more about how it works also..

Do.. you know what your venom does? What it effects when it enters the body?

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

I'd be willing to try.

He smiles... Sort of. Closest to smile Paz has received from him, anyway.

We can... Switch. You know what i mean?

And... Dizziness, hallucinations, nausea... Mostly.... I think.

Yeah... He usually makes sure his targets die right away, he doesn't care for watching the show. But from what he's seen, that's probably about it.

[venomoftechandwar]

He thought for a moment, turning his chair to face Veneno. He could blindly test it, surely he’ll have something in here that could counter the venom.. It’s gotta be similar to something, anyways.

.. Sure

He hummed, standing up as he took off his glove.

If I’m not immune I’ll probably be able to find something before anything escalates to.. well yknow, death.

The ones on my head carry a normal amount of poison, the ones in my arm carry twice the dose..

Who would Paz be if he didn’t satisfy his morbid curiosity?

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

I doubt. I'll make sure to give you only a little, i can control it.

... More or less, but he chooses to leave that part out.

I want you to use the stronger ones. I'll go first.

His voice turned demanding quickly.

He sticks his tongue out, pointing at the spikes the surface is covered in. One lick and the venom is in. Suuure, he has other methods for that. Like his nails or specific places on his skin but...-

... No, no excuses. That's just his thing. He just wants to do it via licking.

[venomoftechandwar]

Alright then,

He nodded to the man’s words, giving a glance to the spines on his arm before looking back to Ven once he said he wanted to go first. He watched the man point at the little spikes on his tongue.

.. He wanted to lick him?

Why that instead of the alternatives? Paz thought he had.. You know what, it’s fine. Any way works, really! Venom’s venom.

He reached him his hand, the back of his hand up. His hand was clean, plus it was about the only bit of exposed skin except the spine covered arm and his head, so..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Agean carefully touches his hand, to not touch the spines. Not yet at least. He brings it to his lips, giving a long lick, quickly drawing blood, venom getting in. The whole time, he focuses on the face of the other man, carefully watching for his reaction.

He's promised to not inject too much, so just in time he pulls away, letting go of Paz's hand.

It usually works really fast.

[venomoftechandwar]

Paz watches as the siren carefully takes his hand and brought it to his lips, before licking the back of his hand. It felt a bit tingly, truly.. He watched Ven let go and pull away afterwards. He brought his hand towards himself, looking at the back of it.

Eyes lifted to Agean when he spoke again, giving a light nod and trying to focus on if there was even a slight change in how he felt.

..

Hm. I don’t feel anything yet..

Could he be immune?? REALLY? To a sirens venom?

.. Maybe all of that exposure and self experimentation really worked off..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

He pulls away, savoring the blood.

Let's wait a little. Just... Five minutes. If nothing happens then... I guess you're immune.

He looks down at Paz's hand, looking at the spines.

Your venom's stronger from these, yes? I want you to use these on me.

He points at the artificial spine, touching it, but not hard enough to draw any blood yet. He won't say it out loud, but it's weirdly exciting.

[venomoftechandwar]

Right.

He hummed, lowering his hand. His fins raised when Ven started speaking, asking him about the spines on his arm.

Yes, typically with these it works.. sort of like needle?

Usually they’re used as a weapon, I take them out of my arm and stick them into the person who I’m fighting, and the venom immediately gets dispersed.. But I don’t think you’d have to be so violent with it. You can truly just do it however you want.

He hummed, his metal hand clasping around the spine Ven had pointed at, taking it out of his arm. He reached it towards the siren.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Does it hurt, ripping it out?

He has to stop himself from just... Grabbing it. Remember, a living person, has feelings, and all that.

Does it just grow back? How often do you have to use it?

The whole situation makes him- somehow happy? If he talks to anyone besides that unicorn, it's a client. Now, there is a man whose presence he genuinely enjoys, and it seems like Paz feels the same. Or maybe it's just Agean making it all up in his head.

[venomoftechandwar]

Mildly.. I’m more or so used to the feeling. It’s mostly just.. kinda fused to my skin. I make it that way, sort of.

He carefully placed the spine into Veneno’s hand, making sure to not accidentally poke him.

It doesn’t grow back, no. I sort of- make them myself, then.. well the way I fuse them into my arm is.. relatively graphic.

Paz did really hold a lot of respect for the siren, outside of fascination.. He was truly good company to have, and Paz really did find he enjoyed being around Agean. He wasn’t the best at outwardly expressing it, but he’d hoped his genuine smiles and expressions were enough to pass that on.

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Do you think i could see it one day? How you get these into your arm, i mean.

He's not sure why he would even want to see that. Perhaps just curiosity. He wouldn't mind seeing that, and now that Paz mentioned it? His imagination is working hard.

If you don't mind somebody watching, i mean. But it seems like an interesting... Interesting thing to witness. Can't help but be a little curious about how you do it... Overall...

He stops himself. Okay, admitting to someone straight up that you're curious about them, their anatomy and you're more than interested in finding out more about everything related to them maybe isn't the best thing to do.

[venomoftechandwar]

Oh- sure. I’ll.. tell you when I need to. I don’t mind.

He leans back against his desk, eyes towards Ven as he spoke to him, ankles crossed.

It should be pretty soon.. I’ve been needing to make a new batch. I don’t mind, it just might be.. a bit unnerving to watch, I suppose.

His gaze travelled across the siren, before landing back on his eyes, relatively relaxed. The venom hadn’t yet started to affect him.. Maybe he really is immune? That’s strange, but I guess he should’ve expected it- after years of trying to make himself immune to a various amount of toxins, it probably would work, so..

[deep-in-the-w4ter]

Agean squeezes the spine in his hand pretty tightly. God he can't wait to feel it- he shouldn't be as happy about possibly getting paralyzed from poison as he is. But who cares? It surely isn't him.

... So it seems like you really are immune.

For a second, he wants to ask if Paz wants Agean to lick him again, but he holds himself back.

Where do i inject? He gestures at the spine in his hand

[venomoftechandwar]

He nodded when Agean made the comment about him being immune, fins lowering to signal he had his guard down.

Yeah, it seems..

He hummed, eyes flickering to the hand that held the spine- before returning eye contact as Agean began speaking again.

Wherever should be fine.. though maybe..

He took one of Ven’s hands, turning his palm up and pressing his finger lightly on his pulse point, (or where it should be) underneath his palm.

.. Maybe here?