[Jinx was out of town, and while their normal late night meet-ups were either at one of his businesses or Richard's house, it seemed time to have Richard over to his own house. This was perhaps the second time he had offered such a invitation, and it would always be when his daughter had gone on some mission or another that took her from Aldrip.
He had left the Last Drop in the evening hours once assured that things would run smoothly for the night despite the natives being frigid towards the Chosen. Business remained steady, though the profits hardly mattered as he was supplementing anyway. The hours had shifted it from normal bar to night club, which is how he preferred it in Zaun and how he ran it here.
He returned to his home which was a two-story house where Silco primarily occupied the first floor and his daughter had the upper floor mostly to herself. While he waited for Richard to arrive, he found his way to his alcohol cabinet to pick out a single malt whiskey to savour for the night, adding three ice cubes and settling on the couch to read quietly.
Midway through a page, he became aware of first twinges of a burning sensation of the skin around his mutilated eye. Ah, he should have had Jinx administer his medication before she left, but no matter. He would have to do it while she was gone, and he may as well do so before his lover arrived and have a day of peace from the usual effects as the Shimmer faded. After all, he had no doubt that he and Richard would be spending an increased amount of time together with Jinx on her own little mission; it happened before and he stopped sidestepping the fact that it was bound to happen again.
He did, after all, enjoy Richard's company.
Silco pushed himself from the couch, setting the novel aside before he moved off to this office. By now, he expected Richard to simply walk in rather than knock. It's what he did at his lover's house these days. He was opening one of the drawers of his desk to search for his injection device, finding it and walking back to the open concept living room when the front door opened.]
[Some time had already passed since the morning when Richard had been summoned to meet the council in his dreams. Richard had, at first, merely scoffed at the idea that there was actually a man around who'd dare to judge him. 'Let them try,' he had thought, allowing his hubris to color his thoughts. There is no man who could judge him, not truly. After all, he had once made a deliberate choice to step outside of the circle of humans, embracing the darkness within him and walk his path as a demon. He followed different rules than the rest of the mankind -- accepting fully his place in hell.
The sentencing had came. Initially, Richard hadn't thought much of it. It did seem like the council was truly out of its depths when they had cast their judgement upon him. "Denounce the importance of the status and embrace your identity." Ridiculous indeed.
But then Richard woke up after the restless dream. And as he opened his eyes the first thing he saw was the crown. His father's crown. The circle of light, empty and abandoned. Now, that had offended Richard. The true meaning behind council's sentencing. They wanted him to betray his father and abandon his legacy. Well, needlessly to say he wasn't going to follow such demand.
He had his the crown in his cabinets, trusting his lover to respect his privacy enough not to snoop around the apartment uninvited. And it wasn't like they had such idle time during their meetings and shared moments -- no, their time was reserved for other activities all together.
And perhaps unsurprisingly enough, Richard had stayed quiet about the whole thing. He had not shared news about his summoning to Silco, neither had he revealed him the crown. There were so many secrets and untold stories behind Richard that he didn't even know where to begin. And, admittedly, there was the seed of the doubt in his mind taking root, one to make him question whether the older man would be able to understand the meaning of it all. Silco had scoffed and rolled his eyes at the thoughts of God and his might. He disregarded the light as unimportant and walked his own path in the darkness. While these traits and opinions were something that draw Richard towards him, keeping his intrigue up and alive, he couldn't deny that at times he found it frustrating that his lover kept failing to understand him. If Richard were to reveal the crown to the other man would he just laugh at him?
So, he had stayed quiet. And while they had continued to meet as they regularly did, there was no denying that he was even more absent minded and withdrawn that normally. Often finding himself falling into his own thoughts and memories. Joan was present, of course. Richard could see her in the shadows - but she was, also, uncharacteristically silent. He could tell that she had something on her mind but for a reason or another she couldn't voice out her thoughts. As if she was being silenced by something.
There was the sound of heavy wings hitting the air. Almost as if something was approaching.
But no matter how much Richard tried to avoid it, he couldn't ignore the side effects of his sentencing. The more he tried to ignore the council's orders, the more he could see the people eyes at him - following him and casting their pressure on him with his gazes. As if they knew the secret he was hiding.
So, when he was invited to Silco's apartment, a place that he ever so rarely could visit, he swallowed his pride and doubts. Deciding that it was the time to address the elephant in the room. Richard arrived to his lover's house later in the evening, carrying a wooden crate tugged underneath his arm. He was alone this time, Whitey choosing to spend his night elsewhere. Which suited Richard just fine, he preferred not to have distractions tonight.
Richard walks in without much of a note, just as Silco had presumed, and placed the crate on the table. The long gloved fingers run carefully on the top of it as he looked over the desk.]
[Silco paused from leaving his desk at the sight of the crate that Richard brought in, curiosity tugging at him. He did wonder what that was and why it seemed to have made its way over to his house when it was probably easier to leave it wherever Richard found it and call him over. It didn't look too heavy, but there was something resigned in the way his lover looked which tipped him off this might be a sensitive topic. Perhaps, perhaps not.
He shut the drawer and approached, one hand full of the two pieces of his ophthalmic injection device. He came to stand over the table where the crate was, turning his attention to the metal in his hands and inserting the one piece into the other and interlocking them together with a twist of his hands.]
I routinely need to inject medication to maintain my eye. This device provides that.
[It seemed far less interesting than the crate of course. He gestured at it with his open hand and glanced at his lover. Was that a gift or a burden? He wouldn't presume to know what was in it, and he routinely respected Richard's personal privacy by not opening drawers or doors that he hadn't already seen or been in allowed to keep a few of his items in.
The exception was, of course, the kitchen. He expected the same in his own abode.]
[Something soft and almost serene reflects in his eyes as Richard looks down at the crate, keeping his hand protectively on top of it.]
A secret. [He answers, speaking with quiet and careful voice - almost as if he was in presence of something sacred. And well, that thought of line far from the truth. The crown was a proof of godly mandate, a symbol of absolute power and pass to paradise. Something that the poets would sing about and people go war for. Something that Richard had killed and sacrificed for. Something his his father had died for.
But Richard tears his eyes off the crate to look back at Silco, gaze dropping his gaze down at the device at his hand. 'That looks painful>', is the first thought that goes through his mind as he observes the subtle needle hidden inside the glass flask. But he supposed that it makes sense that Silco would need to rely on medicine to treat the injury on his face. Richard, too, applied ointment on the burn on his arm on daily basis. The concoction provided by a fellow Chosen Claude did bring him some relief, mostly with bringing the angry redness of the skin down, ceasing the tight itchiness and pain around the burns. Though, while it definitely had gotten better, the injury would stay and remain. Richard was certain that he'd carry the mark for his entire life, just like Silco would.]
If you desire privacy I can leave until you're done.
[Silco found his curiosity increasing with the evasive answer. Surely Richard had brought the crate over to reveal said secret to him at some point in the night, but he wouldn't fault the younger man to build up the anticipation and theatrics around whatever was in the crate either. All would be revealed in due time then. It had to be something covetous if Richard spoke in such a careful, quiet tone too.
He ran his fingers over the crate top as he moved passed Richard so that he could seat himself on the couch. He was not ashamed of his eye, its ongoing maintenance, or the history behind it. He turned the injector over so that injection portion faced the floor and gently tapped it with a finger to stir up and resuspend the unique version of Shimmer that he used.]
Hmmm, it won't take long, and it isn't something that I hide from those close to me.
[He lifted it and moved to set the metal cage unit around his eye. He fumbled to get the angle right, tipping his head back more or less in the process to line up the device with his mutilated eye. He paused, pulling it off of his face without pulling the trigger and shaking his head, casting a glance towards his lover.]
...Jinx normally performs this for me, so I'm mildly rusty at self-administration.
[Still, it had to be done, especially with her out of town for a few weeks. He shifted and moved to make another attempt.]
[There is an instinct within Richard that nearly has him slap Silco's hand away from the crate, and chastise him. The light hidden securely inside the wooden box was far too precious to be touched so casually. But he restrained himself, his own fingers curling and stilling when Silco brushes his hand over the crate as he walks away.
Standing still on the spot, not wanting to leave the crate unattended, Richard turned around to follow his lover with his eyes. He watched him walking over the couch and setting down on it and begin with the process of administering the medicine. It wasn't something that Richard had ever seen before, and he would not have faulted the man for not wanting to share this moment of vulnerability and weakness with him. After all, it was incredibly personal - in whole different manner than the other moments of intimacy and they had shared so far.
But Silco had never been one to hide, had he? Carrying his mark and deformity proudly and without shame. He knew exactly who he was and all the limitations that came with it. It was another quality of his that Richard admired.
It was only when he sees his lover struggling to find the right angle with the device that Richard decided, hesitantly so, step away from the crate and walk up to the couch. He reached to touch Silco's wrist with the tip of his fingertips.]
[He considered it interesting how Richard guarded that crate like it contained the greatest wonder in the world, which narrowed down what it could be in his mind immediately. There were only a few select items that Richard had spoken of openly and fondly. Thankfully, that crate was large enough to fit such items: crown, decapitated head, maybe a piglet named Brownie.
He set the device in place, reaching up with his other hand to pull the remains of his lower eyelid down when he spotted Richard moving. He paused in the gesture, his blue eye shifted to focus on his lover for a brief moment, noting the touch to his wrist.
He paused in angling the mechanism. He was not particularly protective of the activity, but it was one his daughter had taken on and performed for him since she was small. Would she consider this a betrayal? He could and would do it himself, but he supposed he looked rather awkward doing so.]
If you would look down the line of the device to make certain the needle will puncture cleanly and directly rather than at an angle. [He moved to set it back into place a little less awkwardly, but he could already tell that the angle was off. Yet, he waited for Richard to potentially direct his hand.]
[It's honestly the best course of action to have Richard just aid with finding the correct angle than to just have him perform the procedure on his own. The device did look secure enough, but there was still a sharp needle and glass involved near something as vulnerable as exposed eye. Better not to take risks with a complete novice.
Nodding Richard leaned closer and placed his knee on the couch right in between Silco's legs as he climbed up. He was half-straddling the other man while looming over him, the keen eyes observing the way device aligned to against his lover's darkened eye. He carefully nudged the wrist to up, closer to the center.]
[His hand remained on the device, and while Richard nudged his grip to the proper position, he waited patiently. He was reminded back when Jinx had first taken an interest, and he had shown her the process. Now he was showing his lover in Jinx's absence, and he recognized it as a show of trust.
His finger lifted away from the round trigger, resting next to it. He watched Richard with both eyes, though the anticipation of his medication pending and the usual pain associated with it did cause his mutilated eye to flick around.]
Put your thumb in the loop of metal my finger just left and push downwards to discharge the needle.
[Richard's eyes flickered down at the small device between them. Without saying anything, he followed the instructions and brought his thumb to rest against the small trigger. Despite his calm, marble-like expression, Richard could hear his heart beat faster in its cage. All of the sudden it is like their shared world is much smaller than a moment ago, containing only two of them and the couch.
There certainly was something very intimate in this moment. Private and personal, somehow managing to push beyond the most of times they've spend together in the sheets. Just like when Richard had entrusted his own body in Silco's hands, Silco was now entrusting this to Richard's.
A brief yet heavy moment passes, Richard's mismatched eyes look into Silco's blue eye -- trying to read whatever unspoken emotion there might be. Then, he turns his focus back on the device. He counts to three in his head, trusting that his lover knows to braze himself, and pulls the trigger.]
[While this was a rather routine aspect of his adult life, Silco did experience mild trepidation at allowing another person to assist him this closely. He didn't expect to be judged for what he needed to do, but injecting wrong could have detrimental effects for him as the Doctor had explained some time ago.
It felt uniquely personal to let Richard into a part of his life that, no matter how brief it was to accomplish, was done quiet and obscured from the regular persona he put forward. He waited, thinking Richard might not feel comfortable enough with the device or his instructions to perform the action necessary.
Then the trigger was pulled and the needle discharged sharply, plunging through his cornea to administer Shimmer into the globe of his eye. He jerked and snarled as pain caused his hands to momentarily tremble and his fingers to flex, drawing his face away from the cool metal as purple overflow slid down his cheek. Shimmer almost instantly healed the injection site, and he lifted a hand to wipe away the excess, a sharp breath of air leaving him as he slowly sank back into the couch.
The aching burn of his mutilated eye receded as his medication took effect and slowly the tightness across his shoulders relaxed.]
[It truly is over fast, lasting less than a blink of an eye. The needle shoots forward and prickles the sensitive organ. Richard watches Silco to pull back and twitch in discomfort, expression twisting and contracting in pain as the unknown medication set in. And it's not like he can really judge his lover for such strong and vivid reaction. The procedure, as much as Richard could see, looked very painful and gnarly. He'd assume that a weaker man would not be able to go through it - let alone as a routine.
The single purple tear catches Richard's attention immediately. He remembers Jinx's unnatural tears and blood back from the hot springs when he had cut her leg. Did everyone from Zaun carry the color of dusk in their veins?
Richard lowers the device and straightens his back, waiting for Silco to gather himself backup again and recover from the treatment. And as the tension fades from the other man's body and he gains some of his usual posture, Richard leans back in. The healthy fingers reach to grab on his lover's chin to tip it back just so that he could place a kiss on the darkened, mottled skin.]
[Slowly, his hands extended to catch Richard by the hips and pulled his lover into his lap; it was better than feeling like he was under scrutiny. He imagined the treatment was likely a shock for those that had never seen it before, but it was necessary for his survival. He tipped his head up the younger man leaned in, not resisting the grip to his chin.
Instead, one hand moved to take the injector from his lover to free up that other hand too. His blue eye closed at the mixed sensation of the kiss on his scarred skin. As usual, the nerve damage prevented him from a full range of sensation to the area, but it was no longer aching for the moment either.]
It's a medicine unique to my city. At small doses, it's completely medicinal and is likely the only reason I still live. [He sighed and turned his head so that he could rest his forehead against Richard's temple.] I have to inject the medication every few days.
[Richard allows himself to be pulled forward, sliding to sit with both knees pressed against the couch cushion as he straddles Silco's lap. He presses two more kisses right underneath the mutilated eye before leaning his head back just so that he could take another look at the device - now in his lover's hand. Such strange medical tool.]
We don't have anything like that in my world. [Or so he thinks? Richard's hardly a medical expert. The only time he's ever even had a doctor to examine his body was from the time before he could remember. The people attending to his mother during his birth had taken a look at him to see that he indeed was fully functioning and well. After that? He had tended to his injuries on his own.]
It appeared to be painful to you. [And to think that his lover had to do this more than once a week. But that was the price one had to pay to stay alive. The pain itself, was a way to survive in the world. He and Silco were the same on that regard.
An idea sprung to his mind. A morbid curiosity of sorts. Richard let go of his lover's face so that he could reach and pull off the glove from his other arm, revealing the now familiar burn.
Then, he withdrew so that he could offer his injured arm to the other man.]
[Even in Aldrip, he kept Shimmer mostly hidden. Only Jinx from their world understood the necessity of it, the power and possibility that Shimmer brought to their city. He couldn't spread it around much here unless it invite unwanted attention to his enterprises operating in the city.]
Hmm, well I doubt many medications are injected directly into the eye in most worlds. [The only way that it worked was because Shimmer healed injuries so quickly. A drop of it could help heal some life threatening injuries. Still, his eye was unique, which was why he played so heavily into it. Every time he injected it, he was reminded of the choice of that day.] Not taking it would be much worse in terms of pain.
[He offered Richard a closer inspection of the dispenser even as his other hand remained on his lover's hip. His thumb caressed the swell of the hip even as his eyes moved to regard the burnt hand as it was revealed.]
You wish to experience it? The dosages is for my eye, so it may not have much effect on your arm. [He had stronger concentrations, of course.] It will sting regardless. You're certain?
[There was an air of possessiveness to the hand resting against his hip that Richard enjoyed. It was a such a simple gesture of affection, one that silently kept him glued still with little to no effort. Almost as if to claim Richard as his own. It did not only bring him comfort, but also made him feel wanted.]
Unless you can turn back time there is nothing you can do to return this arm of mine to its previous form. It was a conscious choice and sacrifice I made that day, and I would do it again in a heartbeat if it meant I would be closer to my goal. [Richard states, voice filled with confidence and reassurance. The burn had gotten somewhat better after some time, yes. The skin was no longer glaring angry red and there had been some relief to the pain, yes. But the skin was still beyond saving: mottled with dark and red patches, damaged nerve endings here and there which created jarring and awkward sensations, skin too tight that it pulled back with his each movement.
It was not a pretty sight, no. But Richard refused to regret his choice to mutilate his own body. It had all been for the sake of the crown - which was now sitting in the room with them, not too far away.]
Unfortunately, turning back time is not an ability that I have. I prefer looking to the future anyway. [Yet, he and Richard were definitely defined by their pasts like everyone else, but how they developed was something he could share certain similarities with his lover.
And now more than ever, he appreciated that Richard did not regret the mutilation. Scars like theirs should be worn with pride, weaponized against their enemies so that no one could feel like they could call into question their motives or actions. He couldn't hide his scar even if he wanted to save for make-up now and again; these days and especially with Richard, he went without.
His hand gave one last squeeze before leaving his lover's hip to take that burn scarred hand and leveling it out flat. He brought the injector up, giving it a few side-to-side motions to resuspend the Shimmer held in the vial stored within and then set the needle guard to the top of Richard's guard.] I know you can. The pain will be sharp, but then it will ebb away and should leave a warmth and perhaps some muscle twitching as it absorbs.
[That's all the description that he would give on the matter, as his index finger found the trigger and pressed it so the needle discharged down into Richard's hand, breaking skin and injecting a small amount of Shimmer. He waited to see what the younger man would do with the sensation. Perhaps it would help a little with any pain or tightness in the skin around that area?]
[The statement brings a small approving smile on Richard's lips. It's true that they carry the weight of their past with them. Their victories, sorrows born from their previous choices carved into their bodies in form of scars. Are there some things that Richard wishes he could change if he had the ability to turn back time? Absolutely. But he had also come to accept the past - it was what made him who he was today. No need to dwelve in the what-ifs and what-could've-beens.
He, too, preferred to look forward to the future.
Richard lowers his gaze to look at his hand in Silco's. He nods briefly, as a sign that he understood Silco's words and what he was getting into. And with just that, he heard the the "click" as the trigger was pulled.
The needle pierced through the layers of his skin, plunging into his muscle. The pain was sharp, just like Silco had warned him, and enough to make Richard jolt. It reminded him vaguely from the gratin pain that would come when one hits the nerves on their elbow on the corner of a table or so. Richard grits his teeth together and hisses as the pain rushes through his body, making him spasm little. His hand twitches, and Richard tries to close his hand in a fist but fails as the muscles do not want to listen to him.
But then it was over, just as fast as it had began. The pain fades, leaning a faint itching sensation where the needle had pierced the skin. There is a similar purple tear oozing out of puncture wound. Richard brings his other hand to rub at the spot, feeling near immediate relief.
It hadn't been too bad of an experience. But he can only imagine what it'd be like to have it injected on something as sensitive as an eye.]
Your daughter's blood had the same color as this one. [He states. Which could only mean that she, too, needed to take the same medicine. Except in much larger doses. Maybe more than she should. The wine had driven George mad, so who knows? Maybe abusing this was what made Jinx the way she was.
Well whatever, Richard wasn't in the mood of thinking about here any more than that.]
[It was a rather minor dose compared to what some took in the Undercity. He doubted that it would have much effect, and he was confident whatever effect - if any - occurred that it would be positive for his lover. After the initial sting and burn, he found that Shimmer was a boon for him, though he knew better than to overuse it.
Once the injection was complete, he removed the injector and took it apart as his lover inspected the site. He set the two parts next to him on the couch, appreciating having his hands free as he leaned back against the couch and watched Richard. He made a noise of acknowledgement to the statement about his daughter's blood.]
She nearly died before coming here. A higher concentration variant was utilized to save her life. It does have certain long term effects to the body, but it's better than death.
[Of course, the drug had made her mentally unstable, making bad worse for a time. It had cost him his life in return not long after. That was not a story he and Richard needed to explore again.]
Shimmer. Those of my world have few good opinions of it. Like all things, it has its uses.
['Shimmer,' he repeats the word in his mind. The name indeed does something more out of witch's cook book than a proper medicine. It would also explain the strange purple coloring. But it's fine. Richard's learned not to turn his nose up at the concoctions from other worlds and such.
Richard hummed thoughtfully, remembering Silco mentioning something about Jinx arriving on death's doorstep before and going for drastic measures to save her life. So, this was it? A part of him thinks that it might have been greater mercy to let the girl just die, if that was the case - he couldn't even begin to fathom what it must be like to live with the shimmer running in her veins, tainting her blood and tears. But then again, he can't fault the man for wanting to save the girl with all he got. From what he had gathered, Jinx was 'the light' to Silco.
Meanwhile Richard's is...]
In any case, it is a fortune that you have it here with you. I can't have you dying on me just yet. [He says, a teasing grin tugging the corners of his lips as he reached to grab his discarded glove.] What did you have in your mind for tonight? It almost seems like you were preparing for quiet night inside. [The novel and whiskey had not gone amiss. ]
[Silco had already spent long nights thinking on what he would change in his life should he have an opportunity to redo it. When it came to Jinx, there was nothing that he would change, including saving her life with Shimmer. He would give her the world, and now she must navigate it on her own regardless of this fake life that they lived here. For him, this was all that was real, and he valued each day that he continued.
He would do whatever was necessary for his goals. There, here and everywhere. However, that wasn't talk for today, especially now that his eye and the surrounding scarred flesh was feeling as normal as it could again. He didn't want the distraction tonight.]
No? How fortunate for me that you value my life so deeply. [The corner of his lip tugged in a faint smile. Much like Richard, the number of people that wanted him dead were many. It was pleasant to feel wanted, even in jest.] I suppose that depends what's in that surprise crate that you lugged over here. Do I get to know the contents, or is it here to tease me with mystery? Otherwise...
[He reached up to cup the side of Richard's face with a hand, stroking his thumb beneath the younger man's eye.] Jinx will be away for at least two weeks, so you're... welcome to stay here.
No. I do think there are still many paths or us to travel together. It would be shame to put stop on our endeavors prematurely. [His words applied both to sex and their interactions outside of it. Silco had quickly became the person Richard trusted the most, one that he could confine in - an ally. So, while he might be jesting here there is a seed of truth in his statement. Losing Silco now would be against his best interests.
Richard turns his eyes briefly back to the crate when Silco mentions it again, his full attention directed at it. Though, once he feels the warm hand against his face, thumb caressing his skin, he brings his focus back at his lover. The idea of just two of them without any third wheels bothering them did sound nice, bringing warmth to Richard's chest.
Then, closing his eyes Richard leaned in and pressed his lips against Silco's, trapping them both in a brief but hungry kiss.]
It is a gift from our rulers. [He says and withdraws back from the kiss.] I was summoned by the council.
Are there? [Silco considered for a moment then turned his mismatched eyes back on Richard.] I suppose that you're correct in that. We have yet to explore all of this place. [He knew what Richard meant, and he fully intended to do what he could to have a strangle hold on this place as much as fake power allowed. Perhaps Richard would like to climb those heights with him.
He would miss his daughter, and while he was against her leaving the city for such pitiful task, he also wasn't going to stop her. This was the path she wanted to walk, and he did wonder if she was escaping the city to avoid some of the responsibilities of INX. That came with all leadership; some came back, some did not. Still, with her away, he did wonder how much time he and Richard would spend together as he had no commitments on his time such as breakfast or dinner.
A little sigh left him as their lips met, and he responded similarly to the kiss as his hand moved to cup the back of Richard's head. That hunger was apparent, and he had no doubt it would turn into something sooner than later.
Yet, his head tilted as Richard withdrew and mentioned their overlords. Interesting. He eyed the crate with even more curiosity, sliding his hand down the back of his lover's neck.] So you were forced to endure their version of sentencing. Mine did not come with a physical object. What did they demand of you?
[Honestly? Richard would perhaps act on that hunger and let it claim what it desired. To indulge in the taste and smell of the other man, feel the hands grasp and pull him as they joined their bodies once gain. He would instigate all of that here if it wasn't for the crate sitting on Silco's table, occupying Richard's every thought. Alone, but not forgotten.
Richard's not entirely sure where to begin with the tale. To admit that he had been lying to Silco all of this time? Keeping part of his own legacy hidden? Just how far the dark ambitions of this demon would go. Well.. Guess it's best to start with the basics.]
I was tasked with denouncing the importance of status. And finding value in my own identity. [He then scoffed a light laughter.] Ridiculous, is it not? It seems that the council only aims to make mockery of us.
[Silco expected that they were both hiding large portions of their lives from each other; they may have been in this dalliance together for six months but that didn't mean they would reveal everything. They were quiet and private men, but the Council and this place had a way of forcing those secrets towards the surface.
He would admit that he didn't even know what crime Richard had been charged with upon arrival. He hadn't revealed his own of course, considering it a mockery of what he was capable of and the acts he had done for the sake of his city and ambitions.
His hands moved to stroke up the small of Richard's back, and his eyes remained fixed on the crate. Now what would be in there that would line up with Richard's task?] No, the Council either targets crimes that are worthless and no issue, or for some, they target where they can hurt someone the most... to make them 'better people', I suppose.
[He looked at Richard again, considering.] So the Council must believe you've been your entire identity of your status then? Do you intend to ignore their requirement?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
traumaticus) wrote2022-08-15 11:44 pm
Sentencing & Medical
[Jinx was out of town, and while their normal late night meet-ups were either at one of his businesses or Richard's house, it seemed time to have Richard over to his own house. This was perhaps the second time he had offered such a invitation, and it would always be when his daughter had gone on some mission or another that took her from Aldrip.
He had left the Last Drop in the evening hours once assured that things would run smoothly for the night despite the natives being frigid towards the Chosen. Business remained steady, though the profits hardly mattered as he was supplementing anyway. The hours had shifted it from normal bar to night club, which is how he preferred it in Zaun and how he ran it here.
He returned to his home which was a two-story house where Silco primarily occupied the first floor and his daughter had the upper floor mostly to herself. While he waited for Richard to arrive, he found his way to his alcohol cabinet to pick out a single malt whiskey to savour for the night, adding three ice cubes and settling on the couch to read quietly.
Midway through a page, he became aware of first twinges of a burning sensation of the skin around his mutilated eye. Ah, he should have had Jinx administer his medication before she left, but no matter. He would have to do it while she was gone, and he may as well do so before his lover arrived and have a day of peace from the usual effects as the Shimmer faded. After all, he had no doubt that he and Richard would be spending an increased amount of time together with Jinx on her own little mission; it happened before and he stopped sidestepping the fact that it was bound to happen again.
He did, after all, enjoy Richard's company.
Silco pushed himself from the couch, setting the novel aside before he moved off to this office. By now, he expected Richard to simply walk in rather than knock. It's what he did at his lover's house these days. He was opening one of the drawers of his desk to search for his injection device, finding it and walking back to the open concept living room when the front door opened.]
no subject
The sentencing had came. Initially, Richard hadn't thought much of it. It did seem like the council was truly out of its depths when they had cast their judgement upon him. "Denounce the importance of the status and embrace your identity." Ridiculous indeed.
But then Richard woke up after the restless dream. And as he opened his eyes the first thing he saw was the crown. His father's crown. The circle of light, empty and abandoned. Now, that had offended Richard. The true meaning behind council's sentencing. They wanted him to betray his father and abandon his legacy. Well, needlessly to say he wasn't going to follow such demand.
He had his the crown in his cabinets, trusting his lover to respect his privacy enough not to snoop around the apartment uninvited. And it wasn't like they had such idle time during their meetings and shared moments -- no, their time was reserved for other activities all together.
And perhaps unsurprisingly enough, Richard had stayed quiet about the whole thing. He had not shared news about his summoning to Silco, neither had he revealed him the crown. There were so many secrets and untold stories behind Richard that he didn't even know where to begin. And, admittedly, there was the seed of the doubt in his mind taking root, one to make him question whether the older man would be able to understand the meaning of it all. Silco had scoffed and rolled his eyes at the thoughts of God and his might. He disregarded the light as unimportant and walked his own path in the darkness. While these traits and opinions were something that draw Richard towards him, keeping his intrigue up and alive, he couldn't deny that at times he found it frustrating that his lover kept failing to understand him. If Richard were to reveal the crown to the other man would he just laugh at him?
So, he had stayed quiet. And while they had continued to meet as they regularly did, there was no denying that he was even more absent minded and withdrawn that normally. Often finding himself falling into his own thoughts and memories. Joan was present, of course. Richard could see her in the shadows - but she was, also, uncharacteristically silent. He could tell that she had something on her mind but for a reason or another she couldn't voice out her thoughts. As if she was being silenced by something.
There was the sound of heavy wings hitting the air. Almost as if something was approaching.
But no matter how much Richard tried to avoid it, he couldn't ignore the side effects of his sentencing. The more he tried to ignore the council's orders, the more he could see the people eyes at him - following him and casting their pressure on him with his gazes. As if they knew the secret he was hiding.
So, when he was invited to Silco's apartment, a place that he ever so rarely could visit, he swallowed his pride and doubts. Deciding that it was the time to address the elephant in the room. Richard arrived to his lover's house later in the evening, carrying a wooden crate tugged underneath his arm. He was alone this time, Whitey choosing to spend his night elsewhere. Which suited Richard just fine, he preferred not to have distractions tonight.
Richard walks in without much of a note, just as Silco had presumed, and placed the crate on the table. The long gloved fingers run carefully on the top of it as he looked over the desk.]
What are you looking for?
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He shut the drawer and approached, one hand full of the two pieces of his ophthalmic injection device. He came to stand over the table where the crate was, turning his attention to the metal in his hands and inserting the one piece into the other and interlocking them together with a twist of his hands.]
I routinely need to inject medication to maintain my eye. This device provides that.
[It seemed far less interesting than the crate of course. He gestured at it with his open hand and glanced at his lover. Was that a gift or a burden? He wouldn't presume to know what was in it, and he routinely respected Richard's personal privacy by not opening drawers or doors that he hadn't already seen or been in allowed to keep a few of his items in.
The exception was, of course, the kitchen. He expected the same in his own abode.]
What is in the crate?
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A secret. [He answers, speaking with quiet and careful voice - almost as if he was in presence of something sacred. And well, that thought of line far from the truth. The crown was a proof of godly mandate, a symbol of absolute power and pass to paradise. Something that the poets would sing about and people go war for. Something that Richard had killed and sacrificed for. Something his his father had died for.
But Richard tears his eyes off the crate to look back at Silco, gaze dropping his gaze down at the device at his hand. 'That looks painful>', is the first thought that goes through his mind as he observes the subtle needle hidden inside the glass flask. But he supposed that it makes sense that Silco would need to rely on medicine to treat the injury on his face. Richard, too, applied ointment on the burn on his arm on daily basis. The concoction provided by a fellow Chosen Claude did bring him some relief, mostly with bringing the angry redness of the skin down, ceasing the tight itchiness and pain around the burns. Though, while it definitely had gotten better, the injury would stay and remain. Richard was certain that he'd carry the mark for his entire life, just like Silco would.]
If you desire privacy I can leave until you're done.
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[Silco found his curiosity increasing with the evasive answer. Surely Richard had brought the crate over to reveal said secret to him at some point in the night, but he wouldn't fault the younger man to build up the anticipation and theatrics around whatever was in the crate either. All would be revealed in due time then. It had to be something covetous if Richard spoke in such a careful, quiet tone too.
He ran his fingers over the crate top as he moved passed Richard so that he could seat himself on the couch. He was not ashamed of his eye, its ongoing maintenance, or the history behind it. He turned the injector over so that injection portion faced the floor and gently tapped it with a finger to stir up and resuspend the unique version of Shimmer that he used.]
Hmmm, it won't take long, and it isn't something that I hide from those close to me.
[He lifted it and moved to set the metal cage unit around his eye. He fumbled to get the angle right, tipping his head back more or less in the process to line up the device with his mutilated eye. He paused, pulling it off of his face without pulling the trigger and shaking his head, casting a glance towards his lover.]
...Jinx normally performs this for me, so I'm mildly rusty at self-administration.
[Still, it had to be done, especially with her out of town for a few weeks. He shifted and moved to make another attempt.]
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Standing still on the spot, not wanting to leave the crate unattended, Richard turned around to follow his lover with his eyes. He watched him walking over the couch and setting down on it and begin with the process of administering the medicine. It wasn't something that Richard had ever seen before, and he would not have faulted the man for not wanting to share this moment of vulnerability and weakness with him. After all, it was incredibly personal - in whole different manner than the other moments of intimacy and they had shared so far.
But Silco had never been one to hide, had he? Carrying his mark and deformity proudly and without shame. He knew exactly who he was and all the limitations that came with it. It was another quality of his that Richard admired.
It was only when he sees his lover struggling to find the right angle with the device that Richard decided, hesitantly so, step away from the crate and walk up to the couch. He reached to touch Silco's wrist with the tip of his fingertips.]
Allow me to help.
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He set the device in place, reaching up with his other hand to pull the remains of his lower eyelid down when he spotted Richard moving. He paused in the gesture, his blue eye shifted to focus on his lover for a brief moment, noting the touch to his wrist.
He paused in angling the mechanism. He was not particularly protective of the activity, but it was one his daughter had taken on and performed for him since she was small. Would she consider this a betrayal? He could and would do it himself, but he supposed he looked rather awkward doing so.]
If you would look down the line of the device to make certain the needle will puncture cleanly and directly rather than at an angle. [He moved to set it back into place a little less awkwardly, but he could already tell that the angle was off. Yet, he waited for Richard to potentially direct his hand.]
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Nodding Richard leaned closer and placed his knee on the couch right in between Silco's legs as he climbed up. He was half-straddling the other man while looming over him, the keen eyes observing the way device aligned to against his lover's darkened eye. He carefully nudged the wrist to up, closer to the center.]
There.
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His finger lifted away from the round trigger, resting next to it. He watched Richard with both eyes, though the anticipation of his medication pending and the usual pain associated with it did cause his mutilated eye to flick around.]
Put your thumb in the loop of metal my finger just left and push downwards to discharge the needle.
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There certainly was something very intimate in this moment. Private and personal, somehow managing to push beyond the most of times they've spend together in the sheets. Just like when Richard had entrusted his own body in Silco's hands, Silco was now entrusting this to Richard's.
A brief yet heavy moment passes, Richard's mismatched eyes look into Silco's blue eye -- trying to read whatever unspoken emotion there might be. Then, he turns his focus back on the device. He counts to three in his head, trusting that his lover knows to braze himself, and pulls the trigger.]
cw: ophthalmic treatments
It felt uniquely personal to let Richard into a part of his life that, no matter how brief it was to accomplish, was done quiet and obscured from the regular persona he put forward. He waited, thinking Richard might not feel comfortable enough with the device or his instructions to perform the action necessary.
Then the trigger was pulled and the needle discharged sharply, plunging through his cornea to administer Shimmer into the globe of his eye. He jerked and snarled as pain caused his hands to momentarily tremble and his fingers to flex, drawing his face away from the cool metal as purple overflow slid down his cheek. Shimmer almost instantly healed the injection site, and he lifted a hand to wipe away the excess, a sharp breath of air leaving him as he slowly sank back into the couch.
The aching burn of his mutilated eye receded as his medication took effect and slowly the tightness across his shoulders relaxed.]
...better, thank you.
cw: ophthalmic treatments
The single purple tear catches Richard's attention immediately. He remembers Jinx's unnatural tears and blood back from the hot springs when he had cut her leg. Did everyone from Zaun carry the color of dusk in their veins?
Richard lowers the device and straightens his back, waiting for Silco to gather himself backup again and recover from the treatment. And as the tension fades from the other man's body and he gains some of his usual posture, Richard leans back in. The healthy fingers reach to grab on his lover's chin to tip it back just so that he could place a kiss on the darkened, mottled skin.]
What was that?
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Instead, one hand moved to take the injector from his lover to free up that other hand too. His blue eye closed at the mixed sensation of the kiss on his scarred skin. As usual, the nerve damage prevented him from a full range of sensation to the area, but it was no longer aching for the moment either.]
It's a medicine unique to my city. At small doses, it's completely medicinal and is likely the only reason I still live. [He sighed and turned his head so that he could rest his forehead against Richard's temple.] I have to inject the medication every few days.
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We don't have anything like that in my world. [Or so he thinks? Richard's hardly a medical expert. The only time he's ever even had a doctor to examine his body was from the time before he could remember. The people attending to his mother during his birth had taken a look at him to see that he indeed was fully functioning and well. After that? He had tended to his injuries on his own.]
It appeared to be painful to you. [And to think that his lover had to do this more than once a week. But that was the price one had to pay to stay alive. The pain itself, was a way to survive in the world. He and Silco were the same on that regard.
An idea sprung to his mind. A morbid curiosity of sorts. Richard let go of his lover's face so that he could reach and pull off the glove from his other arm, revealing the now familiar burn.
Then, he withdrew so that he could offer his injured arm to the other man.]
Show me what it's like.
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Hmm, well I doubt many medications are injected directly into the eye in most worlds. [The only way that it worked was because Shimmer healed injuries so quickly. A drop of it could help heal some life threatening injuries. Still, his eye was unique, which was why he played so heavily into it. Every time he injected it, he was reminded of the choice of that day.] Not taking it would be much worse in terms of pain.
[He offered Richard a closer inspection of the dispenser even as his other hand remained on his lover's hip. His thumb caressed the swell of the hip even as his eyes moved to regard the burnt hand as it was revealed.]
You wish to experience it? The dosages is for my eye, so it may not have much effect on your arm. [He had stronger concentrations, of course.] It will sting regardless. You're certain?
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Unless you can turn back time there is nothing you can do to return this arm of mine to its previous form. It was a conscious choice and sacrifice I made that day, and I would do it again in a heartbeat if it meant I would be closer to my goal. [Richard states, voice filled with confidence and reassurance. The burn had gotten somewhat better after some time, yes. The skin was no longer glaring angry red and there had been some relief to the pain, yes. But the skin was still beyond saving: mottled with dark and red patches, damaged nerve endings here and there which created jarring and awkward sensations, skin too tight that it pulled back with his each movement.
It was not a pretty sight, no. But Richard refused to regret his choice to mutilate his own body. It had all been for the sake of the crown - which was now sitting in the room with them, not too far away.]
I can take it. I want to know what it is like.
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And now more than ever, he appreciated that Richard did not regret the mutilation. Scars like theirs should be worn with pride, weaponized against their enemies so that no one could feel like they could call into question their motives or actions. He couldn't hide his scar even if he wanted to save for make-up now and again; these days and especially with Richard, he went without.
His hand gave one last squeeze before leaving his lover's hip to take that burn scarred hand and leveling it out flat. He brought the injector up, giving it a few side-to-side motions to resuspend the Shimmer held in the vial stored within and then set the needle guard to the top of Richard's guard.] I know you can. The pain will be sharp, but then it will ebb away and should leave a warmth and perhaps some muscle twitching as it absorbs.
[That's all the description that he would give on the matter, as his index finger found the trigger and pressed it so the needle discharged down into Richard's hand, breaking skin and injecting a small amount of Shimmer. He waited to see what the younger man would do with the sensation. Perhaps it would help a little with any pain or tightness in the skin around that area?]
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He, too, preferred to look forward to the future.
Richard lowers his gaze to look at his hand in Silco's. He nods briefly, as a sign that he understood Silco's words and what he was getting into. And with just that, he heard the the "click" as the trigger was pulled.
The needle pierced through the layers of his skin, plunging into his muscle. The pain was sharp, just like Silco had warned him, and enough to make Richard jolt. It reminded him vaguely from the gratin pain that would come when one hits the nerves on their elbow on the corner of a table or so. Richard grits his teeth together and hisses as the pain rushes through his body, making him spasm little. His hand twitches, and Richard tries to close his hand in a fist but fails as the muscles do not want to listen to him.
But then it was over, just as fast as it had began. The pain fades, leaning a faint itching sensation where the needle had pierced the skin. There is a similar purple tear oozing out of puncture wound. Richard brings his other hand to rub at the spot, feeling near immediate relief.
It hadn't been too bad of an experience. But he can only imagine what it'd be like to have it injected on something as sensitive as an eye.]
Your daughter's blood had the same color as this one. [He states. Which could only mean that she, too, needed to take the same medicine. Except in much larger doses. Maybe more than she should. The wine had driven George mad, so who knows? Maybe abusing this was what made Jinx the way she was.
Well whatever, Richard wasn't in the mood of thinking about here any more than that.]
What is it called?
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Once the injection was complete, he removed the injector and took it apart as his lover inspected the site. He set the two parts next to him on the couch, appreciating having his hands free as he leaned back against the couch and watched Richard. He made a noise of acknowledgement to the statement about his daughter's blood.]
She nearly died before coming here. A higher concentration variant was utilized to save her life. It does have certain long term effects to the body, but it's better than death.
[Of course, the drug had made her mentally unstable, making bad worse for a time. It had cost him his life in return not long after. That was not a story he and Richard needed to explore again.]
Shimmer. Those of my world have few good opinions of it. Like all things, it has its uses.
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Richard hummed thoughtfully, remembering Silco mentioning something about Jinx arriving on death's doorstep before and going for drastic measures to save her life. So, this was it? A part of him thinks that it might have been greater mercy to let the girl just die, if that was the case - he couldn't even begin to fathom what it must be like to live with the shimmer running in her veins, tainting her blood and tears. But then again, he can't fault the man for wanting to save the girl with all he got. From what he had gathered, Jinx was 'the light' to Silco.
Meanwhile Richard's is...]
In any case, it is a fortune that you have it here with you. I can't have you dying on me just yet. [He says, a teasing grin tugging the corners of his lips as he reached to grab his discarded glove.] What did you have in your mind for tonight? It almost seems like you were preparing for quiet night inside. [The novel and whiskey had not gone amiss. ]
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He would do whatever was necessary for his goals. There, here and everywhere. However, that wasn't talk for today, especially now that his eye and the surrounding scarred flesh was feeling as normal as it could again. He didn't want the distraction tonight.]
No? How fortunate for me that you value my life so deeply. [The corner of his lip tugged in a faint smile. Much like Richard, the number of people that wanted him dead were many. It was pleasant to feel wanted, even in jest.] I suppose that depends what's in that surprise crate that you lugged over here. Do I get to know the contents, or is it here to tease me with mystery? Otherwise...
[He reached up to cup the side of Richard's face with a hand, stroking his thumb beneath the younger man's eye.] Jinx will be away for at least two weeks, so you're... welcome to stay here.
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Richard turns his eyes briefly back to the crate when Silco mentions it again, his full attention directed at it. Though, once he feels the warm hand against his face, thumb caressing his skin, he brings his focus back at his lover. The idea of just two of them without any third wheels bothering them did sound nice, bringing warmth to Richard's chest.
Then, closing his eyes Richard leaned in and pressed his lips against Silco's, trapping them both in a brief but hungry kiss.]
It is a gift from our rulers. [He says and withdraws back from the kiss.] I was summoned by the council.
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He would miss his daughter, and while he was against her leaving the city for such pitiful task, he also wasn't going to stop her. This was the path she wanted to walk, and he did wonder if she was escaping the city to avoid some of the responsibilities of INX. That came with all leadership; some came back, some did not. Still, with her away, he did wonder how much time he and Richard would spend together as he had no commitments on his time such as breakfast or dinner.
A little sigh left him as their lips met, and he responded similarly to the kiss as his hand moved to cup the back of Richard's head. That hunger was apparent, and he had no doubt it would turn into something sooner than later.
Yet, his head tilted as Richard withdrew and mentioned their overlords. Interesting. He eyed the crate with even more curiosity, sliding his hand down the back of his lover's neck.] So you were forced to endure their version of sentencing. Mine did not come with a physical object. What did they demand of you?
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Richard's not entirely sure where to begin with the tale. To admit that he had been lying to Silco all of this time? Keeping part of his own legacy hidden? Just how far the dark ambitions of this demon would go. Well.. Guess it's best to start with the basics.]
I was tasked with denouncing the importance of status. And finding value in my own identity. [He then scoffed a light laughter.] Ridiculous, is it not? It seems that the council only aims to make mockery of us.
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He would admit that he didn't even know what crime Richard had been charged with upon arrival. He hadn't revealed his own of course, considering it a mockery of what he was capable of and the acts he had done for the sake of his city and ambitions.
His hands moved to stroke up the small of Richard's back, and his eyes remained fixed on the crate. Now what would be in there that would line up with Richard's task?] No, the Council either targets crimes that are worthless and no issue, or for some, they target where they can hurt someone the most... to make them 'better people', I suppose.
[He looked at Richard again, considering.] So the Council must believe you've been your entire identity of your status then? Do you intend to ignore their requirement?
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