[Once Richard entered the bedroom, there was only a single light on the side table next to the bed, not that Silco needed the light. He was used to navigating in the darkness, especially in his own spaces like the house. However, the darkness was also a place to feel alone, so he had kept the lights on for both Richard and to chase the feel of isolation away.
His eyes tracked the younger man, though he continued to be silent as he watched Richard strip down. He dropped his cheek onto the top of Richard's hand when he felt it settle on his shoulder, reaching out to turn off the only light in the room to cast them in darkness. It was only then that he shifted so that he could lay down on his back, even as he moved his injured leg well away from where he thought Richard might lay.
He reached up with one hand to pull the covers aside while the other moved to grip Richard's wrist to keep a constant sense of where the younger man was as he was joined in the bed.]
[Every movement shared between them moved in their own, natural weight -- like puzzle pieces slotting in to their right places. There was nothing unnatural of the two monsters circling around each other before laying down together, even if the old songs and tales would have you believe otherwise. Richard turned his palm up, so that he can cradle Silco's cheek, thumb caressing the tender skin right under his eyes as he is guided down on the bed.
Richard settles to lie next to Silco's healthy side, placing one arm under his head while keeping to caressing his lover's face. The soft yet attentive eyes kept looking into Silco's own, trying to decipher the feeling behind the tired and drained expression.]
[There was the normal mix of sensations from the hand on his cheek, but he was aware of the warm of that touch regardless of what portion of his skin that thumb moved over. He flipped the covers back over them both once it seemed that Richard had settled down next to him, and his now free arm rested across his own belly and his hand brushed against the swell of his lover's hip.
He didn't protest the hold on his head, instead using it nestle a little closer and closed his blue eye automatically. His mutilated eye remained open and moving, though he had never said how much sight it provided. His thumb continued to hold Richard's wrist, thumb stroking the side of the younger man's arm.]
[Richard never had any reason to question the Silco's ability to see from his mutilated, black and red eye, believing it to work just the same as his other one especially that he now is aware of the man's medication. But he took the closing of the blue eye as a good sign. Perhaps Silco was finally ready to sleep.
Shifting on the mattress, Richard scooted closer to his lover so that he could tuck the man's head under his chin. The slender fingers slid from Silco's cheek to support the back of his head, spreading flat so that his finger tips could reach the edge of the shoulder blades.
Had he ever done this with other person? To be the one to offer comfort like this? Outside of that one silent night when his young son had came crying to him for comfort -- no. It is sufficient to say that he's not entirely sure what to do here, as he knew no songs or words that would soothe a hurt soul and bring calm to troubled mind. It's not like he had ever been received any. So, he continues to stay silent, his own breathing steady and tranquil. Who knows, maybe that would be enough to bring some solace to his lover.]
[His eye opened again when Richard shifted, and a low sigh emerged from his nose as the younger man's tucked his head in. He turned onto his side so that he could tangle their feet together, bumping bare knees lightly as he turned his face so he could nestle it into Richard's throat. If he concentrated, he could feel the gentle pulse in Richard's vein against his forehead.
He tried to recall the last time he had let anyone comfort him like this. It must have been decades in a different place where the dark was oppressive and the air was thick enough to taste. A lifetime ago with different arms and different circumstances....
His arm curled around Richard's waist and held on tight to the younger man as he once again closed his eye. He listened to the sounds of Richard breathing and his own began to slow as he didn't bother to fight exhaustion. They both needed the sleep, and it was nice to not... feel alone.
With a final deep sigh, he slipped into a dreamless sleep.]
[Once he feels Silco's body to go lax against his as he falls asleep, Richard lets out deep sigh. He shifts on the bed, adjusting his position to more comfortable one while stroking slowly the bare skin on his back. He stays awake, another rarity as Richard was more often than not the person who fall asleep first and slept well into the morning - while Silco stayed up longer than him and woke up early.
He stared at the dark wall next to their bed, falling deep into his thoughts. Richard had never held much love towards Jinx, that was not a secret, and it'd be lying to say that he didn't benefit from her absence. He would not give the girl as much credit as to think her as rival or anything sort of it -- she was nothing but another thorn on his path that had just been removed. No more annoying harassing from her part, sudden attacks towards his persona. No more need to hide from her either. Then there was of course the question regarding the future of the Inx. Ah, so much to think and plan.
Richard hears a distant crack coming from the window and he quickly looks up. It was just a cold weather hitting against the glass. No shadows or demons from were trying force themselves in.
It seems like everything is just alright, Richard thinks to himself as he closes his eyes. ]
[Exhaustion had its benefits. A dreamless sleep was one of them, and it was one of the reasons he chose to his exhaust himself before deciding to attempt sleep. He lay curled in Richard's arms, his own having lost the strength of its grip as he had gone to sleep and shifted a little but otherwise remained around his lover's waist.
Silco slowly came back to awareness, the scent and feel of Richard close to him allowing the illusion of this being a perfectly normal morning as it had been the last month. He sighed, keeping his eye closed and savouring the warmth of the blankets and the lithe body close to his own. He gave himself a few extra minutes like that, feeling tired yet still rested.
He shifted slightly, noting the weight over his feet and determining that to be Whitey. Otherwise, Richard's chin remained on the top of his head and arms held him close. He knew why, but he had promised himself he wouldn't mope more than a day. There was work to be done, and Jinx had an opportunity to return to him.
He kissed Richard's throat lightly before slowly extracting himself from his lover's warm embrace. He rose from the bed carefully, wincing with his injured leg even as he left the bed in order to go and relieve himself, wash his face and push his hair from falling into his face. He looked in the mirror; he still looked pale and tired but nothing like the night before at all.
He returned to the bed, finding his spot now occupied by the albino boar. He left the room to put on some coffee, thankfully electricity still worked in the houses. He had about ten minutes for a brew, so he limped his way back to the bedroom and was about to sit in the chair and rest there when he made the decision that he didn't want to.
He slipped into bed behind Richard in the precarious area on the edge of the mattress. He wrapped his arms around his sleeping lover and buried his face back into the relative safety at the back of Richard's neck. His fingers lightly stroked up and down the younger man's flat but muscular stomach.]
[Just like always, Richard was dead to the world. The golden sleep had fully claimed him and there was no reaction from him when his lover stirred awake and slowly moved away from the bed. If it wasn't for his steadily raising chest and soft, nearly inaudible puff of air passing his lips, one could even think that he was no longer in the books of living.
Though there's some signs of living in him when his rest is disturbed by a new source of heat as Whitey climbs to sleep next to him. Richard murmurs softly in his sleep, his body moving on its own closer to the white fur.
But his sleep is properly broken when there's a familiar press against him, caging his small frame.]
Mmm.. [Richard hums as he stirs, turning his sleepy eyes to look at the man behind him.]
[He told himself that he wouldn't return to sleep despite being tired, that there were matters that required his attention which he couldn't avoid. He wanted to list off the items of the day in his head, but with his face nestled in the back of Richard's neck, all thoughts just washed away again.
Yet, when he heard the sound from his lover, he turned his face so only the left side was hidden there, and he made a similar sound of reply to indicate that yes he was still awake. He didn't relent in his hold around Richard's middle either.]
...coffee's on. [Normally he'd only say that to Jinx if he had to wake her; Richard caffeinated was quite the sight.] You're going to the inn today?
[It was easier to delve into business-as-usual than try to untangle the complex nature of his emotional state right now. The tug of being tired continued a certain fuzziness to his brain that would soon to chased away with coffee. Until then, he just wanted to hold on to the only person he seemed to have left.]
[Richard shifts on the bed, turning to side just enough that he can reach out to brush his lover's cheek with the back of his knuckles. There was now a warm and pleasant nest forming around him with both Silco and Whitey pressing against him, cocooning him up in the blanket. And for a moment his world is limited just in the bubble around them, rest of the world not mattering. At least until his attention is forced back to it by his lover's words.]
Of course I am. [Richard's voice is quiet and soft, still full of night's sleep. Well, it appears that whatever spell Silco was under last night has now been lifted. The man seemed to be more like himself, even if still a tad more clingier than normally. Richard keeps brushing Silco's cheek with long, affectionate strokes as a small smile forms to his lips] And you?
[His arm loosened enough to not hinder Richard from shifting, but it also settled back to previous hold once his lover didn't pull away. His blue eye closed again as he rested in that ten minute window before the coffee was fully brewed to partake. His face shifted slightly at the feel of Richard's fingers on his face, and he offered a brush of lips to the back of his lover's neck in response.
He grunted softly in reply; it was good to see Richard settling into business ownership. That kind of responsibility was an excellent motivator for further progress in his mind. Of course, he had not decided what to do with Jinx's cafe yet; that would be a consideration today if he could. To avoid thinking about it too much, his fingers stroked over Richard's belly again.]
I'll make the rounds as long as my leg holds. [He still preferred to walk everywhere, able to slip down side-streets or alleys to avoid detection.] I need to finish scheduling and prepare for month end. [It's when he passed the most money through to businesses that he owned, of course.]
[It is a little awkward reach for him to be in, with his upper body twisted and turned around as he kept stroking his lover's cheek with his knuckles. So, when he receives a soft kiss in exchange for his efforts, Richard turns back around and rests his back against Silco's front, relishing the warm hold swallowing his body.
And while Richard might be one to sleep longer than the other man, he also preferred to get up almost immediately after waking up. He was rarely a type to linger in the bed. After all, he prefers to get to work as fast as he could. But now, with Silco's arms wrapped around him, caressing his tummy, it felt like he was being lured back into the cozy bubble of sleep.
Richard hums again, bringing his hand on top of Silco's wrist -- long fingers spreading out to brush the back of his hand.] I'll join you, then. I have someone who can look after the inn for a day.
[When Richard turned back, he buried his face against the back of the younger man's neck and his internal clock remained ticking down to the moment he could - or should - pull himself away. He was also one not to linger in bed unless he was there waiting for the other to wake or because he wasn't ready to sleep himself and read a book or paper or worked.
This morning he lingered in the warmth and comfort of Richard's presence regardless of being so close to the edge. He pulled his lover a little more against him so they were pressed together chest all the way down to their knees. His caressing briefly paused when it seemed that he would have company today if that was Richard's intention.]
Join me, hmm? [He wanted to say he wasn't an invalid and could manage just fine on his own. The leg was healing, but he understood even in his current state that wasn't the point being made here.] You don't... have to worry about me. This is not my first experience losing almost everything.
[Except he hadn't lost anywhere close to everything. He'd lost the person he relied on and trusted most. The point stood. It wasn't his first time.]
Mm.. [Richard kept looking at the mass of white fur in front of him and how it kept moving along the animal's breathing. Seems like they're not the only ones not looking for a quick start today.
He stays quiet as he listens to Silco's words, feeling the rhythm of the other one's heartbeat against his back. The entire time that he had known the other man, he had refused the desire for the light - simply stating that he was content dwelling in the dark depths of his own caves. But despite those words Richard could not bring himself to believe that. After all, the other one was also a mere human with similar needs and desires as anyone else out there. Maybe it was just that the man hadn't quite come to the realization of just what that light was to him. Meanwhile Richard believe he could see it plain as the day.
It was what the man had just lost. It was not everything, no. But instead it had been what was the most important.]
And I doubt it will be the last. [Such was the fate of a man.] But a loss is a loss. I will accompany you.
[He closed his eye again at the words, and he knew it was true. There was still plenty to lose here, though at this time, he cared a little less about it now. Yes, Aldrip was his own option at anything close to a continued life, but once he had discovered his daughter, everything felt as if it had slid back into the same dynamic.
Was there a chance she would return? Potentially. Would she remember everything they had accomplished? Maybe. This place was good a jerking everyone's chain, which was why he wanted control of what they could scratch together.
He sighed from his nose, his fingers slowly stopping in their stroking.] Hmmm... no, it will not be the last. There is always something more to lose. [Slowly, he withdrew his arms from around Richard and slowly wedge an elbow under himself so he could begin to sit up.]
It's why we fight. To keep what's left and gain ground.
[He relented from withdrawing in favour of coffee to instead lean down to press a kiss to Richard's cheek.]
[Richard moved his hand away from Silco's wrist, allowing him to begin to pull away. The smell of freshly brewed coffee entered to the room, no doubt signaling the other man that it was perhaps time for them to get up. That was yet another treat that Richard never quite understood, being able to get it down only when there is plenty of cream mixed in.
But now that the arms withdraw from around him Richard uses the opportunity to turn from his side to lie on his back -- reaching up to touch his lover's face with his fingers, mapping the sharp jawline and shape of his lips. It was good to hear that despite this loss, the other man hadn't lost the focus. Monsters like them would always find a way to stand back up and grow stronger. They would not stop fighting.]
Hah, as if. I do not need to escape to the world of a written word to thaw the boredom.
[He paused in withdrawing from the bed entirely as Richard rolled and he saw his lover's hand lifting towards his face again. He stayed, propped on an elbow and closed his eye as he leaned into the touch even as he lifted his other hand to push his fingers through the longer strands of hair to stop them from falling forward into his face.]
Fine but swinging around your sword in my office could be disruptive.
[Not that he had ever seen Richard do that unless it was against some sort of invader and normally he wouldn't be working during such times. His hand dropped from his hair, stroking his fingers up the middle of Richard's chest.]
Or do you plan on looking over my shoulder for the entire day?
Heh. [Richard huffs a faint air of amusement at the sight of casual vanity as his lover focuses on fixing his hair.]
Just what kind of savage do you take me for? [He teases back, lips curling into a grin. Then with that, he slides his hand behind the other man's neck pulling him closer while also craning his own up - sealing them into a brief tender kiss.]
The pretty kind. [They were all savages in their own way, but he would admit that Richard made any kind of savagery something worth watching. Besides, he knew his lover had few compliments on appearance, and he did make it a point on occasion to make it clear that he found the younger man attractive.
He didn't resist the pull to lean down, meeting Richard's lips with his own. His hand moved from between his lover's breasts to rise in order to cup the side of Richard's face.]
Is that so? Just using me for my business knowledge, I see.
Always right to the flattery with you. [And well, to Silco's credit it did work with Richard, at least nine times out of ten if not more.
He sighs softly against the other man's lips. He brings them back together for a second kiss, though this time he's in no hurry to break the contact - savoring the taste of Silco.]
It normally works, so who am I to deny using it to my advantage? [It was a light tease, even if much of the usual emotion didn't reach his blue eye. He was content to pretend everything was fine, even if the invasion thought came unbidden this right here might be his new 'normal', as it were.
He welcomed the second kiss, if only so he didn't have to speak much more and it bought him time to once again gather himself and push all the emotions down around his daughter now that he was waking up fully. His hand slid to the back of Richard's head, thumb stroking under the younger man's ear.]
[Richard keeps them connected, savoring the taste of Silco's lips against his own. It's still just a morning and he can still recognize the lingering aftertaste of the smoke and whiskey. No doubt his lover had indulged in his vices a plenty before his arrival last night. Indulged in or escaped to.
But at least he did seem to have some control over these substances. There was no fear that he would lose himself into them the say way that his brothers' had. That thought made him feel reassured that his lover would indeed keep his focus, no matter how much hurt there was in his mind. The fight would not be over.
He nibbles on Silco's lower lip before letting him go, breaking their contact.]
You can do that without me. Such high prize for something so mundane. [Richard allowed his fingers to slide along Silco's jawline, stopping right underneath his chin. Of course, he was nowhere naive enough to believe that his lover was not trying to get something out of this arrangements, aside the intimacy and physical comfort. Richard had already showcased that he would be willing to protect the other man, and then there was the matter of the inn. He suspected that the older man was trying to benefit from it one way or another. Well, not that it mattered to Richard. 'The business' hardly interested him as much as the other venues that came with the ownership of the said establishment.
Ah but... he was now getting distracted, wasn't he?]
[He withdrew from the kiss when Richard did, shrugging his bare shoulders. They both knew that the theory was correct, but honestly, he wouldn't without Richard sitting or nudging or making pointed gestures to go to bed at a reasonable time.]
I could, but I won't. You keep that part of my schedule rather on track. Few have accomplished that. [There were other aspects of their relationship that he was using Richard for, yes. Companionship, sex, conversation, protection, and just plain interest.
The acquisition of the inn did hold his interest, but honestly, he was waiting for Richard to grow bored of it and then he'd buy it. He could funnel excess funds through it as he did all his others. It was not a matter he discussed, though he would probably have to if he did use Richard's business for that. He considered it a side-benefit of associating with him: more wealth.
He hummed in agreement, turning his head to view the bedroom door before he levered himself up on an elbow and then swung his legs out of bed. He sat there, lingering on the edge of the bed uncharacteristically. Aside from them, there was no noise that he could hear in the house. It was... different.]
Do you want a mug?
[Slowly, he convinced himself to his feet and approached the chair where he could retrieve a clean pair of underwear and slipped into it carefully.]
[Despite the tender and affectionate moments like this it was easier for Richard to try and rationalize their arrangement through the idea of transactions of sorts. They were both in this because they benefit from it, both in private life and business. Of course, if Richard were to stop and think the situation through properly he'd come to realization that the mere transactional nature of their relationship was long gone. But that was a rabbit hole he refused to look at.
When Silco moved and finally pulled away to get up Richard gathered the blanket around himself so that he could cover his body as he sits up. The mention of coffee almost makes him grimace. He had given the drink few tries but he still couldn't get used to it, finding the taste almost offending. But, it was what people did here and he was dedicated on adapting.]
Only if there is cream. Here, [He extends his arm out to him, waiting for Silco to pass him a clothing.] Will you help me dress?
[Silco had stopped thinking their association was transaction to a degree. He wouldn't allow himself to consider the depth of it, and the potentially uncomfortable emotions that his daughter had once accused him of. He knew it wasn't 'just sex' any longer, that living with another man for two months, seeing each other almost daily was nothing of that sort. It felt like when...
No. He cut the thought off immediately. It was like scratching an old scar that had never healed right.
He hummed as Richard agreed to a small cup of coffee and cream. He turned at his lover's question, noting the offered hand. He stepped closer and reached out to grip onto Richard's hand and draw his lover from the bed towards himself rather than offering clothing. It was better standing anyway.] If that's what you wish, yes.
[Instead of stepping away to gather Richard's clothing for the day, he stepped in and buried his nose briefly against the younger man's neck, sliding his arms around Richard for a little squeeze of a hug, ignoring how stupid and needy this was probably appearing. It was fine. He was just tired, and it was better than being angry and cranky with Richard.]
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traumaticus) wrote2022-08-15 11:44 pm
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His eyes tracked the younger man, though he continued to be silent as he watched Richard strip down. He dropped his cheek onto the top of Richard's hand when he felt it settle on his shoulder, reaching out to turn off the only light in the room to cast them in darkness. It was only then that he shifted so that he could lay down on his back, even as he moved his injured leg well away from where he thought Richard might lay.
He reached up with one hand to pull the covers aside while the other moved to grip Richard's wrist to keep a constant sense of where the younger man was as he was joined in the bed.]
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Richard settles to lie next to Silco's healthy side, placing one arm under his head while keeping to caressing his lover's face. The soft yet attentive eyes kept looking into Silco's own, trying to decipher the feeling behind the tired and drained expression.]
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He didn't protest the hold on his head, instead using it nestle a little closer and closed his blue eye automatically. His mutilated eye remained open and moving, though he had never said how much sight it provided. His thumb continued to hold Richard's wrist, thumb stroking the side of the younger man's arm.]
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Shifting on the mattress, Richard scooted closer to his lover so that he could tuck the man's head under his chin. The slender fingers slid from Silco's cheek to support the back of his head, spreading flat so that his finger tips could reach the edge of the shoulder blades.
Had he ever done this with other person? To be the one to offer comfort like this? Outside of that one silent night when his young son had came crying to him for comfort -- no. It is sufficient to say that he's not entirely sure what to do here, as he knew no songs or words that would soothe a hurt soul and bring calm to troubled mind. It's not like he had ever been received any. So, he continues to stay silent, his own breathing steady and tranquil. Who knows, maybe that would be enough to bring some solace to his lover.]
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He tried to recall the last time he had let anyone comfort him like this. It must have been decades in a different place where the dark was oppressive and the air was thick enough to taste. A lifetime ago with different arms and different circumstances....
His arm curled around Richard's waist and held on tight to the younger man as he once again closed his eye. He listened to the sounds of Richard breathing and his own began to slow as he didn't bother to fight exhaustion. They both needed the sleep, and it was nice to not... feel alone.
With a final deep sigh, he slipped into a dreamless sleep.]
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He stared at the dark wall next to their bed, falling deep into his thoughts. Richard had never held much love towards Jinx, that was not a secret, and it'd be lying to say that he didn't benefit from her absence. He would not give the girl as much credit as to think her as rival or anything sort of it -- she was nothing but another thorn on his path that had just been removed. No more annoying harassing from her part, sudden attacks towards his persona. No more need to hide from her either. Then there was of course the question regarding the future of the Inx. Ah, so much to think and plan.
Richard hears a distant crack coming from the window and he quickly looks up. It was just a cold weather hitting against the glass. No shadows or demons from were trying force themselves in.
It seems like everything is just alright, Richard thinks to himself as he closes his eyes. ]
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Silco slowly came back to awareness, the scent and feel of Richard close to him allowing the illusion of this being a perfectly normal morning as it had been the last month. He sighed, keeping his eye closed and savouring the warmth of the blankets and the lithe body close to his own. He gave himself a few extra minutes like that, feeling tired yet still rested.
He shifted slightly, noting the weight over his feet and determining that to be Whitey. Otherwise, Richard's chin remained on the top of his head and arms held him close. He knew why, but he had promised himself he wouldn't mope more than a day. There was work to be done, and Jinx had an opportunity to return to him.
He kissed Richard's throat lightly before slowly extracting himself from his lover's warm embrace. He rose from the bed carefully, wincing with his injured leg even as he left the bed in order to go and relieve himself, wash his face and push his hair from falling into his face. He looked in the mirror; he still looked pale and tired but nothing like the night before at all.
He returned to the bed, finding his spot now occupied by the albino boar. He left the room to put on some coffee, thankfully electricity still worked in the houses. He had about ten minutes for a brew, so he limped his way back to the bedroom and was about to sit in the chair and rest there when he made the decision that he didn't want to.
He slipped into bed behind Richard in the precarious area on the edge of the mattress. He wrapped his arms around his sleeping lover and buried his face back into the relative safety at the back of Richard's neck. His fingers lightly stroked up and down the younger man's flat but muscular stomach.]
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Though there's some signs of living in him when his rest is disturbed by a new source of heat as Whitey climbs to sleep next to him. Richard murmurs softly in his sleep, his body moving on its own closer to the white fur.
But his sleep is properly broken when there's a familiar press against him, caging his small frame.]
Mmm.. [Richard hums as he stirs, turning his sleepy eyes to look at the man behind him.]
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Yet, when he heard the sound from his lover, he turned his face so only the left side was hidden there, and he made a similar sound of reply to indicate that yes he was still awake. He didn't relent in his hold around Richard's middle either.]
...coffee's on. [Normally he'd only say that to Jinx if he had to wake her; Richard caffeinated was quite the sight.] You're going to the inn today?
[It was easier to delve into business-as-usual than try to untangle the complex nature of his emotional state right now. The tug of being tired continued a certain fuzziness to his brain that would soon to chased away with coffee. Until then, he just wanted to hold on to the only person he seemed to have left.]
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Of course I am. [Richard's voice is quiet and soft, still full of night's sleep. Well, it appears that whatever spell Silco was under last night has now been lifted. The man seemed to be more like himself, even if still a tad more clingier than normally. Richard keeps brushing Silco's cheek with long, affectionate strokes as a small smile forms to his lips] And you?
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He grunted softly in reply; it was good to see Richard settling into business ownership. That kind of responsibility was an excellent motivator for further progress in his mind. Of course, he had not decided what to do with Jinx's cafe yet; that would be a consideration today if he could. To avoid thinking about it too much, his fingers stroked over Richard's belly again.]
I'll make the rounds as long as my leg holds. [He still preferred to walk everywhere, able to slip down side-streets or alleys to avoid detection.] I need to finish scheduling and prepare for month end. [It's when he passed the most money through to businesses that he owned, of course.]
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And while Richard might be one to sleep longer than the other man, he also preferred to get up almost immediately after waking up. He was rarely a type to linger in the bed. After all, he prefers to get to work as fast as he could. But now, with Silco's arms wrapped around him, caressing his tummy, it felt like he was being lured back into the cozy bubble of sleep.
Richard hums again, bringing his hand on top of Silco's wrist -- long fingers spreading out to brush the back of his hand.] I'll join you, then. I have someone who can look after the inn for a day.
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This morning he lingered in the warmth and comfort of Richard's presence regardless of being so close to the edge. He pulled his lover a little more against him so they were pressed together chest all the way down to their knees. His caressing briefly paused when it seemed that he would have company today if that was Richard's intention.]
Join me, hmm? [He wanted to say he wasn't an invalid and could manage just fine on his own. The leg was healing, but he understood even in his current state that wasn't the point being made here.] You don't... have to worry about me. This is not my first experience losing almost everything.
[Except he hadn't lost anywhere close to everything. He'd lost the person he relied on and trusted most. The point stood. It wasn't his first time.]
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He stays quiet as he listens to Silco's words, feeling the rhythm of the other one's heartbeat against his back. The entire time that he had known the other man, he had refused the desire for the light - simply stating that he was content dwelling in the dark depths of his own caves. But despite those words Richard could not bring himself to believe that. After all, the other one was also a mere human with similar needs and desires as anyone else out there. Maybe it was just that the man hadn't quite come to the realization of just what that light was to him. Meanwhile Richard believe he could see it plain as the day.
It was what the man had just lost. It was not everything, no. But instead it had been what was the most important.]
And I doubt it will be the last. [Such was the fate of a man.] But a loss is a loss. I will accompany you.
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Was there a chance she would return? Potentially. Would she remember everything they had accomplished? Maybe. This place was good a jerking everyone's chain, which was why he wanted control of what they could scratch together.
He sighed from his nose, his fingers slowly stopping in their stroking.] Hmmm... no, it will not be the last. There is always something more to lose. [Slowly, he withdrew his arms from around Richard and slowly wedge an elbow under himself so he could begin to sit up.]
It's why we fight. To keep what's left and gain ground.
[He relented from withdrawing in favour of coffee to instead lean down to press a kiss to Richard's cheek.]
Bring a book. You might be bored otherwise.
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But now that the arms withdraw from around him Richard uses the opportunity to turn from his side to lie on his back -- reaching up to touch his lover's face with his fingers, mapping the sharp jawline and shape of his lips. It was good to hear that despite this loss, the other man hadn't lost the focus. Monsters like them would always find a way to stand back up and grow stronger. They would not stop fighting.]
Hah, as if. I do not need to escape to the world of a written word to thaw the boredom.
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Fine but swinging around your sword in my office could be disruptive.
[Not that he had ever seen Richard do that unless it was against some sort of invader and normally he wouldn't be working during such times. His hand dropped from his hair, stroking his fingers up the middle of Richard's chest.]
Or do you plan on looking over my shoulder for the entire day?
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Just what kind of savage do you take me for? [He teases back, lips curling into a grin. Then with that, he slides his hand behind the other man's neck pulling him closer while also craning his own up - sealing them into a brief tender kiss.]
Only as long as I need to.
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He didn't resist the pull to lean down, meeting Richard's lips with his own. His hand moved from between his lover's breasts to rise in order to cup the side of Richard's face.]
Is that so? Just using me for my business knowledge, I see.
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He sighs softly against the other man's lips. He brings them back together for a second kiss, though this time he's in no hurry to break the contact - savoring the taste of Silco.]
And what do you use me for?
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He welcomed the second kiss, if only so he didn't have to speak much more and it bought him time to once again gather himself and push all the emotions down around his daughter now that he was waking up fully. His hand slid to the back of Richard's head, thumb stroking under the younger man's ear.]
Sleeping at a normal hour?
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But at least he did seem to have some control over these substances. There was no fear that he would lose himself into them the say way that his brothers' had. That thought made him feel reassured that his lover would indeed keep his focus, no matter how much hurt there was in his mind. The fight would not be over.
He nibbles on Silco's lower lip before letting him go, breaking their contact.]
You can do that without me. Such high prize for something so mundane. [Richard allowed his fingers to slide along Silco's jawline, stopping right underneath his chin. Of course, he was nowhere naive enough to believe that his lover was not trying to get something out of this arrangements, aside the intimacy and physical comfort. Richard had already showcased that he would be willing to protect the other man, and then there was the matter of the inn. He suspected that the older man was trying to benefit from it one way or another. Well, not that it mattered to Richard. 'The business' hardly interested him as much as the other venues that came with the ownership of the said establishment.
Ah but... he was now getting distracted, wasn't he?]
I believe your black poison is ready.
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I could, but I won't. You keep that part of my schedule rather on track. Few have accomplished that. [There were other aspects of their relationship that he was using Richard for, yes. Companionship, sex, conversation, protection, and just plain interest.
The acquisition of the inn did hold his interest, but honestly, he was waiting for Richard to grow bored of it and then he'd buy it. He could funnel excess funds through it as he did all his others. It was not a matter he discussed, though he would probably have to if he did use Richard's business for that. He considered it a side-benefit of associating with him: more wealth.
He hummed in agreement, turning his head to view the bedroom door before he levered himself up on an elbow and then swung his legs out of bed. He sat there, lingering on the edge of the bed uncharacteristically. Aside from them, there was no noise that he could hear in the house. It was... different.]
Do you want a mug?
[Slowly, he convinced himself to his feet and approached the chair where he could retrieve a clean pair of underwear and slipped into it carefully.]
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When Silco moved and finally pulled away to get up Richard gathered the blanket around himself so that he could cover his body as he sits up. The mention of coffee almost makes him grimace. He had given the drink few tries but he still couldn't get used to it, finding the taste almost offending. But, it was what people did here and he was dedicated on adapting.]
Only if there is cream. Here, [He extends his arm out to him, waiting for Silco to pass him a clothing.] Will you help me dress?
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No. He cut the thought off immediately. It was like scratching an old scar that had never healed right.
He hummed as Richard agreed to a small cup of coffee and cream. He turned at his lover's question, noting the offered hand. He stepped closer and reached out to grip onto Richard's hand and draw his lover from the bed towards himself rather than offering clothing. It was better standing anyway.] If that's what you wish, yes.
[Instead of stepping away to gather Richard's clothing for the day, he stepped in and buried his nose briefly against the younger man's neck, sliding his arms around Richard for a little squeeze of a hug, ignoring how stupid and needy this was probably appearing. It was fine. He was just tired, and it was better than being angry and cranky with Richard.]
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