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[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.]

Bring a book. You might be bored otherwise.

[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.]

Only as long as I need to.

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.]

And what do you use me for?

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.]

Sleeping at a normal hour?

[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?]

I believe your black poison is ready.

[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.]

[A small, confused frown appears to Richard's face when his lover reaches out to grab his hand and tug him forward. He does not fight against the pull, moving up from the mattress to stand next to the other man -- allowing the blanket to slide off his body.

Silco had grown better at showing casual affection and intimacy since they had started to share the bed. Even instigating the contact first at some cases. But this was different to that. No, Richard could feel the silent agony in the embrace. There was something distantly familiar in the gesture, echoing the pain similar to that dramatic day when the world had frozen around him. When he had lost the light.

It is.. startling, to say the least. But not all that unexpected, he supposed. Richard lift his arms and wrapped them around Silco's back, reciprocating the hug and inviting the man to lean on him. He stays quiet, giving the older man to take his own time when to pull away.]

[He did not and could not allow it to last long, not reasonably. He waited for Richard's arms to encircle him in return in a perfectly normal return gesture while also savouring the close contact. He closed his eye and counted to ten as he remained nestled against his lover before he slowly disentangled himself from the embrace.

He pushed his fingers through the longer strands of his hair a few times as he stepped over to gather Richard's clothing in the other hand, returning the three steps it took to be in front of his lover. He offered Richard the undershirt first.]

Would you like to train today?

[There is a small hesitation, a moment of doubt and resistance in Richard when Silco pulls away, not sure whether he wants to let go or not. His fingers slide along his lover's forearm as the other pulled away -- a silent invitation for the older man to stay there for a little bit longer. But once again, Silco is right. They really ought to get started with the day, with the emotional setbacks and all.]

Nay. I told you I will be joining you for the day, didn't I? [Richard takes the offered undershirt and pulls it over himself. It has already been quite some time since he had been able to properly partake in his training and other exercise. He had lost the easy access to the nature after moving out of his previous house back to the city. And the work at the inn kept him busy enough that the moments to escape back to his usual training grounds became more and more few and rare.] A regular day clothing will do.

You did, but I expect that if you wish to train, I can take time out of my day to watch you do so. [Do not ask him to train; he had completed his penance of slave labor as a boy and a young man and wasn't interested in such activities where someone else could actually observe him doing so.

Next, he offered the binder for Richard to settled into place comfortably. He had always been told it was a personal preference when it came to that comfort, so he didn't offer to assist. He was, after all, well practiced at removing it these days. Still, it seemed that Richard would be his shadow for his activities rather than the other way around.]

As you say. We'll get you dressed, have a mug of coffee and head out then. I'll stop at the flower shop first. [He had plenty to do because drowning in work was always the best choice to ignore any particular grief.] If my leg becomes painful, we'll stay longer at one place today. Maybe the Last Drop.

[Richard accepts the binder and begins to wrap it over his body, adjusting his breasts a little so that they fit more comfortably under the compressive cloth before he begins to close the hooks. He stays quiet during the process, a resigned expression briefly visiting his face. The whole thing proceeds almost mechanically as Richard had grown used to it all those years ago. But despite that, he still felt strangely distant when touching his own body.

Back in England, both Buckingham and Catesby had assisted him with this task, making it somewhat easier for him. With such a simple act the two men managed to bring normalcy to Richard's life, quietly ensuring him that there was nothing wrong with him. It is something he would potentially wish Silco to provide him, too, but he could not bring himself to ask that of his lover.

Once the binder is in the place Richard takes a deep breath and rolls his shoulders, returning back to their conversation. ]

I could fetch Blackie, in that case. On his back you would not risk worsening the injury on your leg.

[While Richard was busy with his binder, Silco moved away the two steps necessary to pick up his own folded shirt and slipped it over each other and tugged it down over his shoulders. From a very young age, he had learned the hard way that such tasks would not be done if not be oneself, and so he had begun a path of almost hyperindependence. Now he paid people to do certain tasks for him, not because he couldn't do it himself but because he had the luxury to choose not to.

Here in this place, he had returned to relearning skills that he had otherwise neglected in his position of power. Dressing had never been one of those skills, of course. He took too much pride in his appearance, keeping his clothing and hair in a particular order that he trusted only to himself. It was a sense of control, of course.

He allowed only Richard to undress him, but the opposite was not particularly true.

His fingers moved over the buttons one by one until it was to his neck, but he paused so that he could collect the next article of clothing for Richard to don. He approached, holding out the the next shirt that would go under that leather.]

Oh, you want me to break my neck? [Riding remained a skill he had yet to learn particularly well.] I'd prefer the leg... but, if you're there, it won't be the worst experience.

[Richard watched as Silco buttoned his shirt up, a small smile returning to his lips. But this time instead of accepting the offered clothing he merely stretched his arms to his sides, expecting his lover to slide the shirt on him.]

You will not break anything if you behave. [Honestly, Silco's reaction to his horse was always so amusing.] But worry not. I'll be your knight in shining armor.

[He stared at Richard for a long moment as if trying to determine what this new posturing was for. He knew, of course, and he frowned for show even as he reached out and slid one arm hole over Richard's hand and then tugged and wrapped the material around his lover's back so he could do the same with the other arm hole. Fine, just this once.]

You need actual shiny armour then. Everything you wear is black. [He preferred his feet on solid ground, that's all. Horses were unpredictable.] You riding with me is the only way I agree. Otherwise, I walk.

[Richard merely raises a mildly amused brow at Silco, almost as if to ask him what's the matter. The man might not be a servant but he still assumed him to have some experience with this act, having raised a child on his own and all.

Once his arms are slid into the sleeves he pulls on the fabric and begins to work on the buttons. At least he's not requiring Silco's help with this task? For now that is.]

Black can shine in light just the same. [But he'd need to get a proper armor, that's for sure. Luckily he hasn't really been needing one in this world, but he does miss the sensation of iron wrapping around his body.]

If you are certain then. Do you require me to sit in front of you or will me walking alongside be enough? [How much does Silco need to be coddled?]

[His experiences were limited; by the time Jinx came to him, she was fully functioning when it came to dressing herself. Okay, so the hair needed work and styling, and he had to figure out what exactly it was that a little girl needed. He had never had to dress or undress her thankfully, not that nudity was a particular issue. They were perfectly comfortable in their own skin around each other.

Same as he was in front of Richard. He was an otherwise very private person physically and emotionally. As if to prove he could if he wanted to, he knocked Richard's hands aside so that he could button up the shirt from bottom to neck.] Why would you want it to? Black is to slip to the shadows, avoid detection and it's rather slimming.

[Of course, neither he nor Richard required material to assist them with looking slim. Both of them were lithe twigs of people.] Tell me about this armour of yours through.

[He didn't enjoy riding.] Walking beside should suffice. You don't have a problem with that, do you?

[The gentle and calculated brush on his hand does come as surprise. Silco had not always reacted positively to Richard's requests to perform tasks that would usually fall for servants, so this initiative is certainly surprising. But very much welcomed.

As one can presume, Richard did not allow this to just anyone. No soul was allowed in his quarters - aside from the two men who he trusted the most. So, that offered Silco such access to his body, in bed and outside of it, was a sign of immense trust on his part. A proof that he felt safe around the man to be his true self. And it pleased him greatly that the other man could somewhat understand why moments like these, of quiet and casual affection, meant much for him.

It made him feel cherished. Just for a moment.]

Hah. You are sounding more and more like a boogie man from children's tale. Is that why you adorn yourself in red? [He snorts an amused laughter. Once the buttons are done he slightly nods towards the trousers left in the chair.] What about it? I wear a plated armor with chainmail. Though mine is normally black and I added sharp talon-like edges to my fingers. [Now who's being dramatic about his appearances.]

Of course not. Blackie needs exercise too.

[He was aware that Richard was no trusting with many to be close to him physically, least of all see the younger man in the nude or close to it. He understood that Richard considered this activity to be a type of intimacy as one might with hair brushing or massages or some other bonding experience.

The moment passed them quietly, of course. He withdrew once that shirt was buttoned, and he moved to the door of the bedroom again. He would not put on his own trousers until he had tended to his healing leg injury first, unwilling to struggle with the material or risk it being contaminated with exudate from the cleaning process.

He turned to regard his lover and the corner of his lip tugged in a hint of a smirk.] I would rather be the thing that terrifies others than allow anyone to terrify me. And no, red has always been a colour I enjoy wearing. [It was as simple as that. It also hid the blood stains better.] My, my, such drama with armour. I expect you enjoy intimidating your enemies, don't you?

[He gestured for Richard to raise his voice because Silco was going to in search of coffee and still wanted to be part of the conversation.]

Why don't you just let that horse run around in the fields? Isn't that what people do?

[He had no idea. He had never been around beasts of burden before like this.]

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