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[conflictresolution]

"Leave a missive, but be brief about it."

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[conflictresolution]

Then it seems to me that your path is clear.

[He lifted his cheek from the top of her head so he could shift slightly in the chair without disrupting her spot in his lap.

That subject reached a quicker resolution than he was expecting. See, she just needed to talk things out, and she would find her way.]

Perhaps you should let her know what you wish out of your relationship as well. It might put everyone at ease.

[conflictresolution]

Well, even physical relationships need a healthy give and take to them. [Sometimes he felt the need to point out to Richard that there were standards in a relationship that wasn't simply him shoving the younger man down and having his way. He kept his dominance hidden behind experience, but when he decided to be determined, there was quite the thrill. Especially if Richard was also determined.]

Indeed. She has my full support even if I don't agree with her methods. She can't learn and course correct if she doesn't experience feedback. [This was a path that he had hoped that she would take, but he also did not expect her to go the distance with it. Some would follow, but other would refuse not matter what she said.] Do you guide your own son similarly?

[He stopped their walking progress so he could turn Richard towards him.] She has created chaos before this call for action. Though, I am curious what tactic you would take to bring the Chosen together? They are not simply commoners.

[opheliac]

[ she nods wordlessly and resumes to nestle against his shoulder, while smoothing out any creases he may have on his clothing. ]

If she wants to talk to me again, anyway. Guess there's only one way to find out, huh?

[conflictresolution]

She will. Nothing that happened should be worth cutting you out.

[He tipped his chin down to watch her smoothing out his vest. She seemed calmer, which hopefully would hold them through the more personal and difficult topics.]

Shall we move to the next topic on your list? Or shall we discuss Ange further?

[He was not particularly looking forward to any of the othe topics, but it was for her. His death at the hands of the sister was least favorite on the list though.]

[opheliac]

[ just having this closeness and this calming conversation with him alone is enough to numb her anxiety, and she smiles to herself as she shuts her eyes. ]

Hmmm... we can skip around. I'm starting to feel a lot better now that I'm right here with you, like this.

[conflictresolution]

[He reminded himself that sitting there wasn't a good expectation any longer. Mindful, he gently stroked his palm up and down her back.]

Very well. Pick the next subject you wish to discuss then.

[It seemed better for her to decide which one she wanted a faster resolution to. Or maybe there would be none at all.]

[opheliac]

... How do you really feel about... this thing with Ekko? Be honest.

[ she knows that ekko grinds his gears, but she doesn't know the extent of it. is it greater than quentin or less than that? her ex was a pretty ballsy guy, she'll give him that, but they both have history when it comes to the boy savior, too. ]

[conflictresolution]

[Of course she would pick that subject. It wasn't unexpected, and the quick answer would be she had told him nothing would happen. That wouldn't be honest though, and he had made significant efforts to not withhold information.]

Much like your last boy, he feels the need to challenge me and try to pick fights with me. I find it off-putting, as I expect to be part of your life for as long as I live and that puts me in range of your relationships. I am, always, on your side, so if this is the adversity I am going to face, I worry how they will treat you in the long run.

[He sighed. That was at least his opinion overview. His hand stopped rubbing as he internally worked through his emotions to formulate his words.]

He can hate me all he likes, but I will not tolerate him trying to remove me from your life. Your happiness matters to me, but when your little squeezes try to weaponize that against me, I have no tolerance for that game either.

However, I can't stop you from engaging, but I will protect you.

[opheliac]

[ her heart sinks a bit, because everything that he is saying is on point and true. and it really ruffles her raven feathers that it seems like this cycle will continue to wheel around. ]

I wish the people I do like wouldn't do that. You've always been good to me, and you've taken such good care for me... even when sometimes I know I don't deserve it. I just wish people would see that more than everything else.

[conflictresolution]

[The moment the boy had arrived, he knew it was going to create issues. The only conversation would have been fine to be contentious if the boy had kept it about their differences, but Ekko had come out swinging about his daughter, and it had set the stage for hatred without respect. Hatred with respect he would leave the pair be, but that attitude? Silco would not put up with.]

You can wish all you like, but it appears to be a constant reality you will be dealing with.

I suspect taking you will only be his first move. Those of our world will attempt to hamstring me now that their numbers are greater than ours.

[opheliac]

There's no way he can take me away from you. [ she starts off, shifting her head briefly to plant a tiny kiss on the bottom of his chin. ] — Yeah, he's googly-eyed with me and junk, and... fine, I might be feeling something back, but... I-I don't think I can be what he wants me to be.

Just the thought of going through that all over again is... making me want to run away and never come back. Even when, some nights, I wish I was in a relationship with someone. It's at night when things get so hard for me.

[conflictresolution]

That comforts me to hear that. [He was reminded of her saying he would be taken away because of him having found someone, but he remained confident that she would remain loyal. They had been through a considerable amount, he and her.]

What do you think he wishes you to be? He gave me the impression he wanted you to be Powder. [That wasn't going to happen. Powder was dead, killed years ago so Jinx could be the superior version of his daughter.]

It is the loneliness that will eat at you, but it is okay to be satisfied being alone. I have been that way for years. [It was okay to take time to breathe.] The last relationship is something you are still navigating the trauma of. Give yourself time to regain your confidence.

[traumaticus]

[The statement makes Richard raise a confused brow and glance up at the other man.] Naturally. [Some of the previous smugness fades from Richard's face. His voice does stay strong and unwavering despite the spark of uncertainty in his mind. 'What a strange and obvious thing to bring up,' he thinks to himself - silently wondering whether Silco was dissatisfied with their 'arrangement'.]

In time, yes. My son is still mere a small child, too young to understand just how deep the complex nature of politics can go. He still is at the age where child prefers the company of a mother over father. [Not to mention that Anne's boy was no doubt far too kind and meek for the ruthless nature of Richard's world. He did not spend much time with the child, out of fear of the inevitable rejection, but even he could tell that. The boy would eventually receive proper education as a crown prince, that he was certain of, but whether those teachings came from Richard or from a scholar? That was left to be seen.

Richard let's himself to be maneuvered and turned around to face the older man as mulls over the question.

It is a tricky situation. That much is clear. There is no crown, no leader blessed by the divine. The people were versatile with their own strange beliefs, powers and way of workings. It all adds to a difficult equation, but not impossible one. Richard catches himself from wondering just what would his Kingmaker do in situation like this? Just what kind of devilish ploy would his other half come up with.]

I would not set myself above of them at the moment and call myself a leader yet. Instead I would call for comradery, show them that we are all equal. It is foolish to paint oneself as an icon of cause when it is still merely learning to fly. Only when the bond has been established and I have their souls bound to me by loyalty would plant the idea of leadership into their minds. It is important that they are the ones to raise you up as their king, rather than do it yourself. Otherwise you risk dissatisfaction and potential rebellion within the ranks.

[opheliac]

Just to be his girlfriend, I guess. And I thought... that's who he liked at first too, but... he said he liked me even when we were fighting, when we... — looked at each other on the bridge.

[ who knew that one brief moment between them would open up a floodgate of emotions? and while her father is one-hundred percent right, she detests that the bottom line is that she is still sensitive regardless of her yearning for an intimate companionship. the bluenette wishes she could just get over it already and be done with it, and during the day, she feels as if she is above it. ... until the night falls.

therefore the truth is, she just needs more time in a general sense. so maybe for now, she doesn't need to do anything regarding ekko, but to continue on with how she was living before he came. that should be easy, right? ]

[conflictresolution]

You mean when he concussed you on the bridge? [He wasn't even apologetic about it potentially sounding annoyed. His dislike was growing darker with each moment. That boy was going to steal his daughter.]

And what does being his girlfriend entail for you?

[He needed to know she was safe, but that notion was dimming the further into this particular topic they ventured. This was what it meant for one's only child to grow up and move on, was it? This place was cursed, wasn't it?

As much as he respected (or wanted to) her choice, he was disquieting by the reality of his plan of building her a future here now taken over by one he couldn't trust. And Ekko had made it clear that the boy was going to fight. Silco was not going to take that threat laying down. It occurred to him that he was right back in the same position of choice, and whatever she decided was out of his control. At least there wasn't writing scratched into the table for him to die this time.]

[conflictresolution]

[Ah, they were still working on the idea of relationship consent. It was apparently a foreign concept for Richard, and that left him wondering what sort of backwards place the younger man had endured.] Don't do that. Tell me what is on your mind when I speak such things.

[He had been working when he was a child, though nothing particularly difficult. If there was a job to be done, idle hands would be put to use.] Do you keep him to observe your dealings with politics, or those activities stay with his mother? She has her own responsibilities to attend to separate from yours, yes? [They were both learning a lot about where they had come from, and his free, violent, and liberal Zaun was a stark contrast to Richard's seemingly rigid conservative society. A part of him did enjoy defining those restraints.

He stroked his fingers along Richard's jawline, enjoying the smooth skin that held no hint of stubble.

As his fingers touched, he considered Richard's plan, and it was similar to what he would do. Of course, his own reputation would never allow those tactics long terms, but it was sound if allowed room to breathe and develop. Richard likely would be a threat at some point, assuming the younger man wasn't yet another looking to simply return home as quickly as possible.]

Work small in a grassroots manner and build up as you secure loyalty. You still have to prove yourself as a capable leader before you position yourself to be risen up, otherwise you risk your head being taken before you complete your rise. And what would you do to those that won't believe in you or who may rebel regardless of your efforts?

cw: mention of doing the devil's tango :shakey eyes:

[opheliac]

[ jinx innerly winces at the reminder, and chews on her lip briefly. ekko really did do a number on her on that bridge despite how much she likes to twist the narrative to be more on her favor. her heart is still a bit bruised from their encounter from back then, their games were never that violence, and that wrath on ekko's face was something she had never seen before, nor she ever thought it would be an expression he could mask.

which begs the question, if the boy savior can carry that sort of hate for her, would he feel that way towards her again? if he discovers shimmer, will that fire in him ignite and burn like wildfire until she becomes ash? her lips thin with uncertainty, and even more so at her father's next inquiry.

if jinx was trying to convince silco that everything between her and ekko would be all right if they dated hypothetically, she'd be failing miserably.]

I-I dunno...

[ again, his daughter cringes over her answer, this time, averting her gaze in any way possible so it wouldn't show just how clueless she is about all of this. ]

I'm still not sure what it all means to be a girlfriend. I know I'm supposed to care about them, be their important someone, and maybe even fall for them. ... And to y'know, do it with them.

[ now that she had a lot experience and practice. ]

[traumaticus]

[Richard stays there, face buried in the crook of Silco's neck as he leans himself against the taller body, accepting and welcoming the embrace. Maybe, just maybe, he could leave his demons behind and be freed from the self-hatred that kept poisoning his body and mind.

There was no light to be found here. But that didn't bother Richard. He had found someone like him, seeking for the comfort within darkness. And that is more than enough for now.

A quiet chuckle leaves from him when Silco reminds them of his state. The man must be exhausted and yet still found strength to hold him.]

Shall I be the one to carry you, this time. [He says as he withdraws away from the embrace, looking slightly apologetic that he's kept the man up despite his clear fatigue and pained state.

Richard follows Silco back to the bedroom area. And as if in reverse to their previous actions, he waits for the other to settle down first before joining him and climbing on top of his body, the blanket sliding off him and pooling down around their legs.

[conflictresolution]

[She was not convincing him that any of this was a well intentioned or well considered idea. Fortunately for her, Silco was so used to her not doing so that it wasn't odd for him to know she had no clue what she was expecting or even wanting in a relationship. Friendship had never come easy to her, not with her demons plaguing her.

Still, she had dating that worthless piece of garbage for enough that he thought she should know what she wanted. Maybe it was too much to ask beyond the answer of not feeling lonely and having physical gratification.]

My only advice is that you consider what you hope to gain from a relationship like that. What will you bring to it, and what will he?

[It probably wouldn't be considered. He had to decide the lengths he was willing to go to regarding this as well. Not active sabotage, but he wouldn't stand by as she was taken advantage of.]

It seems this is inevitable though. You've made up your mind.

[conflictresolution]

[Perhaps in their darkness they had found a kindred spirit. It was too much to ask honestly; even in Zaun, his methods and ideas had chased away the only person who had seemed like they might want him. It became a constant to avoid that kind of engagement, and yet here he was with Richard doing exactly that after decades of avoidance.]

I will take a raincheck on the carrying this time. Perhaps in the future?

[He made his way to the bedroom and gratefully eased down onto the mattress, stretching out on his back. He felt the mattress dip with Richard's weight a moment later, yet he briefly startled when the younger man climbed on top of him. So much for asking about how Richard liked to sleep then. Close it was.

He peered up at the younger man, and he didn't hesitate to slide both of his hands up Richard's front, lightly pinching nipples teasingly. Some of his exhaustion faded with the sight, even as his hands slid back down until he could reach around to grasp Richard's ass.]

You don't have the look of a man ready to sleep....

[opheliac]

[ has she made up her mind? she feels more lost than how this conversation first started. but maybe her being confused is a good thing, it means she won't sit here and give herself a migraine about it. the best choice of action is to just... pretend it's not happening, and focus more on trying to gain the choosens' trust. because as much as she loves her thieves, they're still being controlled by the council, and she can't seem to break them out of their coding to have free will. ]

Right. Yeah, definitely.

[conflictresolution]

You disagree? It feels like part of this conversation was convincing me.

[He lifted a hand to comb his finger through her long loose hair, stroking his fingers against her scalp in the process.]

If you want me to forbid this for a time to provide you space to consider what you want, I will.

[Maybe extreme, but if she needed an excuse to put the breaks on whatever eas happening, he had no issue being the villain. Even temporarily. Whatever she needed.]

[opheliac]

Wha? — No!

[ she lifts her head quickly, her eyes wide and round with worry. ]

Don't do that for me, Silco. You've done so much for me already, a-and you don't deserve to have more heat or blows because I'm all... jumbled up!

[ gingerly, a hand rests against his cheek to caress, then plants another butterfly-like kiss to his jawline. ]

No more throwing yourself in the fire, okay? Or I'll mix your clothes with the whites and make them all pink.

[conflictresolution]

[He raised his eyebrow at her reaction, tilting his head curiously even as she touched his cheek and attempted to smooth the subject over with a kiss.]

I will do whatever is required to secure your happiness. Besides, they all hate me already so the heat will be very little difference.

[His fingers combed through her hair again. Her threat was hardly anything he was concerned about.]

I will forbid it until you have made a decision on what you want.

[opheliac]

[ in a kid-like fashion, she puffs up her cheeks then quickly pouts right after with her arms folding over her chest. ]

I know, but you get too silly with you protecting me sometimes. That's why your nickname is, Mister Silly.

[ now being dramatic, she drops her head back against his shoulder while letting her feet idly sway from side to side. although she is slightly protesting, her voice softens and her words flow in a more soothing course. ]

... I just don't want you hurt. I want you to be happy and live forever with me.