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[conflictresolution]

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

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[traumaticus]

[Richard leaned into the closeness, feeling the comfort from his lover's presence and the quelling of his initial anger. He carefully craned his neck up so that he could capture Silco's lips with his own, answering to the affection with a brief and chaste kiss. Then, he lowers his head again and presses their foreheads against each other.

A very simple act, but yet it felt monumental between them. A reassurance of the connection and the trust that they shared between one another. It was enough to thaw some of the iciness from Richard's mind and fill it with confidence, leaving no room for the demons who were looking to bring him down into darkness.

His fingers trace idly patterns on Silco's clothed back as he thinks over Silco's words. To be completely honest, the idea of confirming Jinx's thoughts about his identity still doesn't set well with him -- fearing of the potential backlash and ire directed towards his person. Would such revelation taint the name of Richard the Third in the eyes of those who knew him?

But he wasn't foolish enough to think that they could avoid it much longer, not if they wanted to keep things from escalating any further]

Only.. Only if you think it will help. And can ensure that she will guard our secret. [He gives in, trying to tone down the doubts of his mind.] ...I have never intentionally instigated an encounter with her. It has always been her coming after me.

[conflictresolution]

[He mentally reminded himself that this kind of affection was normal. He had seen it many times, especially here in Aldrip with the teems that couldn't seem to help themselves. The little kisses were normal, healthy even, which was never the kind of interaction he expected to have as his own. When did this go so... normal? He knew, of course. When they started sharing their valuable secrets, like insights into them as people. It wasn't just 'being monsters and demons' but there were shared reasons for them to know why they acted as they did. Vulnerabilities he shared with only one other person.

He sighed from his nose, eyes moving from Richard to the knife imbedded in the tree next to them. He turned his head slightly to the right, making certain that there were no prying eyes to their location, especially now that their arms were around each now.

He wasn't foolish enough to believe this would be the last time he would calm a situation or potentially an altercation between the two. After this, it was a calculated risk to divulge after this incident to tell Jinx after so long being mute to the subject.]

I can't say if it will help or create a new set or problems. Would you like to be in there when I inform her? [His tone was strategically neutral, expecting he already knew the answer.] I am aware. If you had, my reaction would have been different. You were defending yourself, which is your right.

[opheliac]

[ she stops her "swimming", and twirls over her back again with her fins stretch out on each side. ]

Got a few things lined up. A portal gramophone Scott's wanting. I'm just waiting for the goody-two shoes to send me the blueprints, and I'll get on it.

[ jinx sits up, but not without slightly wincing when doing so — hunching over to pat her injured leg flipper. ]

He calls it a... "cassette player". Funny name, huh?

[conflictresolution]

[Silco nodded his head, though he had no idea what a cassette was in this particular conversation - probably technology rather than engineer - so he had no idea why anyone would need to play one. Still, it seemed an appropriate project for his daughter and would focus her a bit.]

Why not simply modify a gramophone? [He always made certain to take polite interest in her projects. It was outside of his wheelhouse that was all.] Though perhaps I will use this opportunity to commission a small pistol from you.

[traumaticus]

[Richard had moved his practice to deeper parts of the woods, in hopes that the dark thicket of the trees would provide him privacy to safely vent out his anger and frustration without any privy eyes. There were only a few who he could think of wanting to wander these parts. And it is because of that he felt confident enough to indulge in embrace with his lover despite them being out in open.

The affection nor acceptance had never been something that Richard took for granted, living most of his life in fear of them and the poison that they would bring about. Light would not shine on someone like him. But after Buckingham Richard had learned to yearn for another person's touch, silently desire for the touch of skin against his own and the heat strong enough to warm his lonely nights. He longed for all of that, but never dared to wish for them outside of the man who had agreed to become demon's other half.

So it was miracle that Richard had found another person who could look at the sin that he carried within him and not shun -- but to accept and embrace him like this. Honestly, it was thanks to Silco that Richard could endure his world as well as he did. And strangely enough.. in his presence he found himself missing his kingmaker less and less, despite the bottomless void left by his absence.

The understanding in Silco's words made Richard's heart swell, bringing a light dusty pink hue on his cheekbones]

You want there to be another altercation? [He huffs out a small laughter and shakes his head.] Nay. The less she sees me and me her the better.

[conflictresolution]

[He didn't care much for the woods with it fresh air, openness, and foliage. He was finding that it did have its uses when it was closer to the caves which he preferred. Unless someone was hunting and found the specific game trail that Richard used to get out this far, it was unlikely they would be discovered. He had various excuses to offer should the unlikely chance of discovery occur. He didn't care to divulge to Aldrip, but it was growing more important to admit to his daughter.

There was a growing strain on their relationship which he was not enjoying. If anything, he preferred her yelling and badgering him as it was easier to deflect openly, but the quiet avoidance of the subject with him and now targeting Richard was not what either of them wanted. He knew she was testing to see who would break first of the two of them. He had hoped to keep her attention on him for longer, but he never underestimated her determination either.

His hands stroked Richard's cheeks as heat flushed them rosy then down the younger man's neck until he encircled his arms around Richard's narrow but muscled shoulders. As it was, their foreheads remained together so he could continue to stare into those mismatched eyes.]

No, but one will come I expect. I respect your choice to not be there.

[Jinx was his daughter and her reactions were his storm to weather. He had briefly thought a united front might make the point clear without words. She was smart enough to know if she caught them together, all of her assumptions would be verified and she could have her moment. It remained a risk.]

If she becomes furious, you would allow me to stay at your place for a day or two?

[traumaticus]

[Ultimately, Richard did not want to tell Jinx. He didn't trust her. Maybe he could have eventually, if the things had gone differently between them and Richard could've gotten to know her in his own pace. But he didn't and there was no use dwelling in the what-ifs or whatsoever. This was the situation they were in currently and had to deal with it.

Richard really didn't want to give Jinx this victory over him, to be forced into admitting the truth that was no one else's business but theirs. He knew that it was just adding more ammo into her end. But if that's what it took to shook her off his back? Give people something and receive something in return, as they'd say. ]

If you wish me to be there, I shall. I am man of my word and do not run away. [Although, he could see the danger in such set up. Jinx would no doubt use the chance to mock him once again, which was not something he looked forward to. But if Silco truly saw benefits to him being there..] You believe she would shun you?

[opheliac]

Uh, because a gramophone is a piece of art and shouldn't be broken down to pieces? — And why do you need a pistol? Got someone you need to shoot?

[ she can only count a small handful of people her father would want to axe off this entire island, and if it's someone new... then, she is going to feel a little upset (not at him, but at herself) for not keeping tabs on his targets. ]

[conflictresolution]

[Silco needed to think on how he was going to tell his daughter, but more than that, he wouldn't do it right away to allow Richard opportunity to change the decision to tell his daughter. It would also provide him the time to look for an opening that would be appropriate.

His arms tightened briefly around Richard before loosening them in case the younger man wanted to step away.]

I am not in the position to request you be somewhere that you are not comfortable. I will let you know when I am going to tell her. [He didn't mind doing it alone. It was probably better to not create more conflict.] I am smart enough to plan for as many possible outcomes.

[Slowly he began to withdraw himself.]

[conflictresolution]

Oh is that so? Consider me educated on the special characteristics on the gramophone.

[He crossed one leg over the other as he watched her. He shrugged lightly, brushing off the potential concern.]

I have been receiving lessons and expect I should practice. I trust your work the most.

cw: schizophrenia

[opheliac]

People here know how to use a gun besides me, Levi, and the dumb Enforcer girl? ... Huh, color me surprised. Ha—

[ she stops in mid-sentence as her head twists suddenly to the direction of their front door. quickly, she unfastens the button of her shark pajamas to reveal her face while carefully climbing up to her feet; using the coffee table for extra balance. ]

Coming!!

[ jinx calls out and scurries over to the doorway, highly curious just who is coming to visit them at this hour. except the reality is, there was no knock or ring of any doorbell. so when his daughter unlocks their latches and opens the door, she gazes all around outside in confusion to search for the visitor. ]

[conflictresolution]

So it would seem yes. I assume you knew him. Brooding and a man of few words.

[He had learned his initial firearms skill from Jinx, noting the benefit of a longer range weapon given his less than ideal fighting style. He was owed for a favor and it seemed interesting to use training as a way to get to know people and their potential threat level here.

He raised an eyebrow at her sudden rise and call. As he had heard nothing, he turned his head to watch her progress to the door. It was too late for most visitors.]

Are you alright, Jinx?

[opheliac]

Hmm?

[ she peeks over her shoulder at her father inside, then nods quickly. ]

Oh, yeah yeah! I just... [ not fully convinced no one is outside, jinx takes a step out of the doorway to take one more look around. the night is so eerily still, not even a breeze seems to be picking up to rustle any trees or signs. huh, oh well, she guesses, and she waddles back inside her home — shutting the door. ]

They must've gotten the wrong house.

[ she'll just persuade herself to that conclusion as she twists all the bolts and locks again. ]

[traumaticus]

[When Silco begins to pull away there is a small resistance from Richard. There's a slight pressure on his fingertips, almost clinging on the fabric of his coat. It's honestly more out of reflex than a conscious act, not wanting to lose the warmth. Richard, however, catches himself and steps away, sliding his fingers along Silco's forearms. He then turns at the tree to pull out the knife still embedded on the damaged bark.]

You are welcomed to stay under my roof. Whether she abandons you or not.

[traumaticus]

[Richard has carried the flames on anger within him for his entire life. But he had learned very early on not to give into his blind rage, no matter how much his heart yearned for the blood. He could still vividly remember the frustration and maddening hate he had felt as a young child. The never ending hatred towards the world that had taken his light away from him -- and towards the man who had killed his father. But he had learned that there was time and place for such violence. If you were going to kill a king you must be smart about it.

And he knew that unleashing his relentless rage on the fellow Chosen he would only be digging his own grave. They would all come back and no doubt cast their own judgement on him. So, he listened to his lover's words, knowing them to be true. The phantom touch of the fingertips traveling along his bare skin sending a light shivers down his spine. It wasn't like he hadn't tried to blend in, learning the language and custom of these people, expanding his understanding and trying to grow sympathetic towards them. But it was an uphill and Richard knew it.

But there was one remark in Silco's words that stood out among his words, resonating with him.]

Would you truly stand behind me even if the fire I set would eventually spread and reach your own doorstep? [A scenario that Richard believed would come true sooner or later, no matter their words of reassurance and loyalty. Would two monsters truly be able to learn co-exist like this? Well. Time will tell, he supposes.] Or would you continue break those shackles that others try to tie me with?

[conflictresolution]

There was no knock at the door that I heard, Jinx. Shut the door and come back to the couch.

[It wasn't particularly often that Jinx experienced her visual or auditory hallucinations in such a mundane way. It forced him to consider if she was stressed more than she was letting on.

Had the encounter with Richard rattled her so much? He would need to find his lover to discover the other side of this encounter. That would have to come after he had finished settling Jinx.]

Your demons are playing tricks on you.

[conflictresolution]

[He felt it, of course, that pull to not let go. It felt good, better than it had any right to. Richard was the only one that made him feel desired after all those years, and that sensation he was vulnerable to regardless of how much he might otherwise deny it.

Still, he released the younger man and took a step backwards while Richard retrieved the knife. Then he held out a hand to offer his lover to walk with him out of the forest, abandoning the fallen straw dummy who had played victim to Richard's rage before his arrival.]

I appreciate that. I doubt it will come to that, but I prefer to be prepared. I think I left a set of clothing at your place already.

[Which should be an indicator how often he found his way to Richard's house. He had not considered it would set a tone of their growing closeness and intermixing lives, but more it just made sense.]

[conflictresolution]

[There was nothing to be ashamed of to have such rage, the sting of betrayal and ridicule festering. He knew it had to be used smart, especially in a place like this where one could not simply unleash brutality to instill fear and respect from it. The Chosen were a different and often powerful lot, so cunning and manipulation would be the keys to success here. He disliked most of them, but he also knew he had to own parts of their lives to have control of them even a little.

Richard was in the same boat as he. Neither of them had fantastical powers or absolute strength. But they had experience and that was a power in and of itself. Even if it wasn't true from outside perspective, Silco knew what it was like to be less than, to be a peasant or a slave or someone whose life was a number on a page.

He pulled his face back at the question, raising his only natural eyebrow. Was it so hard to believe?] I would, and I would keep those flames away by whatever means necessary and spread them in the direction you desired. [He reached up and stroked his fingers through Richard's hair, tucking some behind the younger man's ear.] I would break your shackles too. You need something to build a foundation on to stand atop your naysayers. For me, it is business. You have to have something someone needs; they don't need a king unless you convince them it is in their best interests. Have you thought of having a business? You hunt and sell meat, hide and bones, but I think you would benefit from something more that showcases your skills.

[opheliac]

[ her demons? she huffs out a tiny chuckle at his statement, and spins on her heel to carefully make his way back to him. ]

No, no. It was a... a really quiet knock. I was talking too, so... prrobably didn't catch it. I mean, I almost didn't.

[ jinx waves her hand dismissively over the whole circumstance, and grins to silco with it glistening of sheepishness and instability. ]

Whatever! Not a big deal. Uhm, so pistol. I can make it.

[conflictresolution]

[Hearing was one of the few senses that he had at full strength regardless of his age thusfar. He was keen to hear people coming his way, a long used survival skill he kept up. He hadn't heard a knock.

Yet, he shrugged and had no reason to contest her. He had said his piece on the matter.]

I will pay you for the service. As usual, feel free to use the forge. I will let them know you will be dropping by.

[traumaticus]

[Every man has anger and rage within them. It was essential part of their core. It was all about how one could control and direct the darkness bubbling within. After all, there was only a fine line separating people from men and monsters. Just single wrong move and one will slip from path of nobility to madness. Richard knew very well, which one he was. The flames of hatred born from anguish and humiliation that were constantly burning his soul could not be quelled by the tears, but by blood.

It was that fire that made Richard strong, unyielding and cruel -- pushing him forward. It guided him to learn and mask himself as he moved in the shadows, pretending to be something that he is not. And it would be that same anger that would motivate him to adapt and adjust in this world as well.

Silco's words slip so easily past his tongue, like a smooth velvet hiding thorns beneath them. His pupils dilate as he feels very familiar kind of temptation pull his heart. Richard can't help but wonder if it truly was just a coincidence that both of his lovers had so much in common.]

You would see me managing one of your restaurants then? Would that be more appropriate to someone like me in your eyes?

[opheliac]

Whaaat, pay me? Pfffft!! — That's like paying yourself!! Our money is one big thing, you silly guy.

[ gosh, her father is such a big dope sometimes. but that's what she loves about him, his mind being so strange, and the way it ticks in an unrhythmic way that even she can't comprehend sometimes. ]

[conflictresolution]

[There was a steel in Richard that he found fascinating. Underneath those moments on insecurity and silence, there was a confidence that came out to play when Richard was in his element. He had watched the younger man move with a smoothness on that training field. People deferred for the most port to the expertise and the event itself, engaging and looking for direction.

It was the same when Richard was hunting or training. All that confidence straightening that slim but muscled frame. It had begun to blossom little by little the more that they spent time in his presence absorbing knowledge of how he worked the daily and even monthly of his various enterprises.

The corner of his lip tugged briefly.] No, those are mine to work with. I would consider assisting you with an investment of your own. The inn has not been bought by a Chosen, or you could start a business of your own.

[traumaticus]

[Once the knife is sheathed Richard walks up to the dummy, grouches down to pick up the sword he had discarded earlier in favor of a knife during his moment of maddening rage. He's just about to fasten the scabbard against his belt when he looks up and sees the hand offered to him. The sight makes Richard halt and fall silent, the neutral expression focused on Silco's hand.

But like always, underneath the calm marble exterior there was a storm brewing, as he once again found himself revisiting a pained memory of a slender hand letting go of his -- leaving him behind. The wind was howling in his ears, the violent rustle of leaves in the trees drown every other sound underneath it. And for a brief moment Richard can feel himself to be pulled back into the memory.

A moment passes, and just when it looks like Richard is rejecting the offer he reaches out his own gloved hand and places it on top of Silco's, standing up.

Will you lead me out of the woods? ]

I had noticed. I believed it to be intentional on your part.

[conflictresolution]

[From Richard's own words during one of the occasions they laid bare some of their personal secrets, he knew that there were abandonment issues. A mother attempting to abandon their child wasn't a rare thing where he was from, but he was aware of the long-term scars. He knew that patience and a constant reinforcement that he was not the same as those old memories was required here.

So he waited. If Richard rejected the offer, he would not be offended. Instead, after what he expected was fighting through old scars, he felt the warmth of Richard's hand in his own. His fingers closed around the younger man's wrist as he gently assisted his lover to stand.

And unlike usual times in the house or in the streets or at training, Silco did not release his grip either. It remained light but constant, even as he started walking to lead them from the woods.]

It was, yes. Sometimes it faster to change at your house than return to mine to change for the day.

[Maybe he was rushing to get back for breakfast with Jinx. Maybe he had a business closer to Richard's house than his own to attend to first. Maybe they spent too long together and time got away on him.

Either way, his excuse was that he walked everywhere when he could. That took time.]

You don't mind that a few of my personal items are left there?