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[conflictresolution]

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

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[traumaticus]

[What to do indeed. When Silco reappears from behind the couch Richard feels the immediate draw towards him, just like when he had called out his name just a moment prior. There was a strong pull and desire for him to approach the man and comfort him in his very apparent distress. The older man looked almost like a ghost, pale and bloodied, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Seeing him in so uncharacteristically vulnerable position makes him chest tighten, the invisible vines curling around his heart and digging their poisonous barbs into him.

But just like before, he can't bring himself to make the move. So instead, he twitches on the spot, turning the knife in his hand. Richard quickly turns his eyes at the door as he presses his lips into harsh thin white line, remembering only now that he had indeed locked them inside when he had entered the room. Leaving would be not be as simple as walking out the door.

He hears Silco's voice across the room again, forcing his attention back to the man at the couch. The question leaves him speechless. Is he alright? Absolutely not. But that is not what is important here. There is a moment of silence as Richard struggles with his words, voice betraying him.]

I... I am not the one bleeding here.

[conflictresolution]

[He hummed to acknowledge the statement, and he raised a shaky hand to wipe at his neck which still oozed blood. This was the reason that he wore so much red and black, though he was not nearly as much at a hazard of bleeding as he used to be in his youth. It felt hazy how he received the injury in the first place, but he knew it was from that knife which was currently in Richard's hand.

He shifted and seated himself on the couch, reaching pull a cigar from the box and snipped the tip of it off. He lit it with the lighter he left next to the ashtray, several false starts giving away his continued disquiet. He took a long drag from it, holding the smoke in his lungs and closing his eye as he willed his trembles to cease.

Finally, he regarded his lover, his mutilated eye burning brighter than usual and his blue eye narrowed with suppressed fury.]

Don't you ever choke me again.

[There was... a lot more to unpack to the whole scenario, but right now, all he could focus on was that single point, that single act which caused this humiliation.]

action; cw:nudity

[opheliac]

No, I —

[she stalls, continuing to muse if this is a topic to dig deeper in or to just leave it be. if she knows silco (and she does), he would want her to clarify, and he does appear to be hungry for answers. and why wouldn't he? he (and viktor) are the only two who hadn't seen zaun/runeterra for a time, and it's only natural for a mind to waddle in curiosity.]

— I was talking about... the room. In the mines. That, uh... you two had together. I guess? Your jacket is still in good condition, eh heh.

[her way of trying to make her discovery less, well, gut-wrenching. that is if it's hurtful to him at all. jinx supposes she'll learn in a next couple of seconds.]

action; cw:nudity

[conflictresolution]

[His hands paused as she clarified, and his mind filled with questions. How had she found it? Why was she there? Had she found what she was looking for? Was it the same as it had been years earlier? He hadn't thought of that place in a long time, shed it like a second skin when he had left behind the weakling who had drowned. There was no going back, nothing of value. He was better off building anew, and he had found new spaces in the deep dark forgotten underground.

Slowly, he convinced himself to move the brush and comb through her hair again, clearing his throat a little. Like an old broken bone, his chest ached dully at the memories trying to rise through the depths, and he simply had to push them back down, suppress them as he drew in a deep breath and held it.]

It was a meeting room far out of the way of prying eyes. [No, it was so much more than that. His voice gave him away, the way it deepened and softened as if he didn't want to apply himself too much talking about it in case some other noise emerged with it.] Yes, I left it there once I bought my way out of the mines.

[When the smuggling business had been good, when the Lanes had began to be founded, when, when, when...]

I don't imagine there was anything but dust, maps and abandoned mining gear.

[traumaticus]

[ The bitter smell of the smoke invades the air, making Richard to wrinkle his nose. It truly felt like the time has stopped within the room, capturing them in this small agonizing and frozen world void of any warmth. There is still some blood gleaming on the knife, the crimson drops slowly dripping along the sides of the blade to the carpet beneath Richard's feet. It's the same blood that is marking Silco's neck and collar of shirt. The mismatched eyes followed the trail of the stains, anxiety setting on his face as he tried to see whether there his fingers had left any bruises on his skin.

Richard remained mute as he watched his lover to force his body and mind under his control once again. The anger is understandable and he can't fault the other man for it, he'd probably react similarly, too. And despite being the one holding the knife, seething fury reflected behind that burning gaze left him unarmed and weak. The merciless tone of the command stabs him like a dagger and Richard can't keep the pained guilt out of his face as his brows knit in a saddened frown.

He parts his lips but his voice fails him yet again. So, he casts his gaze down on the floor and turns around. With his back turned at the other man he places the dagger back on the desk and begins to button the front of his dress.]

Understood. [His voice sounds so distant and cold even his own ears. Non-confrontational, almost submissive even. With the buttons done he reaches to grab the cloak off the desk and throws it around his shoulders, hiding away once again.]

[conflictresolution]

[He was watching Richard now, his mismatched eyes noting that the younger man had buttoned up that dress already and was seemingly preparing to leave. His gaze flicked to the door to confirmed that it was indeed locked still, and his jaw worked when it seemed that his lover would abandon him as the anger was boiling across his body, sliding through every fiber of his being to replace the previous surge of adrenaline.

He noted the confidence was all gone now, tucked away, hidden, and it only served to stoke his anger further. There was nothing contrite about that word, and while he didn't care for an apology, he did expect that Richard would at least attempt to stay and make amends on some level.]

Did I say that you could leave? [He took a drag from his cigar, once again holding the smoke in his lungs to allow the act itself to be calming. Then he stubbed it out again aggressively in the astray and rose to his feet. His legs felt like jelly, forcing him to lock his knees.

He approached his lover, anger simmering just below the surface and his hands reached out to seize Richard's hips so he could pull the younger man's back against his front. His fingers curled in the material, beginning to draw it up.]

You've locked us in here together, and we finish what we started.

[conflictresolution]

[Silco had never understood why Ragna had made this place; the man didn't come across to him as religious either, but apparently everyone needed to believe in something or someone he supposed. It was one of the few buildings in all of Aldrip that he had no interest in actually having a hand in even if the man would disappear. It seemed he wouldn't have to worry about that as Richard would likely make a play for it. The younger man was a hand playing pieces on the board now.

He looked at the alter with all of its candles and then the tree again. This all seemed like strange pomp and fanfare for a being that could care less about any one of them; bad things happened not because of gods but because that was the way that life traveled. It was a game of endurance and some had it, some didn't.]

He seemed upset you weren't there. [They both knew that Whitey was Richard's pride and joy, a loyal companion that Silco had noted showed up when people were at their worst. How and why? He had no idea. He knew animals could be attuned to such things.] He's keeping Jinx company.

[He wrinkled his nose at the story of falling from grace. Wasn't that just most religions? It seemed that Richard's in particular had stories of testing the mettle of men and them failing spectacularly in the trials.] I suppose it will make good kindling when you're finished with it here. [He snorted in amusement and side-eyed his lover.] You don't actually believe in a virgin birth, do you? Please, someone spilled their seed.

[Yet, his eyes returned to the tree at the question as his lover busied himself. Jinx was a delicate topic for the both of them.] I admitted to her about us. Otherwise, she's... a mess. She's not... [He trailed off, tucking his hands in his pockets. He doubted Richard wanted to hear it.] Nevermind. She's fine. Sleeping finally.

[traumaticus]

[It honestly was just another showcase of Richard's inexperience when it came to relationships of any kind. While he was not a stranger to conflicts it ought to be apparent that he has never been in a situation like this. In his experience interpersonal quarrels and what not were usually solved by the rank one possessed in the overly complicated hierarchy among the nobles. How would one react to offense or insult would depend on whether they were standing higher or lower than the other one. That or they would take it out on each other with blades.

But there was no ranks between them here. No hierarchy or order. They were supposed to be equal after all. And thus.. Richard did not know what was the appropriate reaction. Somehow he doubted that Silco would have any real interest or use for apologies. So what else could he do but leave? Allow his lover to have his space and quell his anger without him there to ignite it any further. Is this not what is the expected course of action?

So, when Silco speaks up again, telling him to stay, he turns his head to look over his shoulder at the man, confusion apparent on his face. But despite all that he did not budge in front of the other one's wrath, staying still even as he staggered over to him. His body went temporary tense when his hips were grabbed and pulled back to press against the one behind him. The fingers drawing up the hem of his dress and revealing some of his bare skin should be enough indication on what was on his lover's mind. But still.. his eyes visited briefly the blade resting on the desk.]

Which part?

[traumaticus]

Words like that would have you burned down at the stake. But not before you'd face the horrors of the tower, of course. [Despite the grim and dark warning nature of his words there is no sense of threat or anger in Richard's voice as he speaks. He should be angry when hearing such blasphemy in God's house at time like this. But Richard had always appreciated his lover's bluntness and the way he spoke his mind, not yielding in front of greater power. He envied it, too. As much as he would poke and prod at the man's old wounds left by the chains of the past, it did make Richard wonder just how tight his own proverbial leash was.]

If there was a seed spilled it was God's. He visited Mary in a form of pure light, placing a child in his womb. Then He sent one His angels to meet her and to deliver the truth about the child she was carrying. That he would be the son of God and the savior to all humans. [So, yes. He did believe it. Richard has never had any reason to question this story as nothing but the absolute truth. Mary had been special woman, one picked and chosen by God. Something that he is not even allowed dream about.] But such stories do not concern the sinners in the dark, does it?

[He and Silco were outside of that circle of light. Kins of sorts. Something that had brought them together in the first place.

When the topic shifts to Jinx Richard turns his gaze to briefly look at the other man. His visible eye narrows slightly when Silco mentions his confession but he says nothing to it. Was he happy about it? No. But was he mad? Strangely enough, not really. In fact he did not feel really anything about the subject. So, instead he just listens silently and watches Silco struggle to find the words. He had seen some of the girl's network post and it had been confusing to read, more than usually.

Yes, he is right. Richard does not care much for Jinx or her health, or at least for her sake. It's because of Silco that he is asking.

Setting down the candle he takes the few steps closer, closing the gap between him and his lover and raises his hand to touch Silco's cheek.] She'll be back on her feet soon. She's your daughter.

[conflictresolution]

So you've informed me time and again, but I'm not afraid of refusing to bend to the opinions of the sheep. And I've faced plenty of horrors before, seen men tortured to the edge of consciousness, and seen all manner of deaths. [He had no interest in religious fanatics and their paltry bleeping about some book that most of them probably hadn't read or understood.

Of course now that he stood in this 'temple', he would admit that he had not opened this big religious book that Richard held to such high regard. He had never asked if the younger man had read it, but perhaps this was one of those subjects where if one or both of them picked up such a 'holy' text that they would burst into flames. That was a religious idea of heathens, was it not?]

It all sounds like make-believe trying to convince people of the purity of a higher being. You know getting a woman pregnant without her consent is still rape, right? Some God. [He knew he was pushing it, and he sighed as he shook his head as he decided purposefully to reign the provocative opinions back. He did not wish to make Richard his enemy tonight, not when they had barely had opportunities to seek each other out.] Such stories seem to be the kind of things parents tell their children to force them to attempt to be better people. Even if we were told, I suppose it wouldn't set people like us on the righteous path.

[He never had a reason to be anything other than who he was, and he prided himself to not be beholden to such ideas. He preferred to be the monster. More than that, he enjoyed the fact that he had someone else who was as monstrous as he was.

He stared at the altar, waiting for Richard's comment about the fact that he had opened up to his daughter about them. Nothing came, and he wasn't certain if he was relieved or disappointed. Perhaps it forced him to face the disquiet of the changes of his daughter's behaviour, their argument about methods and the future of this place.

His eyes followed his lover as Richard moved in on him, and he remained momentarily stiff as that hand touched his cheek. He sighed from his nose, nodding.] I know. There are... others from my world here now which will complicate things. [He slowly leaned into Richard's touch.]

[traumaticus]

[Well now Silco has done it. Even back in his own world Richard had gotten somewhat used to hear heresy. Buckingham had declared more than once that he did not believe in God or Fate or anything like that, and he, too, would let careless words of blasphemy past his lips in a secure room. But linking the miracle carried by Mother Mary into something so filthy and degenerate? That went past blasphemy. Richard half expects the floor to open under them, the flames of hell burst out and swallow both of them in eternal pain as he stared the other man eyes wide and in disbelief.]

...Divine can't defile anyone. That is against its holy nature. [He says slowly, clearing his voice from the shock.] God wants all of us to be better, yes. Only those who have managed to live just life and repent for their sins are allowed to join His eternal kingdom. But yes, you're right. Such attempts are wasted on people such as you and I.

When Christ died he forgave those who had done him wrong. He found it in his heart to still love the man who had betrayed and sold him out. He bled and cried for our sins as he was brutally tormented in front of people before his slow and agonizing death. Only someone pure and truly holy could do something like that. Not us. [He and Silco had both been betrayed by someone close to them - by someone they cherished in their hearts. And what was result? Instead of turning the other cheek and forgive, they had turned into hate. Instead of being resurrected they had been reborn as they were. Dangerous monsters.

Richard could feel the warmth of Silco's skin even through his glove, thumb slowly caressing the spot under his eye. The contact made his heart swell and eyes soften. How had he missed this during these quiet and lonely days. A simple gesture packing immense amount of meaning behind it.

"You can't help but want it," Joan's words echoed in his mind, making him quickly withdraw away.]

And... Who are these people? Do you think they'll possess a threat against you?

[conflictresolution]

[If Richard wanted them to be equal, then this required them navigating these muddied waters that they had created together. Certainly instigated by his lover first, but Silco was hardly one to stand down or admit to the deep traumas that were more than the scars on his face and mutilated eye. He knew that Richard wore similar; the burnt arm was the least of his lover's deep scarification. But this... situation remained purely theirs, the revelation of yet another monstrous moment that slipped out of their control.

He leaned down to bury his face into the side of Richard's neck, taking his 'revenge' for the laceration on his neck with a sharp bite to the smooth skin. It was followed with a sealing of his lips over the same skin, sucking in a mark so that they were united in having marked one another and the future endeavor to have to hide it away from the world.]

You said you would have all of me. Do you still wish that?

[His fingers dragged the dress hem up higher, stopping when it was showing a tantalizing amount of leg. He finally lifted his face from Richard's neck and nipped sharply at the younger man's ear lobe.] My body, my soul and my wrath... Don't you dare abandon me after that.

[Make him forget, if only for few minutes.]

[conflictresolution]

[If this God was so sensitive to the prattling of a non-believer, it would only make his case firmer as far as he was concerned. They had been told little stories to keep them afraid, to make them behave as if that would provide them a better life. His cynicism had only deepened with age, though he had to admit that Richard's shock was pleasing to see. He enjoying the moment even further for it.

Yet he stepped in closer so that their bodies were inches apart.] Why do we need a God to tell us to be better? If that was what the end goal was, wouldn't it be harder to fight against that nature? No sin is beautiful and poignant, otherwise, why would you and I still be standing after all we have done? If there is a God, they don't care about the petty and paltry actions of humanity. We're just ants to them.

[Silco almost snorted a laugh, and he knew that Richard couldn't believe this nonsense. Who could? Son of a God tortured and murdered and God does nothing? What a waste.] Torture and murdering a crying man is hardly purity. It is weakness that he wouldn't fight back against his oppressors? What tale does that tell you, Richard? If you hang your head, meal, and cry, you will die by those who will never believe in you anyway. That's how martyrs shackle guilt.

[He leaned into Richard's hand further, allowing his guard down for a moment as he savored the quiet contact between them. Then it was gone just as fast and he had to take a small step to avoid stumbling forward. He shifted himself and tucked his hands back in his coat pockets.

He shrugged, stepping away to instead seat himself on a front row bench. He was digging in his coat for his cigar case.] They possess whispers of me which they may or may not tell. No worse than the sister who you are so fond drinking with.

action; cw:nudity

[opheliac]

For the most part.

[well, except for one significant thing, but something tells her it's better for her to have a discussion with vi about it first, before... unveiling the letter. some say things are better left unsaid, but how would one know what say is for better or for worse?]

I should have taken it with me. — The jackets, I mean. To have something to remember you two by, but... [she breathes out a chuckle.] I also didn't want to, I dunno, disturb the dead or something.

[traumaticus]

[Richard inhales deep through his nose when he Silco drops his head down on his shoulder, feeling the breath brush against the skin of his neck. Then there is sharp pain as the teeth sank right into the soft tender flesh, nearly piercing through it, followed by mouth latching around the bite and sucking hard enough to create a bruise. But it is only after his lover's words reach his ears does Richard allow the tension escape his body. He sighs through his nose and leans his back against the other man. He could feel the warmth rekindling in his body, chasing the cold ice and lighting the life back to him.

Closing his eyes and parting his lips, Richard places his hand on top of Silco's wrist and slowly slides it down until the palm was covering the back of the other's hand, intertwining their fingers. It is simple and intimate gesture -- but even more than that: a sign that he chooses to place his trust in his lover and ignore the blade on the table.]

Yes. [The word is spoken with airy moan as the sharp teeth on his earlobe made the shivers run down along his spine. The silent promise of underlying violence only exciting him.] I shall never deny you, Silco. I want you. [Richard had promised as much before, hadn't he? That if his lover so wanted he would give his body to him. It was lofty prize for the man's loyalty to him -- but it was the only thing that he could think of offering. And if this abomination could provide comfort and pleasure, even the better.

There is a quick beat of hesitation within him, as he did not dare to touch the older man any further than this. But then, swallowing air, Richard spun on his heels so that he could turn around to stand face-to-face with Silco. He raises his hand to reach for the clip on his cloak, clicking it open so that the cloth would once again drop off from his shoulders to the ground.]

How do you want me?

[traumaticus]

Sheep. Not ants, Silco. [Richard corrects him, schooling his expression back under control. He can tell that Silco is trying to provoke him with all these critical questions and comments and now knows not to let them under his skin now. So he merely shakes his head at the challenge in front of him] We are born to these bodies that hold our souls in captive. It is only in our death when we get to reap the harvest and see whether we are welcomed to the paradise or to the eternal flames of the hell. The God is our shepherd, a guiding hand that tries to lead us foolish humans towards the salvation.

You may say so, but the Christ was rewarded for his sacrifice. [And that was all that he really had to say about the topic. Somehow he doubted that stories of the miraculous resurrection would be enough to move his lover. But he supposes it is only fair. Richard is no priest and hardly the right person to educate a heathen on the matters of religion and divine. A rebellious part of him would want to see the older man in discussion with one of the preachers from his church. No doubt it would be an inspiring spectacle to see the cynic tear down the servant of God with his words.

Richard stood still when Silco moved away to take a seat, placing a hand on top of the altar. His eyes narrows a bit when the man brings up the sister, no Vi. He had only recently learned the true identity of the girl through Jinx's emotional outburst on the network rather than from his lover himself. Something that had left a bad taste in his mouth.

For a quick moment his gaze focuses on the empty spot next to Silco. Joan was there again, sneering as usually and mimicking the man's movements - digging up a lighter from her pocket and offering to light the cigar for him. Ridiculous.]

And so your lips remains sealed about their identities. [There is now a quiet accusation in his words. 'You are shutting me out.']

nsfw... they're getting dirty again

[conflictresolution]

[The emotion, the panic, the energy remained a buzzing behind his eyes, the fear of death yet escaping it creating a tension in his frame that he didn't often experience. His world had narrowed down to this room, to the younger man slowly relaxing against him when their encounter didn't require either of them of to be anything more than what they were. He should snarl and snap more, should demand ground rules, should discuss their traumas which lead to this moment to begin with.

No, none of that. He wanted to feel, wanted to chase this energy into absolution, and Richard was the only one that he wished to do that with.

He watched Richard turn to face him again, the heavy material of the cloak falling away to pool on the floor, and he reached up to stroke Richard's hair back so that golden eye was never hidden. He leaned down, ignoring the question and instead kissed Richard hard. His fingers curled in that dark hair to force his lover's head back a few inches as his tongue slid across the younger man's lips, demanding entry so the could pour this swirling energy into the embrace.

At the same time, his other hand lifted to work open the buttons at the front of Richard's dress as he nudged his lover with his thighs to convince Richard to back up away from the chair. He turned them so they could hit the wall next to the large round window. All the while, he kissed Richard like he was trying to draw the air from his lungs.]

[conflictresolution]

Please, we are nothing but ants to anything that contains that much power. We exist on their whim, going about our little lives like workers building a hive. [He did not allow the correction to stand, and he was willing to fight about it even if it was probably the last thing either of them actually needed right now. Time apart had been difficult on them both, and he had plenty of concerns that were well beyond this church and an argument over God.] Yes, yes, eternal paradise or eternal damnation. Two of the most boring options imaginable. Your God sounds like a terrible shepherd by the way. Maybe he should take an internship somewhere.

[Silco snorted in amusement as he pulled his cigar from the case and slipped it between his lips. He lit it with a single strike from the lighter, puffing away to bring it to life. He stowed the case and lighter away in his coat pocket again and leaned back to stare at Richard.] Was he? Do you actually believe any of that prattling nonsense? It's worse than children's stories and fables. You tie yourself up with everything your God apparently wants, but consider yourself a monster not fit for such salvation. Why would you aim for a goal you don't believe you deserve in the first place? Take what you can in the life that you have.

[He noted Richard's divided attention and turned in the pew that he was seated up, staring at the empty space beside him. He knew the tells.] Well, at least Joan is here so I have someone reasonable to talk to. [He reached around the back of the bench and pulled a thick book out titled "Bible" and huffed.] Joan, do tell Richard his religion is nothing more than a pile of shit giftwrapped as gold, would you? Such a gem.

[He flipped open the Bible, squinting at the small text and leafed through for something inspiring. Well, no, he decided he was going to read it cover to cover. This was Richard's religion, was it? Fine, he'd pull the younger man's arguments apart based on superior knowledge and pettiness.

Yet, he lifted his mismatched gaze away from examining the book to regard his lover, noting the tone. He had not shared Vi's identity because they had a deal in place. He was not bound by such stipulations any longer, but he also made a point of refusing to call her by name whenever possible.]

You want to know their names, do you? [He pulled his cigar from his lips and blew smoke out in front of him.] Fine. From our sister city, Piltover, two councilors: Jayce Talis and Mel Medarda. One ex-councilor: Heimerdinger who is a yordle, small and furry. Jayce and Heimerdinger are inventors or men of science. Mel is a foreign agent. From my city, Jinx's former boy-toy, Ekko has returned. The others were here before: Vi who is Jinx's blood sister, Caitlyn Kiramann from Piltover, and of course, my daughter, Jinx. All of them are dangerous to what I have been building, but I expect they also will be too consumed with each other to notice me.

action; cw:nudity

[conflictresolution]

[There was something in her tone, the way that she was acting which was a tell that she was hiding something from him. He considered nudging her to tell him, but he was still processing the information about Vander currently. How had he allowed this to go on under his nose and not realize it. He owned the undercity, and yet... there would always be spaces where people could carry out their own destructive behaviours.]

Hmmm, sometimes its best to leave the ghosts of the past where they are...

[But the past never stayed dead, as she had once said. It seemed that she spoke the truth on that matter without even knowing it.]

That place was... a long time ago. Nothing but old memories, and everyone who was there is likely dead or should be.

[traumaticus]

[Richard falls quiet as Silco keeps pushing the argument, pressing his lips together into disapproving line. He does not want to hear it.

However, it is not that he doesn't think that Silco isn't right. The God, if he truly exists, is nowhere nearly as merciful nor loving as the priests, bishops or vicars and what not would preach about. After all, Richard had only experienced the fear and the merciless wrath -- something that were reserved for sinners and criminals. A role that he had come to accept as his own long time ago.

And yet he keeps chaining himself up with this desperate hope, that just maybe he, too, could be welcomed to the paradise. So, he continues with these performances and hides away his true nature despite knowing very well it all to be for naught.

A small flame of anger flares within him as he watches Silco to pick up the bible. No doubt the man is only looking at it to annoy him further. But the Silco goes and takes yet another step outside of his comfort-zone by bringing up Joan. Of course, her presence had never been a secret to his lover, but for him to provoke an interaction by addressing her? Yeah, that was more than enough to trigger the anxiety in him.

The uneasiness washes over his expression, feeling his skin prickle underneath his clothing. He turns his head to look away at the altar and its lights , fighting through his discomfort. He breathes through his nose and tapping the wooden surface with his finger and then -- maybe for the first time in is life, he decides not to dismiss the comment but lean into it. Making Joan part of the shared reality rather than just his own.]

..You are the one she's making fun out of, actually. [He says, voice strained, yet in control.] If it's not heaven or hell, then where do you wish your soul to end up when all of this is over?

[Richard is actually quite surprised that Silco answered his question. Despite them letting each other close enough to see the hidden scars and pains from the past, there had always been a fine line of privacy that they both guarded from one another. The line had been a source of frustration, for sure, but it had also helped him to understand their limits of relationship.]

I am familiar with some of them. [Mostly just with Vi and Caitlyn, but he does remember one encounter with the boy named Ekko.] It seems like your opposition has grown with a quite number. But you are right. I do not think they can act in this world without burning themselves, too.

[conflictresolution]

[Oh he could push further. Silco knew he could drive Richard to probably becoming incensed with him to the point of yelling, but when the younger man went more and more silent, he knew that he was poking at an unhealed wound. They could debate all they liked, but it lost its shine when he knew that he was driving his lover into his shell with his rhetoric and cutting commentary on an aspect he saw as problematic for Richard's well being.

His lover wouldn't know it, but Silco was trying to break those chains so that his Richard could shake off years of self-hatred based around a religion that would never love or care for those that did not meet the standards of whatever society deemed. He hated it for that because so many of them were outliers who would have to overcompensate with shame and guilt at not being one of the 'sheep'.

So, he left the bulk of the topic silent on his end as he leafed through the Bible before giving up and actually starting on the first page. He shot a feigned enraged look to his right.] That's because she likes me, obviously.

[He snorted softly at the question and gestured with the Bible at all of this celebratory effect.] I don't care. My damned soul ended up here, so I suppose that's answer enough. Otherwise, I'd prefer reincarnation to relive again. A soul cycled over and over, their lives many, their opportunities varied.

[He grunted, fully aware of the opposition awaiting him. He needed to be careful now more than ever. He did not have the benefit of the last Marcus to hide his business.] You would think that, but I have cultivated a particular persona here that I wish to keep intact. They will create increased difficulties, though... I existed in the shadows for all of them for a long time. Perhaps I will be easy to overlook.

It is the only way for them

[traumaticus]

[There was a lot that they needed to talk about. Even Richard could tell that. He wanted to know more about this old open wound that Silco had accidentally shown him earlier. Where his mind had gone during the panic and with who. But all those questions would have to come later. Right now it was more important that they saw this moment through, and let the passion in their bodies do the talking instead of the words.

Accepting the silence as an answer, Richard tipped his chin back and welcomed the bruising roughness of the kiss. Their roles had taken complete u-turn as he surrendered all the previous control to his lover, eagerly allowing himself to be lead and manhandled by the other. A low moan escaped from his throat as he parted his own lips upon the intrusion. All he could do was to try keep up with the kiss that tried to devour him.

The familiar warmth began to pool in his stomach, providing a nice contrast to the cool air hitting his skin that was revealed after each button. And it didn't take long for his breasts too come visible again, nipples already hard and erect from the arousal.

Not daring to intervene, Richard's kept his own hands on Silco's shoulders, gripping lightly on the man's chest as he was guided away from the desk. And once his back hit the wall, he leaned against the cool concrete to gain support as he bend his knee - sliding Silco neatly between his legs.]

[conflictresolution]

[For once, Silco knew that he could not deflect the questions that would inevitably rise to the surface once this moment of frantic passions passed. The reaction was too volatile for even Richard to not be owed answers, especially on the heels of his demands to never be choked every again. His lover had revealed traumas before and Silco had to a degree, but this one came with a long and complicated history that he had thus far avoided thinking or talking about despite it being a massive part of his past. For now, he wanted to push it aside, to just exist in this moment until the energy was spent.

He pushed his tongue into Richard's mouth, tasting and exploring his lover. It was familiar with this taste, and he nudged and curled his tongue to Richard's encouraging his lover to engage with him similarly. His fingers worked open the buttons, tracing the skin exposed afterward before cupping the right breast as he trapped the nipple between to fingers to roll it.

He parted his legs once they reached the wall and Richard's thigh slid between them. He slowly ground himself down on that thigh, enjoying the stimulation and allowing it to churn heat in his guts and start to stiffen his cock still trapped in his open trousers. He huffed a sound of pleasure, and he allowed his hands to fall down to hike up Richard's dress up over his hips. He had no interest in removing it completely, enjoying the drape of the material along his lover's body.]

[traumaticus]

[Silco is a ruthless man, both in his actions and words. But even more than that, he was someone who sought to always have control and fight against any body that held authority, be it physical or celestial. Richard does not doubt it for a second that these words were part of that fight along with trying to seize the power over the conversation. The man hated being wrong, no matter how childish and petty it made him come across at times. And Richard did not want to have his most painful hurt to be used for that. Not when it was still sore and bleeding, drawing out his self-hatred out.

No wonder Joan was present.

And speaking of the witch? It felt so jarring to see Silco trying to interact with her, looking straight into those large crazed eyes and talking to her. The colors shift in his eyes, distorting the reality even more as the poisonous green and purple began to spread around the pair on the bench. But Richard forced his eyes to stay focused, not yielding even as Joan turned to sneer back at him:

"Tell him, Richard. I am not the one who likes him here."

The comment makes him knit his brows together in a harsher frown, the corners of his lips pulling back as he ignored the taunt.]

So. Eternal cycle of suffering and pain? Endless pursuit with no real goal. [He scoffs, rolling his shoulders in a sneer. He had heard rumors of such beliefs as part of heretic travelers. And to be honest, he did not see the appeal. Why would one subject themselves into such vicious cycle of agony and pain when there was something eternal and real to be achieved?]

Here I thought you enjoyed being the monster in the dark, relishing openly in the act of scaring the children and weak? I did not think that presence of people from your world would be enough to force you under the bed.

[traumaticus]

[The room is filled with wet lewd noises as Richard returned the kiss, accompanied by the deep and nearly wanton moans that continue slipping past his lips between the breaths. He slides his hands up and wraps around his lover's neck, gloved fingers reaching out to grasp on the short hair strands as he keeps pushing his chest against that hand. The pinch on his nipple drawing out a sharp whine from him.

He can feel the hardness forming between older man's legs as they grind against each other. The warmth spreads from the bottom of his belly, raising to the surface and makes his skin hot as they move together in unison. The blood had also begun to gather on his groin, making his own erection apparent underneath the loose fabric pooling around his crotch. He lifts his leg further up and tries to wrap it around Silco's waist, wanting to feel more of that friction between them.]