conflictresolution

Hm. [Richard stays quiet, merely humming softly as he listened to Silco's estimation on his other half. Was that contempt he was sensing behind his lover's words? Richard knew that Buckingham was hardly the most likeable personality, not with his shameless ambitions, bold moves and sharp tongue that would turn lies into truth -- that would bring the crown down on a demon's head. But neither of his lovers had met each other -- nor did they pose a danger or anything to like to one another.

But he considers Silco's words. Had he truly found a way to stand on his own? The nightmares and Joan would have him think differently. Was he not still leaning on the crutch provided by someone else? Expecting someone else to chase away the monsters lurking in his and guiding him out of the forest.

But speaking of the crutch? Richard stays still as Silco closes the gap between them. He can feel the hot air of his lover's breath tingling against his face. He remembers the conversations they had all those months ago, when they were still strangers to each other. They had talked about legacies, the power and control, the empire of dirt. And Jinx, of course. As long as she was in picture Richard knew that he and Silco could never truly share same goal, and that in the end the two monsters would have to turn on against one another.

But now there was a 'we' present in his words.

And perhaps for the first time he does not reciprocate the closeness nor lean into his lover's touch, despite his body screaming him to do so. Instead he turns his head away and withdraws so that his back presses against the bench. He continues to stay quiet for another moment, Joan's previous curses echoing in the back of his mind. 'You can't help but seek for it.' 'Do not expect for a happy ending.']

I see. [He says eventually with a deep sigh, his shoulders relaxing.] The time spent away from you must have shaped her thoughts, bringing new troubles to plague her mind. You need to be with her now more than ever.

[Richard's quiet hums and additions to conversation were hardly rare, least of all after their little debate. Often the younger man would withdraw and become insular and more often than not, Silco would allow that to happen. He remained a steady presence regardless, and he had learned how draw Richard back out to him little-by-little over the months that they had spent together.

No doubt the topic of the book revolving around Richard's religion remained a point of contention, but he was convinced that nothing in those words would move him to do more than scoff. And the topic of Richard's ascent to the crown was one that they had discussed, though perhaps he should lessen his rising dislike for this 'other half'. It wasn't as if the man was currently a threat to what they had.

No that threat remained his daughter who, by all measure, had completed an about face and was encouraging his relationship with Richard to flourish. His resistance was unfounded, based in fear of losing her. It was clearly a trap, a gotcha that she had set to remind him of his priorities.

He slowly pulled back when Richard did not reciprocate his affections, which was... odd. That was unusual, given his lover's craving for physical attention. The only time it failed to move the younger man was when they were actively in disagreement, so this cold shoulder briefly flummoxed him. He sat back and considered, his gaze watching the younger man next to him as he mulled over the list of possibilities based on the topics and their exchanges, picking them apart each word at a time.]

So it would seem. She had progressed, become and seemingly abandoned being a revolutionary force. This place had decided to bring in more troubles from my world for her to tangle with. [His arm stretched across the back of the pew so he could settle his hand at the back of Richard's neck, trying again to draw his lover out with physical affection.] However, I am here with you tonight, if you wish me to stay with you. It's been... some time since we spent time together.

Hmm.

[Silco relented and while still annoyed by the comparison, he withdrew his sharpness in the face of her explanation. He didn't like it, not one bit. That was a void that he filled, and he did not enjoy someone else encroaching on his territory. He calmed her; it was his job, one he took absolute pride in.

He nodded his head, forcing himself to lean forward and take a bite of his meal now that it had cooled. He chewed mechanically.]

Your circle of confidents grows. To be expected, I assume.

[There was no any further attempt to pull away or create distance between them on Richard's part. He stayed seated and allowed the touch on his neck, inhaling deep through his nose he closed his eyes for a brief moment and granted himself a brief moment of indulgence.

He hadn't seen Jinx since her return, but he had eyed the post she had made on the network upon her arrival. It had been confusing and mindless, but that was the the norm for Jinx as far as Richard was concerned. So, to his eyes there hadn't been any major differences in the girl's behavior, so he remained oblivious to her changed stance when it came to their relationship. Richard was partly waiting for the other shoe to drop and her to start her usual harassment campaign against him. But if she truly had 'outgrown' her father's cause... then that would no doubt cause a ripple between the father and daughter duo. All the more reason for Silco to stay with her. The man would need to ensure that his empire would not perish and turn into dirt.

And yet he was here with him, just like the man had said. Whitey might have led him here but he had followed the boar out of his free will, choosing to engage in conversation with him despite the distraught daughter waiting at home. His chest tightens in his chest under the ice.

What Richard wanted was clear. It always was.]

What do you wish to do, then?

[If Richard wouldn't come to him, Silco would move to him now that he noted his hand had not been rejected. He shifted closer on the pew, sliding his arm across Richard's shoulders and moving to draw the younger man against his side as he leaned his face in to press his lips lightly Richard's temple.

Perhaps he had been reluctant to venture out tonight, but now that he was here, he found himself reluctant to leave. Since Jinx had returned, he had not made much time for Richard, prioritizing his daughter given her current state of mind. Yet, he breathed in the familiarity of his lover's scent, he relaxed subtly.]

I'm not sure, but anything with you suits me fine. How have you been sleeping these last weeks, hmm?

[He made a point of adding a small kiss to Richard's temple after the question. Neither of them were particularly good sleepers, yet they had managed to find an odd solace of the activity together.]

I'll stay until morning, if you like. We can stay here or go elsewhere. Your choice.

[Aren't you glad that Richard socialized you with his horse, Silco? Because now the Blackie only responds to the pat by a casual whip of a tail and that's all. And just like with Whitey, you're family.. Sort of.

Richard hears when his lover enters the bunker through the metallic staircase, his steps quietly echoing in the enclosed space. He had various papers in his hand, each one containing hand written notes about the local flora and fauna linked to some scientific exams and tests. Honestly, it all escapes Richard. Just like the charm of the place. The bunker vaguely reminded him of the cells in his dungeons, though it was lacking the bleak and chilly air that made your bones to shiver.]

You did recommend me to look into this place. [He says and turns to look at the other man over his shoulder as he approached, placing the papers back down on the desk.] I believe we could utilize installations like these for our cause.

[He touched the horse, and that seemed good enough by his books. He would never understand the need for pets or such affiliations, but others were keen to take such bonds on. It was safer and more secure to be underground in the bunker as it didn't require being on a horse's back either. And much like when he took Richard to the caves, Silco was perfectly at home underground.

He looked up and around, examining the structure. He had spent many years of his youth in the mines, and reinforcing underground spaces had been critical to survival. He had a keen eye for the types of riggings that would promote safety, and this space wasn't nearly large enough to be much concern aside from perhaps from a large earthquake.]

So I did, and it seems you've agreed with the value of this place to a degree, yes? [He reached out to take a few papers to hand and examine them while his other arm slide around Richard's waist. Normally he wouldn't, but they had once again spent significant time apart from one another.] We should formulate more outside and inside the city.

[And just like that, Silco had worked his magic once again. Because the moment Richard felt the lips press against his temple through his dark hair and inhale his scent, he knew he had no other choice than to let go. Once again he found himself disarmed in his lover's hands and forced to let go of the worries, anxieties and what not that were raising a storm within him.

A quiet sigh leaves from his lips and he presses his eyelids close again. The ice was thawed, revealing an aching heart underneath the frost -- yearning for the closeness and affection. Richard leaned in against his lover's chest, head resting on the man's collar. There might never be love between them and this is might as well be as far as they ever go... But right now that was more than enough. As long as they could stay close here like this.

How had he been sleeping? Well, Silco most likely knew the answer to that: badly. It had taken him some time to get used to the empty space in his bed and lack of the warmth. Sleeping alone had gotten easier, yes, but the nights were still full of terrors for him. The curse would come back to him, forcing its way through the small cracks of his mind and kept him awake until the morning rays.]

I'm tired, Silco. [Tired of being afraid, tired of Joan and her curses, tired of pretending to be something that he is not. Tired of being alone.] Just tired..

[It was easy to experience the surrender, and as always, persistence could be the key to winning his lover over, especially after time apart. His arm draped more around Richard's narrow but muscled shoulders as his lover leaned against his chest, and he tipped his head up as he felt that head to his collar. He made a point of resting his chin on the crown of his lover's head, sigh quietly leaving his nose.

He hadn't realized how tense he had been until that moment when he too surrendered into the closeness. There was always the linger concern for rejection or that Richard might choose to physically remove him. Now, he shifted to spread his legs with feet flat on the floor and his blue eye closed as he basked in the closeness. He could be a different form of himself with Richard, unburdened by most concerns.]

Mmm, I suspected as much. [And he knew it wasn't just physically tired. They both wore the necessary masks to the world, claiming their titles like a curse against the world. He tipped his chin and kissed the top of Richard's head.] We should try to rest. It's always... easier with you.

[A testament to the trust he could place in his lover. Sleep was one of the most intimate gestures in his mind, when one was in a prolonged state of vulnerability.]

[The touch on his waist is more than welcomed and Richard does not hesitate to shift on his spot so that they're pressed side to side. It has already been a little over the week since their last meeting and even that had been abrupt one - as was often the case when they'd meet in middle of the day at the inn, disguising it as nothing more than business transaction. It had been a while since they had proper time to be alone. Not that the blame for that could be pinned just one of them, no. Silco had his priorities with his daughter and Richard looked the other way, not contesting his lover's time nor pursuing it.]

What do you make of this structure? It is smaller than I thought. [He lifts his gaze from the papers up to the ceiling where the dim light was weakly shining. The bunker wasn't small per se. There were a couple of different rooms including small bedroom and bathroom with plumbing. They could definitely use the place, yes. But he wasn't sure if it'd be enough to cater for everyone's needs.] This is very different from any crypts I have been to, but the entrance could easily be disguised. But I see the strategic risks here, as well.

[On one hand, Silco knew they should arrange to spend more alone time together given the extended periods, especially when in comparison to a few months back. On the other, Jinx was telling him he should, and he steadfastly refused to do so in case it was a trap and disruption to returning her to form. So, his arm tightened even further when Richard stepped in against him, gloved fingers stroking over his lover's hip even as he examined the papers. He found little of interest in the ones that he was holding.]

Too large and too expansive without the correct supports could suffer from cave-ins. It is a good start if nothing else. It will be private for a small amount of people. [It wouldn't suit the necessary population of Aldrip of course, but for a select few that may be in Richard's favour - him - he could see this being comfortable living. He dropped the papers back on the table and lightly tugged his lover to move with him to explore the other rooms.] Crypt is meant to keep dead corpses dry. This space is for living and has been equipped as such. Strategic as in only one way in and one way out, you mean?

Hm. [There's a thoughtful hum from Richard as he allows himself to be guided through the room. It's not that he can't see the value of having claim on a structure like this, but he needs to be smart about how to use it -- especially if he wants to continue his current act and appear benevolent and concerned chosen among the others. Keeping this place a secret or limited would not necessary bode well with that image.

So, a storage then? A headquarters? And honestly, he can't quite see the appeal of this place as a living quarters. It is far too claustrophobic, reminding him of the dungeons. Or the tower.]

That. And there does not seem to be a way to see what is going on outside. As much as this place can work as a safe haven it can also quickly turn into a trap.

[He stepped them into the little area meant to be a bedroom and looked around particularly for the ventilation and supports of the room. It was seemingly well made, and he would consider sleeping here now and again if push came to shove. It wasn't nearly as big as other rooms that he had shared with Richard before, but it was underground which added a layer of comfort to him that he so often missed otherwise.

It was also well compartmentalized. He knew Richard would utilize it for something; the younger man had come into his own when it revolved around slowly gathering power.]

Oh, there are ways to see outside, but they involve technology. Surveillance that needs to be well hidden and upkept. Do you have plans for it yet?

[Richard took a look at the bedroom. It was small, yes. Just about the size of a single person room at the inn. There is a small shelf for personal items across the one person bed and in the corner there is another door that leads to small bathroom with a shower. The bed was poorly made with a wrinkled blanket. It was clear that someone had once been using the bunker as a living space a long time ago.

Though the mention of the potential surveillance does get his interest and he turns his attention to back to Silco.]

I have a few ideas yes. What would you do?

[It is a little awkward position to be in with Richard leaned his upper body against Silco, head resting right below the man's chin. The benches were narrow, clearly not planned for two people to engage in this kind of closeness comfortably. But Richard found himself less caring about that. He could feel the storm of emotions to die out within his mind just as his breath calmed down in his lover's arms.

While he knew that they could not possibly stay here in the church for long and risk the keeper to find them like this. But rest sounded way too tempting for him to refuse, especially now that he felt exhausted. As if he had just came back from a long and taxing battle. His body relaxed further, going almost lax against the older man.]

..I know that the God isn't here. I knew it the moment I arrived to this world. He would never choose to shine His light on me. [He's not exactly sure why he whispered this confession, or whether it was more aimed to Silco or to himself. It was an admittance that none of this was real, that he was very well aware that he was still clinging on his own chains of oppression, rattling them in desperation in the slight case that just maybe the God would see him. All these attempts to deceive and play the role of a proper Christian while hiding his true nature once again, all for someone who had forsaken him a long time ago. But at the same it was an acknowledgement that he would not stop chasing after what he desired, no matter how much pain it might bring.

From the corner of his eye he can see the familiar white transient shape looming above them. Though for once, he could not feel the calamity from Joan. He could not see the expression on her face but at the same time he wasn't really interested to look up, either.]

You were right. [This time the words were not aimed at either of them but to the ghost. As much as Richard hated to admit it, the truth was that Joan was right most of times. She knew him better than anyone else, had always known. She had seen right into his dark heart ever since he was a child.

He could not help but remember the last night he spent with Buckingham. It had been the night before the hunt and defamation of his nephews. The crown would be theirs and they would no longer need to show the proof of their covenant. But at the same time, they had been unable to let go of themselves. And Richard finds himself from repeating the same words that his kingmaker had said to him back then:]

Our pact is not sex alone. So... just be with me, Silco.

Edited 2025-02-20 15:20 (UTC)

And that's good, right?

[' so why are you upset?' — is the question that lingers and threatens to leave her tongue, but shoves it down her throat with the piece of fish. jinx would expect silco would want her to grow up and learn how the world works on her own, yet maybe he believes the simulation world isn't a good example? she can only speculate. ]

[Silco knew that this wasn't a long-term living space, but in emergencies, beggars couldn't be choosers. He spied the bathroom, and the fact that it was more than a bucket in a corner should have been appreciated based on some of the places that he had seen or lived in way back in the day. He doubted that Richard would enjoy much of a stay here; the younger man seemed to appreciate fresh air and open spaces far more than Silco did.

He nodded his head as he continued to examine the structure, and his arm moved up to slide across Richard's shoulders as they remained close together.]

Experiment. This could be initial planning and supply depot, but it's too small for anything substantial. It might be worthwhile to build a larger bunker nearby and connect the two with a tunnel. Determine what surveillance works and what doesn't at this location and then you can expand to others.

[He doubted that the brute had thought of making this place more comfortable to limit both visitors and squatters. The pew was fine to sit on short-term, but Silco had not come equipped with appropriate physical padding for a long-term stay. Yet, he was hesitant to leave and suggest comfortable lodging, not with Richard holding onto him and this place apparently holding enough meaning to require such celebratory decorations in the first place.

He turned his head at the whispered words, offering a soft hum of acknowledgement and feeling no urge to add to it. He expected that was a private thought that had slipped passed those lips. Perhaps Richard thought that saying them outloud to encourage the younger man to even believe them one day. Yet, as if to punctuate that this Light not shining by a God wasn't important, he tipped his head to plant a kiss on his lover's crown. There was no God; there were just people with enough ego to think they were one and lord it over the rest of them.]

I usually am right. It's a gift and a curse. [He, of course, couldn't see Joan and had no idea those words were aimed at her and not an observance of the two of them.

He suddenly sat forward, rolling his narrow shoulders to slide out of his thick jacket and shook it out in front of him. He paused at the words regarding their pact, and he looked at Richard, surveying the younger man's expression even as the corner of his lips quirked in a smirk. He shifted up the pew so he could pull one leg up and let the other dangle off the side as he lay down and gestured for Richard to come and lay down upon him so he could use his jacket as a blanket to cover them both over.]

Oh, Richard, this has never been about just sex. I value your company and all of our interactions in whatever form they take. [He folded an arm under his head and regarded his lover, expression bemused as if he were stating the most obvious observance in the world.] I will stay with you all night, Richard. Come, let us rest.

[Despite his initial contempt and aversion towards the technology of this word Richard had now grown accustomed to the wonders of the electricity. Indoor plumbing, for an example, had been almost immediate hit with him and it had became a luxury that he was not keen on giving up. Or at least it was much easier pill to swallow than magic, at times. Accepting it had broadened his horizons greatly.

And yet, despite all the comforts he still could feel completely at home in strange and otherworldly structures -- much like this one, just as Silco assumed. He still listened keenly at his words and thoughts. Though the picture that his lover paints for him with his words does make him snort out a laughter.]

It is starting to sound like you would like to build an entire city underground. Is the old age making you feel homesick and nostalgic? [He then spins around in Silco's arms so that he is facing his lover. A teasing smile slithers to his lips as reaches up to touch the older man's collar, fingers idly playing with the fabric of the shirt.]

[There were some advancements that simply needed to be accepted to build a better life for everyone, and the more accustomed everyone became to such luxuries, the more they would miss them when they would inevitability be taken away. During the electrical and network outage, people hadn't seemed to enjoy that, yet he and Richard maintained themselves just fine with hand writing and using candles. They were used to being without.

Silco turned his head and regarded his lover at the amusement, and the corner of his lip twitched slyly. Richard wasn't wrong. He did want to build a city underground and this was a good start to interconnect such spaces.] Perhaps. I lived a considerable portion of my life underground. It's underappreciated.

[His arm moved as Richard did as his lover slipped in front of him.]

Sound in muffled in such spaces. Think of all you could do and no one would hear.

Indeed, your confidence can lead you many different places and forming different alliances.

[He was aware of the unspoken question and side-stepped it. He knew it was petty and vulnerable to speak on such things, the real issues that neither of them could particularly swallow. Just as Jinx had stormed repeatedly against him for having an unnamed lover, he was returning the favour in his own way. That's the way they were; he valued it because it made them them.]

You will always be my daughter though. No one can take that from me.

[Except that one person she had gone off looking for as some beast of a man. That would remain an undercurrent of a threat.]

Of course, I always will be. [ jinx prods her half-eaten meal to the left of her for now, and bends forward with her arms folded over the counter.] Level with me here, Dad, is that what all of this is really about?

[ there's a brief pause that she purposely let dawdling in their air before stacking on the finishing touches. ]

Are you afraid because I have other people in my life, it means I won't be your daughter anymore?

Edited 2025-02-22 23:41 (UTC)

We would have dungeons with a similar nature. Ah, all the atrocities and horrors one could do in the dark behind everyone's eyes and ears.

[Richard pressed his front against Silco's, closing the small gap between them so that they could feel the body heat to radiate from one another. His fingers spider walked from the collar to loosely wrap around the silken cravat. He then cranes his neck up, lips just shy away from touching the tip of the older man's jawline. The hold isn't strong nor is he trying to pull him down to meet him, but there definitely is possessiveness and control present.]

Your very own city, then. Who would live there? Who would govern the underground?

[The call out was perhaps expected as they had been toing around the subject for months. If it wasn't her prodding him or vice versa, it wasn't a day of them trying to navigate their possessive tendencies exacerbated by abandonment issues. He made a point of cutting off another bit of fish and putting it in his mouth to buy himself a moment to consider how he might answer her request.]

You'll leave. [Normally, he left such bluntness to Jinx.] I am your family; I took you in, but everyone from back there wants to pull us apart. Your sister, the boy. I trust you, but I don't trust them. They've made their positions clear.

[It was complicated and yet painfully simple. He couldn't, wouldn't lose her. He would burn this place down. Yet, it was a touch more complicated as he was becoming plainly clear that her willingness to follow in his footsteps were no longer a priority. And if she did... would it be with the boy?]

Indeed. And have you ever taken part of such vile viciousness in the dark where no one can see or hear but you and that which you have unleashed upon?

[His chin tipped towards his chest so he could watch Richard rest against his front, and he was keenly aware of those fingers sliding down toward the center of this throat. There was pressure from the grip on the silk around his neck, and his shoulders stooped almost naturally forward. His fingers tightened on Richard's shoulders, digging his fingers in with a similar undertone of possessiveness.]

The underground has always been my domain, and it will remain such. I wish you could see my city; most dislike it, but it is beauty and innovation and ambition and survival all wrapped into iron and glass.

[His words came soft and anticipatory, like he was providing a secret to Richard that he hadn't spoken of in the past to anyone else.]

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u don't get to drop that on him and wrap :| he gets last word

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