conflictresolution

[Somehow Richard has hard time to believe that. He had seen the pain in Jinx's eyes as she unleashed her hurt at him. Trying to fight against the tears like a small child appearing stronger than what she truly was. If it was Richard he certainly wouldn't let this be, but seek vengeance at the person who had hurt him so profoundly. Just like he had with his father's killer.

He doesn't react upon hearing the footsteps approaching him, keeping his eyes nailed at the damaged bark in front of him.]

...She saw me. I don't know how but-- she saw me. [The words struggle their way out of his throat. Clinging on the walls as the air leaves him.] I never wanted anything to do with her and yet...

[Petty and vengeful were both words that he would use to describe his daughter. She was also paranoid that at any given moment, he would walk away from her for some reason or another. He had worked hard to earn her trust, to assure her that he would not abandon her. The mind was a treacherous place, and this was new territory for them both. Silco had never divided his time between two people before, just her and his conquest of Zaun and mission against Piltover. She had never had to share him with another person. He had seen how she had reacted with the sister and disillusioned himself that he would be different. He had never abandoned her even when everyone else in her world might.

He continued to walk toward Richard until he was within easy striking distance. He stopped there, giving his lover the opportunity to move away, stay right there at the tree or turn to engage him. It seemed to him that fear of abandonment was a feature both Richard and Jinx shared.]

Did she? What did she say to you about it? [This could change so many things....]

[Ah well. This is the part where his memory gets muddled. It had happened so fast and all that Richard knew was that he had been seen. But he knew that Jinx had said something but what it was...]

That I have--, ["nowhere to run." No. That hadn't been Jinx. Joan and the cursed voice had been there. Laughing at his misfortune as they usually did. Richard runs his free hand across his face as he pieced together the truths and lies, pushing past the fear and anger.

Then, after a brief moment he straightens his posture and turns to face Silco with a calm expression.]

She asked what to call me.

[He waited, expecting if the details that had reached him - confusing and muddled as they were - happened to be true then the discovery would be a shock. He had seen the lengths that Richard went to in order to hide his breasts, though these days the bindings were more acceptable.

Still, he understood having the choice of who to reveal to stolen to be frightening. After all, Jinx could have made a big deal out it, yet for them in Zaun, men being women and vice versa was not uncommon. Open minded acceptance wasn't something Richard seemed to have received and probably never assumed it would be true with Jinx.]

Ah, she wanted to know your preferred pronouns, I expect.

[He stepped closer, lifting a hand so that he could potentially draw his knuckles down Richard's cheek.]

It may not be an assurance to you, but I expect her to respect what she has seen. Was it your binding or... had you removed it for the hot springs?

[The mask was back on and so was the control. The profound anger from before had stepped aside from his face, making room for the more calm and calculated expression that he was used to wear. The sense of danger was gone, as Richard became to believe that his lover was not, in fact, here to settle a score.

Richard closed his eyes when he felt the knuckle caress his soft skin.]

Why would she? Your daughter has set out to harass me and smear my good name for a long time. Why would she respect any of this? [If Jinx truly wanted to get rid of him and ruin people's trust towards him now was the chance.] I did not undress myself. She.. saw the binding, I believe. She mentioned something about a sister.

[For his part, Silco felt at ease with the situation, especially as he gainer confidence that Richard wasn't going to attack him. For now at least. There were more assurances when he could touch Richard and not be rejected.

He stepped closer, closing the distance further. His fingers moved to push Richard's bangs aside so he couldnviewthst golden eye too.]

Indeed she has, but there are certain subjects which she will respect. I will ensure it as well. [By now, Jinx had to know that he was going to keep a lover. She would make it uncomfortable but he liked to believe she had limits.] You have nothing to be ashamed of with your body. Someday you may even believe me on that.

[Richard blinked his eyes open, staring right into Silco's mismatched eyes with his own. There was a question present in his gaze that he did not know how to voice out.

Why? Why keep this up when things would only get more complicated. Why go these lengths for him? Wouldn't it be much more simple for Silco to let go of Richard's hand, leave him behind and stand by his daughter without worrying thorns prickling his fingers?

For once the voices were quiet, not wanting to give their input.

Richard raised his hand and placed it on top of Silco's, pressing the palm against his cheek. Closing his eyes again, he turned his face so that he could press a light kiss on his lover's hand. The other hand still holding the knife loosens it's grip, allowing the weapon to slide between his fingers.]

[He was not, in fact, mad at the pair of them having it out as they did. Disappointed perhaps, but they were rather similar in how they handled threats to themselves and those they were close to. How he was going to maneuver them both to keep a peace was not clear to him yet, but he would in time.

His thumb stroked under Richard's eye as he watched the younger man. Aside from that father, he wondered how many people had truly stood with Richard?

His hand caught the knife as it slipped from Richard's fingers, and he pulled the younger man in against him as he slammed the tip of the blade into the already damaged bark. His hand abandoned it there so he could cup Richard's other cheek.]

Don't think I will turn my back on loyalty given. You are my lover. She is my daughter.

[Richard was already so used to Silco's touch, the way he'd move and pull his body around with a sense of careful assertion, that he even now simply let himself being pulled forward up against his lover. With his own snaking around the man's back he leaned his own lithe body against Silco's, eyes not leaving the man's face for a moment.

Loyalty was essential for both of them. Without it there was no trust between them and Silco might have as well driven that knife into his chest instead of the tree. And when Richard had initially left the note on his lover's desk he had been certain that, a very decisive line had been crossed. He had promised Silvia that he could trust on him, place his faith on him only to falter a week or so later. In Richard's mind retribution would have been warranted. And yet.]

Keep her away from me. [He says, a hint of defeat in his voice. Silco had offered to do so before, which Richard had refused - fully believing that he was capable of handling her on his own.] Tell her the truth if you must. But if your daughter comes after me again, when I'm not so distracted, I can't promise that she'll come out of it with just a cut.

I do not wish to disappoint you.

[There was a sense of comfort knowing this situation could have gone in a very different direction if either he had approached with anger or Richard was so upset as to lay waste to them as when he had walked up initially. The straw dummy just might be to thank for its sacrifice to endure the worst of Richard's aggression. Here he was moving in to smooth things out again.

He experienced Richard's surrender as a triumph of the work they had labored on before. He was forced to admit that this was a relationship and no longer just non-emotional sex. His thumbs stroked Richard's cheeks as he leaned down to attempt a nuzzle to the younger man's forehead, adding a kiss for good measure.]

To clarify, you are alright with me giving your name as associated with me as my lover? [Unwxpected but in a good way? Maybe. Jinx might react strongly. She did like her gotcha moments] I will direct her attention elsewhere, and I expect you to do the same to avoid confrontation where it can be done.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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?

[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?

[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.]

[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.

[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.]

[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.

[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?

[The firm warmth curling around his own hand keeps Richard focused, preventing him from falling deeper inside his mind and the memory that haunted him wherever he went. 'Grounding.' He vaguely remembers Silco using that term before when pulling him back from the darkness. Richard feels like he now understands the meaning behind that word.

He goes silent, gaze dropping down to look at their joined hands as he lets his lover to tug him along, guiding both of them out of the thicket. There is an idle hum from him as a sign that he is listening while still walking one step behind the other.]

No. There is plenty room to store your belongings as well.

[Thankfully he had been out here looking for Richard often enough that he knew his way back. Forests were different to navigate compared to the city of steel and glass, and it all looked very much the same at times. All he had to do was find the little game trail and follow it, taking them both to more familiar territory with each step.]

I won't store much there. That is, after all, your space. I simply invade it now and again.

[Multiple times a week at this point. Still, he could convince himself it was just a change of clothes and nothing more.]

[Richard raises his gaze from their hands and looked thoughtfully at Silco's back. It.. somehow felt very natural and easy to follow him like this. He spun his wrist a little and pulled it back so that he could slide his hand into Silco's, entwining their fingers together as he walked behind him.

Despite being taller than him with larger shoulders than his Silco wasn't exactly all that big. He was, too, built smaller and scrawnier than most men that Richard had seen. That added on the strain brought by his age really did make him appear almost opposite to his kingmaker, who was tall and strong, full of that youthful energy and beauty. But still, he supposed that Silco's hand felt just as warm against his own as his other half's.

After all, there must have been a reason for why Silco woke up his bed, right?

A brief moment passes before Richard opens his mouth again, and when he does, his voice sounds hesitant.]

..I sleep better with you there.

[His paused midstep when there was a twist of the wrist, expecting that Richard wanted him to let go - which momentarily went against everything he knew - but instead, he felt their hands come together. That was likely more comfortable, and he didn't resist when Richard's fingers pushed between his own in a far more solid hold. In response, his fingers squeezed Richard's lightly in return.

Then he added a gentle tug so that Richard could walk closer behind him as they continued to navigate the game trail. Yes, they had to one walk at a time on it, but he did enjoy feeling the younger man be close.

Unaware of the comparison with the rival who was not here, Silco took them out onto one of the main trails that lead back to town. It was empty and secluded compared to others that left town, yet he turned his head to regard Richard to be certain the younger man wanted to keep his hand in a bit more of an open space. Yes, Richard had agreed he could tell Jinx, but their secret dalliance remained theirs otherwise.

He issued a low hum of acknowledgement, looking up and down the larger trail before pulling Richard up against him with their combined hands.] I know. When I first arrive, you're like a barnacle usually then settle once you're assured I won't be leaving the bed. [His other hand lifted so he could stroke his fingers through the bangs that usually covered Richard's golden eye.] You're the only reason I sleep in a bed. Normally I sleep upright in a chair.

[It is almost jarring to think that no more than ten minutes ago Richard had fully prepared this encounter to take worst turn, believing Silco take his trespass with Jinx as an act of betrayal towards their pact. And now? He was willingly surrendering to the man, finding safety in the hand holding his own. He was aware of the weakness that was slowly growing within him when it came to the other man. Silco was gaining too much power over him, but he couldn't stop himself from wanting to grasp on the hope dangled in front of him.

He could feel the slightest tremor in his chest when they approached the wider path, stepping away from the darkness into the light. His fingers twitch slightly, anticipating the inevitable moment when they'd have to let go.]

I have noticed. [Richard says softly, blinking shut when the fingers brush his hair. Likewise, it hadn't taken long from Richard to take note of the man's poor sleeping habits and just general lack of self-care. The man was basically living in that chair of his. Richard was glad for each time that he got his lover moving, be it to join him to his own training, sharing a meal or bed with him.] I am surprised your back hasn't given out on you yet.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject