conflictresolution

An unforeseen ripple that has borne no fruit. He spoke with Jinx before speaking to me. Fear and shame then. Very well, we can make one less problem if you wish it so.

[oh, so it was the daughter's fault then? it was frustrating and angering to see how silco kept failing to follow what such small ripples would cause. richard came from world where rumors like these had more power than the deadliest blade - they would spread uncontrollably like a disease. something like this was fatal for his legacy, for richard the third. and silco did not see it.

'he is looking to break away from you. he does not respect you, richard. and why would he? a demon like yourself should know better.'

it hurt and stung, like any sort of betrayal does. and it doesn't help that silco seems to be determined on pointing the knife at him. how dare he speak of shame and fear? despite knowing richard's true form?]

if that is the outcome you are seeking then so be it. say a word and i'll release you from this pact

[He had not seen the value of ostracizing Charles over a realization of information that may or may not have value for the man. He had been, perhaps, more frustrated that Jinx had been speaking of him in such a way but that too couldn't be helped. He expected she had found some connection and used an opportunity. No doubt Ragna knew he had someone, but the man was far too antisocial to say anything.

Silco had spent a lifetime with nothing, building up loyalties and experiencing betrayals. Everything he had came to him through a fight of some sort. Honestly, being with Richard might have been the easiest decision he had made regardless of the dogged trouble from his daughter that came with it.

Yet the idea that he couldn't and shouldn't be pleased to have the connection that they had, that it might be considered a shameful dirty secret offended him. It was not the first time that he had considered that Richard's apparent high status might be a point of contention. Oil and water.]

I'm not ashamed of what we have. I don't feel the need to hide it constantly, nor rip it out by shallow roots either. If someone has a problem with our pact, I have no issue providing them a sharp drop and sudden stop. I've murdered for less. But if a whisper of possibility is enough to spook you to belittling my judgment, we seem to have larger problems.

Edited 2024-11-03 21:44 (UTC)

i have given you my reason why i wish to keep this out of light.
what is the problem, then?

And I have acquiesced to the request and respected your reasoning. When I made the deduction that Charles knew of us, I made a judgment call that he wouldn't be loose lipped. That my assessment of his character calls into question our pact is a stretch at best.

is that why you keep twisting my words and intentions, trying to place your own doubts in my mouth.

it offends me that you did not trust me enough to tell me when it had occurred.

I wasn't having doubts until it seemed to upset you. Have I not safe guarded our pact as best as possible? I trust you more than you know. My actions are an oversight that won't be repeated.

if that is the case then pay no heed to the traps within your mind that try to lure you into self-doubt and shame. trust in me and in my choice to respect our pact. i chose you as my lover out of my own free will.

I feel no shame for us. I never have and I never will. Does it shame you to have a trencher as a lover rather that someone you would consider more pure of blood?

no. it does not.

I trust your word on that.

[By the time he sent that message, Silco was nearly at the inn. He had been heading in that direction soon after receiving the first message, and his pace had increased to a quick stride as their messaging escalated. Now he had calmed again and walked with his usual confident stride that once he reached the doors of the inn and pushed inside, he look composed.

He looked around for Richard and granted, he was not one to frequent the inn. He had moved out of it as quickly as he could as soon as he had arrived, so it took him a moment to regain his bearings of the place. The only sign he had hurried was the fact that he had clearly been running his fingers through his hair repeatedly.

As soon as he spotted Richard, he walked his way over, having eyes for no one else in the place.]

[When Silco sends the last message Richard fully excepts the conversation to be done. Despite their eventual agreement of sorts he still couldn't exactly say that his mood had been lifted. No, he was still feeling sour and disappointed in the how their little exchange had gone. So, he sets his tablet down and goes back to work.

He's in the small office room behind the reception, going through the papers and checking the numbers. With his back turned to the door he doesn't even notice it when Silco first arrives, as he's fully focused on his work splayed in front of him on the desk.

But when he does notice Silco's presence in the room, he turns around to face him while also offering him a mildly surprised look.]

I did not think you would come.

[He surveyed some of the patrons of the inn and its attached tavern. There had been a recent influx of newcomers to Aldrip, which meant that there was a general business to the place. It was a good time to take it over, he expected. This would be a good way to start a grassroots movement of people as well, catch them while they were new.

However, that wasn't at all why was here. He moved around reception desk and into the doorway of the little office that his lover was currently shuffling papers in. He kept his hands in his coat pockets as he observed the younger man, studying Richard's body language before his lover noticed his presence. He made a point of looking around the office space after that, covering up his previous interest in the younger man only.]

You've acquired the inn and attached tavern. I've been told you're supposed to celebrate such acquisitions as victories. I expected you and I could share a drink.

[The upheaval in the conversation hadn't prompted him to come; he came because Richard now owned the inn and that was enough of a reason to come and pay a visit.]

[The office is rather plain. Still lacking any personal touch of any owner, seeing that the locals of the Aldrip had mostly seemed to keep the room as professional as possible - storing paper work and any other necessary equipment.

Pressing his lips together into a thin, thoughtful line, Richard returned the observing gaze. There was a small frown shaping to his features as he mulled over Silco's given explanation. Then, he dropped the sheet of paper on the desk and walked around it. He walked past Silco, pushed the door slightly open behind him.]

Oi. Bring whiskey for my guest, will you? [He addresses one of the staff members nearby, who, while not looking particularly happy about the order, nods and goes to fetch the requested item. Richard, in return, withdraws back to the room and gestures at one of the seats around the desk.]

Please, have a seat. [He says as he sits down on the wooden chair, pressing his back against the back of it and crossing his leg over another.]

[Silco stepped to the side when Richard walked over to the door, thinking his lover might leave to continue with organizing the business. He watched the staff member follow the order, and that right there was why it was difficult to trust the natives from one month to the next. Their behaviour was fickle and could potentially cripple a business. Thankfully, the inn was going to have a constant turn around of people coming and going.

He eased to one of the chairs that Richard indicated, easing himself down into it. Normally, he would remain standing, but after their conversation during his walk over, he made a point to relinquish what might be a sense of control as he crossed one leg over the other, nearly mirroring Richard who was seated as well.]

I assume you'll be adding a personal touch to this office at some point? It's rather drab.

[Unfortunately the ill mood from their prior conversation carried over to this one. At least from Richard's part. He was hardly ever much of a conversationalist on a good dsy. And on a bad one, well.]

I imagine that will come within time, as I'm hardly an interior designer. Maybe I should ask your daughter for tips, seeing that she has left her marks around yours. [It was impossible to miss Jinx's claim on the space. Richard had more times than enough followed the colorful patterns marking the territory around the Last Drop, committing them into his memory. Normally, he didn't mind any of it but now he couldn't help but bitterness slithering to his words. Now there was two people who knew about them. Two too many people, who's perception of him had now permanently changed because of something that he couldn't control.

And just then the staff member entered the room, carrying a small tray with a tall whiskey bottle, two tumblers and even glass full of ice on it. The tray was placed on the table.] Thank you. Can you make sure that we are not to be disturbed? [Richard addresses the staff before they exit the room.

With the third part now gone, Richard reaches over to grab the whiskey and pours Silco a drink.]

Edited 2024-11-05 04:51 (UTC)

[It wasn't difficult to sense the jab that Richard leveled in his direction. Many times they made a point to not bring up his daughter to keep the peace between them. After all, that was a subject that he didn't think they would see eye-to-eye on, and he didn't blame Richard in the least on that. Jinx was someone who was often an acquired taste. His daughter had a constant and obvious display of items he had on display.

His mismatched eyes watched Richard, and then he sighed. The conversation - if it could be called that - was not over. If anything, the second round was coming into play here and now it seemed.] She will be out of town for a few weeks, but no doubt, she would be pleased to offer her unique aesthetic choices. Perhaps it will be the olive branch that paves the way for a tolerance of each other.

[He went quiet when the employee entered a moment later, pretending to examine his fingernails as the tray was set down. His eyes moved subtly to track the native's movement and expression, trying to determine how much trouble Richard might have with that one. Perhaps the next month would bring them around or his lover's shining sociable nature.

He rose from his chair to make certain that the door was properly shut and secured, unwilling to have a staff member or an inn guest would barge in on them. This seemed like it would be a cold conversation. He returned to the seat again and resumed his previous stoic state.]

It seems the previous topic has not been laid to rest. Would you prefer to discuss it now or enjoy that drink first?

[Richard didn't even bother to try and stifle the scoff leaving from his lips at the suggestion. The only thing he could see Jinx help him with was to burn the whole place down. Especially now after their latest meeting where things had reached the boiling point between them and blood was finally spilled. To say that Richard had a poor opinion of Jinx and vice versa was a huge understatement. But he still respected the parent-child relationship that she and Silco had, and did not wish to diminish that flame.

Plus it'd be lying that he didn't find it infuriating how the girl kept haunting their shared time. Even when they didn't talk about her there was no denying that her presence was nearly constantly them, looming over them like a ghost. Honestly, her being away did wonders to Richard's mood. Or would, if there wasn't now another issue that he needed to sort out.

Once he's done with filling their glasses, Richard leans back on the chair and brings it to his lips, not bothering to raise a toast with his lover as the man had suggested.]

What for? I'll talk to Charles and see what damage control can be done.

[He would admit that Jinx was excellent at starting fires, physical and personal, and he had no doubt that scoff was to indicate how little his lover thought of his daughter. He didn't bother to point out that once their secret was open and admitted to that Jinx may grow more bold, but he would... perhaps put pressure on to limit that association. Perhaps he could redirect her back on tormenting the enforcer? That would be ideal for him at least.

In the Undercity and as he had risen to power, Silco had been hard pressed to find time for himself. It was one of the reasons he kept himself so busy; he had small times to think and that was all that he needed. Jinx being away meant that he automatically gravitated towards Richard whom he was gaining a similar level of comfort to. He didn't allow himself much self-awareness on that fact, of course.

He took the glass from Richard and balanced it on his knee, noting the immediate dive into it. His lover had not been exposed to hard spirits much.]

So you'll add fuel to the embers that are not a fire to see what sort of flames you can stir up?

[Hard spirits were still a relatively new acquaintance to him, true, but Richard liked to think that he was exposed to the taste of whiskey enough. At least he could now drink it without being taken back by its strong and biting flavor, as can be seen the way he takes a good measured sip out of the glass without flinching or twisting his expression. But Silco was right about one thing, his body would not be able to tolerate much of it in one go.

After swallowing the amber-colored liquid he placed the glass back on the table, ice cubes faintly clicking against each others. Richard then wiped his lips with his gloved thumb.]

Nay. I shall see just how far his knowledge goes and direct it elsewhere.

[Richard still found the idea of telling Jinx very unsettling. The only reason he had given in and allowed Silco to reveal the truth to her was in hopes it would somehow help to de-escalate the situation between them. But Charles? No, Charles knowing was so much worse than Jinx. It hit right into the most important and sacred in Richard, his legacy.

At the times like these he really missed having Buckingham around. The younger man always knew what to do. That ruthless mind of his could turn black into white and so on if needed to be.]

[Silco regarded Richard from his seat, rolling over all the possibilities that he could think of for this reaction to information that he did not consider vital or even particularly important. Charles appeared to be the kind of person that could value secrecy, and it wasn't as if he had confirmed or denied what the ghost may or may not know. He had strong suspicions, and that meant that he was waiting and watching, ready to head off any rumours before they could spread too far.

However, Richard seemed more aggravated by the idea as well as his dismissal of the potential information as if he had not weighed the options. He swirled his drink but thus far had not partaken in it as he was too engrossed in thinking and watching, giving himself the space to dig into Richard's discomfort. Richard and Charles came from the same country and Charles did know about Richard, that the younger man would be King.

Family, bloodlines, names, crowns and God seemed to be high on Richard's list of important facts of life. He considered what he knew of Piltover High Houses, which was as close to royalty as he might have any exposure to from his little dark hovel in the Underground. What of those important factors was jeopardized with Charles by the knowledge of them being together in some fashion or another?]

I hope you can be subtle with your inquiries. [He had not seen much in the way of Richard's social skills on such a level, though he had no doubt the younger man had them. Hmmm, man... Ah.] Your society doesn't tolerate two men bedding together, does it? Is that what has you so spooked?

[There's another dry scoff from him. Richard is almost offended by the suspicion towards his ability to be discreet when gouging out information. It's not like he was born yesterday. And Richard had deceived an entire court and public, thank you very much. It was all part of the mask that he put out to others.

But the frown on his face deepens and turns into harsher one with Silco's question. Seems like his lover managed to hit and sunk with his query.]

I did tell you before that it is a sin. [There's a distant iciness to his voice as he speaks, eyes narrowing. Although, honestly? If it was the case of two men laying in the bed together Richard could perhaps, somehow, deal with the situation better. But no. What he was afraid was what would come after.] Allowing pry into our affairs is nothing but opening Pandora's box. Once the secret is out, it will only lead to another, and then another. Until there is nothing left.

[And who knows -- maybe the rumors of his home world were to arrive here? What then? Just how long would it take until the people were to turn their eyes at him again, finding out the truth about his demonic form.]

[He had been told it was a sin, but what did he care for sins? The mountain of bodies left in his wake, the lives ruined, the crimes he had committed paled in comparison to whoever he chose to bed down with.] If it's such a sin, why do you do it? And don't give me the usual line of you being a demon; you can't have it both ways seeking to strive for going beyond sin and calling yourself a demon who embraces sin.

[If a sin was so shameful and requiring such secrecy, it was hardly any fun. He was one who leaned into the flaws and manipulated them to be his weapon. So the sin was one aspect, which meant that the truth was likely more complicated than that and sin would play on some of the other layers of importance.]

We control the narrative, Richard. However, if the only way that this works for you is for it to be a secret, so be it. I've lived in the shadows most of my life. Why should this be any different? [He offered another small shrug, swirling his drink again.]

[Why does he do it, indeed.

The question rings like an accusation in Richard's ears, piercing his chest like an arrow. The corner of his lip tug back, making his mouth a tightly shut line as he stares at Silco under his dark curls.

Why did he keep doing this, even when knowing very well that it is a sin? The answer is simple, really.]

When we first met you asked me what was my specialty, remember? My answer has not changed. [Deceit. Turning truth into lies and lies in truth. Making people think that he was something that he was not.] I do this is because it is in my nature. I want it even if it is a sin.

[Because he is filled with dark and ugly urges. "Your every desire is a sin." Hadn't his mother called it out all those years ago? That despite no matter he tried he would always find himself within the darkness like a criminal. Richard had just given up fighting that and decided to allow himself to indulge in the warmth and pleasure that he had always wanted - even if it meant turning his back to the god.]

You say that but this is not the first time we've had this discussion. [There was an air of disappointment within Silco's words. While Richard supposes he could somehow understand it, as no one could ever truly be fully satisfied in playing the role of a mistress forever, but he still couldn't wrap his head around why would Silco want them to be known. Why couldn't they stay in darkness.]

Once the truth is out you can no longer protect me.

Edited (cws should've come in to play ages ago whoops.) 2024-11-06 14:54 (UTC)

[There had been significant change since he and Richard had first met. They are formed and deepened a connection with each other, so he was not particularly convinced by Richard's answer. Oh, he actually had no doubt that Richard believed it to be the truth, but from what he knew of the younger man, there was far more to unpack than the simplicity that the words seemed to neatly package.]

And you don't believe that someone can change their nature, hmm? From what I understand, sins are to be punished, so I wonder if this is a punishment for you or a solace. [He made a gesture with his hand to indicate the two of them. He was, after all, used to being society's, old ally's, and even enemy's dirty little secret. It was fuel for his own personal rebellion.

He made a noise of acknowledgement to the fact that they had discussed this at length. They stood opposite on the subject, and he knew it would be a souring note for the both of them eventually. At the moment, it was a thorn in the otherwise perfectly 'normal' interactions that they had together in his mind.]

Can't I? You underestimate me. However, I have no interest in advocating for an announcement of any kind. Those who know, know that's all.

[He had actually held off telling Jinx, aware that Richard would likely backtrack out of fear. Perhaps they could both be the point of shame for the younger man then. United again.]

If you let fear and anxiety rule your life, you'll always been a prisoner to your past and the opinions of people who, in the end, mean nothing.

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text -> action

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cw: internalized & religious homophobia

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