[Silco kept his gaze on Richard as the younger man emerged from the denser underbrush to the lighter wider path, feeling the twitch of those fingers. They both existed in this proverbial darkness that Richard talked about, and it didn't matter to him to pursue whatever light was supposed to be hanging above them like a gift. No, he existed best in the dim light or darkness.
He made a soft hmm when it seemed that his lover had noticed that he kept impeccible care of his appearance, but the rest of his personal care was haphazard at best. Until Richard pulled him into bed, his sleeping habits were better than Jinx's but worse than most peoples still. Sleeping upright had always been a defense mechanism, able to come from sleep and at least appear to be sharp in seconds. His chair also allowed him to rest the left side of his face in it to black out the room. Well, he had Richard's back, shoulder, neck or chest for that these days, which was a far more comfortable replacement.]
My back has been fortified carrying a city on it for a few years. Besides, I expect you'd be the reason for any back issues. [It was a tease, small and off-hand. He and Richard had a rigorous sex life these days, only getting more so as they became emotionally attached to each other.] You're not going to try to make me take up running or some other strange yet normal physical activity, are you?
[Richard's own gaze moved to take a look a the few rays of setting sunlight that were pushing past the dried leaves of trees. The light was not reaching them quite yet, leaving them linger in the twilight, in between the darkness and light. A perfect place for men like them.
There's a small huff of laughter from Richard as the corners of his lips curl up in a small amused grin.] Don't be so dramatic. If anything you ought to be grateful for all the exercise I have put you through. Who knows, you might even live longer thanks to it. [Richard's appetite grew as he ate, it's true. And he was certainly growing more friskier after each time adventure in the sheets. So far Silco hadn't turned any of his requests down - always willing to indulge him.] Nay, that would be an exercise of futility if anything. However, maybe I could try get you on a horse one of these days.
[The perpetual twilight was where he was rather comfortable. His fingers stroked through Richard's bangs again, moving the locks to be more or less tucked behind Richard's ear. His hand returned so he could stroke the back of his knuckles down Richard's cheek before he made a point of moving his free hand to take his lover's in his own again.]
Hmpt, if the toxins of my city haven't killed me yet, I have my doubts that exercise will increase any sort of robust health that lingers in this body. However, I do welcome you to keep that idea up and running, since we both benefit. [He did not deny Richard's requests; they came about naturally and why would he ever deny an opportunity that he had side-stepped for decades anyway? Richard was who did it for him.] A horse? I thought you were trying to extend my life, not shorten it...
[Richard tilted his head slightly forward, leaning his cheek against the bony fingers as they moved carefully along his cheek. He knew that both of them were somewhat new to this kind of silent and casual gestures of affection. After all, they were both very private people and these things did not come all that naturally for them. But that only added to his appreciation even more, making him want to melt against the other man.]
Mind stays sharp in well-trained body, Silco. You might be surprised to find out just what heights you could reach if you took better care of yourself. [Be it in bedroom or in business.] Well now. Is it fear that I am sensing in you? In my world everyone knows how to ride them. The moment you are freed from the carriages and allowed to ride alongside your peers is a sign of adulthood.
[It was still a private area thankfully. Even where Richard lived, it was secluded enough that he didn't mind coming and going with minor changes to his path each time to lose anyone that might follow him. So here out in the forest where there were plenty of insects and small critters they were, and he was bold enough to estimate that they remained very much alone. He turned his hand over to cup Richard's cheek.]
Is that so? Imagine how unstoppable I would be in that case. And I take care of myself just fine. One full meal a day, plenty of whiskey, cigars and sleeping with you. [He stepped in, using his taller stature to hide Richard in his body window.] I've never ridden a horse before, not willingly. I wouldn't know how, and I do prefer my feet on solid ground. Is this an activity you're going to insist I partake in with you?
[The level of privacy had indeed been one of the decisive factors when choosig for the location of his housing. So he had chosen a place that was just on the edge of the city borders, right next to forest. It was no doubt more agreeable place for Whitey, for sure, and it provided Richard with familiar scenery. And yet. He was deeply dissatisfied with it, in ways that he had not yet been able to disclose to Silco. And probably never will.
But at least for now, they could enjoy from the protection that it provided.]
So sex remains as your only physical activity? My, I am flattered [He scoffs another laughter and tipped his head up a notch, completely unbothered by the taller man towering over him. If anything, it made him appear more cocky.] Of course not. I would not dream of forcing you into it, in case you found it too offending. After all, horses can tell when one is afraid.
[He is not going to force you into it. But still will see it happen eventually...]
[It seemed to him that Richard was generally dissatisfied with life in this place over all. Time and ambition would solve some those emotions, he expected. If Richard wanted to up and move somewhere else, it would require funding. They would see how far the younger man would go to improve life for himself over the next weeks and months. The current situation did afford them an easy method of sneaking around to be with each other, which in and of itself was a thrill.
He huffed at the question, raising his eyebrow in feigned annoyance.] Hardly. I walk everywhere rather than use transport. Though the sex does get my heart racing far more than a brisk jaunt through the streets. [He wasn't that unhealthy. He simply didn't put fitness at the top of the list of his priorities.] And what if, deep-deep down, I wanted you to force me now and again? A lack of experience isn't necessarily fear. We do not have those types of beasts in my city.
[Silco operated almost completely freely, and the lack of challenge would make him rusty. He knew Richard could push him, and the younger man might just be the only one he would encourage now and again.]
[Discontent was more or less a stale state for Richard. He had always felt out of of place, even in his own world. There simply was no place for him to belong. "That's why you'll make your own paradise." The low, dark voice whispers to his ear. Lighting the spark in him.]
Well, in that case. [Richard lips curl into a smirk, fingers reaching up to curl around the necktie and pull Silco closer.]
If there's something you really want all you need to do is ask.
[Richard straightened his posture, stretching himself up to meet those teasing lips. But instead of a kiss he sighs quietly, blowing hot air against them.]
And here I thought you valued the concept of consent. [See, Silco? He is learning! Kinda. He tightens his grip on the tie, keeping the other man in place as he leans his body against Silco's.]
[He shivered at the warm air across his lips, tempted to lean in for a kiss but this little teasing they had going on was far more inviting. So he went with it, keeping their lips so close together and his fingers massaging the swell of Richard's hips.]
I definitely do, and I also have already given you consent to do just that. [That wasn't entirely how consent worked, but it was a good first step.]
As in you'll catch me, or we'll be on the same horse together to prevent my inevitable fall?
[The shiver doesn't go unnoticed. Satisfied with the reaction, Richard tips his chin up a little more so that he could mouth Silco's upper lip. Then, he tilted his head to the side to brush his closed lips against the scared skin, moving up to whisper into his ear.]
Then. Do not regret this choice you made. [Horse riding lessons were on the schedule, it seems. Maybe he could even push Silco to pick up a sword.
But seeing now that they had reached a some kind of agreement on the matter, Richard loosened his hold on the cravat, allowing the silky fabric slide between his fingers as he pulled away just a hair.]
While my horse could indeed bear our combined weight, no that's not it. You won't fall because I trust you to have enough balance and smarts not to act like a fool once you've climbed up. Blackie is well trained steed, he won't throw you off unless you give him reason to.
[Yeah, Blackie. You never guess the color of the horse]
Edited (Html is not my friend......) Date: 2024-10-23 04:23 am (UTC)
[Well, well, it seemed they had gone from Richard being on the verge of stabbing him to now being a complete tease to him. That's what it was to be calm, and it only reinforced his own behavior on having continual control.]
Depends if this choice I made involves me breaking my neck in the very near future.
[He released his grip on the younger man in return, stepping aside before he tugged them to walk down larger game trail to head back to Richard's house. Look at this trust in his skills?]
Your horse is named Blackie? I assume the steed is black in colouration. I think you need to work on your name game, Richard.
[Despite the total u-turn in the mood between them, there was still a ghost of hesitation in him when Silco stepped away. But he pushed through it in a less than heartbeat and continued to follow the other's lead.]
Why? I think it's a good name. [Yeah. Creativity was hardly his strongest suit.
And the closer they got to the city, the more silent did Richard go. He quickly glanced down at their joined hands, feeling that prior hesitation to raise its ugly head again. Suddenly, he remembers what Jinx had been accusing him of earlier. About wanting to steal Silco all to himself. At first he had scoffed at the thought, not paying much heed to the ridiculous accusations. The girl was insane, after all. But right now.. he could tell that there was some truth to her words.
Jinx must need her father now more than before. And yet...]
Is it? Well, it's your beast so you can name it whatever you want.
[He wouldn't know or care what it was to name a pet or animal companion. He'd never had one in his childhood or his adult life; they had been around a little with some of his associates but never been interested personally. Still, he was under the assumption that naming was a point of pride for most. A while boar named Whitey and a black horse named Blackie... a little on the nose.
He sensed Richard's silence, and while he made no move to disrupt it with senseless noise about this or that like his daughter might, he tightened his grip on Richard's hand as they came closer to town. How far had the younger man been when that mother of his had let go and walked away? There would be no repeat today as he kept a steady even pace and held on.
Calm, assured, confident.
Yet, he paused at the request, turning to regard his lover.] I won't. You have my word.
[It was like a huge boulder had been lifted off his chest by the mere strength of those words. Suddenly, Richard felt himself lighter and it to be easier to breathe. The previous violence, anger and sadness still lingered in the back of his mind, despite Silco mending his rage. Richard knew that if he were left alone for the night it wouldn't be golden sleep that'd come to him. No, it would be a hoard of demons and their curses as they'd try to sneak in through the open cracks of his mind.
Richard did not want to dream any more.
This time it was him who broke the contact by pulling his hand back. But only so that he could break the small gap between them and wrap his arms around Silco's waist as he buried his face into the fabric of the man's shirt. Wordlessly, seeking protection and safety.
"Our pact is not sex alone." Buckingham had spoken such words for him a few days before his arrival to this world. Richard hadn't had a chance to ask what he had meant by them back then. Guess he never gets to know, either, seeing how determined this world was to keep the two halves separate.
But curiously enough, his chest wasn't filled with sadness and pain when he thought back to the sore wound left by the absence of his lover. No, instead for once he felt reassurance and comfort that things will be alright, in this embrace between him and Silco.]
[He waited there on that game trail heading back to town for Richard to decide what to do with his assurance. He would, of course, check in with Jinx and assure himself that she was alright as well. There may be competing priorities on his time, but that was typical and nothing that he particularly stressed about, least of all here in Aldrip. The meandering lifestyle provided him more than enough.
When the younger man released his hand, he didn't make a play to fight for it. Instead, he watched Richard take the two small steps necessary to come in close and blinked when arms found their way around his waist and a head buried on his shoulder. For a moment, he did nothing but savour the sensation, the feel of another desiring something he could provide.
"You're in love!"
He sighed from his nose as if dismissing the ghost of accusation from his daughter. No, that couldn't be true. His arms moved to curl around Richard's waist in return, holding the younger man close for as long as Richard wanted to risk such an embrace. He tipped his head so he scarred cheek rested against the side of the younger man's head and basked in the near miss of the last hour.
Richard was an expected delight, one that had slipped passed his guard similarly to how Jinx had. So he had two important people in this place. No big deal. It was nice to feel, just for a few moments, to be someone else's priority. A rare thing that.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
branchandroot
(no subject)
Date: 2024-10-20 03:16 pm (UTC)He made a soft hmm when it seemed that his lover had noticed that he kept impeccible care of his appearance, but the rest of his personal care was haphazard at best. Until Richard pulled him into bed, his sleeping habits were better than Jinx's but worse than most peoples still. Sleeping upright had always been a defense mechanism, able to come from sleep and at least appear to be sharp in seconds. His chair also allowed him to rest the left side of his face in it to black out the room. Well, he had Richard's back, shoulder, neck or chest for that these days, which was a far more comfortable replacement.]
My back has been fortified carrying a city on it for a few years. Besides, I expect you'd be the reason for any back issues. [It was a tease, small and off-hand. He and Richard had a rigorous sex life these days, only getting more so as they became emotionally attached to each other.] You're not going to try to make me take up running or some other strange yet normal physical activity, are you?
(no subject)
Date: 2024-10-20 04:59 pm (UTC)There's a small huff of laughter from Richard as the corners of his lips curl up in a small amused grin.] Don't be so dramatic. If anything you ought to be grateful for all the exercise I have put you through. Who knows, you might even live longer thanks to it. [Richard's appetite grew as he ate, it's true. And he was certainly growing more friskier after each time adventure in the sheets. So far Silco hadn't turned any of his requests down - always willing to indulge him.] Nay, that would be an exercise of futility if anything. However, maybe I could try get you on a horse one of these days.
(no subject)
Date: 2024-10-20 05:06 pm (UTC)Hmpt, if the toxins of my city haven't killed me yet, I have my doubts that exercise will increase any sort of robust health that lingers in this body. However, I do welcome you to keep that idea up and running, since we both benefit. [He did not deny Richard's requests; they came about naturally and why would he ever deny an opportunity that he had side-stepped for decades anyway? Richard was who did it for him.] A horse? I thought you were trying to extend my life, not shorten it...
(no subject)
Date: 2024-10-20 09:30 pm (UTC)Mind stays sharp in well-trained body, Silco. You might be surprised to find out just what heights you could reach if you took better care of yourself. [Be it in bedroom or in business.] Well now. Is it fear that I am sensing in you? In my world everyone knows how to ride them. The moment you are freed from the carriages and allowed to ride alongside your peers is a sign of adulthood.
(no subject)
Date: 2024-10-20 11:34 pm (UTC)Is that so? Imagine how unstoppable I would be in that case. And I take care of myself just fine. One full meal a day, plenty of whiskey, cigars and sleeping with you. [He stepped in, using his taller stature to hide Richard in his body window.] I've never ridden a horse before, not willingly. I wouldn't know how, and I do prefer my feet on solid ground. Is this an activity you're going to insist I partake in with you?
(no subject)
Date: 2024-10-21 04:35 am (UTC)But at least for now, they could enjoy from the protection that it provided.]
So sex remains as your only physical activity? My, I am flattered [He scoffs another laughter and tipped his head up a notch, completely unbothered by the taller man towering over him. If anything, it made him appear more cocky.] Of course not. I would not dream of forcing you into it, in case you found it too offending. After all, horses can tell when one is afraid.
[He is not going to force you into it. But still will see it happen eventually...]
(no subject)
Date: 2024-10-21 12:50 pm (UTC)He huffed at the question, raising his eyebrow in feigned annoyance.] Hardly. I walk everywhere rather than use transport. Though the sex does get my heart racing far more than a brisk jaunt through the streets. [He wasn't that unhealthy. He simply didn't put fitness at the top of the list of his priorities.] And what if, deep-deep down, I wanted you to force me now and again? A lack of experience isn't necessarily fear. We do not have those types of beasts in my city.
[Silco operated almost completely freely, and the lack of challenge would make him rusty. He knew Richard could push him, and the younger man might just be the only one he would encourage now and again.]
(no subject)
Date: 2024-10-21 09:37 pm (UTC)Well, in that case. [Richard lips curl into a smirk, fingers reaching up to curl around the necktie and pull Silco closer.]
If there's something you really want all you need to do is ask.
(no subject)
Date: 2024-10-22 03:30 am (UTC)Why would I ask when I think I'd prefer you in the mood to take?
[His fingers settled on Richard's hips.]
So, how important is it to you to watch me fall off a horse?
(no subject)
Date: 2024-10-23 02:51 am (UTC)And here I thought you valued the concept of consent. [See, Silco? He is learning! Kinda. He tightens his grip on the tie, keeping the other man in place as he leans his body against Silco's.]
Have a little trust in me. I won't let you fall.
(no subject)
Date: 2024-10-23 02:59 am (UTC)I definitely do, and I also have already given you consent to do just that. [That wasn't entirely how consent worked, but it was a good first step.]
As in you'll catch me, or we'll be on the same horse together to prevent my inevitable fall?
(no subject)
Date: 2024-10-23 04:22 am (UTC)Then. Do not regret this choice you made. [Horse riding lessons were on the schedule, it seems. Maybe he could even push Silco to pick up a sword.
But seeing now that they had reached a some kind of agreement on the matter, Richard loosened his hold on the cravat, allowing the silky fabric slide between his fingers as he pulled away just a hair.]
While my horse could indeed bear our combined weight, no that's not it. You won't fall because I trust you to have enough balance and smarts not to act like a fool once you've climbed up. Blackie is well trained steed, he won't throw you off unless you give him reason to.
[Yeah, Blackie. You never guess the color of the horse]
(no subject)
Date: 2024-10-23 04:40 am (UTC)Depends if this choice I made involves me breaking my neck in the very near future.
[He released his grip on the younger man in return, stepping aside before he tugged them to walk down larger game trail to head back to Richard's house. Look at this trust in his skills?]
Your horse is named Blackie? I assume the steed is black in colouration. I think you need to work on your name game, Richard.
[Says the man who named his daughter Jinx.]
(no subject)
Date: 2024-10-24 02:55 am (UTC)Why? I think it's a good name. [Yeah. Creativity was hardly his strongest suit.
And the closer they got to the city, the more silent did Richard go. He quickly glanced down at their joined hands, feeling that prior hesitation to raise its ugly head again. Suddenly, he remembers what Jinx had been accusing him of earlier. About wanting to steal Silco all to himself. At first he had scoffed at the thought, not paying much heed to the ridiculous accusations. The girl was insane, after all. But right now.. he could tell that there was some truth to her words.
Jinx must need her father now more than before. And yet...]
Silco. Do not let me sleep alone tonight.
(no subject)
Date: 2024-10-24 03:24 am (UTC)[He wouldn't know or care what it was to name a pet or animal companion. He'd never had one in his childhood or his adult life; they had been around a little with some of his associates but never been interested personally. Still, he was under the assumption that naming was a point of pride for most. A while boar named Whitey and a black horse named Blackie... a little on the nose.
He sensed Richard's silence, and while he made no move to disrupt it with senseless noise about this or that like his daughter might, he tightened his grip on Richard's hand as they came closer to town. How far had the younger man been when that mother of his had let go and walked away? There would be no repeat today as he kept a steady even pace and held on.
Calm, assured, confident.
Yet, he paused at the request, turning to regard his lover.] I won't. You have my word.
🎀❤️?
Date: 2024-10-24 10:49 am (UTC)Richard did not want to dream any more.
This time it was him who broke the contact by pulling his hand back. But only so that he could break the small gap between them and wrap his arms around Silco's waist as he buried his face into the fabric of the man's shirt. Wordlessly, seeking protection and safety.
"Our pact is not sex alone." Buckingham had spoken such words for him a few days before his arrival to this world. Richard hadn't had a chance to ask what he had meant by them back then. Guess he never gets to know, either, seeing how determined this world was to keep the two halves separate.
But curiously enough, his chest wasn't filled with sadness and pain when he thought back to the sore wound left by the absence of his lover. No, instead for once he felt reassurance and comfort that things will be alright, in this embrace between him and Silco.]
🎀❤️
Date: 2024-10-24 12:57 pm (UTC)When the younger man released his hand, he didn't make a play to fight for it. Instead, he watched Richard take the two small steps necessary to come in close and blinked when arms found their way around his waist and a head buried on his shoulder. For a moment, he did nothing but savour the sensation, the feel of another desiring something he could provide.
"You're in love!"
He sighed from his nose as if dismissing the ghost of accusation from his daughter. No, that couldn't be true. His arms moved to curl around Richard's waist in return, holding the younger man close for as long as Richard wanted to risk such an embrace. He tipped his head so he scarred cheek rested against the side of the younger man's head and basked in the near miss of the last hour.
Richard was an expected delight, one that had slipped passed his guard similarly to how Jinx had. So he had two important people in this place. No big deal. It was nice to feel, just for a few moments, to be someone else's priority. A rare thing that.]