expiationlogs | The Last Drop Grand Opening

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The Last Drop Grand Opening

Who: Whoever would like to attend the grand opening mingle at the Last Drop
Where: Entertainment District – The Last Drop
What: The grand opening of the night club / bar
Warnings: Alcohol and low-level drugs

The Last Drop opens big and loud with neon lights and music that booms from within to be heard from the streets. There are two large bouncers at the door, but they were allowing people in very freely on this night until the room was at capacity then there would be a line. The bouncers only stop those who are already three-sheets to the wind and could cause trouble, but otherwise, they are there to break up trouble as the night wears on.

Inside, there was smoke machines, flashing lights, loud music and the drinks were flowing to anyone that wanted. There was plenty of dancing, some dart boards along the walls, a jukebox, tables and booths for patrons to have drinks and discuss business.

There are stairs that lead up to a second floor to one side of the bar, lights on the stairs. There were people lounging on the stairs and it seemed to be ‘employees only’. Patrons were allowed the lounge there as well if they were tired of dancing or the tables or booths were occupied.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4aGrN9ZBg0

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So, this banquet is a tribute to the days of your past? They do say that reminiscing about the youth is a sign of elderly. [Richard teases back, his own sly smirk matching Silco's expression.]

But you are right. Both of my brothers would have loved celebration of this nature. I'm certain you would have been great friends with them. [Edward loved his women and George his drink. Both hedonistic and self-destructing. He had no doubt that Silco would've been able to pocket both men with a low effort.

But speaking of drinks! When the cocktail is placed in front of Richard he just looks at it suspiciously. He's never seen a "drink" like it. Liquid thick enough to make him think of a soup rather than refreshment.]

Are you not having anything?

Truth be told, I was never much of a partier, but it wasn't as if those I associated with would let me avoid it. [Those had been the good old days when, yes they were hungry and angry, but they were stupid enough to enjoy life anyway.] You are the first to call me old, and I doubt you'll be the last. Carrying a cause does age people.

[Brothers, plural. He tilted his head as he considered the information.] I would have provided them necessary entertainment, but I doubt I would be friends with them. Unless they were like you, then I might consider it. [It wasn't at all that he and Richard were friends; Silco had allies, not friends. Richard seemed more the same on that front too.

He leaned his elbows back on the bar and regarded Richard and the margarita.] If I drank with everyone I conversed with, I'd already be on the floor. I can nurse a drink if that would put you as ease?

The aging of soul can sneak up on person if they are not careful, yes. When caught it is only matter of time before body follows. Although, I suppose you have been spared of that part so far. [Aka, you might be old but not that old. ]

Alas, once the vengeance was delivered upon our enemies we came to realize that there was nothing to bind us together aside from our blood. All of our individual vices took us to different paths. [For Edward and George that path had been death. Something that Richard himself had played a significant part in.] However, I am honored to hear that you hold such fondness towards my nature.

[The margarita continues to be suspicious to Richard's eyes. The bright red color and strange, glass round cup standing on a thin leg makes it look like a witch's concoctions.] Aye. That would be better.

Ah, so my soul is old, but my body is still catching up on that point in time. One could take that for a compliment. I don't receive many of those. [Not these days anyway. Back in Zaun compliments were like a double-edged sword and able to cut as much as they could soothe an ego.

He nodded his head, wondering what it was like - not for the first time - what it would be like to have blood relatives like what Richard had.] And which vices would those be? Colour me curious. [He suspected that there were plenty of stories to tell between all of their twisted lives full of violence and he suspected manipulations.] You're intriguing. People here are... predictable, but you're different.

[He signaled to the bartender to bring him a drink, and it came over hastily due to him being the owner and all. He lifted the tumbler to his lips to sip the amber liquid.] I can have something else if a slush drink affronts you so. I think you'll like it though.

I have seen you move in the dark. Not many old and brittle would manage to do it so effortless as you. Nor those who are still basking in their youthful prime. [So, credit where credit is due. Leaning his left elbow on the bar counter, Richard assumes more relaxed position as he reaches out with his free hand to subtly point at the few strands of grey amid the dark hair. Not quite touching, but not too far from it.] However, I see that the time is starting to catch up on you.

[The fall of the brothers had been messy and violent. The childlike dreams and vows on the blood and brotherhood binding them together, shining on the kingdom like the three suns that Edward claimed to see during their victorious battle, had soon fell apart and tainted with petty arguments over the power. The foolish Edward attributing to George's downfall into drunken madness by favoring their baby brother -- unknowingly making the demon one of the most influential man in whole country.] You could say that our vices lied in the blood. [Well, the future historians would be describing the Plantagenet as one of England's most unhinged and vicious dynasty.]

Now who is giving compliments to who? [He huffs out a brief laughter as he turns his attention back on the drink. Right. This monstrosity.

When Silco makes the gesture at the bartender Richard nods and hesitantly reaches to grab the glass awkwardly with both of his hands.] Cold. [He says quietly, mostly to himself. It feels almost like ice. Then, after a brief pause Richard decides to just go for it. He raises the glass up to his lips, tilts it carefully as if to drink soup, and has a taste.

The coldness is really the first thing that hits him, almost making him want to balk, but then his tongue is greeted with the almost overly sweetness. He can taste the strawberry, but it is accompanied by something else that he doesn't know how to name. It's sweet, almost saccharine, highlighting the berry's own flavor. Yes, this is first time he's had anything with actual sugar in it. The drink is strange but... hardly unpleasant. Actually, the opposite of it.

Richard's eyes widen, the previous reservations he had about the treat fading away as he goes for the second gulp. There's almost a sheepish smile on his face, slight blush appearing on his cheekbones.] It's good.

Ah, yes, well a lifetime of walking through caves and mines has granted me the ability to make my way easily enough. [He noted the hand moving towards him, and there was a brief stillness that overcame him as he waited to see if Richard would actually touch him. He was used to a daughter who expressed herself through physical affection, but the idea someone else would willingly touch him was odd to him.] Fissure folk do not often reach a point where they silver, so I do suppose I'm ahead on that account.

[Silco was very amused by the extremely politically correct answer, and he nodded his head as he simply accepted it. He could push, and he expected Richard would either fully side-step or provide polite overtures that came to nothing solid. So many say what they meant and meant what they said, but Richard truly knew the fine art of saying something and yet nothing.] The blood in your veins taking credit for making up who you are and what you do? Hmmm, I suppose we are our parent's children and their debauchery is as much something we are born with as we learn.

[He inclined his head and raised his tumbler in a faint little gesture of a toast.] I wonder how many compliments I need to give before you walk away. I doubt many. [He reached out but stopped himself before coming into contact with Richard's dark hair.] May I?

[The look on Richard's face as suspicious melted away to surprise to what he took to be enjoyment was worth its weight in gold. He had thought fruity drinks might be more compliment, and while he had no intention of encouraging Richard to get drunk, he wouldn't dissuade the younger man either. Loose lips could be entertaining.] I suspected that would be true. There are many drinks with fruity flavours that cover over alcohol, and there are others just like that which do not have alcohol. I did say I would show you many drinks when we first met.

[Unlike with the whiskey earlier, Richard does not go slow with his frozen treat. Without any further doubts he raises the glass back to his lips to take another, bigger gulp. The iciness of the drink feels somewhat jarring and alien to his mouth, tingling a bit against his teeth. Maybe that's a good thing, though, as otherwise he'd probably just indulge in it too fast like a glutton. The more he drinks he more clearly he can taste strange bitterness spiking through the sweet strawberry, bringing a small flush of heat to his cheeks to balance out the coldness. He smacks his lips and gives them a lick a few times as he puts the glass back down on the counter. The expression on his face is a reminiscent of one of unfeigned, yet shy, happiness. It's truly a shame he wasn't given a spoon so that he could scoop the liquid out properly.

Though, the brief and rare serenity is disturbed when Silco's fingers linger near his hair. He wrinkles his nose, brows knitting into a confused frown. Richard can see a flash of light behind the man, Joan showing him her cheshire grin. "Such a smooth talker." She laughs as she settles to sit on the counter behind them, satisfied with only observing for now.

After the quick hiccup, Richard focuses back on Silco, forcing himself to keep his expression under control despite the spike of anxiety gnawing on him. Honestly, it's less because of the physical closeness but more because, as Joan put it, his choice of words. Just like Silco, Richard is used to receive words of flattery and compliments along with all gifts because of his high status in society. People do it only because they want to be in his good graces. But here he has nothing. No name, no lands nor money. So, this kind of attention towards his person is unnerving, to say the least. Even Buckingham had ulterior motives when he had embraced him for the first time.

But if it's a game the man wants to play, whether it to be one for control, power or deceit, Richard's never one to turn it a down.]

You'll come to find out that I am not so easily scared off either. [So, go ahead.]

[Well, well, well, it looked like that drink was a bigger hit than expected. He had thought that Richard would take his time with it, but nope, that was royalty chugging like some commoner. He liked to think that he had chosen well when it came to drinks, and this was evidence enough of that. It seemed to him that Richard could do with a little happiness what with the haunting of voices, and this might be the first time he thought the younger man was happy.

That in and of itself made the entire venture worthwhile in his books, especially with his hand hanging there waiting. He had developed enough instinct to know that unasked contact would earn him the tip of a knife, and he wouldn't want a stabbing with the night still being young enough to go continue for another few hours.]

Is that so? [He practically purred that question. His fingers moved, pushing through the bangs and lifting them back so that he could reveal Richard's golden eye. His fingers brushed the skin of the younger man's temple so he could lift the dark hair away to tuck them behind Richard's ear.] This looks better. We practically match, you and I. Don't hide who you are, not from me anyway.

[Richard doesn't do as much as flinch when Silco reaches to brush his hair out of his face, unveiling his bad eye. He hold his own gaze focused on Silco's own, mutilated dark eye. The comment is such a stark contrast to he taunts and whispers of the servants and alike when he was growing up, who would talk behind his back about the obvious abnormality on his body. He had asked his mother about it, who in return had only claimed his discolored eye to be a yet another mark of a demon.

A sentiment he's sure that Silco would agree on. But instead of rejecting it he welcomes it. Because yes. Yes, he supposes it makes sense why a man like him would prefer it this way. A darkness of soul to match his own. Hadn't Buckingham said something like that too?

Richard reaches to grab Silco's hand by wrist, keeping it still against his temple.]

Does seeing it bring you comfort?

[For him and in his world, people emphasized their differences at a certain point in their lives. Children not so much, but as teens and adults, so many would throw away shame and expose themselves and their eccentric physical and behaviours. That was the freedom of Zaun, in theory. Silco had leaned into that after his mutilation and near death, needing to in order cope with the trauma.

And two coloured eyes? He didn't claim to understand why Richard would hide it. That golden eye added to the younger man's appearance rather than detract from it, yet he had noticed that Richard hide many secrets on that body from a scarred arm to the eye. He was curious what other secrets this royal was hiding.

He didn't pull back when seized, his fingers stilled as he watched for Richard's reaction. His tongue had been threatened once, but he had been dared to do it.]

Comfort? Hardly. You, myself, and Ragna are the only ones with two coloured eyes, though mine is from injury rather than birth. It brings me pleasure to know there are others out and living their lives with it. We have nothing to hide. [You have nothing to hide.

Enabling Richard was at the beginnings of hobby stage for him. He wanted to see how far it would go. So his fingers moved to brush Richard's temple again to remove a few stray hairs that had fallen forward.]

The man at church. [He says, believing that he recognizes Ragna from that brief description. So far there had been only other person who he had seen to have similar condition as they did.

A quiet laughter erupts from Richard. Silco truly has no idea what he is inviting here by beckoning to the monster inside to shed away the shame. What might seem like an amusing game now, will come bite him back later. Lips curled into a grin, he pulls Silco's hand away, keeping it still between them.]

Then what about you? Are you showing the true extent of your own darkness and injuries? You speak of battles of the past, the oppression and anxieties of those living in the fissure, the monster that is lurking right under the surface. But is that all or are you hiding something from me? [And with that he leans in to brush his lips briefly against Silco's knuckles]

That would be him, yes. [He felt the need to confirm in case that Richard would like to revisit Ragna, though he expected the man would have similar reactions to everyone. Jinx seemed to be rather immune, which was normal.

Silco liked to think he was an expert on the monsters that lurked inside of people; he had made a point of unearthing it from them through Shimmer. Some were truly terrifying, but there was also a fascination for him. People, species at their worst stepping into the sensation of power and control. For him, those were virtues; those were the path to respect and getting what one needed.

He lifted his tumbler to his lips to take a sip, allowing Richard to move his hand by the grip on his wrist.]

You've barely scratched the surface. [Why did he admit that? He thought maybe Richard would either understand or take pause. He wasn't in the business of people being interested; people were forced to respect him save a close handful that saw his vision.] You and I both know that everyone hides something. How much of the monster we hide depends on the person. [He stiffened at the kiss to his knuckles; he wasn't a fighter but could throw a decent punch. Then he pushed off the bar and stepped in closer.] You don't need anyone's permission - least of all here - to be a monster. Just... be smart about it, as I know you would be.

[It honestly wouldn't have mattered if Silco had decided to withhold the truth rather than admit it. Richard wouldn't have believed him. There was no way that the man like him, who kept trying to enable and tempt Richard to show his claws and bare his teeth, was showing of his true colors either.

Richard's lips curls into a smug, knowing smile when he feels the tension in the man's body. He then straightens his back again and let's go of Silco's wrist, letting his own hand fall back on his side. You had started this game, sir. He is going to play it.] I am glad I inspire such trust in my wits. However, I do find taste of irony in you wishing for me to bear the ugliness within me for all to see while still hiding the parts of yourself in the shadows.

[He then lowers his voice, making sure that the following conversation does stay private just between them. And Joan. These moments are like bread and butter to her.] If you truly want to see what I'm hiding you need to show yours first, sir.

[There was freedom in honesty, and his daughter impressed upon him when certain situations required it. He lost nothing by admitting it, aware that he was showing few, if any cards, on the matter at this point in time. After all, he carried the appearance of a successful businessman who just happened to be scarred and had a few from his world who barked ineffectively.

His arm fell back to his side when released, and he tilted his head in interest. See, smarter than most who were nudged along even when he was being obvious about it. He expected anyone playing a political game back home saw the signs in their verbal interplay.] So you want this to be a case of 'show me yours and I'll show you mine', is it? That's a dangerous game to play, and neither one of us may be prepared for the consequences.

[After all, deep down below the cunning, viciousness, anger was someone considerably affected by generational traumas and physical and emotional scarring. As curious as he was - and he was curious - there were risks. Of course, he'd lost Zaun, and aside from Jinx, he had very little to lose. Some would stupidly claim he needed more excitement in his life.]

And how would you propose we go about that? Quick and dirty or slow burn through our patience?

That fully depends on what you want of me. [There's a hint of saccharine in his tone as he moved closer, stepping into the man's personal space. It's funny how fast had the tension shifted around them. From casual conversational to something more heavy with lying sense of danger. Almost like a time bomb. But as far as Richard is concerned, Silco had been the one to instigate this. It had been like a challenge was laid in front of him as the man seemed to enjoy trying to get under his skin and make him uncomfortable.

Back at home this game had been easier. Back there he could pull easily pull people down from their seats of glory, abandon the crown prince to follow his cause just with a few words. He had the wealth, means and more importantly the nerve to make everyone's dreams of power to come true. Speak your desire and no man alive can resist you. And if they do, cut them down. That's what Buckingham had whispered to his ear during the silence of nights. Well, guess now is good time as any other to see how far he could tempt a man without having his resources or name. Just his foul and dangerous demeanor, witches curse and will of a demon.

Richard reaches his right hand to tap the rims of the empty glasses on the counter. Two gloved fingers idly jump from one to another, moving closer to Silco.]

Do you want to chain me like a beast, so that I will be your sword in need and go spread death and ruin in your name? Or do you want me to be the enemy? Someone to fight against and eventually bring down to satiate the thirst for blood and violence. Or perhaps it is a different hunger that's needs to have it fill? [When he's on the the last glass Richard moves his fingers to tap on the bottom of Silco's tumbler, carefully wrapping the long digits around it, nudging it towards himself.]

Would you have me be your kingmaker? The trusted ally and partner, dedicated to see your cause turn to fruition. Someone that knows and is able to carry the burden of souls lost. Or perhaps you would take me to your bed? To share woes and victories with the flesh. [The last part is barely louder than a whisper, hushed under his breath while the mismatched eyes looked up through the long lashes. His grin turns cheshire, and if allowed he pulls the whiskey glass on man's hand close enough to take a sip from it.]

Everything is possible with a demon. All you need to do is speak your desire and he will grant it. The price you already know.

[He held his ground as the air around them shifted, his eyes flicking away to examine the space and people around them before returning. He was a very private man by nature, though he had his vices like everyone else. His public displays were intimidation tactics and eliminating his enemies and rivals. When he was in public houses and brothels, it was always for business and never pleasure.

However, he was impressed and intrigued in the manner in which Richard took his challenge and ran with it down so many potential paths. There was a temptress quality to the act, of which he was guessing that Richard wasn't actually interested in many of those options. He was trying to discern which part the younger man had already played in his life, but those words were like whispers of old experiences tugging on his curiosity.

He held his ground, of course. For now, he wasn't boxed in and considered the situation completely under his control. The corner of his lips twitched in a small smirk; Richard was good but maybe underestimated how Silco's own city worked. It was all about promises and vices, freedom and opportunities.]

You would do any and all of those activities, would you? A true servant of the people, or maybe... do you prefer to be attached to one person or to spread yourself over many? [He watched as they now appeared to be sharing a drink, and once Richard had taken a sip, Silco pulled it back to have a sip of his own. Then he closed the distance so their faces were close where it was easier to whisper back and be heard over the loud music.]

And what if my desire is to do nothing more than see you for who you are? Would you tell me your secrets, show me your scars, and feel what loyalty is like for you?

[As Richard said, demons made deals. There just happened to be two in this situation.]

[It truly is a shame that Richard can't really fathom just how deep the does Undercity's love for debauchery and celebration of hedonism goes. His own world was so wrapped in shame and repression, in fear of the punishing hand looming above them. Looking to separate the sheep from goats. It was because of that fear and spiritual oppression that had made him powerful. Like a snake in the garden offering to bite on the forbidden fruit. Despite himself hardly being immune to the conditions of his own culture. The proof of that was sitting next to them in a white form, invisible to anyone else but to him.

Silco might be more immune to his deceit than any of those who he's tangled before. But, despite their shared nature of a demon, he is a man. And there is no man that held desires, the game was to find the right one. He hardly thinks that the man is all that interested in the carnal pleasures, but rather looking into something that is more common among the man. The power. The might to challenge and change the world, shake it and shape it after his own imagine. A desire that Richard could understand, intimately so.]

Such doubts wounds me. When the covenant is formed and sealed I shall not squander my loyalty so foolishly. [The whisper in his ear receives a low and playful chuckle. He doesn't balk from the closeness, looking up at the man with a very carefully calculated casualty, but never quite allowing intensity between them to subdue.] Nay. You wouldn't do that, would you. After all, what good would watching me serve to your cause? I am not foolish enough to think you hold any affection towards me.

[The Undercity had created an open world to be as depraved and debauched as one wanted, and as long as parties were more or less consensual, it was fine to do whatever one wanted. There were unspoken rules and if they were broken, violence was an option. He didn't deny that people were used, abused, taken advantage off, killed, bought and sold in certain areas, and that was part and parcel of Zaun.

But the overabundance and the frequency meant that it had only a certain value. Families were made, broken or just fell apart. When sex was freely available, it didn't require much emotional connection, but emotional attachment was dangerous in his position. He protected his daughter vehemently, but he also made certain she could defend herself. That she found emotional connect with men easily was not unexpected, but it did miff Silco if he took the time to think about (which he tried not to).

It made sense to him on the level that Jinx deserved to be loved in equal parts to be feared by those in Zaun. He did not and had no issue with that. Her love had always felt enough.

Richard was a curiosity that Zaun had provided but he was in such a position to ignore it. He had a goal. Now, he had no such goal, no opposition, so he could linger in curiosity. It wasn't as if this would go anywhere, he thought. Maybe one or both of them bloodied. Right now? He felt the urge to push, and if it earned him a strong ally, he would oblige in kind. Loyalty was something he valued and so frequently failed him.]

And how does one form such a covenant with one such as you? Actions and words combined is how I conduct such business. I have heard of others that decide to shake on it. [His head had tilted towards the whisper from those lips. He raised his tumbler to take another sip and then offered it to Richard.] I wouldn't claim to be one to enslave someone with the falsities of affection. I want someone to be true in their loyalty. I don't want you to serve either; I want to see you thrive and where that takes you.

By wagering souls, of course. [He says, huffing out a small laughter as if it was the most obvious thing out there. Contract could be formed on a paper or with exchanging words, sure. But what a demon like Richard wants is something more heavy and binding that. With Buckingham it had been the forbidden liaison, something that would earn them a certain death were they discovered. There is nothing quite like finding the unwavering loyalty from the act of sin] You give me part of yourself, something that no one else has seen before and I will do the same. That is a proof of covenant, one that binds you with loyalty.

[Richard accepts the tumbler, bringing it to his lips without breaking the eye contact. This time he knows to expect the quick and warm hit of alcohol as the whiskey travels down his throat. While he can't fully fight off the physical reactions to alcohol, slight flush on cheeks, fuzzy feeling on his limbs and tingling sensation on his finger tips, Richard can direct his own attention in keeping him focused and stable.

After taking the sip he slowly licks his upper lip, chasing after the lingering bitter taste of alcohol. The he pushes the tumbler back towards Silco, cocking his head carefully to the side so that the few stray hair strands escape back on his face.] You don't find that counterproductive? If you allow beast to grow and flourish on its own, it will show loyalty to one but itself.

[Of course. Why didn't he think of that? Silco wasn't certain he believed much something that was either tied to the flesh or an illusion of the weak to cope with their own mortality. It was something that Richard clearly believed in, and he expected it had something to do with being called a demon. His jaw moved subtly side-to-side with the details of a covenant between them.

Was he prepared to show more of himself than he did publicly? He expected that he had already, and it was interesting to find himself in this position. He had no doubt he could negotiate it down, but for some reason, he didn't think that Richard would take any less than what had already been explicitly stated. It was open-ended. Was he being enabled in return to settle into his deprave self?] My daughter has seen almost everything there is, and I expect the parts she had not are likely aspects you wouldn't want of me.

[He took the tumbler back and drank down the rest of the liquid so that he could set the tumbler back down on the bar to be ignored. He was used to the taste but still, he wasn't one to chug his whiskey and warmth spread in his belly more aggressively than usual.] I don't believe that. If you give them freedom, respect and a safe space to return to, you will have a loyalty stronger than if you capture them and hold them prisoner.

[It is open ended and vague on purpose as Richard isn't expecting anything specific from the other. The allure of the deal lies in how Silco would interpret his words. Just what kind of wolf would be revealed once it has been stripped of the sheep's clothing.]

Is it that I don't want them or that you don't want to share. [Now that the glass was empty and placed back on the counter, Richard reaches up to touch the damaged side of Silco's face. The gloved fingertips brushing briefly on the skin below his eye, tracing after the scarring]

So you'd tie me with kindness and acceptance, despite not holding any affection? Trusting that I would not do as much as bite at the benevolent hand. [Richard chuckles softly and then pulls away, taking a step back as if to break the spell cast around them.]

But worry not. Nor you or this place has what I desire.

[Silco made a soft 'hmm' sound as he considered the question, and it might be rather both in his mind. Zaun provided everything a man could theoretically desire, and for decades of his life, he had a single-minded goal that sustained him. It was tempting to step into the unknown, but he wasn't certain either of them had such capabilities.

He stood for the fingers against his damaged skin, and the sensation was different than normal skin. He had grown to enjoy the mixed sensations from his own fingers, and Richard was literally the only person to dare touching him in such a manner.] You're better than most I've encountered being a temptress. I can see why you will manage well in this place. [His hand briefly but purposefully gripped Richard's hip - to pull close or push away - but the moment ended with the younger man stepping back and he didn't fight to keep the hold.]

You could bite me, but I might enjoy it. Perhaps seeing you be who you really are is worth the risk of teeth.

[He leaned back against the bar and tilted his head.]

And that is? A crown and kingdom to rule over? A lover who holds you close and whispers daring desires in your ear? A family who protects and fights with you?

[The miserable and wretched of London streets, covered in skin eating diseases and rotting flesh, hadn't scared Richard and neither will Silco.

It really would rich of Richard to avert or be disgusted by scars and 'abnormalities' on one's body. It'd be peak performance of hypocrisy, seeing that he carries similar marks on his own. However, the main difference between them, here, is that unlike Richard, Silco is not hiding. Instead of covering the mutilation and the marred skin, he wears it like a badge of honor -- like an armor. Richard, too, had learned to make his body an armor although a different kind. He had learned to wrap the small and frail looking body in hard leather and steel, wearing darkness of like a cloak, making it impenetrable shield keeping others away.

Though, like with all armors, there were bound to be blind spots that will leave the body vulnerable. Such as the hand gripping on his hip. The contact is brief but still enough to make Richard's stomach drop, cold dread spreading to his arms and legs as his heart beats faster. It's not quite a panic, but something very similar and familiar, that makes Richard withdraw away. Did he fly too close to the sun without realizing it?

"It's no use, Richard. He can see right through you! Go ahead and show him. If you're nice enough he'll gladly kiss all the hidden scars as he embraces that despicable body of yours." The with speaks out from behind the bar counter, leaning and twisting her own body along the surface. Richard only casts a haste and angry glare at her way in response.

"Aha. No, you're right. That won't happen. He might be a monster but you are a Demon. He'd flee right away if he knew the real you." And with that, she straightens her back, stretching like a cat and fades back into the darkness - leaving Richard to hold his breath in suffocating anger.]

You make assumptions of me, Silco. [He says eventually after a brief moment of silence. The man was both right and wrong. What Richard's dark heart desired was all that he had described and more. He wanted the overwhelming, absolute power. He wanted the heat strong enough to burn his body through the night. He wanted that golden circle placed on top of his head, one that will grant him light bright enough to match the eternal paradise and hide away the demon horns on his head. He wants not to be afraid anymore.]

What I desire is light.

[He had, perhaps, overstepped. They barely knew each other, and it wasn't like he was someone to offer physical contact to those that wanted or needed it. His daughter filled the void that he had created after Vander's betrayal, forcing upon him her needs over the years. He was, perhaps, translating the methods he would use for her when she was pushing at him on Richard, which was entirely unfair. No two people were the same in their needs.

This game of pushing each other and trying to manipulate one another was interesting, but he didn't think either of them was fully prepared to explore it. Besides, Silco had Jinx to consider and she could be very territorial when new people came into his life or showed a loyalty to him that might be perceived as a threat to his attentions. His daughter was his priority and it had only shifted a little since coming here. Richard might not even wish to put up with it, not like Sevika and those close bodyguards he kept.

After all, a touch to the hip and it looked as if he had thrown Richard into a complete tailspin. His mismatched eyes watched the parade of emotions across the younger man's face, and he could imagine that there were other parties now involved. Jinx carried similar expressions, though she was far more outward with replying to them than Richard was. The tells were similar enough. So Joan was on scene, was she?]

Everyone makes assumptions of everyone else, but given what you've told me about yourself, I don't think I'm that far off the mark. [He leaned in so that his mouth was close to Richard's ear even if he kept all physical touch off the table.] So bathe in light, Richard. Show yourself so everyone can see there is no shame that the hardships of our lives have produced on our bodies.

[He shifted his weight so he was standing upright again, a ghost of a smirk appearing at the corner of his lips.] And tell Joan she is welcome to enjoy the events all she likes.

[If Silco thinks he might have overstepped before he certainly was now. And again, it was not the closeness, imitation of intimacy and embers of the body heat sparking against his face, that made him balk and hold the air trapped inside his lungs. No, it's the words that wake up the voices from the forest of his mind, laughing and calling out for his name.

Eyes wide and pupils focused, Richard hastily reaches his hand out to grab on Silco's jawline, to keep him close. The curl of his fingers is not necessarily a harsh one, despite lacking the previous tenderness when shaping along the corners of scars, but it ought to be enough to work as a warning. ]

Do not utter the witch's name out so daringly. It is because of cursed creatures like her that the light escapes from my touch.

The Last Drop Grand Opening

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probably should have cw'ed this milliong tags ago for internalized & medieval bigotry/oppression?

there's a lot of overall cw in this thread

Honestly, true.. do not perceive this mess.

what a mess

a literal dumbster fire of repressed gay chicken....

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