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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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.

[Ah yes, he was back in familiar territory of being hushed over voices, but he was not perturbed by it. He raised his hand to curl his fingers gently around the younger man's wrist, seeking to provide a grounding physical contact as he often did when Jinx was going on the lamb.

And just like Jinx, Silco remained close, watching Richard for signs that the matter would escalate if they continued on this path. It could go either way, and he didn't know Richard well enough to make an accurate bet on which direction yet. This was a good test of that.]

I'm not afraid of her, and I invite her to communicate through you to me. Accepting her as part of your daily life takes some of her power away. [He leaned in such a way until Richard's golden eye lined up with his mutilated blackened orange one.] I don't believe you're cursed. You want the light, you take it.

Edited (typos...) 2024-06-10 15:12 (UTC)

[Unfortunately, the hand gripping on his slender wrist does not manage to cause a desired effect. At least not at the first, that is.

The fingers feels like vines, coiling around him and trying to pull him only deeper into the depths of his mind, drowning him in the suffocating madness as the surroundings of the club blurs out of his vision and are replaced by the tall, toppling trees that look like claws reaching down at them. The rustling of the woods ring in his ears along with the chorus of whispers. With his blood running cold Richard parted his lips, the corners tugging downwards in distress. The looming panic threatening to spill out of him.

Richard hated it. The hellish voices, the overwhelming terror of his visions. And worse than that? He hated how easily he had lost the control over the situation. Just mere moments ago he had been on top of the game and all it had taken was a small gesture for him to balk and shy away like a criminal in the shadows.

What are you so afraid of? Hadn't he already once decided not to be controlled by the voices that sought his death? Was his resolve truly so whimsy and weak, tied into body of his kingmaker? But Silco was here, flesh and blood and so close. Speaking out the words of his other half, as if Buckingham's spirit was trying to reach out to him. Admittedly there was some comfort to the thought. Despite him knowing that there was little to no point in trying to compare the two men.

Swallowing air, Richard focuses on Silco's bad eye with his own. Taking in and clinging on his words. It's really almost as if the man's was trying to remind who he was. Just who's name he was carrying. His father never faltered in battle. That's what the stories of his surviving comrades told him. And neither should him. Father was watching him even here. That much he was certain.

A brief yet heavy moment passes when Richard doesn't say anything, the conversation and conflict battling within his mind as he fights his way out of the forest once again, reaching out for the exit, using Silco's presence as a securing anchor. But eventually his expression focuses once more, distress stepping aside and making room for the more confident grin. Richard laughs quietly and licks his lips, his own fingers loosening around Silco's jaw to give him room to move and straighten his back.]

You know nothing of the curse festering in me.

[However, Richard was hardly done. Far from it actually. He takes the one last step closer, fully closing in the small gap between them. He cranes his neck upwards, bringing their faces even closer so that he's practically speaking the following words on Silco's lips -- barely missing the contact.]

Humans have no other choice than to follow their fate and God. But that's not the case with us, is it. A monster does whatever he wants. Takes whatever he wants.

[He could watch the panic set in, and he had to wonder what Joan was saying to Richard - not yet aware that there were more than one to contend with at this point. Richard called her a witch so it stood to reason that she found reasons and ways to bring about certain torments to the younger man's life. His grip remained, aware it was dangerous to be this close but willing to risk it. After all, it was bad for business for a guest to lose their marbles in a panic attack, and it was too far away to sneak Richard away either downstairs or up to his office.

It seemed they might avert disaster as he found Richard's gaze clearing after a few tense moments, and he marveled that the younger man had the ability to self-regulate such torment without twitching or talking out loud or even yelling. Jinx could on occasion depending on the cause of her stress, and it usually happened with intervention on his part in the early days.

He moved his jaw in the grip, not particularly bothered by it. For now, he kept close and maintained eye contact as he could.]

Perhaps someday you will enlighten me then. Not here, not now as I want you to enjoy yourself.

[He raised the only eyebrow he possessed when the distance between them closed, and he was keenly aware of Richard's body against his own, even light as it was. Yet, was it shocking that their faces moved close together where he could feel Richard's breath on his face and felt the ghost of lips moving? It shouldn't be, but he stilled anyway, uncertain if he should prepare himself.]

I allow my fate to no other but myself. If it's the light you want, all you have to do is reach out and snatch it up. What is holding you back, hmm?

[Richard's not out of the woods just yet. He never is, having lost part of himself there all those years ago. Even his wife had noticed as much during their, long and miserable coexistence filled with solitude and emotional negligence. But Richard had learned how to navigate in through the woods, not letting the creatures hiding there to tempt him to death ever again. He just needed to remember that.

The surprised tension stopping Silco's body pleases him, yet again. It truly seems like they both have similar doubts and reserves when it came to physical contact and intimacy. Most likely because of their own experiences as being outcasts and the stigma they wore on their features. But that's fine. Richard knows how to use such cracks in armor to slither in. And hadn't Silco just called him out on when he had seen the temptress in him?

Despite their bodies being so close no Richard could not feel the same, overwhelming burning warmth from Silco than he did with Buckingham. His kingmaker possessed such demanding hunger and hands strong enough that'd brand him with each touch, taking him apart with such ease. Yet no matter how dangerous the man could be even he was no match for Richard's own viciousness, unable to stand against him in the battle of strength. Silco was the same, he assumed. The man was dangerous, with all his hidden knives and what not, but so was Richard. And that confidence was all he needed to push forward with this act.]

You forget. There is no light here. [He whispers and cocks his head to the side. Then, he raises up to press his lips against Silco's cheek, brushing lightly against the scarred cracks disturbing the smoothness of the skin. The kiss, if you could call it that, is a chaste one - making a mockery of the affection shared between comrades and brothers in arms. Like Brutus to Caesar.

Silco please, I hope your bartender gets a raise after all this fuckery.]

[He paid people for their physicality. Silco had always been willowy, but that didn't detract from the fact that he could absolutely wreck someone if he had them in the right place. People feared him, respected him, hated him, or dismissed him (sometimes a combination), but there was really only a single person in the last decade and a half who had wanted affection from him and that was parental only. It was a normal expectation.

He'd interacted with those who peddled their flesh for currency or addicts looking for another hit in any manner possible, but their interest was surface level. He paid well, nothing more. No one wanted to be so close to him as Richard was, a whisper between their bodies and mouths, and he was as intrigued as he was suspicious. Perhaps this was little more than to get the upper hand on the situation, and he considered that a bold move. No one bedded a monster willingly.

There was still a quiet in his head, the music of the bar muffled as he stared at Richard. His world momentarily constricted to this moment, and he had to ask himself why he was allowing this to happen? Denial was a strong motivator to hide the deep old scars of the past.]

I haven't forgotten, but I navigate the dark as if there is...

[He trailed off, feeling the brush of lips against his scarred flesh. It was an interesting sensation given the nerve damage. There were spots of numbness, spots of hypersensitivity and spots of simple normal sensation. Was he being mocked? Of course he was. Richard would fit in well in certain aspects of the Undercity.

He turned his face and pressed his lips to Richard's temple good and close to that golden eye. Unlike Richard, there was nothing teasing or mocking about the gesture. His lips were firm, warm and lingered against the smooth skin. It came with a promise. Mock him again, and there would be consequences.]

[Richard hadn't thought that Silco would actually reciprocate the gesture, at least not in such manner - void of any malice or bitterness. Guess the man truly was more daring than what he let on. Of course, if they were in Richard's own world the situation would not necessarily seem strange to potential onlookers. Kisses on cheek and brow were considered normal and act of brother-like companionship and affection, something that two confidants would share when sealing down a contact.

But there was nothing brother-like in this situation, the air around them was too thick with unnamed tension from the dare and challenge. However, Richard could tell that there was a covenant of sorts forming here. Just for what was still left unseen.

With nearly impish grin on his lips Richard pulls his head back, mismatched eyes looking up at him behind his long lashes and hooded eyelids.]

The absence of light makes those born of darkness bold. I thank you for your council, Silco. And for the most delicious drink. [There is an air of finality to his words. But yet, he doesn't make any moves to indicate he'd leave. Instead, he stays there, cocking his head to the side curiously and body pressed against the other.]

[Threats came in all shapes and sizes, and Zaun was a place where everyone could experience everything there was. It wasn't the gesture, it was who it came from. Silco had kept himself physically distant as much as possible, even when he was hands-on with getting businesses going. His daughter was the only one to receive such gestures from him and none of them came with the razor edge of a threat.

Silco knew one or perhaps more staff members would notice. He expected there to be gossip about it as well, regardless of many of them being new hires. The boss was never up in anyone's business unless it was potentially at knife-point.

Yet, he remained where he was, feeling the press of Richard's body to his own and it wasn't unpleasant. Quite the opposite in fact, but he wouldn't allow himself to be distracted as he withdrew his face to peer at the other man again.] You are welcome, and don't hesitate to let me show you other alcoholic marvels. I still prefer whiskey, but there are many others available to your tastes.

[He reached up, pushing some fallen strands of hair back from covering Richard's left eye.] Call on me if you need anything as well.

One could almost think that it is in your intentions to get me inebriated. [Richard teases with an amused hum. But just like with the kiss he is seemingly unbothered by the fingers carefully touching his face as they guided the black hair back to behind his ear. This is something he could anticipate and stay in control of.

But my, what a generous offer. Something that Richard will no doubt take the man up on. It is always beneficial to have someone like him who knows his way around the business and world where he fell short. No doubt Silco was also feeling that he had Richard driven into his pocket with all the favors given by now. But Richard had already made clear that he would not be bought so easily. His loyalty had its price and as long as the payment was insufficient he shall not feel bad for not standing by the man's side fully.]

Aye. I shall. [He nods, tugging lightly his wrist that was still in Silco's grip] What of you? Do you intend to venture further or have you had your fill for the night?

[The ball is on your court now, so to speak.]

You would not be the first in this establishment to do so, but I only welcome you to indulge however much and in whatever way you wish. [He dropped his hand away again once he had an unobstructed view of those mismatched eyes. He had, after all, fulfilled his intentions on such a matter.

He had no doubt that his offer would be taken on some level or another. New people in this place required a little assistance, and that would build a better reputation to go against whatever the sister was spouting. Just a businessman helping out society as a whole. He wanted to puke in his mouth just thinking about it; too much nicety would make people soft, but he understood the value of such idiocy all the same. He could be adaptable while also gathering up the power pieces until people had no where left to go but him.]

Oh, my night is still rather young. I expect I'll be making the rounds and talking to the patrons much of the night before retiring to my office. [He did not care much for the party scene, but Zaun loved it. So he indulged where he had to. His grip relented and opened on Richard's wrist, not dropping it but allowing the younger man to to pull away.] You're welcome to stay as long as you like in whosever company you like.

Unfortunately for your establishment the drink was never really my vice. [No, that had been George's. And it was because of such weakness in his soul that had led him to become a liability to their house, tarnishing the power of York Kingdom. But even if Richard hadn't witnessed the depravity that drunken madness could cause to a man he still wouldn't be one to indulge in it. After all, he could not risk compromising his guard and control. He had already once came to close being found out after so carelessly accepting a drink laced with drugs. Never again would he do such mistake.

But perhaps Silco was in luck enough as Richard didn't believe his spiel about helpful, concerned businessman. Just as he suspected that the man didn't believe his own mask of a meek, loyal little brother to the crown. No, they both saw through each other and had enough common sense not to call each other out in public. The discretion made this game only more enticing.]

Then I shall hold you back no more. It isn't wise for the master of banquet favor only one patron above others. [When the fingers loosens around his wrist Richard pulls his hand away, allowing it fall down to his side. But outside of that he continues to stay still, unswayed in his resolve to leave it to Silco break this moment apart and step away, if he so whises ]

I assume that I will discover what your particular sin is then. We all have them after all. [He had come to enjoy the finer aspects if life such a cigars and high-end distilled spirits since he took over Zaun, but he liked to think he could give them up at any time should it be necessary. So far, he was fine as things were. It wasn't as if the Council was moving towards prohibition after all.

He stayed where he was a little longer, examining the sensation of Richard pressed closed. He knew this was yet another part of their game: who would break up this strange interaction first and call it quits. Could they recreate this energy again? Did they want to? So he made a face to indicate he was considering, eyes moving from Richard to the bar staff to the patrons and back again.]

It depends on the patron. Some require extra attention, and others would prefer little or none at all. Some deserve my attention and others don't. [He would let Richard decide on what this interaction meant, though it should be obvious. Birds of a feather and all that.

After a prolonged moment of just standing together - still pressed together - Silco took a step to move away from Richard. He leaned his face in and he flipped the younger man's bangs out from behind his ear again.] Enjoy yourself, Richard. I shall be around if you want drink suggestions. [And then he eased away to slip into the crowds.]

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The Last Drop Grand Opening

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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