[ One thing that is practical about their ever-busy shadowy companions is that listening to the gossiping of the extras makes it exceptionally easy to find somebody's whereabouts if you really want to. It's been about around two hours since their little exchange on the network when Ainosuke comes to seek out Solomon in the dizzying spirals of the library. He is dressed down compared to the way he carried himself the last few days - suit jacket foregone in favor of just his vest, upper button of his dress shirt undone.
He leans against the shelf Solomon is currently browsing, the perfect picture of composure. His smile is a little wider than the practiced usual one, his canines showing. ]
Hmm, your gaze is a little too sharp to be likened to doves. But your hair... like a gentle fluttering of feathers. Will you forgive the departure from script, Solomon?
[Those noticeable locks of white make him easy to spot, tucked into the harsh metal covers of the humanities section. He wears what he always does out here in the school, thin dark pin stripes of a more casual suit with a turtleneck of black keeping the skin of his nape covered neatly.
He's too far into his reading to notice Ainosuke outright. But his eyes flick over at the voice, brows raising slightly as--
...
Ah.
His eyes lid slightly in immediate understanding. Color him surprised, if this is his little snake from the forum. Or, perhaps, just a bit of a snoop come to pull his leg. Either way, he seems to have done his homework, and it quirks his lips in a smile that isn't quite all there.]
Mm. [The book in his hand slowly snaps shut.] You're being rather bold, little prodigal sin.
Should I take offense at the theft of another man's script? Your own words seem to suffice so long as you don't stifle them.
Theft? How harsh. Take it as hommage, as playing along, as appreciation of words that have vexed theologians so.
[ Ainosuke doesn't truly believe Solomon to be the King Solomon he's learned and read about. Surely not. But a part of him can't help feel a certain excitement at the idea, even more blasphemous than everything else he's set his sights on today. ]
But if it's my own words you require, I'll have plenty. I don't make empty promises.
[He chuckles, turning his eyes back to the bookcase.]
Promises can be dangerous. [There's something slightly empty in the statement as the book is reshelved with quiet smoothness.] But if you want an agreement to be made, perhaps I should test your resolve.
[A beat. The sense of play is pushed aside just slightly, something genuine and sympathetic crossing his eyes for the briefest moment.]
[ 'Test his resolve', huh? There really is something about the way Solomon speaks that continues to be irksome - if only because that domineering gentleness is sometimes like looking in a mirror and seeing one of his faces reflected back at him for a brief second.
Ainosuke laughs, low. ]
I hope you did not think you'd understood me from just three days of living together. Your lack of curiosity could wound a man.
[ Ainosuke shows himself unintimidated by the approach, if not amused by the way he has to look ever so slightly downward to meet Solomon's eyes. ]
Just what do you think I came here for?
[ They're in public and he's very aware of it. There are eyeless eyes all around, pitch black faces that see too much. Nothing can proceed further here. The most he'll allow himself is a gentle tap of his forefinger against Solomon's chest, teasing.
His voice is a whisper. ]
Though the doors that are to be opened are yours today. Father says it feels good to have be split apart and have your innermost dragged out... Let's see if He's a liar, why don't we?
[ And he turns to leave the library, not watching whether Solomon is following. He's certain he will. ]
He feigns a slight pout when that hand stops, his own fingers ghosting that wrist before it completely withdraws. But that gives him some part of his answer, at least. He really did seem to mean what he requested.
So locks of silver smoothly follow, enough distance to not make it obvious to the nosy, sparing his little waves at the tuttering Extras. Appearances for the masses, sincerity only held so far for their own good.
[ They're headed towards one of the practice rooms. As much as Ainosuke would prefer a less clinical and boring location, practicality comes first here. It's a step up from the club bathrooms he once started in and it's soundproof, anyway. Not a luxury love hotel, but serviceable.
He decides on one of the smaller music practice rooms and enters, patiently waiting for Solomon to come after. ]
[Ah, thank heaven they're leaving the piano out of this.
Solomon slips in without further comment, an odd pause given with his back again the clicking door as though he's waiting on something, before-- oh, duh, no magic! Right, gotta lock that like a normal person. Silly silly him. At least he can do that without turning around, still framed against the door like food laid out on a platter, head cocked just slightly.]
[ Embarrassed. It's dangerously close to hitting the mark, yet whirling past it all the same. Ainosuke laughs. ]
Do I look embarrassed to you?
[ He steps forward. With a locked door now separating them from the outside world, he has no more reason to hold back. He brings a hand under Solomon's chin, smiling at him with a concerning amount of teeth.
His concern for privacy, and even his deep seated sense of shame, should never be mistaken for a lack of confidence. He's a carnivore. ]
A blushing maiden unused to amorous encounters? You do think so lowly of others.
[His lips quirk, though it doesn't meet his eyes. Seeing the predator for what it is: the fox, eyeing the tiger's paw.]
Mm, hardly. To tower and attack and overwhelm... you wouldn't be so flavorfully bold if you didn't know exactly what you wanted.
[But only in secret. Only in discretion. Such confidence kept so close to his chest... was there any pride left in it?
He leans into the touch, framing Ainosuke's arms with a ghost of a touch that traces up the arm that cups his own face. Glancing at the undone button and the shock of skin underneath, up to the smile that twists so ferally.]
What colors I see in you, behind these curtains you keep drawn.
[A beat, and his touch withdraws, chin lifting slightly as to decline the advance.]
Regardless. I believe we need some ground rules before you eat me alive, my little snake.
[ It irritates Ainosuke, to have his repression called out so front and center through this. His usual partners are too taken with him for such intrusive probing, or they are complete strangers who could not care less either way. This is a middle ground he hasn't had to navigate before, and it feels slippery.
Nevertheless, necessity brought them together and he is determined to make the best of it. It's been a while since he's had time to indulge. ]
Ah, you're a cautious man. Or just experienced?
[ Probably the latter. It's clear neither of them have any hesitation about encounters of this type. ]
Name your limits and I'll keep them in mind. I don't believe I need to explain the concept of a safeword to you either?
[ He's had to do that a few times, with partners far more nervous than this. ]
[Solomon vanishes from the trial room as soon as he's sure that everyone is able and willing to get moving, and he stays conspicuously absent for the rest of the night. Even when the hours grow late and people start coming in for bed, Solomon does not appear.
It's close to 2 in the morning, perhaps 3, that the box bed door finally opens to a face that's ragged with pain and exhaustion, eyes locking onto Ainosuke and exhaustion only growing heavier. Ah... right. Right, Ainosuke slept near this edge. Damn it all.
If Ainosuke is awake, Solomon will weakly raise a finger to his lips, before simply letting the door close, his footsteps turning back around to go back down the stairs as his jacket is weakly thrown back over his shoulders. He's too tired to make this a scene right now. He'll sleep in the sitting room. Just for a little while.]
[ Ainosuke is indeed awake, though not for lack of trying to achieve the opposite. He's restless, thoughts spiraling, and the bed is uncomfortable because it is not his own. It would be a lie to say that he wants to go home, but he doesn't want to be here either.
When Solomon comes in, that is a welcome distraction... or would be, if the man didn't seem hellbent on vanishing again instantly.
It takes Ainosuke a second to boot up to slide out of bed and after him, but it's before he can get to the stairs that a hand closes around Solomon's wrist, keeping him. ]
Where do you think you're going?
[ His voice is stern but a whisper, no waking the others. ]
This close and away from the dark comfort of the beds, when Solomon turns even slightly, its easier to see that he's visibly hurt. Lip split, bruising blossoming on multiple points along his jaw and temples and neck.]
[Thank god Ainosuke left so he didn't have to watch how long that took! But yes, when Ainosuke returns, the bed's door is still lazily open with Solomon in a ragged heap on the far end of the box, breathing unsteady, back to the door and not even bothering with the covers. Just a rattling rise and fall of his shoulders, a slight movement of his head when he feels Ainosuke's shadow fall over the bed.]
[ Positioned like this, Solomon looks like a wild animal caught in a trap, trembling and hurt. A week of wishing to have him knocked down from his high horse, and now Ainosuke doesn't even enjoy the sight.
He crawls into the bed, using his phone for a light source, and shuts the door behind him. Without really bothering to say anything or announce himself, he approaches his cornered sorcerer and reaches for his face... to tilt it up so he can dab his injuries with a cool moist towel. It's surprisingly gentle. ]
[He at least can feel the creak of the bed, but the touch surprises him, and something soothing following it earns a tired laugh against the dark.]
What can I say? I was given an offer I couldn't refuse, hahah - [His laugh tightens into a wincing breath under the cloth, a buckling in on himself as he does so, like a domino effect. Everything hurts.]
I forget that I can't defend myself as I'm used to.
[ It's how Ainosuke's constantly felt since coming here. Nothing that could protect him this far, not power nor influence nor skill, could help him in this place.
Ainosuke tries to steady Solomon as he crumbles, his other hand now against his shoulder for stabilization. ]
It's not as though I'm trying to move... [It's muttered, quieter, his face tensing again along with the muscles in his arm at Ainosuke's touch, though it settles quickly.
He doesn't answer at first. But this is about the worst position he can be in for yet another argument, and he's already very injured. So, while he doesn't quite answer, he at least doesn't swerve as hard.]
[ A typical evasive little quip, because he too can't help himself. Being straight-forward is difficult, especially when he also doesn't quite know the answers. It's not as though they mean anything to each other. It's just been a long and strange week. ]
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Week 1, Monday
He leans against the shelf Solomon is currently browsing, the perfect picture of composure. His smile is a little wider than the practiced usual one, his canines showing. ]
Hmm, your gaze is a little too sharp to be likened to doves. But your hair... like a gentle fluttering of feathers. Will you forgive the departure from script, Solomon?
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He's too far into his reading to notice Ainosuke outright. But his eyes flick over at the voice, brows raising slightly as--
...
Ah.
His eyes lid slightly in immediate understanding. Color him surprised, if this is his little snake from the forum. Or, perhaps, just a bit of a snoop come to pull his leg. Either way, he seems to have done his homework, and it quirks his lips in a smile that isn't quite all there.]
Mm. [The book in his hand slowly snaps shut.] You're being rather bold, little prodigal sin.
Should I take offense at the theft of another man's script? Your own words seem to suffice so long as you don't stifle them.
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[ Ainosuke doesn't truly believe Solomon to be the King Solomon he's learned and read about. Surely not. But a part of him can't help feel a certain excitement at the idea, even more blasphemous than everything else he's set his sights on today. ]
But if it's my own words you require, I'll have plenty. I don't make empty promises.
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Promises can be dangerous. [There's something slightly empty in the statement as the book is reshelved with quiet smoothness.] But if you want an agreement to be made, perhaps I should test your resolve.
[A beat. The sense of play is pushed aside just slightly, something genuine and sympathetic crossing his eyes for the briefest moment.]
What a different side of you this is.
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Ainosuke laughs, low. ]
I hope you did not think you'd understood me from just three days of living together. Your lack of curiosity could wound a man.
[ Not him though, you don't get to hurt him. ]
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[A beat, a turn, a very careful and smooth stepping forward. Like a cat, normally playful, falling on some unknown instinct with eyes that sharpen.]
And yet, somehow, I wouldn't call this restraint. Is it a mask, or am I seeing those doors opening wide for you?
[Closer. His voice drops quiet.]
Would you let me get a better look?
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Just what do you think I came here for?
[ They're in public and he's very aware of it. There are eyeless eyes all around, pitch black faces that see too much. Nothing can proceed further here. The most he'll allow himself is a gentle tap of his forefinger against Solomon's chest, teasing.
His voice is a whisper. ]
Though the doors that are to be opened are yours today. Father says it feels good to have be split apart and have your innermost dragged out... Let's see if He's a liar, why don't we?
[ And he turns to leave the library, not watching whether Solomon is following. He's certain he will. ]
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He feigns a slight pout when that hand stops, his own fingers ghosting that wrist before it completely withdraws. But that gives him some part of his answer, at least. He really did seem to mean what he requested.
So locks of silver smoothly follow, enough distance to not make it obvious to the nosy, sparing his little waves at the tuttering Extras. Appearances for the masses, sincerity only held so far for their own good.
Where are you taking him, oh horny one?]
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He decides on one of the smaller music practice rooms and enters, patiently waiting for Solomon to come after. ]
Lock the door behind you, if you please.
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Solomon slips in without further comment, an odd pause given with his back again the clicking door as though he's waiting on something, before-- oh, duh, no magic! Right, gotta lock that like a normal person. Silly silly him. At least he can do that without turning around, still framed against the door like food laid out on a platter, head cocked just slightly.]
Are you embarrassed by this?
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Do I look embarrassed to you?
[ He steps forward. With a locked door now separating them from the outside world, he has no more reason to hold back. He brings a hand under Solomon's chin, smiling at him with a concerning amount of teeth.
His concern for privacy, and even his deep seated sense of shame, should never be mistaken for a lack of confidence. He's a carnivore. ]
A blushing maiden unused to amorous encounters? You do think so lowly of others.
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Mm, hardly. To tower and attack and overwhelm... you wouldn't be so flavorfully bold if you didn't know exactly what you wanted.
[But only in secret. Only in discretion. Such confidence kept so close to his chest... was there any pride left in it?
He leans into the touch, framing Ainosuke's arms with a ghost of a touch that traces up the arm that cups his own face. Glancing at the undone button and the shock of skin underneath, up to the smile that twists so ferally.]
What colors I see in you, behind these curtains you keep drawn.
[A beat, and his touch withdraws, chin lifting slightly as to decline the advance.]
Regardless. I believe we need some ground rules before you eat me alive, my little snake.
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Nevertheless, necessity brought them together and he is determined to make the best of it. It's been a while since he's had time to indulge. ]
Ah, you're a cautious man. Or just experienced?
[ Probably the latter. It's clear neither of them have any hesitation about encounters of this type. ]
Name your limits and I'll keep them in mind. I don't believe I need to explain the concept of a safeword to you either?
[ He's had to do that a few times, with partners far more nervous than this. ]
cw: NSFW starting now, hi mods spying on this thread
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WEEK ONE - SATURDAY POST TRIAL
It's close to 2 in the morning, perhaps 3, that the box bed door finally opens to a face that's ragged with pain and exhaustion, eyes locking onto Ainosuke and exhaustion only growing heavier. Ah... right. Right, Ainosuke slept near this edge. Damn it all.
If Ainosuke is awake, Solomon will weakly raise a finger to his lips, before simply letting the door close, his footsteps turning back around to go back down the stairs as his jacket is weakly thrown back over his shoulders. He's too tired to make this a scene right now. He'll sleep in the sitting room. Just for a little while.]
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When Solomon comes in, that is a welcome distraction... or would be, if the man didn't seem hellbent on vanishing again instantly.
It takes Ainosuke a second to boot up to slide out of bed and after him, but it's before he can get to the stairs that a hand closes around Solomon's wrist, keeping him. ]
Where do you think you're going?
[ His voice is stern but a whisper, no waking the others. ]
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This close and away from the dark comfort of the beds, when Solomon turns even slightly, its easier to see that he's visibly hurt. Lip split, bruising blossoming on multiple points along his jaw and temples and neck.]
Downstairs. [It's ragged.]
I'm sorry I woke you. Go back to bed.
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I'd been awake.
[ He's not letting go yet. ]
You go to bed first. I'll be right with you.
[ He's not tolerating argument here. ]
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Mm. Feeling lonely tonight? That's not like you.
[The smile is hollow, the humor weak. But he, at least, lets his arm fall pliant under Ainosuke's grip.]
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[ Ainosuke is not going to follow right away, it's only after a detour to the kitchen that he'll join Solomon in their dark coffin.
Did Solomon obediently lay down? ]
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He crawls into the bed, using his phone for a light source, and shuts the door behind him. Without really bothering to say anything or announce himself, he approaches his cornered sorcerer and reaches for his face... to tilt it up so he can dab his injuries with a cool moist towel. It's surprisingly gentle. ]
You let someone do a nasty number on you.
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What can I say? I was given an offer I couldn't refuse, hahah - [His laugh tightens into a wincing breath under the cloth, a buckling in on himself as he does so, like a domino effect. Everything hurts.]
I forget that I can't defend myself as I'm used to.
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[ It's how Ainosuke's constantly felt since coming here. Nothing that could protect him this far, not power nor influence nor skill, could help him in this place.
Ainosuke tries to steady Solomon as he crumbles, his other hand now against his shoulder for stabilization. ]
Stop moving. Who did this?
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He doesn't answer at first. But this is about the worst position he can be in for yet another argument, and he's already very injured. So, while he doesn't quite answer, he at least doesn't swerve as hard.]
What would you do if I told you?
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[ A typical evasive little quip, because he too can't help himself. Being straight-forward is difficult, especially when he also doesn't quite know the answers. It's not as though they mean anything to each other. It's just been a long and strange week. ]
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