[ 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. ]
cw: NSFW starting now, hi mods spying on this thread
[His smile just widens in amusement at the first question, but he doesn't answer, shrugging his jacket off and tossing it to the floor. The dark turtleneck left behind sits snug to him, a thin but healthy form with little true build.]
Of course not. "Castle" is a favorite, if that's not too hard to remember.
Mmn... No blood. No spit. No visible marks on the neck, and do not expect me to swallow anything. No treating me like your dog, or your belonging. And if you're going to do any daring positions, you'll have to be the one to hold our weight. Strength isn't my forte.
[Not that he thinks Ainosuke will have any issues with that, but yknow. Sorry if he has to pillow princess a little if you get too spicy.
[ Ainosuke hums along to the list, implicit agreement, though he almost laughs at the 'dog' specification - there is only one man in the world he'd treat as a dog, and that man would never sleep with him. (Or he would, if told to, but he'd make the same impassive face the whole way through and Ainosuke would want to kill them both.) It's a bitter association to have brought into his mind for just a moment, and he is eager to chase it away. ]
Likewise, no visible marks. In fact, don't bother touching me more than necessary. The focus is on you today, and trust me, I'll make it worth your while.
[ ... ]
Don't grab my wrists.
[ This one doesn't even get elaboration but it's clearly a hard limit.
Ainosuke moves to takes off his tie and adds, with a cat-like smile: ] How do you feel about restraints?
[The hard limit is fine, but man. No touching, putting all the focus on him, already bringing up restraint... really, it sounds like this man just wants something man-shaped to bang and not an actual partner.
Not that he can really say much. How many times had Asmo dragged him into the bedroom in those early years and he'd let himself drift into fulfilling the needs of their pact rather than bothering to enjoy himself? A pact wasn't a partnership, after all. It wasn't even a friendship.
His brows raise slightly.]
It depends. How do you feel about me struggling?
I have to be able to participate somehow, you know.
[ Ainosuke raises an eyebrow, as if this is genuinely the first time this occurred to him. ]
Is that so?
[ He thinks he's making a very good offer, and he's never let anyone leave dissatisfied yet. By his own accounts, he is a very selfless lover. ]
You can struggle, if you'd like. It adds spice. I'll play with you, don't you worry~
[ The lack of enthusiasm about tying up is at least noted - Ainosuke decides to keep it in his pocket as a later resort, depending on how much unwelcome touch he's receiving.
He steps back closer, placing a hand flat on Solomon's chest this time, and allowing it to rest there. ]
I do hate to hand it to Him, but the idea of making a flower bloom from within you is quite poetic.
[ Ainosuke sounds deeply unimpressed by the suggestion. Solomon feels quite tame to him to begin with, emotions muted behind a friendly facade. But even if he weren't... ]
No. I want to set you free.
[ Solomon isn't the only one who relishes in the idea of pealing back the curtain, finding something wilder and more raw beneath. ]
[ Ainosuke had wondered if he'd need to take Solomon's shirt off first, but he should have known that His miracles work beyond such measly constraints. All it takes is for him to push a little further and his hand sinks inside the unfamiliar depths of another being, grasping for that beautiful flower stem in the center. ]
Whats hidden in the depths, I want it to bloom in the light. Just for today, just for us. Won't you show me your heart?
[ His fingers close around it in that same moment, that single waiting rose. ]
[He bites down on the retort that he knows is pointless. I need no one to set me free. I am not the one who's trapped here.
It's sad. So very sad.
When the pressure starts to give, Solomon's breath hitches. When it reaches straight in with a confident grasp, a voiced groan follows it.
His hands ache to brace against the other man for balance, to touch and encourage. But his fists ball tight against his thighs, then open, then clench again in time with his shaking exhales.]
No holding back on me, now.
[A dare. If he was to parade so full in his words, then let him follow through in intent.]
[ It's certainly not hesitation that makes him stroke the rose stem for a moment longer than necessary before he begins to pull in earnest. ]
Oh, you already sound lovely like this...
[ It's basically a purr, let out as he leans in and locks their lips in a kiss. The rose inside loosens and slips back out along with Ainosuke's hand, still holding firmly onto it.
He let's the kiss linger a little longer than that, exploring the unfamiliar taste of a new partner, before drawing back so he can place the flower in Solomon's hair as the ritual requires.
[He takes up the kiss without hesitation, a comfortable and confident sort of energy in how he tries to coax that mouth open a little further against his. A sound of pleasure rises, heated and muffled against their lips with a shiver down his back, as the rosebud frees to open air and into Ainosuke's waiting grip. A deep, warm blue, like the depths of the sea.
The kiss pushes a little. A little more. And when Ainosuke withdraws to crown his Bride for the hour, Solomon's eyes are locked on him, a warm daze of pleasure contrasting the colder, hungry sharpness in his gaze.
He can't touch. So his hands move to tuck into the folds of his own shirt instead, as though he means to tease a stripping. But it doesn't take much fabric moved to show there might be a reason why the man doesn't show much skin. Traces of dark, foreign script, symbols and pentagrams and circles that follow the contures of his stomach up to his chest.]
Am I forbidden from this, as well? Or will you deign to strip me properly?
[ Oh, this is perfect. To reach so deeply into another, to see what it does to them... Though Ainosuke holds nothing but spite for Father at this juncture, he really must appreciate the concept. His own eyes are hungry as they dart over Solomon, from his flower decoration to his lips, and finally to the edges of his top. ]
... of course, I will, my dear. It is not my intention to leave you wanting.
[ The stipulation on touch is not meant as a cruelty, nor as a test of restraint. For however twisted his definition thereof is, Ainosuke means it when he says he wants to please Solomon by putting the focus on him instead.
His fingers hook under the shirt, sliding over the skin below for a second, before moving to push it upward. He'd expected pale skin, perfect for his own claiming, but what he finds below is a greater surprise than he could have anticipated.
The strange scripture and symbolism reveals itself a little, and Ainosuke whistles. ]
There is much more to you than meets the eye, as well. How lovely you are...
[He lifts his arms just so, as though it's an invitation to continue, chuckling very lightly.]
No need to butter me up with just a glance. I might think you're being insincere.
[Carefully, he leans his arms to drape on either side of Ainosuke's neck - his hands folded together in the empty air behind his skull as Solomon leverages their faces closer together. Kiss him. Again. It's a dare with his eyes alone.]
Explore my secrets, then. Let me feel your curiosity.
[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. ]
[ ... which is not the answer to the current question, but it is a forward answer to the previous one, which he also hadn't given so far. Ainosuke thinks that it counts for something. ]
A secret spoken to me here is a secret spoken into an open grave. So, who put you in this state?
[ In terms of how they acted at the trial, this is maybe not the most unexpected answer, but looking at the sheer brutality of the injuries inflicted on Solomon, it does take Ainosuke aback. The surprise does show on his face, even in the dim lighting of the phone screen. ]
... I didn't think he had that much power.
[ Just how weak are you, Solomon? ]
And satisfied is hardly the word. In fact, if I had to put terms to it, irritated would be more like it.
Mn. He caught me off guard, and I didn't put up much of a fight.
[Whether it was chosen, or whether he just can't? Who knows. He has the spark of a fight in him, if their one-night stand had shown anything. But he's a man bordering frail for how little strength he seems to show on the outside. No calluses, no muscle. If not for the seals plastered across his body, he would be extremely ordinary in every way from the outside.]
[The handoff is a gentle one, Solomon remaining quiet as he settles the drifting coolness overtop his neck and jaw.]
It will have to remain a mystery. Whether it was that he recognized yourself, Fandaniel, or something else... Perhaps something I'd said, or done, or insinuated... he wouldn't say.
[His chuckle is mirthless, tone growing melancholy in a way that feels hard to place.]
Even with his hands at my throat, poor Danya wouldn't tell me my sins. Just anger, so distant and offended.
[ Ainosuke is silent for a long moment, a measuring look on Solomon's face through the darkness of the box bed. Is he lying to protect some secret of Nishi's? It seems plausible, but it feels just as realistic that this went down exactly as described.
Frustrating. He's so frustrated by it all. ]
'Danya'.
[ He just repeats the nickname. He's heard it before, at trial, but it sits even more curiously now. ]
He asked for his name, when we first met by the graves. Insistent that he'd done some horrible wrong in a life he couldn't quite remember. Insistent that I was wise enough to tell him his truths, when he learned my name.
...
[He leans further into his pillow. Exhausted.]
I couldn't lie to him. But he let me provide a nickname, to at least fill the void.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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?
no subject
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.
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
[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?
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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?]
no subject
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.
no subject
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?
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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
Of course not. "Castle" is a favorite, if that's not too hard to remember.
Mmn... No blood. No spit. No visible marks on the neck, and do not expect me to swallow anything. No treating me like your dog, or your belonging. And if you're going to do any daring positions, you'll have to be the one to hold our weight. Strength isn't my forte.
[Not that he thinks Ainosuke will have any issues with that, but yknow. Sorry if he has to pillow princess a little if you get too spicy.
Off goes his shoes as well.]
What about you?
no subject
Likewise, no visible marks. In fact, don't bother touching me more than necessary. The focus is on you today, and trust me, I'll make it worth your while.
[ ... ]
Don't grab my wrists.
[ This one doesn't even get elaboration but it's clearly a hard limit.
Ainosuke moves to takes off his tie and adds, with a cat-like smile: ] How do you feel about restraints?
no subject
Not that he can really say much. How many times had Asmo dragged him into the bedroom in those early years and he'd let himself drift into fulfilling the needs of their pact rather than bothering to enjoy himself? A pact wasn't a partnership, after all. It wasn't even a friendship.
His brows raise slightly.]
It depends. How do you feel about me struggling?
I have to be able to participate somehow, you know.
no subject
Is that so?
[ He thinks he's making a very good offer, and he's never let anyone leave dissatisfied yet. By his own accounts, he is a very selfless lover. ]
You can struggle, if you'd like. It adds spice. I'll play with you, don't you worry~
[ The lack of enthusiasm about tying up is at least noted - Ainosuke decides to keep it in his pocket as a later resort, depending on how much unwelcome touch he's receiving.
He steps back closer, placing a hand flat on Solomon's chest this time, and allowing it to rest there. ]
I do hate to hand it to Him, but the idea of making a flower bloom from within you is quite poetic.
no subject
Mm. In what way?
Do you feel you can act on your opinions of me with a kind touch?
Tame me, perhaps?
1/2
[ Ainosuke sounds deeply unimpressed by the suggestion. Solomon feels quite tame to him to begin with, emotions muted behind a friendly facade. But even if he weren't... ]
No. I want to set you free.
[ Solomon isn't the only one who relishes in the idea of pealing back the curtain, finding something wilder and more raw beneath. ]
no subject
Whats hidden in the depths, I want it to bloom in the light. Just for today, just for us. Won't you show me your heart?
[ His fingers close around it in that same moment, that single waiting rose. ]
no subject
It's sad. So very sad.
When the pressure starts to give, Solomon's breath hitches. When it reaches straight in with a confident grasp, a voiced groan follows it.
His hands ache to brace against the other man for balance, to touch and encourage. But his fists ball tight against his thighs, then open, then clench again in time with his shaking exhales.]
No holding back on me, now.
[A dare. If he was to parade so full in his words, then let him follow through in intent.]
no subject
[ It's certainly not hesitation that makes him stroke the rose stem for a moment longer than necessary before he begins to pull in earnest. ]
Oh, you already sound lovely like this...
[ It's basically a purr, let out as he leans in and locks their lips in a kiss. The rose inside loosens and slips back out along with Ainosuke's hand, still holding firmly onto it.
He let's the kiss linger a little longer than that, exploring the unfamiliar taste of a new partner, before drawing back so he can place the flower in Solomon's hair as the ritual requires.
Lovely, indeed. ]
no subject
The kiss pushes a little. A little more. And when Ainosuke withdraws to crown his Bride for the hour, Solomon's eyes are locked on him, a warm daze of pleasure contrasting the colder, hungry sharpness in his gaze.
He can't touch. So his hands move to tuck into the folds of his own shirt instead, as though he means to tease a stripping. But it doesn't take much fabric moved to show there might be a reason why the man doesn't show much skin. Traces of dark, foreign script, symbols and pentagrams and circles that follow the contures of his stomach up to his chest.]
Am I forbidden from this, as well? Or will you deign to strip me properly?
no subject
... of course, I will, my dear. It is not my intention to leave you wanting.
[ The stipulation on touch is not meant as a cruelty, nor as a test of restraint. For however twisted his definition thereof is, Ainosuke means it when he says he wants to please Solomon by putting the focus on him instead.
His fingers hook under the shirt, sliding over the skin below for a second, before moving to push it upward. He'd expected pale skin, perfect for his own claiming, but what he finds below is a greater surprise than he could have anticipated.
The strange scripture and symbolism reveals itself a little, and Ainosuke whistles. ]
There is much more to you than meets the eye, as well. How lovely you are...
no subject
No need to butter me up with just a glance. I might think you're being insincere.
[Carefully, he leans his arms to drape on either side of Ainosuke's neck - his hands folded together in the empty air behind his skull as Solomon leverages their faces closer together. Kiss him. Again. It's a dare with his eyes alone.]
Explore my secrets, then. Let me feel your curiosity.
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.]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.]
no subject
[ 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? ]
no subject
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
[ 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?
no subject
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?
no subject
[ 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. ]
no subject
No, I'd prefer not.
There's no need to put a target on your back for something that isn't your fault.
no subject
[ Solomon is well and truly is such a frustrating person. Yet, seeing the bruises littering him like this, Ainosuke feels nothing but annoyance. ]
I won't set out to avenge you, so don't worry. But in a game like this, it's good to keep track of your allies and their enemies, no?
no subject
[His tone is oddly transparent. He doesn't agree.]
What would you consider an enemy, Ainosuke?
no subject
[ Everyone is an enemy. When he calls Solomon an ally, he is lying through his teeth based on vague sympathies. He can't exactly say that though. ]
Right now, I'd say that whoever beat you to a pulp is at least liable to be a prime suspect if you turn up dead next week.
no subject
[It's more confident than it should be, given his state.]
But that wasn't exactly the point of my question.
And... I would like to hear an answer.
no subject
[ ... which is not the answer to the current question, but it is a forward answer to the previous one, which he also hadn't given so far. Ainosuke thinks that it counts for something. ]
A secret spoken to me here is a secret spoken into an open grave. So, who put you in this state?
no subject
[One hand curls to rub against his own throat. The bruising extends, under the high collar of his turtleneck, in deep purple marks.
It explains his hoarse voice, at least.]
Nishi. [Simple. Flat.]
Are you satisfied?
no subject
... I didn't think he had that much power.
[ Just how weak are you, Solomon? ]
And satisfied is hardly the word. In fact, if I had to put terms to it, irritated would be more like it.
no subject
[Whether it was chosen, or whether he just can't? Who knows. He has the spark of a fight in him, if their one-night stand had shown anything. But he's a man bordering frail for how little strength he seems to show on the outside. No calluses, no muscle. If not for the seals plastered across his body, he would be extremely ordinary in every way from the outside.]
So you could say it was deserved, if you like.
no subject
[ Finally satisfied with his injury inspection, Ainosuke hands the towel to Solomon to keep soothing his jaw, and sits back on his half of the bed. ]
That bite from the other one sure made him furious.
[ It's not a question in form, but certainly in content. It was a bizarre reaction. ]
no subject
It will have to remain a mystery. Whether it was that he recognized yourself, Fandaniel, or something else... Perhaps something I'd said, or done, or insinuated... he wouldn't say.
[His chuckle is mirthless, tone growing melancholy in a way that feels hard to place.]
Even with his hands at my throat, poor Danya wouldn't tell me my sins. Just anger, so distant and offended.
no subject
Frustrating. He's so frustrated by it all. ]
'Danya'.
[ He just repeats the nickname. He's heard it before, at trial, but it sits even more curiously now. ]
no subject
[Cruel, perhaps, given their surroundings.]
He asked for his name, when we first met by the graves. Insistent that he'd done some horrible wrong in a life he couldn't quite remember. Insistent that I was wise enough to tell him his truths, when he learned my name.
...
[He leans further into his pillow. Exhausted.]
I couldn't lie to him. But he let me provide a nickname, to at least fill the void.