the_fairest_flower | Duplicity Inbox

[ a couple of days after this -- ]

I need your address.

Edited 2019-08-02 12:47 (UTC)

Gonna break me out of the Down?

I'm in 016-B

Not... quite.
I figured I should...
You know.
Mail back. The... underwear.
That I stole from you?
Well, not stole. The ones that I ripped off of you. And then decided to keep.
I washed them? Sewed them back together. Not very well. I don't know how to sew. But.
Yeah.

Shouldn't have done that.
My bad.

Ugh, that's sweet. Jamie just stares at his phone for a minute as the messages roll in.

Big Bad! That's so fucking sweet, you didn't have to do that
I was actually pretty okay with you keeping those as a token but uhm
you went through all that trouble, I guess I should take them back.

Maybe trade you for another pair

It's not sweet.
It's just - post-orgasm awareness of what a douchebag I can be when I'm thinking with my dick.
You're a sub. You don't need some rich asshole tearing up all your clothes. Can't imagine you can afford a huge wardrobe.
So.
I don't know.
Sorry.
Genuinely.

Also,
That seems like a bad idea.
Maybe we should all just keep our underwear to ourselves.

yeah it is, you sewed my panties back together.
i appreciate the consideration. I did get a whole wardrobe when I passed those stupid fucking trials in the desert. But that's all I've got.

you don't WANT to have a pair of my panties around? Are you sure? you seemed pretty proud of your prize at the time and it was kind of hot watching you shove them into a pocket.

I'm sure.
Platonic friends keep their lingerie to themselves.
Which is what we are. Friends. Platonically.
Though - even that's a stretch. I don't really make friends.
So.

Yes. Wow. Sorry. Again.
We really do need to stop meeting like that.

we are?
Is this your way of saying the sex was terrible?

I work at a place in the Up now. We could run into each other another way.

I mean, no. It was fucking fantastic. Both times.
But.
I don't want you to get the wrong idea.
What with all the... "you're mine, tell me you're mine, I'm gonna come so fucking hard for you, tell me you're mine, tell me I own you"... bullshit.
I'm seeing someone. So.
Friends.

Where do you work?

I work at the Gray Room.

does being friends and having sex have to be mutually exclusive?
Like
Are you trying for monogamy or...?

because I liked being yours. And I liked getting you off by saying it.

Edited 2019-08-02 16:50 (UTC)

I've never been. Is that a bar?
You seem like the type of guy who would work at a bar.
Dancing on stage. Full Coyote Ugly.

[ would jamie get that reference? ah, it doesn't matter. ]

Monogamy is the goal.
I know you probably think that's a stupid goal to have, in a city like this. But. I don't want either him or I to screw that up more than the city forces us to.
He's special to me. So.
I'm asking you for your discretion about the things we've done. Keep that shit on lockdown.
And... I don't want you to think we'll be more than friends just because we breathed in weird spices, or whatever.
Okay?
Feels like an important underline to have, given everything.

I think it's more like a gentleman's club, except it allows women in. There's a bar and a dance floor, but there's also a library and exhibition rooms and private suites.
I haven't danced on the bar yet but you could always try convincing me if you visit.
will shimmy for tips.

He totally gets the reference and he's rolling his eyes, trying not to smile too much. Especially since what he reads next threatens to make it fade. It's nothing new, of course.

sorry the city is fucking it up for you
i've never been anyone's one and only but i'm sure it's lovely

There's a pause in his responses.

I won't go broadcasting it over the network, if that's what you mean, Big Bad.

so, friends with benefits or should I keep the nudes to myself?

Edited 2019-08-19 04:36 (UTC)

No, that's okay.
I've seen the shit you wear. Tiny dresses. Strips of lace instead of actual, legitimate underwear.
One wrong shimmy and you'll be showing the world literally everything you've got. I'm not gonna be the one responsible for your inevitable indecent exposure.

[ ... well, he sort of already was, back in the desert, but. moving on. ]

Jury's still out.
He's fine, I guess. Annoying. Huge asshole. But.
Last time I was someone's one and only, she burned a dozen people to death. Apparently, when I go home, I'll meet a girl who's big on human sacrifices.
Relationships tend to have their pitfalls. Just waiting for this dude to murder me in my sleep to really round out the trifecta.
You're not missing much.

Jury's still out on the friendship thing, too.
I take it back. If I implied we're friends.
We're definitely not friends.

People have paid good money to see all i've got. you'd be doing them a favor if they got a free show.

Liar. Do you have one of those sweet, smart-ass smiles on your face right now?
I'm sure you do.
I can practically feel it.

The person I thought was my one and only tried to kill me the last time we saw each other.
he wanted to kill my friends, too. his brothers. that hurt more, i think.

but I don't want to be sad. Are you going to bring me my panties?
I can show you the well appointed shit hole i live in

Edited 2019-08-19 04:49 (UTC)

I'm not a charitable man.
I also don't like to smile.

[ he says. while smiling. like the smart-ass that he is. ]

Cool. See? There you go.
That's life. One threat of murder after the next. Doesn't change regardless of who's sucking your dicks.
So.
Don't you be sad, either.
This was an excellent pep talk on my part.

I can come over, yeah.
Not entirely sure if this is a housewarming present situation. Want me to bring you a bug bomb?

It must pain you terribly to show off those teeth.
I do so like it when they're sinking into my skin, though

the bugs and I have made our peace, I just wish they'd pay rent
maybe liquor, if you want to come bearing gifts. especially if we're going to start swapping stories about our exes.

Most people tend to be afraid of my teeth, you know.
Big. Sharp. Werewolf-y.
I could turn you. Kill you. Snap your neck.
They're dangerous. You keep talking to me like I'm not a danger to you.

I've already said too much about my exes.
I'll listen to you talk about yours, though.

I only have beer.
I'll pick up something fancy on the way. I bet you like fancy alcohol.
Gold flakes in pink champagne, or something.

darling, your teeth are sharp and impressive but you are not the first beast to get his hands on me
and I don't think you can turn someone that isn't human to start with

And I think it's really cute that you think I'm not as dangerous as you are.
is it because I like to wear lacy things that are barely there?
Monsters can't be pretty?

Or is it because I like elder flower liquor and pink champagne?

I know how attractive monsters can be.
But.
I'm far more dangerous than the other men you've been with.
I'm far more dangerous than you, for that matter.
Trust me, Jamie. It's better for you to know that I'm bad news now, before you actually start to get attached.

What the fuck is elder flower liquor.

You have no idea what kind of men I've been with
Starting with the one that made me inhuman.

He hates thinking about the Old Salt but he can't stop. He resists the urge to toss his phone. Derek more dangerous than the Gentry? He doesn't think so. Jamie doesn't think Derek would think so if he'd ever encountered Them.

I'll decide for myself what's bad news and what isn't, thank you. Stop trying to make me think I'm making a mistake. I'm so fucking lonely here I could scream and you're one of the few people I like and I trust.

I'm willful. And I'm older than you, respect your elders.

It's made from elderflowers. I'll make you a cocktail if you can track some down.

Edited 2019-08-19 06:11 (UTC)

Hold on.

[ hold on. ]

How old are you?

It's rude to ask a lady's age, Derek.

The math is kind of fuzzy but technically I'm almost 50.

[ .............. ]

Hold on.

[ hold on??????????????????????? ]

Hold on.
You didn't tell me that. You should've told me that.
I've been treating you like you're as stupid as the rest of the stupid young adults I know.

I've mentioned a dozen times that I'm not human and I feel like I've alluded to quite a bit of life experience.

He's rolling his eyes. Why is it always the pretty ones that don't catch on? Though this is really starting to make him wonder who Derek spends his time with.

I told you I'm a changeling.
I spent like fifteen years in Arcadia before I escaped.

So please stop treating me like a stupid young adult.
Being patronized by someone twenty years younger than me is really a turn off.
I mean, the whole grrr you're mine bite bite part is great.
But not being patronized.

Edited 2019-08-19 07:07 (UTC)

I just.
Didn't connect the dots, I guess.
I mean, look at you. You don't exactly look your age.
Or act your age.
Or dress your age?
You're giving me so much attitude right now. Like I'm the idiot.

I'm not going to call you sir.

I was young when I was taken away
And time is weird over there.

You’ve treated me like an adorable idiot often enough, I think it’s fair if I get this one shot in.

And are you sure? Might be kinda hot...💋

It's fair.
You're free to treat me however you like.
But I will, again, eat your face if you start having too much fun at my expense. Just totally eat it.
Not in a sexy way. I'm talking strip your flesh from your bones kind of eating it.
Full on Hannibal Lecter.
You can't stop me.

I'm sure.
Besides, I don't think you could really pull off the whole Dominant thing. I'm not saying that because you're a sub, I just -
Don't think you could do it? You don't have a dominant bone in your body, barring the times my dick has been in your ass.
You're a brat. Not a sir.
No offense.

I'll try to restrain myself.
You're so aggressive, darling. I'm shivering.

Jamie grins and flops back on his bed. He rolls his eyes when the mattress squeaks.

I'm absolutely a brat, you're not wrong.
And you are an absolutely delicious brat tamer.
But you're also deluding yourself (in a cute way) if you think I could never and have never demanded a beautiful beast like you get down on the fucking floor to kiss my expensive stilettos.

I don't think you have it in you to restrain yourself, either.
You've never restrained yourself a day in your life.

I didn't know you could afford stilettos.
The image doesn't really work when you'd have to shoplift them. Or get another guy to buy them for you in the first place.
But I appreciate the effort. Very sweet.
If I ever want someone to slap a dog collar on me and call me a bitch, you'll be the first person I call.

honestly, you're right. Self-restraint is not exactly a valued feature in the Spring Court and a prince has to set a good example.

I went through some godawful trial in the desert and I was rewarded with a sizable wardrobe.
I've also talked a Dom or two into supervising my purchases to supplement that.
You have no idea how painful it is to not do what I want when I want down here.

And I wouldn't slap anything on you. I'd very thoughtfully and deliberately put it around your neck - something leather, of course - and tighten it just so, so that every time you take a breath you remember that, until the collar comes off, you're mine.

Gotta take a lesson from werewolves, one of these days.
Our entire shtick is self-denial.
I'll set aside an afternoon one day to walk you through the first few steps of emotional self-castration.

Mm. I've seen how this city treats its subs.
Sorry for making light of it. Glad you've found a way to stick it to the system, if only through clothes.
But.

[ a pause. ]

That's never going to happen.
Glad I gave you something new to jerk off to, at least.
I'm going to need to be financially compensated for that. Spank bank material doesn't come free.

Never say never, darling.
New experiences are good for you! You never know what you'll find out.

I'm always happy to provide a wealth of compensation, Big Bad.
You know what I'm good for.

Jamie considers a moment, then snaps a picture to send over.

IMG ATTCHED *nsfw-ish

Edited 2019-08-19 14:53 (UTC)

[ there's another small delay before derek replies. ]

Bad lighting.
Small resolution.
Poorly made underwear. I can tell from here. Cheap cotton. Factory processed. Mass produced.
2/10.
I want my money back.

Jamie rolls his eyes and he's smirking because he's certain he's sent a text almost like that before. Probably to Milo.

so demanding
why would I wear nice panties if someone is just going to rip them off?
I've lost two pairs to you, Big Bad. Two!

If you want higher quality, you'll have to give me a reason to dress up.

One.
One. One? One.
I'm returning one pair. You shithead.
You suck. I hate this. I hate you.

[ stop embarrassing him, jeez. ]

Well, I'm coming over, so do me a favor and throw on some pants, at least.
If you greet me at the door with your dick out, I'm dragging you into the street and leaving you there.

Okay so you didn't rip the other pair but you did stretch it out a lot.

Jamie grins brightly and lolls his head to look at his wardrobe, which is hanging up on a stand because there isn't much of a closet to speak of.

I'll be here with bells on, darling.
Would you like pants or a skirt?

[He sounds rather sure of himself, authoritative without being clipped.]

I've found something I believe will suit. It's not a replacement for what I burned. I believe it's better.

[ Right off the bat, barely a hello. Jamie rolls his eyes but he's smiling. ]

Really? My standards are very high, Commander.

Well, I wouldn't call mine low.

[He texts a picture.]

Well, it's a good start. I do like black lace, but really, who doesn't? Do you intend to tie my hands up like that?

Do you want me to? That does come with the set.

You might be able to convince me. You caught me once, after all, and you seemed to enjoy that terribly.

Andraste's ashes.

[A faint chuff of laughter.]

Fair enough. I did enjoy it, and I can't pretend it was all the transformation. Shall I bring this by, then? See where it takes us?

I'd like that. But don't come to the apartment. I'll send you another address. I have a house.

All right. Is there anything else I should bring?

[He has his own ideas, a few surprises, but he'd like to hear if there's anything specific he wants.]

Hmm... whatever you like. And flowers.

All right. Just send me the address and I'll be there within the hour.

[That will give him plenty of time to get cleaned up, ready, and pick up the rest of it along the way.]

hey jamie
thanks for the effort
I owe you

I did what I could.
I can't make any promises.

still
I owe you something more than just a coffee for dealing with all that
I know its part of the gig

send me a bill for whatever you'd like, my treat

you might regret that
i am both expensive and fickle

For a single thing you'd like, once you've decided you like it
I have other ideas, you should get those in a day or two

so mysterious, Henry

I mean it

You deserve something nice for putting up with whatever she made you put up with, and I can do a little bit at least

[This bouquet is delivered to Jaime with a small note on the card in Cullen's cramped handwriting. "In my world, toward the end of the year, we celebrate Satinalia. I hope these warm a dreary day.

Affectionately, Cullen"]

Jamie sits with the flowers and the card for a long time. His fingers trace the dense handwriting and he wonders if Cullen is used to trying to fit a lot of information on small papers or if it's an indication of a man that's always in a hurry.

His fingers curl around the card and Jamie curls around himself, cheek against his knee.

When he manages to pull himself together, he sends a text:

thank you, Cullen

You're welcome. I'm glad they arrived where they were supposed to. Delivery here is much more reliable than in much of Thedas.

[ Jamie will receive a neat cedar window box, already full of soil and with handsome plant markers. Though nothing's sprouted yet, the plant markers say what should come up under Jamie's attention: lavender, hyacinth, and tuberose.

With it is a small card, clearly handmade. Henry's handwriting is neat and crisp.

Thanks for everything. Have something sweet ]

We need to talk.
You have my heart and I want it back, Jamie.
Please.

fine

[not even a fight?]

you know where i live

[well, Jon knows where the cottage is. But that's where he kept everything and that's where he is.]

[The easy agreement almost makes him more nervous. Still, he does know the cottage. It's about fifteen minutes later that Jamie will hear a knock on his door. Jon is standing there, looking about ready to collapse. The walk over had taken a great deal out of him.]

Heart. Now, please.

[Jamie looks rather sullen when he opens the door. Rather than answering, he turns and heads back into the house, leaving the door open. He's lost them one by one, and he feels utterly terrible about--everything.]

It's upstairs, [he says at last.] You can come in a get it.

[He doesn't make deliveries.]

[Oh, for-!]

I'm sorry, Jamie.

[He hates that he genuinely does feel sorry, like he's doing something wrong here. Like this is a man he's in love with. Jon trudges inside, closing the door behind himself. The stairs look like a mountain in his eyes.]

I... I don't want to hurt you.

I'm already hurt.

[Up in the bedroom, Jamie pulls a box out from under his bed. He sits on the edge of it and hugs the box to his chest for a moment. He turned into Sam. He became what Sam was. What does that make him now?

Except Sam would never have stopped.

Jamie swallows thickly and he opens the box. He takes the tape recorder out and offers it to Jon. All he needs to do is touch it.]

I'm... sorry.

[The Archivist is very slow to mount the steps. He considers crawling when he's nearing the top, but won't stoop to that. He just looks even more haggard, swaying slightly, as he steps into the room. His eyes fall on the tape recorder, and he reaches for it. It vanishes as soon as he makes contact, but it's like a spark inside of him. That sense of empty wrongness vanishes, replaced by... the most standard emptiness he feels in the pit of himself.

The adoration for Jamie fades, as well, thank god. He's still a fascinating creature and someone Jon more or less likes most of the time, but the sensation of being heartsick for him is gone. Thank god. Jon takes a deep breath and straightens himself up.]

Yes, well... we've both done unpleasant things to each other. Let's... try not to from now on?

[He considers just leaving, but stands there awkwardly, instead, contemplating the changeling.]

You're feeling less... wintry?

I sincerely doubt we'll be able to stop. It's who you are, and it's who I am.

[Jamie knows - or realizes - that he's a tempting target for the Beholding and he always will be. And because Jon is the host, that means he will always be the face of that horror.

And Jamie is and will always be both a master and puppet of desire of one kind or another. He will always want to give people what they want; he will always need to find fulfillment for himself.]

But yes. I've enough sorrow to be Winter yet, but I'm... no longer acting like a member of the Duchy. [He sighs and pushes his fingers through his hair. Jon likes information, right?] The Duchy of the Icebound Heart is... a group within Winter courts. Sam was an Icebound Duke the last time I saw him.

[Jon feels himself stiffen. He doesn't want to believe that this is what he is, just a thing meant to hurt. But it is. They're both fighting against darker natures with mixed success... and a great deal of failure. But he thinks about Daisy and about Martin and Agnes. All of them hanging onto some piece of humanity. Jon's thread of it feels more tenuous these days, but he's trying.]

We're more than our instincts, Jamie. [The words are soft, not a challenge, just a gentle reminder.] It's what keeps us human. [As much as they can be, anymore.]

That makes sense, though, given what you told me about him. [Given what the Archivist extracted. He takes another step forward and places a hand on Jamie's shoulder. He feels uncomfortable, uncertain. Jon has no idea if this will help.] Winter's almost over, though. I'll be glad to see spring again.

[He's curious to hear more about that court, but consciously bites back on the questions. Another time. Probably over the network.]

[He doesn't know if he wants to flinch or lean in when Jon touches him, and that speaks enough to his torn state. But, after a moment, he rests his hand over Jon's.]

I can practically feel the questions, you know, [he says with a small smile.] Text me later or something and I'll answer them, whatever they are.

[He's brought up the Winter Court, the Duchy, and probably other things that he's sure will pique Jon's interest. Maybe it would feel better to just talk about them.]

I am sorry for what I did... I don't know what brought it on. I've never been so close to Winter before. I suppose it might have been something going around the city, but...

[But no one else solved their problem by stealing hearts.]

It was. [That's easy enough to answer, and he doesn't even need his Knowing for it.] One of my Submissives was affected. He became obsessed with someone, broke into their flat. I imagine there are similar stories.

Writing it out could help you process it?

[He realizes he's asking for a Statement and grimaces at himself.]

Or just talk to someone who isn't me.

[Jamie offers a wan smile.]

And who else would I talk to, Jon? At least you actually want to listen. I'll text you later and you can ask all about the Duchy or whatever just happened, if that's what you want. I'm tempted to do it out loud, right now.

[Jon's already taken two statements from him, more or less. What's the danger at this point in letting him have a third?]

Don't... tell me that. Please.

[Jon's whole body tenses up. He's focusing intently on Jamie, fighting back the urge, the need to ask. He wants so badly to know, though. Right now. And if Jamie's willing to just tell him-]

I'm leaving. I-I'll text you later.

[Jon turns abruptly, not trusting himself in the slightest to be able to hold out for much longer.]

[Maybe it was cruel to say it, but there is a self-destructive part of him, an indulgent part, that means it.

So it's probably for the best that Jon leaves before Jamie gives him exactly what he wants.]

Bye, Jon. Talk to you soon.

[Jon knows where the front door is. Jamie trusts he'll be able to find it. He just wants a nap.]

[It's a few hours later that Jon texts Jamie again.]

I'd like to hear anything you want to tell me about the Winter Duchy.
All of them, actually.
I know you're part of spring.
But how do all these 'courts' actually work?
And interact with the Hedge?

oh, you don't hold back, do you?
I know WHY i can't tell you this while talking, but it does make things easier.

okay.

the Duchy of the Icebound Heart is an entitlement members of the Winter Court can take.
one has to be initiated, most often by breaking the heart of or otherwise conning another member of the Duchy.
they pervert desire and wrap people around their fingers without intending any kind of reciprocity. the Spring Court has a very terse relationship with them.
Sam was in the Duchy. He wanted my heart.
Tell me if you want me to come back to this.

[There's a pause while Jamie finds himself somewhere more comfortable to be. He ends up in his bedroom, curled beneath a warm comforter.]

seasonal courts are the most common, but they aren't the only ones.
when you escape and get back into the real world, the safest thing to do is join a freehold, and freeholds are run by courts.
how you cope with your new station in life is how you find your court, or how they find you
winter is for sorrow, spring is for desire, summer is for wrath, and fall is for fear
winter mourns what they've lost
spring lives as loudly and fully as they can
summer turns its anger back on those that would hurt us
and autumn seeks to use what they were once afraid of

[he'll get to the Hedge, he promises.]

[Jamie's demeanor and affiliations certainly make more sense, based on those descriptions.]

Is there some sort of pact or contract signed with a particular court once you're brought into it?
Something that grants you powers or privileges?

sometimes the Courts recruit
other times there's something you have to do to get in
autumn requires a secret or some new knowledge
summer puts potential members through a gauntlet
spring is generally open to anyone but it requires an entire lifestyle
and if you aren't genuine or passionate in its pursuit, you're left on the edges and unable to advance

What does advancing in a court mean?
Is it just better protection? I assume there's certain connections you gain through that sort of thing.
Are the Fae in Arcadia willing to negotiate if you're a sufficiently powerful changeling of the Court?

[There's a small pause while Jamie tries to think of how to articulate what he means.]

i mean, there's a reason they're called Courts
there's intrigue, gossip, back-stabbing, advancement, favor.
I was a prince.
Florian was my first king, Inanna was my second.
Florian took a liking to me. I was good at planning parties, I could twist desire like few others in the court, and I had a little bit of a reckless streak
it's... status. Being higher in the court usually means you've achieved something. '
but it is power, too.
You don't get into the higher ranks or you don't achieve entitlements without skill.

the Gentry won't negotiate with us, ever.
and even if it seems like they are, it would involve selling out other changelings
like Sam did

Did you want to be king?

[That's probably not the most important part here, but Jon is curious.]

I don't know.
I guess I thought about it now and then.
for the most part I was happy as a prince, i don't know that i'd really want the responsibility of a full monarch. and there are duties.
I didn't mind helping, though.

[Jamie liked Florian and Inanna, and hadn't particularly wanted to see them deposed.]

What duties are there?
Do the courts ever coordinate?
Or are they like rival factions, vying constantly for power?

every year we host the Spring Revel, which is usually the official change of power from the Winter Court to us.
everyone wants an invitation, it's the party of the year
during the Revel, the members of the court try to make at least one desire for every attendant come true

there's also the Homecoming, which celebrates the founder of the Spring Court's escape from Arcadia
it's a purely hedonistic affair

anyway, our duties are hosting the events. During the course of the year, power will change to other courts so we fade into the background a bit, but we're never not doing our work. Desire is ours, and we fulfill it and indulge it at every turn.

Of course there are rivaling factions. Within the Courts and out.
Each Court tends to want to stay in power, but part of our power is the fact that the seasons change, so we try to honor that.
Spring and Summer tend to get along well.
I'm not sure Winter gets along with anyone.

[It's fascinating, really. Seasonal power. The Fears rise and fall in power with time, but he can't imagine any of them willingly giving up what they have. Elias had had to trick all the others into being dragged along for the ride.]

What about the Autumn Court?
You mentioned they're all about new knowledge.
Do they get on with Spring?
I imagine the desire for new knowledge would be powerful.

Edited 2020-04-19 02:22 (UTC)

yes and no
the autumn court is fucking creepy
they play with magic the Gentry use and go turning over rocks that maybe shouldn't be touched and they spend so much time digging through the past
but they do have desire
very, very strong desire
and we (Spring) understand it

I guess I can't speak to bad of them
one of them is the reason we actually managed to catch Sam

I think I'd get on with them more than most.

[And he's already assigning the courts to Fears.]

All of the changelings have some element of the Stranger given the nature of your creation, I think.
Autumn might cleave closest to the Eye.
Possibly some element of the Hunt, depending on what they might do to acquire their knowledge.
Relentless pursuit and all that.
The Vast I could see coming in here.
Feeling small in comparison to the Gentry.
Small compared to all the knowledge and fear there is.
Winter seems perfectly set to align with the Lonely.
The Dark, the Buried, and the End might find a home there, too.
Spring would be for the Web and the Corruption.
Possibly the Spiral.
Summer would have to be the Slaughter, the Desolation, and the Flesh.
Possibly the Hunt, as well, depending on context.

[None of it really comes as a surprise. Jamie doesn't know the Fears well, but he can get a gist of them as Jon lists them off and assigns them to the Courts. He shivers and has to set down his phone for a moment, face in his hands. But eventually he picks it up again.]

Aptly assigned, I think.
easier to compare them to the Courts than to the Gentry themselves
you sort of met the Old Man, and he's one of many

I'm sure the Gentry would fall into the categories well enough.
Your Old Salt could be something like the Buried.
Drowning often is associated with that one.

I wonder if they Gentry are harder to categorize, though
they have aspects, titles that they take
the Old Salt is also the Abyss and the Glare on the Horizon

Their titles can be whatever they want.
It's more about what they do, what sorts of terrors they inspire.
I suppose they could be a mix of the entities, though.

fear of the abyss might be different than a fear of drowning
but that's more your area than mine
i just know that he terrified me, always

It honestly depends on an individual's perception of the fear they're experiencing.
Fear of the abyss could be linked to the fear of drowning if you fear the abyss because you might go down so deep you'll never be able to reach the sky again.
That terror that fills you as you think of the water pressing in on all sides, getting heavier and heavier.
Sinking slowly, the world dragging you down to its very core.

But you could fear the abyss because it is a vast and unknowable space.
The ever deep where creatures your imagination conjures in its darkest hours can come to life.
Monsters with eyes the size of houses.
There's always a bigger fish...

Don't make me cry, Jon
I'm not even at the beach

[Reading everything that Jon's rattled off has brought back the very real feeling of his terror. He remembers how it felt to drown, how it felt to be overwhelmed by the Murigheas. Jamie doesn't realize he has his hand pressed to his cheek for a long moment. He makes himself put it down. He doesn't answer for a little while.]

well, that was a pleasant trip down memory lane.

[He thinks Jamie is joking at first, but when it takes a while for anything else to come, the Archivist realizes he's pushed too far.]

I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to scare you.

That's what it was like to live with him, you know. All of that, all the time.

Sorry.
We don't have to talk about this anymore.
I do appreciate the information.

I can't even take a bath alone, you know.
Not really.

[Well, that's... news. Very unpleasant news.]

Wolf helps with that?

He does.
During that weird dream-thing last year he saw that particular memory play out.

[It occurs to him, briefly, that Jon may not have heard that one.]

He'll sit with me if I need company. Noah and Victor do too sometimes.

Otherwise it's just showers for me.

Edited 2020-05-10 17:02 (UTC)

[Considering Jon mostly takes showers, he doesn't suppose that would bother him all that much.]

At least you have a way to keep clean?
That's something.

[That's also probably more callous than it needs to be, but what else can he really say?]

well, I'd need something anyway
these looks aren't COMPLETELY effortless

so you think the Old Salt had something to do with the Vast or the Buried, was it? Makes me wonder about one of the others I met. He didn't seem so bad. Kind, even, all things considered.

[There's a part of Jon that wants to correct the man. From what he's seen? No. No, the Old Salt was not a kind thing. But on the other hand, hasn't he equivocated to himself about the Beholding? At least it's not the Corruption, after all.]

I expect I could classify some of them if you have stories you'd be willing to share about them?

The stories are hazy.
It's hard to remember Arcadia, I don't know why but that's how it is.

Jamie rubs his neck as he tries to remember. Ever since Jon's taken statements, he remembers his nightmares... better. But it's mostly Muirgheas's realm he remembers.]

there was one that came around after Jack Nimble died.
well, after he was murdered.
we think it was Sam that summoned it, which is...
you don't do that. it's a betrayal beyond anything to bring one of Them.
they called her the Shrike, but I don't know if that was a proper title or just something changelings used

she hunted changelings and mortals alike, whatever she could get her hands on. she... put them on thorns, in the Hedge. I think she... ate them, after they died.

Elements of the Hunt and the Slaughter, certainly.
Those are always a bit hard to tease apart.
Would you say she took more pleasure in the chase or the killing??

I'm not really sure
She seemed to like the hunt but from what I heard she took some joy or whatever shoving people on spikes and waiting for them to ripen.

sorry

the Old Man didn't really hunt me, did you know that?

[He knows that Jon - the Archivist - is in all his nightmares now. Jamie knows he's there even if he can't always see him.]

I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time when he came to collect Cade, Quick, and Sam.

Edited (html) 2020-05-21 15:38 (UTC)

[Well, that's thoroughly disgusting.]

Some part of the Corruption in there, perhaps.
It's fine, Jamie.
For as horrible as all of this is, it's familiar enough that it doesn't bother me as much as it probably ought to.

But... I'm sorry for how that happened.
Sometimes that's just the way of it.
It's how I became the Archivist.
I picked up the wrong book when I was child and went to work for the wrong place.
Just bad luck.

do you regret it?
any of it?

All of it.
I don't know if I could have changed anything, though.
I've always been far too curious.

I don't know that I could, either
a few human horrors would have to be changed, first

and i don't regret quick and cade
they're the closet thing to family i have

Maybe that's what destiny is, then.
The fate we'd always choose, even knowing better.

well, this got awfully deep

[he's smiling, though. maybe it's sad, but it's still a smile. he's very fond of Jon.]

I want to see you again sometime soon. Maybe tea or coffee or something? Whatever you like.

All right.
In a little bit.
Martin wasn't thrilled to hear you stole my heart.
A little distance for a bit might settle his mind.

Don't suppose a bouquet and an apology card would do much, would it?
I really didn't mean to.
Or, I did, but.
You know what it's like to get... carried away by something.

It really might be best to let sleeping dogs lie.
At least for now.

I'll do my best.

I am sorry, Jon.
I can't remember now if I actually apologized.
But now you have it in writing.

Thank you, Jamie.
I'll talk to you later.

[It's one of Jamie's nights at the bar rather than dancing. Dorian would never try this when Jamie's entertaining. Satan forbid a customer want to play and ruin all Dorian's fun.

But tonight he's been stealing Jamie away periodically, calling Jamie to his office or tugging him into the back room to edge him, bringing him to the brink of climax before sending him back to work with a sweet kiss.

By the time the club closes for the night, Dorian might be just as eager for release as Jamie. Most of the staff have gone when Dorian finds Jamie wiping down the bar and slides up behind him, hands on his hips.]

Did you have a good night, darling?

[Dorian is a nuisance.

A delicious, delirious, wicked nuisance.

The first time he steals Jamie away isn't unusual. Most nights they fool around on his breaks - some of which are extra, if the night is slow enough. But tonight, it's every chance Dorian gets. Every moment Jamie isn't busy behind the bar, he's in a back room, he's in Dorian's office, or he's in one of the unused suites being edged to within an inch of his life.

The first time, he thinks they merely ran out of time. By the second, he realized what Dorian was doing. And by the end of the night, every brush of fabric makes him pause. Jamie swears he's close enough to the edge that a stiff breeze might send him over. It's had an affect on the patrons, too. The changeling is pouring out desire and humans, especially have no way to resist that. They end up spending more money just to get Jamie's attention. So at least the tips were good, if he has to suffer.

He shivers hard when Dorian sidles up behind him. Jamie freezes and bites back a whimper.]

I hate you, [he breathes, though there isn't a shred of venom in it. He tips his head back to rest it against Dorian's shoulder.] You're lucky I'm still standing up.

[As he says it, he tries to push one of Dorian's hands lower. Futile, probably.]

[It's hard enough for Dorian to resist temptation on his best behavior. He's far from his best behavior tonight, and Jamie is always a temptation.

When Jamie's head hits his shoulder, he dips his own to drag his tongue up Jamie's neck, laughing softly at the attempts to move his hands. He slides them higher instead, up under Jamie's shirt.]

That's not even slightly true, and we both know it.

[He could easily give Jamie what he wants, slip his hand lower and finally bring him to completion, but he's worked too hard for this to be over so quickly.]

Right now, I'd say you want me quite badly.

I'm desperate for you, [he confesses, quietly breathless after the tease of Dorian's tongue up his neck. Having his warm hands beneath his shirt is no better than having them below his waist and Jamie shivers in Dorian's arms.]

I'm all finished here... do I have to wait longer? Tell me what you want. I'll give you anything.

[Dangerous propositions, but Jamie has never half-assed anything. He bites his lip and presses back against Dorian. What has his boss been doing all night? Has he taken care of himself at all once Jamie was out of sight? Or has Dorian been waiting just as long as he has?]

[Dorian keeps his composure right until Jamie moves against him. It drags a low moan from him that should answer any questions Jamie has about what Dorian's been doing. He moans directly into Jamie's ear, fingers finding a nipple and pinching as he arches forward as well, hardening against Jamie's ass.]

Anything at all? [The offer dares him to be cruel.] What if I want a show first?

[Jamie shivers and tips his head down; he makes a quiet noise when Dorian pinches at him but he doesn't pull away. Not for a second.]

Yes, [he answers, soft and a little breathless.] I'll give you a show, just tell me what you want.

[Satan, he's delightfully wanton. Jamie never fails to amaze Dorian with his willingness to lean into pleasure and pain both. He twists Jamie's nipple then pulls back, hands dragging over Jamie's skin slowly as they go.]

Up on the bar, Jamie dear. I want to see you dance.

[Jamie moans sharply at the wicked twist, but then he’s free and toldvto dance. He takes a deep breath before he climbs up onto the bar. Usually he’s behind closed doors when he dances, but he’s happy to show off for Dorian now.

Pain, pleasure: he’ll indulge as far as his body will let him.]

Should I be naked by the end of this dance?

[He doesn’t wait to begin, instead finding the rhythm in the music still playing; it seems loud now that the club is empty. He moves with a grace that demands attention. And it isn’t difficult at all for him to start getting dirty with it.]

[As Jamie begins to dance, Dorian steps back, leaning against the counter to watch. He loves the way Jamie moves, the comfort he has in his beautiful body. For a moment, all his focus is on Jamie, and his lips curl into a wicked smile.]

Yes, but not too quickly.

[He moves to mix himself a drink, keeping half an eye on Jamie.]

I want to finish my drink first.

[It's a challenge of sorts, for Jamie to make him drink faster.]

[Jamie bites his lip and flashes a wicked little smile. Alright, challenge accepted.

He's stripped out of this uniform more times than he can count now, usually for patrons, but often enough for Dorian, too. And he's spent time learning exactly what his boss likes and the little tricks that might get his blood pumping faster.

With little flourishes, he puts the tease in striptease; every slip of fabric is calculated yet made to look like an accident. And, bit by bit, he reveals the lingerie he's worn tonight beneath it.

He kicks his trousers at Dorian once they're off.]

[Jamie never disappoints in his performance, and though Dorian luxuriates over his cocktail, he also reaches between his legs to adjust himself, letting his palm drag over the length of his erection, hissing slightly. His gaze never wavers from Jamie's form. When Jamie's trousers fly toward him, he laughs, keeping the cocktail in one hand and abandoning his cock to catch the garment.]

Your wardrobe never fails to impress, Jamie darling. What a beautiful frame that makes for your eager cock.

[His attention lingers at Jamie's groin a moment, trousers dangling from his fingers. Then he meets Jamie's eyes and lets the trousers fall, lifting his glass to drain nearly all of it.]

[Jamie grins when Dorian nearly downs the rest of his drink. He sinks down to the bar top and stretches himself out, elegantly poised as he lolls his head to look at Dorian.]

I thought you might like this. I've half a dozen now in different colors.

[It's spring, he's going to wear flowers. Jamie rolls carefully and gets his knees under him so he can knee up. He puts his back to Dorian and manages to be deft in the way he unsnaps the fastenings. The gauzy fabric falls as far as Jamie's arms will let it. He peers over his shoulder at Dorian with a wicked smile.]

[Dorian's eyes track the line of Jamie's form, sliding down his spine appreciatively as he sips the last of his drink and sets his glass aside.]

Your sartorial sense never fails to impress, and you know I love a good frame around something beautiful.

[Jamie understands his own beauty well enough to use it, and Dorian appreciates that as well. It's certainly relatable. He moves to the bar and slips his fingers under those straps, tugging Jamie back.]

How do you want it, darling?

Right here at the bar, [he says as Dorian pulls him back.] You should do it while I'm working one night, bet I'll get insane tips.

[Jamie eases back toward Dorian's touch, though he's careful not to compromise his balance or his position too much. The last thing he needs is to fall on the floor while he's trying to seduce his boss.]

[Dorian laughs softly, lips pressed to the back of Jamie's neck, and he slides his hands under the bodice, fingers skating along Jamie's ribs.]

I considered it tonight. Just before last call?

[One hand moves lower, over the fabric of Jamie's panties, his palm ghosting over the length of Jamie's erection.]

I thought about peeling you out of your clothing as you served customers, then bending you over the bar, watching you struggle not to come on my cock.

I would have let you, you know.

[Not that Dorian has ever asked for or particularly needed Jamie's permission to do anything like that. But there's nothing wrong with making his desires known.]

Does that mean I'd have to split my tips, though?

[Jamie grins and rocks his hips toward the light touch teasing over his cock. His face gets hot and he bites his lip. He's already aching hard: he's been dying for that denied release all night, pushed high every time Dorian pulled him into a back room or his office. He tips his head, giving Dorian more access to his neck.]

Please, darling. I've been waiting all night.

Edited 2020-05-07 21:47 (UTC)

I do know. That didn't help my resolve.

[He will someday. Now that the idea's in his head, he won't be able to resist the temptation for long.]

I would never deprive you of your hard-earned tips.

[He bites down sharply, leaving a mark on Jamie's throat that his lips close over immediately after.]

On your back, wicked thing. I'm going to take you on top of the bar.

[Jamie moans as wicked teeth dig against his shoulder, soothed just a moment later by the warmth of Dorian's mouth. He shivers hard and it takes him a moment to move when Dorian finally lets him go.

He gets up onto the bar and lays back, leaving himself exposed for Dorian's pleasure. He has a becoming blush on his face and one starting across his chest.]

I almost begged you to fuck me on your desk, [he confesses, eyes dark as he watches Dorian. Jamie reaches down to give himself a little stroke, just to take the edge off.]

[He's not exactly meaning to be cruel when he pauses to look Jamie over, but it's a nice bonus.]

I might have done. You're such a beautiful thing when you're desperate.

[Jamie is always beautiful, but Dorian especially likes him desperate. He climbs up onto the bar, nearly as graceful as Jamie, and reaches out to catch his hand.]

Tut tut, darling. You're coming on my cock tonight.

[Jamie pouts when Dorian takes his hand away but he doesn't resist. He looks at Dorian, full of need and wanting, and his other hand reaches to try to pull Dorian closer between his thighs.]

Then give it to me, [he quips and a wicked grin lights his face as he sidles closer.]

You've been waiting as long as I have, unless you took care of yourself every time you sent me off.

[Dorian grins as he holds himself over Jamie, settling between his thighs. He quickly slicks his cock and leans down to kiss Jamie slowly.]

No, and believe me, darling, I ache to be inside you.

[He touches his forehead to Jamie's and pushes into him slowly, groaning deep in his throat.]

[Jamie bites his lip as Dorian pushes in, holding back a whimper of relief. His restraint doesn't last long and he gasps when Dorian's hips press up against him.]

Oh, fuck yes.

[He's learned by now to be careful about his blaspheming around Dorian and he's gotten fairly good at avoiding it.]

You feel so fucking good, darling.

[Dorian whimpers himself as he attempts to hold still, drag out their mutual torment a moment longer. He can't manage it for more than a second, and when he begins o fuck Jamie it's quick and desperate.]

You always feel good, Jamie dear.

[He dips his head to kiss Jamie's throat, setting his teeth to it and holding on. He loves to see his mark on Jamie, and he loves seeing the marks of Jamie's other lovers there as well.]

[Jamie tangles his fingers in Dorian's hair as lips and teeth conspire to leave marks on his neck. He tips his head, giving Dorian as much room as he wants. Jamie loves having marks, and he certainly doesn't mind the way his other lovers get a little possessive if he shows up with bruises.

He knows Dorian delights in seeing the retaliation.

He tries to meet every thrust, urging Dorian as deep as he can get.]

[Dorian wants to drag this out for both of them, but he's far too close to the edge already. He reaches between them to touch Jamie's cock, just a teasing stroke of his fingers along the shaft.]

You're going to come with me, darling. Are you ready?

[He knows the answer already, but it's as much as he can manage to lengthen the experience.]

[Jamie trembles when Dorian touches him, offering a bare stroke.]

Fuck yes, [he gasps, grabbing at Dorian's thigh and his hip.] Dorian, please. Please--

[But he feels it building already. He's been hanging on the edge all night and there's nothing he can do to stop himself now. He whimpers as he tightens beneath Dorian, moaning his name sharply as his head falls back.]

[Dorian can't hold out against that, and he finishes just as Jamie tightens, groaning into his neck, his whole body shuddering with the intensity of it. He sucks in a breath and releases it against Jamie's skin in a laugh.]

Oh you beautiful, beautiful thing.

[Jamie trembles and slumps back on the bar top, panting for breath as Dorian finishes in him. A grin spreads slowly across his face when he hears Dorian's breathless laugh. He reaches to push his fingers through Dorian's golden hair, fingernails gently dragging along his scalp.]

You're perfect, [he breathes.] Fuck, Dorian.

Now that he's no longer avoiding Jamie, thinking about him isn't a guilty activity. Noah doesn't have to try not to imagine what Jamie might be doing. He can go see for himself. Which is just what he does one sunny afternoon, appearing in his usual mildly unsettling fashion, body draped across the end of Jamie's cozy cottage bed like an extra blanket.

(Who needs to text first? Certainly not this ghost.)

"You're not busy today, are you?"

Jamie jumps just a little when Noah is suddenly in his bed. He's laying on his stomach with a book (surprise surprise) and he grins when he sees his darling ghost.

"Well, if I was entertaining, you'd know by now. What will you do if you ever show up when I have someone here?"

He gives Noah a sly grin and reaches to nudge him with his foot.

"Hmm, I guess-"

Noah cuts himself off with a soft snort when Jamie pokes him with his foot and he rolls onto his back, propping his head on one folded arm. Seemingly staring up at the ceiling, he continues, "It would depend on who the someone is." He sneaks a sideways glance. "And how you're entertaining them."

Probably he wouldn't want to stick around, but who knows.

He scoots closer so he can lean over and kiss Noah once he's settled on his back. It feels good to have him here, to have him just show up like he always has. Perfect.

"And what if I was entertaining myself, hm? What then?"

He has plenty of toys here to do that with, after all, and sometimes he does come to his cottage specifically for alone time.

The kiss warms him the way the sun spilling through the curtains ought to, just for a moment, and Noah's smiling as Jamie pulls back.

Quicker this time, he says, "I'd see if you needed a hand." A dull ghostly flush darkens his smudgy cheek as he lifts his free hand and wiggles his fingers at Jamie.

Though, in all honesty, he might watch a while first. If Jamie was... distracted enough not to notice him right away.

"A hand, another cock. You know me, darling, I do like extra attention."

Jamie grins and brushes his fingers along Noah's blushing cheek. He leans to kiss that, too, and lingers with his head near Noah's.

"I'm sure I have all kinds of things that would make you blush terribly, even after a year here."

"Like what?" Now he's curious.

It's also a fair assumption from Jamie, since Noah doesn't really go in for accessories. He has some cheap plastic toys from last year's spring carnival shoved in a drawer along with the blindfold and handcuffs Dorian mailed him by mistake and he's never used any of them. And he's seen plenty of weirder stuff in advertisements and window displays, but that doesn't exactly count. Not when he doesn't know what half of it is even used for.

"There's a box under the bed, right where your feet are. Grab it for me, darling."

Jamie rolls away and sits up, leaving some space between them on the bed. As soon as the box appears, he reaches to flip the lid off. And my, the box is full of toys. Cocks of every shape and size and color, most of the decidedly not quite human-looking.

Some of them vibrate, some of the have come tubes, and all of them have been used at some point or another.

Noah obligingly turns over and leans halfway off the bed, pawing around underneath until his fingers touch the corner of the box. He hauls it up and plunks it into the space Jamie's made for it and then settles on his knees, leaning forward to check out the contents.

Blinking at the array of colorful insertables, he says, "...Huh."

The shapes are interesting, a lot of unexpected... bulges and ridges. One of them, from a certain angle, looks like the insides of a lava lamp gone rogue. Noah's trying to picture using any of them and he can't help it, he laughs.

Jamie breaks into a bright grin when Noah starts laughing and he reaches to push the other boy's shoulder. "Oh don't laugh, maybe they're sensitive."

He laughs, though, practically giggles and takes one out of the box to brandish it at Noah.

"Don't knock it til you've tried it."

Poke poke.

That just makes him laugh harder, shoulders quaking.

"No way!" Noah leans away from the wobbling wonky-shaped dick at first and then kinda flicks it with his index finger and snickers more. "The end is like a... sideways pine cone!"

He grabs another at random from the box to slap against it in a mock duel.

"A sexy sideways pinecone," he purrs as he pokes Noah again. Jamie laughs and swats at whatever Noah brandishes back at him. "You're lucky I like my toys durable!"

He grins and launches himself closer to crash into a smiling kiss.

"Mmm, that one's one of my favorites," he coos right before he flicks his tongue over Noah's lips. "Good taste."

Most of these toys aren't particularly sexy in Noah's opinion—at least not looking at them on their own. Maybe he would feel differently if he saw them in action.

On that note, a prickle of arousal accompanies the reminder that the toy he's holding has been inside Jamie. He shifts his grip on it, subtly feeling out the texture, and steals another kiss.

"What do you like about it?"

Jamie leans into the kiss and catches Noah's lip in a gentle bite before they part again. The question sends a sly smile flickering across his mouth.

"The size, first of all," he quips. "Not too much, but oh, it takes a little effort."

He grins and moves closer to Noah so he can nuzzle along his jaw. His teeth graze Noah's earlobe and his fingers drift over the toy he's holding.

"The shape is important, too. It's not hard to get the angle just right so that I'm seeing stars. And, honestly, the texture is just fun."

"Mm." He squirms a little, suddenly shivery. Just because he knows exactly what Jamie's up to here doesn't mean it isn't working. The teasing touches are turning him on and now the images crossing his mind aren't quite so funny.

"Well," Noah says, striving to sound light, joking. "If that's what you're into."

But it's not very convincing. He pushes the toy into Jamie's hands and, at first, it might seem like he's trying to get rid of it, but then he says, "Do you... want to show me?"

He grins when Noah foists the toy at him and follows up with that sweet question. Jamie gets another kiss and gently bites Noah's bottom lip. "Sure thing, beautiful."

Jamie lets himself fall back and scoots up the bed so that Noah has a decent view. He hikes his skirt up around his waist and tosses his panties at Noah once he gets them off. Then he pauses and a little grin flickers across his face.

"Do you mind if I change?"

He's changed with Noah before, but he doesn't like to just surprise people that are used to seeing him one way or the other.

Edited 2020-05-29 02:29 (UTC)

While Jamie makes himself comfortable, Noah does the same, settling in to watch. Mostly this means pushing the box farther out of the way and fussing with the blankets. He catches the panties when they come flying at him and drops them next to him with a laugh.

"Oh-" He shrugs at the question. "Um, that's fine, however you like it."

He definitely associates Jamie with a particular set of parts, but it's not like he's biased one way or the other overall. And Jamie is the one sticking the toy somewhere, so it's up to him where it goes.

Jamie grins and pulls his skirt down. No need to cause any cognitive dissonance with a little magic trick. He hikes it up again and leaves it around his waist as he lays back, making sure Noah has a good view.

He leans to grab his lube and strokes it over the toy even though he's already slick with wanting. Jamie lolls his head so he can keep his gaze on Noah as he teases himself with just the head. His mouth falls open in a little gasp when he pushes it deeper.

"The texture is just--it's really good."

Even without seeing the exact moment the change takes place, it's still somewhat strange to Noah. Maybe because this is only the second time, he isn't used to it. But the glimmer of wetness he spies when Jamie spreads his legs wider makes his stomach dip pleasantly with excitement nonetheless.

He's on his knees with his hands resting on the mattress in front of him and he leans in slightly, watching the tip of the toy as it's swallowed up. His eyes flick over to Jamie's face as he speaks, then back down.

"Yeah?" When he ran his fingers over the toy before, it had certainly been noticeable. "It looks like it would be... bumpy."

"Yeah, but it feels really good inside," he says with a sigh as he gets it a little deeper. Jamie can't help the way he squirms when it feels right. "They make condoms with ribs and bumps, right? Same idea."

He bites his lip when he starts fucking himself, nice and slow for Noah's benefit.

"C'mere, darling. I wanna feel you closer." He beckons with his free hand and his breath catches when the toy sinks deep.

"I think so?" Noah has never once used even the normal type of condom, but the phrase 'ribbed for her pleasure' floats up from some forgotten corner of his brain, so sure, that sounds like a thing.

He crawls forward until he's between Jamie's legs and rests a hand on his knee. Without consciously realizing he's doing it, he pushes on it lightly, creating a wider angle. His eyes are glued to the sight of the toy rocking in and out, glistening with a mixture of lube and juices, the way Jamie stretches around the thicker portion of it as he takes more in.

"...How much of it can you fit?"

Jamie lays his head back now that Noah's closer and his leg moves easily under the gentle pressure, making more room between his thighs and certainly improving Noah's view. For a moment, he loses himself in how the toy feels and how much he likes being watched. With a soft hiccup of breath, he answers the question by pushing the toy deeper.

"I've--I've taken all of it before," he admits with a blush high on his cheeks. He bites his lip and looks up at Noah. "Want me to try?"

His mouth is hanging open ever so slightly and he closes it, swallows, and nods.

"Mmhmm. Yeah... I want to see."

Noah lets his fingers wander along Jamie's inner thigh, barely there and never close enough to interfere with the action, just an idle accompaniment.

Although his cock is stiff and pressing at the front of his wrinkled slacks, he doesn't touch himself except to adjust it through them. He's much more focused on what he's sensing from Jamie, those secondhand impressions of pleasure. Looking and knowing all the while that Jamie likes him looking is as exciting as the actual sight of him slowly stuffing himself.

He makes a little sound as he works the toy a little deeper every time he pushes it in.

"Noah," he sighs and lifts his hips; his breath catches and he opens his eyes again to look at Noah's face, to watch him watching. Jamie likes the feeling of Noah's hand pressed against his thigh, sliding higher while the other boy stares in rapt attention.

"You could--you could take its place. Or leave it in and fuck me somewhere else." He squirms a bit, jerks his hips when the toy slides just right. "Or do you just wanna watch, darling?"

Every one of those options is appealing in its own way. He has to think about what he wants most... Jamie looks so inviting and it would feel so good to sink into him, but then he'd miss some of the little details he's enjoying now.

"I want you to get yourself off," he says, slowly, deciding, "...but I'll help."

Noah leans over Jamie, reaching for the lube he'd set aside, and dips his head down for a quick kiss before he pulls back. He slicks his fingers and carefully slides his hand beneath Jamie's to begin teasing his ass. Circling motions and a bit of pressure, just the tip of one finger.

Jamie makes a soft sound when Noah announces his decision and goes for the lube. He leans up to meet the kiss and pushes the toy deep as he drops back to the bed. He shifts his hips, trying to make sure Noah can reach--whatever he wants. Noah coaxes another little sound out of him as slick fingers tease against his hole with one pushing in just a little.

"Fuck, Noah," he whines softly. He pulls the toy back about half way and he forces himself to go slow as he pushes it back in, allowing himself to feel every bump and ridge. It takes everything he has not to squirm too much. He leaves the toy where it is and takes a second to get his shirt off, throwing it off the bed. His skirt is still bunched up around his waist, but it can stay there.

Noah breathes out a quiet oh. The way the toy is filling Jamie's pussy makes for a tighter fit and, like this, he can feel Jamie's movements with it transferred through the walls of his body. As he gradually slips more of his finger inside, he strokes along the bulge where it presses down and marvels at being able to trace those same ridges.

"I can feel it in you..." It's simultaneously weird and hot.

He's so enthralled by this discovery that he hardly notices what Jamie's doing with his shirt until it's gone.

Jamie shivers all over as Noah's touch slides against the toy.

"Give me another," he urges softly as the toy sinks deep. He whimpers and can't help the way he moves his hips, chasing more. He angles the toy just so as he pulls it back again, nearly all the way out. He's trying to be mindful, trying to keep the pace slow for now when all he wants to do is ride the damn thing and Noah's fingers. A blush spreads across his cheeks and his pale chest.

"Don't stop."

"Bossy," Noah comments, sounding not at all displeased by that. He withdraws that finger partway to make it easier to work a second one in alongside it. With the same air of fascination, he pushes them both in down to the second knuckle, twisting and spreading and stroking.

"You can go faster if you want," he offers. All he wants is to watch Jamie come apart. "You don't have to hold back for me."

He moves his fingers more insistently, crooking them a bit for that extra sense of pressure and fullness.

"Noah," he whines as another finger pushes in. Jamie lifts his hips, chasing the feeling. He bites his lip as he starts fucking himself with the toy in earnest, blushing and urgent as he pushes himself higher. His toes curl when Noah moves his fingers just so, forcing a gasp out of him.

Jamie adjusts the angle of the toy and it doesn't take him long after that. His thighs goes tight and he moans sharply when he finally hits his peak. He tries not to curl up, wanting Noah to be able to watch the whole thing as his orgasm shivers through him.

He keeps fucking himself, though not as hard or as fast, for a moment longer. He trembles as he finally stops, pushing the toy deep one more time and leaving it there as he tries to catch his breath.

"Holy shit."

The way Jamie squirms and tenses and clenches around Noah's fingers, coupled with the shape his mouth makes falling open on that final moan, is just so hot Noah can hardly stand it. Hazy borrowed satisfaction ripples through him, emanating from Jamie. It leaves him throbbing.

Noah waits until Jamie goes still before sliding his fingers free. He fumbles with his belt and zipper, leftover lube making the process way too slippery, and sighs as he pulls his cock out from its tight confines.

With one hand on himself, he reaches for the base of the toy with the other. "Can I...?"

Jamie's dazed for a moment. He's still fucking himself, just riding that sweet wave as Noah fumbles between his thighs. He can hear his belt and zipper come free and he can't help the grin that blossoms across his face.

"Of course you can. You always can."

There's relatively few people Jamie has ever given a kind of blanket permission to, but Noah's more than earned it.

He takes hold of the toy then and begins easing it out of Jamie, though, once it's about two thirds of the way there, he can't resist pushing it back in a little and rocking it. Just to make Jamie gasp. But only enough for a quick tease before he does pull it out and set it aside. Then Noah's leaning forward on his knees and rubbing his cock on him.

Not even penetrating him, just dragging the tip back and forth through the wetness, and it feels so good and he's so worked up from watching Jamie get off, that Noah almost comes from that alone. He could, easily. He lets out a shivery breath and has to pause for a moment, otherwise he's done for.

When Noah gets moving again, he slips into Jamie for a few shallow thrusts and one deep one as he leans down to kiss his neck, sucking harder than he means to in his fervor, and has to stop once more. Even so, it only delays the inevitable by seconds. His hips seem to roll of their own accord and he shudders as he tips over the edge.

Jamie whimpers when Noah plays with the toy. But then it's gone and he can feel Noah's cock rubbing up against him, teasing both of them. When Noah finally pushes in, he moans. His fingers tangle tight in his hair, as Noah sucks a bruise onto his neck. Perfect. Jamie loves having marks, loves to look at them later and remember exactly how he got them.

There's a stutter-stop to Noah's rhythm; Jamie can feel it when he finally comes. The blush in his cheeks deepens and he drops his head back, panting.

"Don't pull out yet," he murmurs as he tries to get closer, grinding their bodies together just to make sure Noah is as deep as he can get.

Noah's not sure he could move even if he wanted to. That was intense and, if he wasn't drawing energy from Jamie, he'd almost certainly be fading out. As it is, he feels boneless and spent. He manages some quiet noise of agreement as he lays there, still buried in Jamie, and presses a few softer kisses to his throat -- only where he can reach without lifting his head.

"I think I get the appeal now..." he mumbles after a minute. At least when it comes to watching. Maybe a toy like that still wouldn't be his first choice for himself, but he certainly enjoyed Jamie using it.

Jamie can't help the grin that brightens his face as Noah concedes the toys have some appeal. Even if it's just watching Jamie use them on himself. He strokes back Noah's hair, fingers caressing along the back of his neck as they just lay there for a moment.

He bites his lip and lolls his head to try and meet Noah's gaze.

"What if I told you to go down on me right now?"

"Right now or in, like... five minutes?"

He's teasing, but Noah's also very comfortable where he is, draped lazily over Jamie. Content with being held and petted. He could stay just like this a while longer—which doesn't mean he won't go down. He does enjoy that - quite a bit, actually - and wouldn't mind getting Jamie off again. Noah grazes his mouth against him one more time before he begins to disentangle himself.

"Get on top and I will," he says as he rolls over onto his back. Compromise.

Edited (i'm a sleepy bitch) 2020-07-03 03:33 (UTC)

Jamie laughs and he's about to tell Noah he can relax for a while when Noah rolls onto his back. He looks over at the other boy and just grins. Fuck, he's smitten. Eventually, Jamie rolls too and carefully straddles Noah's head. He braces himself against the headboard, because he knows if he doesn't he'll probably fall over.

The position has him feeling excited again and he reaches down to stroke his fingers through Noah's golden curls again, giving a gentle tug.

He has a really nice view for a moment there as Jamie's hovering over him and settling down. Noah put his hands on Jamie's waist to steady him, bringing them down to grip the back of his thighs as he begins lapping, soft and slow. Nothing pinpointed about the attention he's giving yet, just broad strokes. Gradually building up to more and getting used to the angle he has to work with.

The slight clench of fingers in his hair is good, makes him a little tingly. Makes him flick his tongue with a little more pressure behind it. Part of him wants Jamie to take over and just grind on him, but not because he's slacking.

Jamie leans into the headboard at the first brush of Noah's tongue. It feels good to have Noah's hands on him and he can't help the wicked little rush he gets seeing him pinned there. Jamie bites his lip and lets his knees slide further apart so that he can put more pressure on Noah. He keeps one hand tight in his hair, holding his head as he starts to move his hips very deliberately.

"You look really good like this," he coos, quietly breathless as he moves just right over Noah's tongue, sending a little spark up his spine.

"Mmmnnmm," Noah moans against Jamie because he can't respond any other way with his mouth so thoroughly occupied. This is exactly what he was hoping for and it's intense, but not unpleasantly so. He tries to keep his tongue firm and closes his eyes to better focus on the sensations of Jamie riding his face, rubbing himself all soft and wet over his mouth.

Sometimes when he tilts his hips down, it results in his pubic bone kind of mashing Noah's upper lip into his teeth, but that's bearable. Noah would be fine with him really going to town, honestly. It won't do him any harm and he likes being used like this, getting to feel Jamie enjoying himself.

Jamie closes his eyes and tightens his fingers in Noah's hair before he lets go. He supports himself against the wall and once he has his balance, he starts moving more deliberately.

"Fuck, push your tongue up a little--fuck."

He bites his lip when he moves his hips just right and Noah's tongue teases inside him. He reminds himself that Noah doesn't really need to breathe as he grinds against his tongue.

"I could just keep you like this," he murmurs, quietly breathless. "Use you whenever I like."

Noah's not even thinking about breathing. Although he often gives the appearance of doing so, it's only out of habit. One of those unconscious processes that's hard to shake long after its purpose has become immaterial. Actually getting air is no longer a concern.

All he cares about doing is sticking his tongue out as far as he can so Jamie can fuck himself on it. That's all that seems to matter in the space his world has narrowed to.

Though there is half a second where his fingers tense on Jamie's thighs. It's just dirty talk, he knows, he knows that... But he can't control the twinge of apprehension it brings up. The memory of his heart in Jamie's hand. His eyes flutter open and closed again. This is different... He's here because he wants to be.

If he was thinking straight, he might not have said it. As it is, he's too wrapped up in how good he feels. Jamie's fingers tighten in Noah's hair and his movements get a little more erratic, demanding, until he's finally tensing up over the other boy's head with a delicious shudder.

"Oh, fuck--fuck Noah--"

He's trembling as another orgasm crashes through him. He chases that feeling - and Noah's tongue - just a little longer before he finally pulls back. Jamie sort of teeters off to the side, collapsing onto the bed next to Noah and looking blissed out. He lets his leg stay draped over Noah's chest.

"You're wonderful."

In his own way drained by the experience, Noah blinks up at the ceiling slowly. His face feels slick and sticky from his chin to the tip of his nose. He licks his lips and then turns his head to wipe the rest on Jamie's sheets, letting out a soft laugh.

"You were doing all the work."

"Maybe, but it was your tongue."

Jamie grins and looks over at Noah. He feels that kind of warm, dazed glow and everything is good. He reaches to brush his fingers along Noah's cheek, then moves closer to kiss him.

"That was fun," he coos.

[A day or two following this:]

Can I come over and leave some things with you?

yeah, of course honey
do you need help bringing stuff here...?

[Cryptic and somewhat worrying, Noah.]

No I can do it myself
It'll probably fit in one box
and the plant

Thanks

[He isn't explaining because he's trying to just type the words without thinking about why he needs to ask. The official notification he received confirming that his contract is now void, that he must vacate the property, that a city-appointed Dominant will assist him in moving back to the Down. It's all awful.]

Okay honey
i'll wait at the cottage

[The plant? But the plant is supposed to stay with Noah. Jamie frowns and tries not to pace around the kitchen. He starts water for tea, just for something to do. He knows Noah gets something out of holding the mug.]

It takes him at least an hour to pack. Not because he has a lot of things - he doesn't - but still, he dawdles over the process. He paces through the house and sighs, pick stuff up, puts it back. Sits in a pile of Adam's clothes that he pulled from the closet and just... spaces out for a little while before coming back to himself and pawing through it all until he finds the sweater he used to borrow most, the one Adam used in a summoning ritual, and bundles it up along with some others.

He starts unwinding the fairy lights strung around the roof, then decides it's too much and abandons the job midway through. One strand is fine. Dol's toys (the ones he can easily find) and treats and leash get set aside because he has friends with dogs and maybe they'll want them.

At last Noah arrives at the cottage, arms full of a bulging cardboard box with the plant balanced precariously on top, and nudges the door with his foot.

He opens the door as soon as he hears that little bump. Jamie frowns when he sees the box and Noah and--something's happened. Something is wrong. He takes the plant so that it won't be so precariously balanced and he moves so that Noah can come in.

"I've got tea, if you want any... Noah, what's going on?"

Jamie sets the plant down so he can help with the box if Noah needs it.

Noah shuffles in with the box and heads toward the kitchen to set it down. It's more unwieldy than it is heavy—the box itself kind of large and everything packed in all slapdash making it seem more full than it is.

He puts it on a chair and his shoulders slump. Only half turning to face Jamie, he says, "They said I'm not allowed to stay, now that--"

His voice catches and his chin wobbles and he pauses. He's really, really tired of crying.

"Because Adam's gone."

"Oh, honey." Jamie wraps around him and hugs him tightly. "Noah, I'm sorry."

God, and they're kicking Noah out of Lattice House? Fucking pricks. He tucks his head down and strokes his fingers into Noah's hair.

"You can stay here. Fuck going back to the Down. You can stay with me until we figure something out."

The house belonged to Adam and he has no legal claim on it, wouldn't be permitted to buy it even if he had the money. That's okay. He wouldn't want to stay there by himself anyway. It's huge and lonely.

Noah sags against Jamie and shuts his eyes tight.

"Thanks..." He sighs. "I have somewhere else too, but I can't be there all the time."

"You can be here as long as you want, okay? Even if I'm not here you can chill out."

He knows Noah doesn't really need a key or anything, so he just wants to make the invitation clear. He nuzzles into Noah's hair and squeezes his arms around him.

"What can I do?" he asks, much softer and almost lost between them.

He nods, chin pressing into Jamie's shoulder. It's good to have the option, in case Lucy and Magnus need their privacy, though he would rather spend time with Jamie than here alone.

"Nothing, just..." Noah foolishly wants to tell him not to leave too, but that isn't fair. It's not a choice. "...I don't know."

There isn't anything anyone can do to make this feel less shitty.

((continued from here))

Ok see I knew it that's too many clothes

[Looking at the new picture, Noah considers what to ask for next...]

You should take your shirt off
but leave the rest on for now

[just a minute later, Jamie sends a picture of the blouse on the floor, then another selfie.]

what next?

[Seeing the discarded blouse by itself sends a tingle of anticipation through him, heightening the impact of the second picture. Good visual storytelling, Jamie.]

I want you to get comfortable
on your bed or wherever
and put your hand down your skirt

[Actually typing that out makes him squirmy but he presses send anyway.]

okay
On top of my panties right?

[as soon as he has confirmation, Jamie does as he’s told. The next picture he sends is a shot from his point of view of his hand disappearing beneath his skirt. He tries not to squirm as he waits for the next text.]

Yeah just on top

[The reason Noah doesn't usually get into sexting (other than a lack of confidence in what he's writing) is that he can't tell what people are thinking this way. Or how they feel. He can't reach out and touch them and he also doesn't find touching himself all that satisfying anymore as a spirit. All that said... this is still kinda hot.]

You can touch yourself
only teasing though

Until you have something more to show me

[It's a minute before Noah gets another text. It's a shot of a wet spot on some panties.]

does this count?

[No one said he couldn't tease Noah.]

[While he's waiting, his mind wanders, filling the blanks of what Jamie must look like right now. His phone pings and he fumbles to open the message. It's-- well, only a hint. He chews on a knuckle as he slowly taps out a response.]

Looks promising... maybe you should keep going

[Jamie grins and he goes right back to it. He waits before he sends Noah another picture: his hand pushed beneath his panties, his skirt hiked up around his hips, legs spread as he teases himself.]

Like this?

Just like that

[But he wants... more.]

What are you thinking about.. what are you picturing?

i'm imagining you here, watching me.
maybe your hands on my thighs, keeping them apart so I don't block your view
or having you pressed up behind me, holding me while you tell me what you want to see

Edited 2020-08-13 03:07 (UTC)

[Right now he thinks he'd like to be behind Jamie, chin pressing into his shoulder, whispering in his ear. His hand over Jamie's hand... tugging it up to put Jamie's fingers in his mouth... It's hard to remember why he's doing this instead of that.]

I want you to keep imagining that and let me know when you're getting close
and then close your eyes and keep them closed
and wait

Okay

[He keeps going, letting himself sink into the fantasy he's building for himself. Jamie nuzzles into his pillow and hits the record button to take a video. The image isn't focused on him, but Noah will be able to hear him as he gasps and as his breath gets quicker. He sends the video, then:]

I'm close

[Then he does as he's told. He keeps his eyes closed after sending it and he waits.]

[Noah's only just finished playing (and... replaying) the video when he gets the text he's been waiting for. He reads it with a shiver, lets Jamie squirm almost a minute longer, and then he's there. A cool presence curling into Jamie's side and a voice in his ear.]

Aw, you really did it.

[That's even hotter than he anticipated. Eyes closed, skirt rucked up, holding back from finishing himself off... Jamie looks amazing like this. Noah mouths at the side of his neck and murmurs a question against his skin,]

Do you want to come now?

[Jamie breathes a sigh of relief when he feels Noah pressed up against him.]

I thought you were never coming, [he admits, quietly breathless as Noah teases his neck. It feels amazing and he reaches for Noah's hand, guiding it to his cock so that Noah can feel how desperate he is.]

Please.

[Jamie's cock feels so hard in Noah's hand, slick with precum. Ready to burst. Noah makes an appreciative sound as he curls his fingers around it and strokes firmly, thumbing over the head on each pass.]

There you go...

[He gives Jamie's neck a little nibble -- just one, because he wants to watch.]

[Jamie can't help the way he squirms in Noah's arms. He arches toward his touch and tries to push back against him all at the same time. His face is flushed and his body warm as Noah strokes him; all Jamie can do is hold onto Noah's hand, not guiding him but taking the chance to touch him where he can.

He whimpers and pushes his face against the pillow as he finally, finally comes. Jamie takes a sharp breath and moans as he exhales. He tenses against Noah as he spills over their fingers.]

Oh--thank you, [he gasps out, quietly breathless as he goes boneless.]

[Noah lets out a pleased little sigh of his own at Jamie's release. He pumps him through it and then, once he's gotten every last drop, slowly slides his hand away to rest sticky on Jamie's stomach. He's still turned on, but not urgently so. For the time being, he's content to simply nuzzle at Jamie and cuddle closer.]

Mm... I love getting to do that.

What? Making me a mess?

[Jamie smiles and turns his head to try and look at Noah. He isn't in a hurry to change their position, but he does shift his hips to press back against Noah. His arousal definitely hasn't gone unnoticed.]

That was fun, though. Should definitely do that more often.

Yeah.

[Jamie is always pretty, but especially when he's a mess. Noah leans over to kiss his cheek, grinding against him only half on purpose. The friction is nice.]

I was... winging it. With the texting. Could you tell?

No, [he says with a lazy smile. He feels heavy and sated and it's perfect. He moves his hips again, encouraging Noah to rub up against him. Jamie turns his head to try to catch Noah in a full kiss.]

You were lovely.

The feral was still dealing with the after-effects of the sudden transformation. He didn't miss being Sabretooth, not one bit.

Jamie will find him on the couch that day, still looking a little exhausted and worse for wear. He'll gladly welcome the changeling's company.

"You look rough, darling."

Jamie runs his fingers along the back of the couch behind Victor's shoulders before promptly climbing over it to sit next to him. He brushes a kiss to the feral's shoulder and his hand slides down to take one of Victor's. He squeezes gently.

"You holding up alright?"

"Still coming down from turning into Sabretooth."

Victor welcomes the kiss and affectionate touch. He won't miss the hyper animalistic urges and dark thoughts. He's done with all that.

"So glad to see you, Jamie."

He nuzzles Victor's shoulder before resting his head there.

"I'm sorry, darling. I know that was hard." He squeezes Victor's hand and brings it up to his mouth for a kiss. He wishes he could do more to soothe away those memories and he can only hope that time will help.

"But you're back now."

"Like getting back a part of me I didn't miss. Not even the slightest."

He manages a smile at all the affection Jamie's giving him. After the kiss, Victor cups his cheek.

"I'm back. And in damn good company... How was your day?"

"It was fine," he answers with a little smile. "I'm going to work later so I'll be gone until late, but I'm here until then."

He tips his head against Victor's palm, then turns his head to kiss him there.

There's a soft purr at the kiss.

"Sounds good." He leans in to kiss Jamie on the lips, nuzzling his nose with his own. "Are you hungry?"

"I could eat. Are you cooking?"

Jamie... can cook? If he has to. For the most part he just usually volunteers to help or, more frequently, sits around the kitchen to keep Victor company while he cooks.

"Sure. I can put together something."

Victor's picked up a few new recipes during his time there. He stands up and carries Jamie to the kitchen, setting him down on one of the chairs before he starts gathering ingredients.

Jamie smiles and nuzzles against Victor as he's carried into the kitchen. He stays where he's put but he moves so he can watch Victor as he works. He ends up sitting in the chair backwards so he can rest his arms over the back of it, and his head on top of them.

"You know, if there's anything you want in the gardens on the roof, you should tell me. Season's changing, but I can start planning for spring."

"Sounds good. There are a few spices we could start growing."

He glances at Jamie with a smile, happy to share moments like these with him. The feral had found a few dormant sides in him during his time with Wolf and Jamie.

"Maybe I'll start cooking more around here. Who knows?"

"Herbs are easy, I can grow those inside. I'll start a box."

Jamie tucks his hair back and watches Victor move around. He doesn't offer to help, quite certain he'd just be in the way.

"You should. You're good at it."

"I'll look forward to cooking with the herbs you've grown."

Everyone back home would be rubbing their eyes at Victor Creed cooking food and doing all this domestic stuff. He's not quite sure how this place had managed to draw out this soft side.

"You can help chop those potatoes, if you want."

Jamie slides off his chair so he can join Victor in the kitchen proper.

"Hopefully I'll have all my fingers after this," he quips as he chooses a kitchen knife. "Do I have to clean them or anything first?"

He has no idea, Victor. He's really never cooked anything that didn't involve a microwave.

"They're all cleaned and ready."

Victor keeps an eye to make sure Jamie won't injure himself. He wants this to be a good experience for both, sharing something like this and bonding a bit more.

"I hope to make this as delicious as possible for you, Jamie. To pamper you."

"You know how I like that," he coos. Jamie adores that kind of attention, he likes being taken care of. Granted, he likes it on his own terms, but he's never really had to worry about that in this house. Neither Victor nor Wolf have never tried to push him in a direction he doesn't want to go.

He focuses on what he's doing, kind of cute in his intensity considering it's just potatoes. But he doesn't want to cut himself. Or mess up the potatoes somehow.

"You're a natural."

Victor takes a moment to watch Jamie working, unable to keep from smiling. He's always happy to look after Jamie and give him affection, but not overly so. He didn't want to smother him.

This had become a special, safe place for the three of them. A good relationship.

"What would you like for dessert? You can have anything you want."

Edited 2020-12-07 00:17 (UTC)

Hello, Jamie. Are you terribly busy? I could use a moment of your time, if not.

[Jamie perks right up when he sees who's calling.]

Not in the least, bored out of my mind. What can I do for you?

I've been commissioned to do a statue for a client's garden.

﹙ because that's apparently a thing he does? just. carves statues?? ﹚

I was thinking you would be the perfect model to accentuate the scene they intend.

[Rev, you know all the right things to say. Jamie beams.]

Yes, I'll come sit for you. Where would you like me to meet you? Do you have a studio or something?

A small one, yes.

﹙ have a location ping, jamie. ﹚

I will meet you there in a half hour if that's amenable to you.

Works for me! Should I wear or bring anything particular?

Wear something comfortable. I expect you'll be spending some time out of it.

:p

Done.

[Well, that's certainly a promise.

Jamie checks the address again before he heads out, warding off the chill in his favorite coat. He's curious about Rev's studio and about the project that he is apparently perfect for.

When he arrives, he peeks inside.]

Rev?

﹙ rev is sitting on a stool facing a slab of granite that's been roughed and hewn out in ways that are vaguely suggestive of a human form. none of the finer points have been decided on yet, though the pose seems to be a suitably erotic one. ﹚

There you are, my friend. How have you been?

﹙ he stands as jamie approaches, and reaches out to tug him one-armed into a hug. ﹚

[Jamie leans happily into the hug and presses against Rev. He brushes a kiss to his shoulder before he pulls back again. He looks at the slab of rock and moves to touch it.]

I'm doing well enough. What sort of statue did your client ask for?

Something beautiful.

﹙ he can draw beauty from imagination well enough — while rev is synthetic, his mind is no more limited than a creature born naturally. perhaps it is the fact he is the keeper of his people's fictional depictions of art and beauty throughout the centuries — their stories, their songs. he has much to draw on, and knows full well what draws a human eye. ﹚

Erotic, as well, was the request. Here — ﹙ he tugs his holographic projector out from beneath his shirt — to jamie, it seems like nothing else but a small flat disc, but once he takes it off its chain and puts it in the palm of his hand, it lights up with an overlay of the garden he's been commissioned to design for.

he flexes his hand, and then makes a little motion and the hologram is suddenly a true-to-life size, all around them. it's almost uncannily real — even though it's simply a matter of manipulated light, it's as if one could reach out and touch the dewdrops on every leaf, smell the fragrances of every flower. he and jamie are still visible within it, the projector reading their biometrics and reacting accordingly, but the real world has all but vanished, subsumed by this imaginary lightshow. ﹚

It's to be a companion to this piece, do you see?

﹙ he gestures to one of the other statues, a lone man reclining on a stone divan, naked himself and obviously halfly aroused, gazing up in adoration at an empty space meant to be filled by whatever it is rev comes up with. ﹚

I have free rein to do whatever I wish with this statue as long as it's within those parameters.

[Jamie stays still as the whole scene flickers to life around them. He smiles and resists the urge to touch anything. Even if he could, he doesn't want to distract himself from what he's supposed to be looking at. He moves closer to the companion statue, considering the look on the man's face.]

Yes, I see. I feel like there should be some suggestion of an attempt at modesty on the part of the other statue? Maybe it's cliche, but so many men like the idea that they are seeing something they shouldn't.

[Besides, they're in Duplicity. Some level of nudity is probably to be expected.]

Yes, that was my thought as well.

﹙ he studies the block of marble, and then looks back at jamie with his eyebrow raised. playfully: ﹚

You've a knack for this, you know. Composition.

[He gives Rev a coy smile.]

This is not my first tableau.

[Jamie shrugs out of the coat he's wearing and tosses it aside. The silk scarf wrapped around his neck is actually much larger than it looks as he unwinds it and shakes it out. He figured he could bring something that might be good for draping, just in case.]

I'm assuming I should just get naked? Where do you want me stand?

[The gift that appears on Jamie's cottage doorstep is wrapped in gold and just has a tag with his name, nothing indicating who it might be from. Said box contains a small trove of scented shower bombs to, hopefully, make his experience with water slightly more pleasant. There's also a gift card to a lingerie boutique.]

Happy New Year, Jamie. This is the newest model from the same company that does SpaceXXX. I saw it and thought of you.
Yrs, JB.

It's in a box and it's nsfw. Yep.

[Under several slapdash layers of penis snowflake wrapping paper and a lot of tape is a small box. It contains a silver bracelet set with a sparkling pink stone. When rotated, the stone's charm will allow Jamie to have multiple orgasms with no refractory period.]

There's a new fairy in Duplicity.
He calls himself Hearne, King of the Grey Court.
He also mentioned Unseelie and Seelie Courts and seemed to know nothing of your seasonal courts.

He's just cursed me.
How do I reverse it?

[His fingers go numb as he reads the first part of the message.

There's a fairy.
He calls himself Hearne.
Cursed.

It takes Jamie a minute to respond. It takes him that long to get his breathing under control.]

what is the curse

He's really quite clever and seems to have got control of my fingers and tongue.
He's ever so charming and thinks I ought to be, as well.
I should be thanking him for this, I suppose.

[That is, at least, illustrative.]

[The number feeling is spreading up his arms. He forces himself to inhale.

He wants to stop talking. He wants to run as fast and as far as he can.

But he can't leave Jon like this.]

i can try to break it

Edited 2021-01-22 17:34 (UTC)

Please?
I'm in my archives.
Do I need to come to you?

I can come there
do I have to do anything to get in?

Just text when you're close.
I'll come and open the door for the basement.

[Before what had happened with the clone, he might offer to just prop the door open, but the archives are the one place he feels safe in the city at the moment. He's too nervous to risk other things getting in apart from Jamie.]

[He has to consider carefully. Going through the Hedge could attract Their attention. But it's also a quick way to go, assuming he doesn't get lost. Jon's archive is a weird beacon.

Just a quick trip.

It's just a few minutes later when Jon gets another text.]

im here

[It's a minute after Jamie texts that Jon is up the stairs and cracking open the door to peek out. He's frowning and he knows his hair is a bit of a mess with how he's been tugging at it, but Jon can't be bothered to worry overmuch about that. Seeing it is Jamie, he opens the door wider and beckons the changeling inside.]

Thank you for coming. Tea?

[He already has the electric kettle boiling, so it's only polite to offer.]

[Jamie looks more or less himself. But his hair has gone dark.]

Maybe.

[He's not entirely sure he can handle having anything in his stomach right now, but he also can't quite bring himself to fully decline the offer. Jamie flexes his fingers as he slips inside. He's pleased that his hands aren't shaking as he pulls his gloves off.]

What happened?

I met Hearne during orientation and we discussed what he was while he did a marvelous job of teasing me. [Jon grimaces as he leads Jamie downstairs to the kitchen.]

He told me about names having power and then just posted up something on the network directly asking for names. He's delightfully clever like that. [This is... beyond irritating, and Jon can feel the cursed ring around his cock buzzing and curling pleasure low in his hips as he's forced to compliment the bastard as he goes. It's embarrassing, even if he trusts Jamie.]

I told everyone what he was trying to do and was exceptionally rude in calling him creepy. I certainly shouldn't have done that. I made the mistake of trying to argue and he set me right with a curse through the phone. I can't stop... being polite. I was also flirting with him earlier.

[Make it stop, Jamie!]

I haven't given him my name, by the by. I told him it was just the Archivist when we met.

Edited 2021-01-22 18:59 (UTC)

[Jamie feels his stomach knot and an unpleasant chill slithers up his back. He has to sit, so he does at his first opportunity. He sets his gloves aside. He wishes he had someone from Autumn here. They're better at this.]

Did he give any conditions to the curse? What did he say, exactly?

[Hopefully Jon remembers. And if there are no words binding this, it's going to be more difficult, but not impossible.]

[Jon does, at least, have a good memory.]

'If you can't say anything nice, you shouldn't say anything at all.' My phone started smoking after that.

And he told me he thought it was funny and would keep it in place until I begged him for forgiveness at some... nebulous future date. Really, it's quite magnanimous he's offering any reprieve at all.

[He grinds his teeth and stomps over to the kettle while Jamie takes a seat at the breakroom table.]

[He wishes he had his stupid motley here. He wishes he had literally any other courtiers at his disposal. Cade always encouraged him to learn more, and he did, but--]

I can't promise anything. There's... a few things we can try. I think I will take some tea, please.

[That will allow him to try the first contract he's going to pull, and if that doesn't work... they can go from there.]

[Two cups are poured out, teabags set in place. Jon sets one of the mugs in front of Jamie before taking a seat across from him.]

I'd been meaning to tell you about him when he arrived, but it slipped my mind with... other things. I'm sorry, Jamie. I did try to find out if he was like your gentry. He seemed to think a changeling was the fairy child left behind to human parents rather than your situation. I can't imagine him lying about anything, of course. He said he couldn't.

[Oh, thank god, he can still be sarcastic.]

It's entirely possible that he's from another world, or whatever, where the Gentry are different. It doesn't matter, he's still dangerous, and I do not trust him.

[He's tempted to just call the fae an it. Offering it more personal pronouns seems too kind.]

He said you had to beg him to take the spell off. That's what we're going to try first. I'm going to invoke a contract, but it's only going to work if you really want to see him. And if you can't muster that, we'll try something else.

I would very much like to have this off.

[Is that the same? Jon's not sure, but he's highly motivated there.]

[He's not thrilled to try this, but it's the clearest loophole he can think of.]

That might work. But you can't waver. I don't recommend looking directly at me for a moment.

[Jamie takes a sip of his tea, regardless of how hot it is or whether or not it's had enough time to steep. When he calls on the contract, there's a faint rush of warmth.

And, if Jon wanted it badly enough, there sits his tormenter in Jamie's chair, apparently having replaced him, perfect down to whatever details Jon remembers.]

Edited 2021-01-22 19:44 (UTC)

[Jon's brows furrow in confusion, but he looks away, per request. He can't help flicking his gaze back quickly, though, and the sight that greets him has him shoving back from the chair, eyes wide in confusion and fear. Academically, he knows that can't be Hearne. But his mind is momentarily working on panic alone.]

How did you get in here? Where's Jamie?

[There is compelling force behind those questions.]

[Damnit. He can feel the pull of those words and he lets the compulsion have the truth:]

I'm here to listen to you beg, Jon.

[Jon said he hadn't given Hearne his name and Jamie is hoping he's listening, but he is also knows how clouding that fear is.]

[The illusion is playing merry hell on Jon's senses as the Archivist. He winces, looking away, and clutching at his hair. He can tell that thing is wrong.]

Please stop. Whatever you're doing, please stop.

[Jon keeps telling him the Stranger is very present in all things Fae. Jamie watches impassively as the archivist reels and looks away, grabbing at his head. He holds tight to the contract even as something tries to tear through it. He doesn't know if that begging is specific enough, but he's going to have to hope so.]

Fine, Archivist. Have it your way.

[That's the most Jamie can manage before the contract breaks. It hurts in a way that it never has and he makes a soft, pained sound as he sits back down.]

[Jon's own headache abates suddenly, like the needle driving into the back of head is removed. He takes a shuddering breath and looks again. It's Jamie. Just Jamie.]

What did you do?

It's a Spring contract, [he says tiredly.] For a while, I can be the person you want most to see. Jesus, that hurt at the end. I wasn't expecting you to attack me.

I didn't- The Eye isn't a fan of illusions. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I was just trying to See what was wrong with... all that. Is there anything I can do to... help?

Just give me a minute. [Jamie sighs and rubs his face.] Usually a contract just ends. That felt like it was being torn up.

[He pulls the tea closer and takes another sip. It's not as hot now, thankfully. He burned his mouth a little the last time.]

I don't know if warning you would've helped. And I've never warned someone I used that one on. Usually defeats the purpose.

Sorry.

[Jon sits back down, guilt curling in around him. Except...]

Hearne is an outstanding fairy, possibly the most interesting I've ever met.

[He sighs, dropping his face into his hands. So Jamie got hurt and it hadn't even been for anything.]

[Jamie sighs and leans on the table. Shit.]

He's a shithead and deserves something terrible, [he mutters, if only to balance out Jon's compliments. There has to be another way around this. There are probably some curses out there that are unbreakable, but this doesn't feel like one. It feels petty. Maybe being petty is the way to get back out of it.]

What if you said something that sounded nice but wasn't actually nice?

[Jon spreads his fingers slightly to look at.]

You want me to be perpetually sarcastic? Clearly the solution to all of life's problems.

[That does work. Sort of.]

He mentioned working on my backhanded compliments. Or just killing him.

He can be killed? That's good to know.

[He listens, though, because things Jon remembers help.]

So let's give him backhanded compliments. I'm sure he's nice, for a soulless eldritch monstrosity.

I can't really go home like this. I'm worried Alessandro might decide I need avenged and go after him. I did warn him about that possibility, and he didn't seem terribly concerned.

[He marshals himself with another huff and tries to think of something insulting.]

I really shouldn't have called him creepy. He's not creepy at all compared to spiders or parasitic worms.

[Jamie grins and lightly nudges Jon's leg.]

There you go. All that glamour is lovely, you hardly notice the twisted features.

[Jon is still scared and sullen. He doesn't want to enjoy this. He continues to frown, but he does pull out a tape recorder and flick it on to start recording some of these.]

Mm... Did I mention he's half-deer? If you're going to be half of any animal, something known for being shot, eaten, and hit by cars is a certainly a unique choice. I wonder what might happen if you shone a headlight in his face...

[Jamie reaches to brush his fingers along Jon's hand, offering just a little bit of sunny warmth. He doesn't want to scare him further, but it's what he has to work with. He knows he isn't useful, and if anything, this incident has just proven it.]

It's going to be okay, Jon. I'm sorry I can't help more.

It's fine. You're doing better than I am. If you could help me come up with a few more of these I can get back to him.

[He pulls out his phone and opens up to the conversation with Hearne to show Jamie. Maybe it will help him get a better idea of how to insult the fairy?]

Here. This is what he said to me.

I can't believe he told you about backhanded compliments... there has to be something to that. It's also rather pathetic that his curse wouldn't outlive him.

[Maybe he's not one of the True Fae.]

[Jon raises a brow.]

Do changeling curses usually outlive them? From what he told me, he's more like you than you've described your Gentry to me. He used to be human, and then had... some sort of shard connected to him that turned him into a fairy king? All when he was an infant.

[Jamie lifts a delicate brow and looks at the screen again. Wouldn't be the first changeling to masquerade as one of Them. Maybe he doesn't need to be so afraid.

But better to tread carefully none the less.]

If a curse is good enough, I imagine it should. I've seen magical artifacts that still work after the maker is dead, I don't see why other magic should be all that different.

[He doesn't know for sure, though. That's an Autumn Court question.]

Fair enough...

If his performance in bed is anything like his curses, then he'll be the sort to leave his partner wanting more?

[Is that a good one, Jamie?]

[Jamie flashes a wicked little grin.]

I'm sure there are people out there that like disappointment.

[Getting better, Jon!]

He has a nice rack, you barely even notice how weird his eyes look.

Yes, and you can't even tell that his ears are off-center when you're focused on it.

[Jamie giggles brightly and covers his mouth.]

Yes, that's perfect, Jon. I love it.

Right... would you sit with me while I message him back?

Of course I will, darling.

[Jamie scoots his chair closer and brings his tea with him. He doesn't stop until he can press more of his leg against Jon's. For moral support.]

[Jon quirks a very brief smile at Jamie before beginning to type.]

You magnificent creature. [Jamie grins and leans so he can kiss Jon's cheek.] Beautiful. I hope it works, but even if it doesn't, he deserved every bit of that.

[A flush colors his cheeks.]

I expect he deserves a great many things. Thank you.

Any time, darling.

[Jamie leans a little closer when Jon gets a reply and is promptly distracted by the fact that he moans. He lifts a brow.]

Jon? Did I just hear something buzz?

The question isn't helping. Jon bites his lip hard and squeezes his thighs together.

"N-no. I-" He doesn't especially want to talk about... things that have happened to him with Jamie, even if Jamie's shared some of his own trials. "Ignore that. It's- mm... It's not important." The buzzing only seems to ramp up, though, as Jamie looks at him and the shame settles in along with the unnatural pleasure.

Oh, he can't ignore it now.

"Jon...?" He lifts his eyebrows and resists the urge to put a hand in Jon's lap. Yeah, he's not sure he can ignore this. Especially when he's pretty sure it starts getting more intense.

"What is that?"

"Nothing. It's nothing. I- ah!" He screams in his head for the buzzing to stop, but it only intensifies with the regard.

"It's cursed. It's a cursed ring. I can't get it off and any time I'm- a-any time I'm embarrassed, it... goes off like this. Oh, god." He'd enjoyed being gently teased before, but this is making it bizarrely sexual.

"Oh that is not nothing."

Jamie looks even more surprised when Jon describes what it does. Buzzes when he's embarrassed? Poor thing.

"What do you mean you can't get it off? There has to be some way."

"I mean it won't come off." Jon bites his lip. "I-I have a Statement about, ngh... about something like it. It's supposed to come off when you... when you get off. I didn't have a chance to do it the first time." For reasons he's not going to go into.

"I don't even know why you'd make something like this." Training someone into a particular kink doesn't actually occur to him.

Jamie really shouldn't be fascinated or interested, but he is. He is wildly interested.

"Because you like being teased," he says as he moves closer. "Kind of like a little reward system, right?"

His hand runs lightly over Jon's thigh and Jamie meets his gaze.

"Do you want to get it off?"

"Oh, god." Not like that-like this. "It wasn't meant as a reward." of that, Jon is 100% certain. Just another way to humiliate him. The ring starts buzzing incessantly as Jon thinks about the times that Jamie's teased him in much nicer ways than the clone ever did. He never wanted this as a reward.

"Yes. God, yes, I want it off. Off!" His trousers are tenting noticeably as Jon screws his eyes shut and shoves his drink out of the way to drop his top half over the table, face down, hands in his hair. This is too much, and it needs to stop.

"I'm sorry, darling. All the more reason for us to get it off you." Jamie strokes his hand through Jon's hair, fingers brushing along the Archivist's.

"I'll help. Do you want to go somewhere more comfortable?"

Maybe taking care of Jon in the kitchen would be fine, but Jamie suspects he'd rather not have interruptions.

"Nngh... All I have is the cot in document storage." He supposes they could use the spare office. There are pillows and blankets stowed away in there, but they'd need to set those up into a pile to be comfortable.

"I don't want to make a mess." He jerks with a helpless little whine as the ring gives a particularly powerful jolt. Pleasure pours through him, and Jon's not entirely sure he's going to be able to stand up, let alone walk anywhere.

Jamie uses his foot to turn Jon's chair more until the Archivist is facing him.

"I won't let there be a mess," he promises. "Tell me what would be best for you, darling. I can just... take care of it the way I did when you were staying with me."

He'd gotten Jon off after the whole debacle with the tape, and that hadn't been so bad, right?

Jon has to sit up as his chair is moved, eyes wide and a little uncertain at the maneuver. Did Jamie really just... do that? It's a bit demanding, isn't it?

That thought flies from his head with the suggestion of doing what they had at Jamie's cottage after listening to that damn tape. "Uh... God!" He has to shove his hand down over his groin, biting his lip hard. "I don't-" His underwear had been a mess after that. Does he really want it like that?

A part of him that shivers with the pleasure being provided by the ring wants it. A reminder of what a naughty little thing he is, his shame hidden from view, but not what he can feel. The more practical side of him says to hell with that. "Sh-shower? There's a shower in the toilet here. I- we could..." It's just a dingy little thing meant for quick washes, but it would be more convenient to be naked and just be washed during this, rather than having to do it after.

Poor Jon. Jamie really does feel for him, and he's patient as he waits for an answer.

"Shower it is." Jamie gets up and gently hauls Jon to his feet, too. "You're going to have to lead the way, darling."

He stays close, though, just in case Jon is unsteady on his feet or something. As long as there's hot water, Jamie can cope with how dingy it is.

Jamie's hands on Jon are like electricity with the way the vibrations are sparking through him. He barely suppresses a moan as he's pulled. It's not far.

"Just here. Over here." His steps lurch a bit, and he clings to Jamie as they go, uncertain he's got his feet fully under him on the short journey. It's through a door in the breakroom into a small bathroom.

Everything in the place is clean, but the light is low and doesn't fully illuminate the corners of the small space. The shower is just a raised square or porcelain in the floor with a white curtain around it. There's a shelf with shampoo and soap in there and a towel wrack nearby.

As soon as they're in the door, Jon lets go of Jamie and starts tugging his clothes off, turning away as he does so. Modesty ought to be dead given the circumstances, but it's instinct more than anything.

Jamie gives Jon that illusion of modesty and turns away as he undresses himself. He tries to leave his clothes somewhere safe. The bathroom doesn't seem dirty, just... dingy. Not his first choice, if he has one. But right now is all about Jon, and his comfort is what matters.

That done, he goes to turn on the water to make sure it's actually a good temperature when they step in. As he often does around Jon, he lets his scars show. It's probably beyond the archivist's notice or ability to care just now, but he does it all the same.

He reaches out to Jon, gently beckoning.

"Come on, darling. Let's not keep you waiting."

The gentle kindness has the ring's vibrations all but shutting off, and Jon's cock goes half-flaccid, which is as much frustration as it is relief, especially when his automatic response is to beg. "Tease me? Please? I need you to- God, I don't know. You're being too nice. T-tell me I'm... naughty?" Even just asking for that gets the thing buzzing again, and Jon's steps stumble a bit as he catches Jamie's hand and lets the changeling pull him into the shower.

Jon wraps his free arm around Jamie and leans into the other man in a desperate hug, and then just bites hard into his shoulder without offering any sort of warning.

Well, that's good to know.

"I'm going to remember the way you send when you're begging me to tease you, Jon--ah--"

Jamie grabs Jon's hair, not pulling him away but that was unexpected. He gets control of himself again and relaxes his hold, stroking his fingers through Jon's hair rather than gripping it. He lets his nails scritch lightly along Jon's scalp.

"I knew you liked this kind of thing," he coos as he slips a hand between them. His fingers brush along Jon's cock. He squeezes gently and nuzzles against Jon's temple. "Just the possibility of getting caught is enough, isn't it? The possibility that someone might know. Or that you might be getting away with something, you naughty thing."

He tips his head to bite Jon's earlobe.

The hand gripping into his hair, fingers tangling in as they're both doused, is almost too much on its own. Jon whines through his nose and bites harder for a moment before relaxing. When Jamie murmurs and bites back, Jon's vision goes practically white as wires within him jolt and shock. He doesn't come, but it's certainly a near thing, and he gasps in a breath.

"I- We shouldn't be doing this while I'm at work." He yells at other people for being unprofessional, but look at him here. First panicking over being cursed by the Fae and now getting off with someone who came in to provide counsel on that curse. Jon's hips jerk forward a few times, trying to find more contact with Jamie's hand. Should he do something for Jamie, in turn?

The thought flits across his conscious thoughts before being relegated to after the damn ring is off. He'll do something for Jamie this time. It will be easier in the shower. Cleaner. As it is, one of his hands slide down Jamie's back and up again, fingers tracing his spine.

"But we are," he purrs as Jon presses against him. He wraps his fingers around Jon's cock to give him more friction, but he makes Jon work for it a bit. "And now you'll think about it whenever you're here. Whenever you go to make tea."

Jamie grins and leans in to tease Jon's neck with kisses and sharper bites.

"Bet I could rig up a little curse of my own that gives you a reminder when you walk through the door."

He won't. But it is kind of a fun idea now that he's thinking about it. Something to give Jon a little thrill, something that might make him blush at the momentary reminder of what he's gotten up to here.

"N-no... god, don't- Jamie." If he can just put it from his mind forever once the ring is off, Jon will happily do so. Jamie's faux-threats are effective, though, even as he tilts toward memories that are very fresh and horrific with the clone. It's teasing. It's not... that. Nothing like what the clone was threatening to do.

"No curses," Jon finally manages as he tilts his head back into the warm stream of water cascading over them. He promptly gets a noseful of water and has to push back from Jamie briefly to hack into his own arm. "Guh... maybe not the shower." Although, they're here now. Jon isn't going to take them out of it. Instead, he focuses on finally just kissing the other man. The clone hadn't done this. It wouldn't have kissed a monster like the Archivist.

Jamie won't turn it away as he runs his fingers up through the changeling's hair and embraces him.

It is absolutely not that.

Jamie tries not to laugh when Jon ends up with water where he doesn't want it. He waits for a second, mostly to see if Jon is serious about getting out of the shower. Now that it's nice and warm in here, Jamie's content to stay. But then Jon is kissing him and Jamie sighs softly, sweetly, as he leans into it.

Kissing a monster like the Archivist isn't any different than kissing a monster like him. Jamie slides his arm around Jon's shoulders to keep him close as hands run through his hair. He licks lightly into the other man's mouth and the hand on Jon's cock returns to steadily stroking, maybe with a little more focus and determination. Even if this whole thing is utilitarian in its purpose, there's no reason he can't make Jon feel good - as much as he can - while they do it.

It's sweet. It's kind and gentle... and Jon's erection begins to flag again in spite of Jamie's attention. The ring is no longer pulsing much, just a low-grade, intensely frustrating buzz that won't seem to abate. Why does it have to be like this? Why can't he just get off in some reasonable, simple way? It's not fair!

In spite of that, Jon's responsive to the kiss, parting his lips and giving back what he can while his attention is divided between that and trying to get his body to respond in any way that makes sense. He rocks his hips into Jamie's hand in the hopes that he can create his own stimulation, but it's not enough.

"Jamie," Jon says when they break apart, frustration and arousal both there. "It can't be- It's too nice again."

Jamie laughs against Jon's mouth and bites his lip sharply. Poor thing. Is he being too kind? His free hand slides up to stroke through Jon's wet hair. He pulls as he does, tipping the Archivist's head back.

"It's too bad you had to be clean," he coos as he lifts his head. "I do so adore seeing you in your lingerie, Jon. And it's wildly exciting to know that you might be wearing it under that drab wardrobe. What would you do if people knew how much you like it?"

He tips his head to kiss and gently bite along Jon's neck.

"You should give me a little peek every morning. That way at least someone will be able to appreciate what a minx you really are."

Jon's breath catches again as his head is tipped back, and Jamie sets his teeth and lips to work along the line of Jon's neck. And god, the things he's saying. The thought of people knowing about his interest is equal parts horrifying and thrilling. It's not even terrible knowledge, and lord knows there are plenty of people here with that interest.

But even knowing that... "I- Oh, god, I don't know. They'd- They might make fun of me." And he'd enjoy that, wouldn't he? In this moment as the ring picks up steam and pours pure pleasure through every vein, he wants to agree.

"You-you'd have to make me. I'm not just giving you that." His nail dig into Jamie harder for a moment. "Make me. Bind me." What is he even asking for? Jon has no idea, but begging makes everything shine brighter. He's so close to orgasm, to getting this stupid cockring off. Just one more push.

That's better. Jamie grins against Jon's neck and keeps his hand moving steadily as Jon gets more worked up. He can feel the vibration of the ring and he is keenly aware that it's getting more intense. It doesn't hurt that Jon is holding him like Jamie is the only thing keeping him from flying apart. He tips his head to bite Jon's earlobe.

"I could," he purrs. "I would, darling, because I know you'd like it no matter how much you complain."

He lifts his head so that he can kiss Jon full on the mouth.

"I'd adore it, you know. Having you pledged like that. I should do it." It doesn't matter if the threat is real or not. "If only so that I get cute, begrudging pictures of you every morning in something lacy or silky. Oh, I could show Morrigan..."

Jon makes a choked sound as he comes, a vision of Jamie sharing photos of him around too much. His whole body goes rigid, pressing hard against the other man, forming to the curves of him. And then the tension is gone, and Jon has to wrap his arms more tightly around the changeling to keep himself from becoming a puddle on the shower floor. His breaths pepper little drops of water against the other man's ear, accompanied by a quiet sigh of relief.

The cock ring is still for a moment, and Jon basks in that, forgetting for a moment that it's there and they need to remove it quickly or he'll just wind up with the same problem again.

"Jamie," he mutters, "you're really are a bastard sometimes." His tone with that is fond rather than anything upset. "I'm glad you're on my side." Even if he really shouldn't be after everything Jon's put him through.

It's a wildly satisfying thing to get Jon off. Jamie smiles as Jon leans into him and he slides his other arm around the Archivist to make sure he doesn't lose his balance.

When the ring goes still, Jamie realizes that this is probably his chance to take it off. There is a wicked part of him that wants to just leave it. Just a little longer. Just a little more. Especially since Jon just called him a bastard.

He turns his head to nuzzle Jon's wet hair and gives him a gentle squeeze before he reaches for the ring.

"Mm, I adore you too, darling." He takes a sharper breath, aware that time is probably of the essence. "Tell me you want me to take it off."

He doesn't want to take advantage of Jon. He doesn't. Jamie doesn't really wait for an answer, his better angels winning this time. He nuzzles against Jon as he carefully works the ring off.

Edited 2021-02-11 00:23 (UTC)

Jon jerks slightly as the ring begins to buzz again just at the tip of his cock. "Please. God, please," he begs. Jamie will have to yank a little harder than he should at the end to keep it from shrinking and latching itself back on. But Jon can feel it's off. It's off.

"Throw it out of the shower. I need to burn it." Or trap it in cement and bury it. That might be what's needed here.

He's made up his mind to reciprocate this as he's feeling a little guilty about the number of times he hasn't where Jamie is involved, but Jon doesn't move to do so immediately, just keeps hold of the changeling. Well, and he should probably check. "Do you... want me to touch you back?"

Jamie tosses the ring as he's told to, then slides his arms back around Jon just to hold him close, offer some comfort after all of that. He's sure it wasn't easy.

Jon asks and all Jamie wants to do is say yes. That is exactly what he wants right now, because even if this had been a mission to help Jon, he is not immune and arousal hit him full force sometime between leaving the breakroom and now. Jamie lifts his head and strokes back Jon's wet hair.

"Only if you want to," he says, because as badly as he might want it, he's feeling too nice to push anything on Jon.

Does he want to? Jon feels some obligation toward it at this point. And Jamie's been kind. He deserves a kindness, in turn, and Jon's well aware that for a changeling of the Spring Court, physical affection like that would, likely, please him.

"Yes," he decides. "I want to."

Tentatively, he lets go with one hand and pulls away enough to slide it down between them. It's the burn-scarred hand, the rough skin turned soft and warm with the shower. There's some added texture when he grasps the other man's cock and gives it a tug sharp tug. He doesn't do this for himself, let alone other people, so there might be a bit of a learning curve.

Jamie gasps when Jon touches him. It's a little rough, but. They can work on that. He reaches down to cover Jon's hand with his own, coaxing him to change his grip.

"Easy," he says with a faint smile. "I don't mind a little pain, but usually not there."

He nuzzles against Jon's temple. He moves so he can lean against the wall - he doesn't have to move far in the small space - and he keeps Jon close to him as he does. His other hand tips Jon's chin up so that Jamie can kiss him.

"S-sorry. I've never-" He's cut off as Jamie lifts his chin and presses a kiss to his lips. Jon can feel the heat on his cheeks and feels all the more ill-prepared to actually do this. Maybe he should have just offered to watch while Jamie pulled himself off? That might well have been a more pleasant experience for the changeling.

Still, he tries to adjust in the way that Jamie wants, grip loosening to something that might be frustratingly weak as he more brushes his fingers along the sides of the other man's cock that holds him.

At least the kiss is something Jon is confident he can manage. That, he leans into, pressing his narrow chest to Jamie's and lowering his lashes against the water raining down on them.

Jamie indulges himself with the kiss for as long as he can. As he does, he carefully adjusts Jon's grip, coaxing it just a bit tighter until it feels good.

"It's okay," he murmurs when he breaks the kiss. "I like you, Jon."

Which means that he is willing to be exceedingly patient when Jon offers something like this, because he understands that this is not exactly Jon's thing. And it costs him nothing to help Jon learn a little. Jamie nuzzles against Jon's cheek.

"You're a wicked biter when you want to be," he quips with a sly smile. His breath catches when Jon moves his hand just so. "Oh, like that."

The kiss is an easy distraction to focus on as he lets Jamie guide his grip. If he could just keep that up through the whole thing, then at would be nice, but then Jamie has to tease again. In spite of the ring being off, Jon frowns when he feels his cock stir minutely at it.

"You-you can stop teasing me," he mumbles, embarrassed. And then proceeds to latch onto Jamie's neck again. If he likes being bitten, Jon can oblige. It's not with the same fervor as before, more measured with less force and more suction to mark up the changeling's pale skin.

His hand keeps going, trying to repeat the motion that had had the other man gasping.

"But it's fun," he sighs. His breath catches sharply as Jon latches onto his neck. It doesn't hurt so much this time, but the pressure is perfect and a soft sound escapes him. His fingers tighten in Jon's hair, encouraging him. He does like being marked up and he'll admire the bruises later.

Jamie knows he probably shouldn't draw this out. This whole endeavor wasn't for him in the first place, but--is it so wrong to want to enjoy it?

"Ah--and it's true." Jamie rocks his hips to meet the stroke as Jon's hand slides down. "Good," he encourages. When he feels himself hitting that crest, he nudges Jon's head and pulls his hair (gently) so that he can catch him in another kiss. If nothing else, it will muffle the sound he makes when he finally comes.

Jon's working another bruise onto Jamie's shoulder when he's tugged up and finds himself in another embrace. It's easy enough to just... let it happen. He closes his eyes, feeling the other man shift and tense, and then something hotter and more viscous than the water from the shower hits his stomach, and he knows it's done.

As soon as Jamie comes, Jon lets go, rather than working him through. Instead, his hand stretches out into the stream of water from the shower to clean it. He's still kissing Jamie, though. He'll let the other man break that when he's ready.

He isn't really expecting much, so it isn't a disappointment when Jon just lets go. Jamie holds onto the kiss a little longer, then breaks apart to lean against the shower wall. It's cold against his back after the hot water, but he doesn't want to stand on his own, either. He'd be perfectly happy to crumple to the floor, but he doesn't really want to lose too much dignity in front of Jon.

"Thanks, darling."

Seems only polite to say. Jon didn't have to, after all. Jamie pushes a hand through his hair, slicking it back from his face.

Jon can't meet the other man's eyes, feeling strange and embarrassed by all of this. At least the ring is gone. It's a very small mercy.

"Yes." A pause. "S-stay in here as long as you'd like. I'm, uh... I'll leave a towel for you." He remembers Jamie holding and stroking him after when he'd been at the cottage and this feels inadequate, but Jon's feeling too awkward to do much more without his clothes on. "I'll make us tea."

Unless Jamie actively stops him, Jon will step out of the shower, grabbing for the first towel he can reach.

It's certainly not the most comprehensive aftercare he's ever had, but Jamie tends not to expect it anyway. He pushes his hair back again as Jon rather quickly makes his escape. Cuddling might have been nice, but he should probably let Jon get dressed. Jamie doesn't linger, instead turning off the water after giving Jon a few minutes head start.

He dries himself off, feeling oddly tired. Tea sounds nice. Adequately toweled off, he gets dressed again and goes looking for Jon.

"If you'd rather I just go, I can."

Jon had asked him here to help with a curse, not all of this. Though... Jamie would like to think he helped twice.

"I'd rather you drank the tea." It's the one bit of comfort Jon can reliably offer after all of... that. "It'll go to waste, otherwise." The cup is set down in front of Jamie, prepared as he might like it. Jon had spent enough time in that cottage with the other man--brief as it technically was--to know what he enjoys.

He sits at the little staffroom table and fidgets as he drinks his own cup.

"I... appreciate your assistance with... all this." God, this is awkward. "I, er... well. I suppose I owe you, if you can think of anything now or in the future."

Jamie smiles at the insistence and he accepts the tea, quietly pleased to see Jon remembers how he likes it. He picks up the cup to hold it, enjoying the warmth seeping into his hands.

Even if Jon is feeling desperately awkward, Jamie is quite placid and relaxed.

"Of course, darling. I'm not good for much, but I'm happy to help when I can."

He's grateful the fae curse was easy enough to break and, honestly, the cock ring wasn't unmanageable, even if it was difficult for Jon.

"Besides... teasing you is awfully fun."

"You're good for more than you think," Jon mutters with a sigh. He does shoot a mildly annoyed frown at the other man when he says he enjoys teasing him, though.

"Why do so many people think that?" It's grousing. Jon has an idea that it's because he actually reacts to it. It's just... very hard not to. "Regardless... think about it. I, uh... I need to get back to work once you're finished with that. See if I can destroy that ring or if I'll need to sink it in concrete and bury it."

"I'll consider it. I think it's terribly sweet that you're putting yourself in my debt."

He hides a smile behind his next sip of tea. It is terribly satisfying to tease Jon, especially when he reacts the way he does. And, more than that, Jamie knows that Jon likes it, at least to a certain extent. That just makes it more fun.

"I could always try to leave it in the Hedge," he offers after considering for a moment. He's not sure if that would be any better than destroying it or sinking it in concrete, but it'd take less effort.

Jon considers that, in turn, expression going a bit distant. He wants to see the Hedge still. However foolish it would be for someone like him to go there.

"N-no. We have a system. It should be fine. I just... I never expected to have one of those things on me." He rubs a hand over his face. "I suppose I should be grateful it wasn't parasite posing as a dildo."

"... You know what, I'm not even going to ask. Because I really don't want to know."

Parasitic dildo? No. He can imagine and he doesn't want anything confirmed, and he doesn't want details he hasn't imagined. He sits back with his tea, grateful for it after all of that. It's been a far more productive afternoon than he'd been anticipating, but at least Jon is free of two pernicious problems.

"Maybe I should start advertising my services. Here for all your curse-breaking and cursed-object-removing needs."

Jon makes a bit of a face. "Yes, well... I'm not going to be a reference for the latter." Because he doesn't want to talk about that ever again. I'm sure you could make money on that enterprise, though. Duplicity being what it is."

Peace be with you, Jamie.

I don't know if you recall me. I was Cullen's submissive. He's no longer in the city, and I thought you would like to know.

[Oh. Jamie sits on the edge of his bed and he tries to ignore the hollow feeling suddenly in his chest.]

Oh, uhm. Thank you. I--I'm sorry he's gone.

[He's quiet for a second, trying to collect himself.]

Are you going to be okay?

He's a good man, and the city will be the poorer without him.

Yes, I'll be fine.

[ No other choice than that, and so forth. ]

Alessandro and Lyall have disappeared.
Would you be willing to do something odd with me?
I'll need to check if Morrigan's all right with it, but I think I'd like to play cats with you while he's our handler.

[...]

I don't want it to be a sex thing for me.
You two can make it one for the pair of you, if you'd like.
I just don't want to be in my own head for a bit.

oh no, jon

[There's a pang of grief for him, too. He liked Alessandro, and he knows it must be hitting Jon hard to have lost both of them.]

I'd be happy to, darling.
We'll make it whatever you need it to be.

[Sex isn't a necessary element for him to want to participate. Especially if this is something to help Jon process or escape. Or both. And he doesn't think it's odd.]

Right.
Thank you.
I know you had that situation with Alessandro, but I hope

God, I don't even know.
Are you all right?

I'll be okay.
I'll miss him, of course. I hope he's alright, wherever he is.

[He's not the one that just lost a good portion of his household.]

Is there anything else I can do before we get together with Morrigan?

[He knows obliquely that Martin is back, so at least Jon isn't alone.]

If he's gone home, it's to die.
He was pulled here shortly before he was murdered.

[So, there's... that.]

I don't need anything else.
I'll check with Morrigan.
Thank you.

oh

[that's all he has, and he feels the worse for it. he wishes Alessandro were still here.]

you're welcome, darling.
and if you think of anything, or just want company... I'm here.

Right.
I have Martin, but maybe you shouldn't be alone tonight?

[It's heavy news to impart. He's also planning to just work through the night. Maybe a few nights if he can manage it.]

I always welcome your company, Jon.
But I do have Wolf if you'd rather not.

[Jamie needn't be alone if he doesn't want to be. He's more worried about Jon than himself.]

I think Wolf would be a good choice.

you're a good choice, too, thank you

Hey, Jamie. You're always welcome at the shop.

Now that we're no longer living together I want you to know that I'd still love to spend time with you.

Edited 2021-03-12 20:58 (UTC)

Did you change my phone background?

don't you like it?

It's a good picture
NOT as my background

you don't think so?
i thought it was really flattering

Jamie!!!
:/

You know I'm not the only person who ever looks at my phone right...
What if I handed it to somebody?

they'll see your boyfriend's amazing ass in adorable panties

Nope

awww Noah
do you not *want* them to see???

No???
I mean not just randomly like that

you're cute, my darling
i *guess* i won't be upset if you change it

I can change it to one of your face

how about this one?

[he sends a picture of him kissing noah's cheek. he loves the way noah's smiling in that one.]

[It's... a decent photo of the two of them. The camera seems to have focused entirely on Jamie while capturing Noah as a blurry, overexposed, barely-identifiable shape. But there is a streaky smile in there.]

Sure that one is good

[Noah will just crop it a little so there's less of himself.]

[Fuzzy or not, Jamie knows what Noah looked like in that moment. He considers, then sends another.]

or this one!

[it's... kind of a boudoir shot, provocative but not undressed, in an outfit he knows Noah likes.]

[Jamie, that is still too sexy...]

No I'll keep that one for me

you know there's a solid chance upskirt shots of me could end up on the network right?

[He is absolutely tickled that Noah is keeping that one for himself, though. Just makes Jamie want to send more... So he does. This one is a selfie, ostensibly one he's just taken. His eyes are focused on the camera, looking right at Noah.]

[Oh, maybe he'll use this picture. Noah sends back a screenshot with it as his background, followed by a question mark and a heart emoji.]

That's different

I don't care what's on the network
(as long as it's stuff you want to be seen)

[Jamie smiles when he sees the screenshot.]

perfect, my darling
i'll just make sure you have plenty of options if you want to change it again

I'll treasure them all

What kind of husband would I be if I didn't take you on dates anymore?

[It's a text from his conversation with Hope the other day, now forwarded to Jamie courtesy of EROS.]

have we moved on to being spouses?
i'll expect flowers more often

[who the hell is he husbanding with?]

[Can you have a heart attack when your heart doesn't beat anymore? Just a thought that crosses Noah's mind as he reads that text and then sees his own - that he didn't send, not now, not to Jamie - above it. God, okay. Just be honest.]

More flowers, check

But uhh no that was actually a joke for my friend Hope

[You know, the girl he made a sex tape with because of a citation, no big deal. Who he also fake married.]

My "wife" from a couple weeks ago haha

I sent her that the other day so I don't know why it sent again
Or why you got it?
I guess my phone is glitching out

that's cute, darling

[no, it really is. he probably doesn't have any room to be bitchy about it, considering that Rev is still calling Jamie his spouse.]

I've gotten a few weird things, I'm starting to suspect it's a city thing

Yeah it seems like everything is all scrambled

well, don't be too flustered
promise i won't hunt her down or anything

Ok well that's good

[He sure hopes Jamie wouldn't do that??]

[probably]

I just tore the Chevalier a new one
I hope I hurt his feelings

[Unaware that his text got forwarded,]

Wow
You did?

...What did he do?

he forwarded me the text he got from you
and decided to go off being nasty

Ohh
that

[Will the embarrassment ever end? It does make him feel good to know that Jamie stuck up for him though.]

Yeah he couldn't understand why we're together but
who cares what he thinks
Not me

ugh
he still deserves what he got
petty ass bitch with a perm

Hahaha aww
Is that what you called him?

i told him he was an aging queen afraid of getting old and a hypocrite

Brutal
but probably true

I mean. I'm pretty sure my tits are spectacular.
I'd like to think they're a damn nice pick-me-up for the rest of the world. ;)

[Insert a very nice picture of a set of tits and the lovely redheaded vixen they belong to. That grin shes wearing? It is but a wicked one.]

This is Mustang.

I'm ready to accept your offer. I'm in the down and can't come to you, but I'll meet you at the processing building and walk you both ways.

Hm

I could meet you.
If you aren't worried about a little girl like me going as far as the elevator.

Alright.

Don't do that.

I'm fucking with you, Mustang.
I'll meet you there.
And you can hold my hand if you're scared.

[ He snorts a startled chuckle. ]

That'll be fine.

See you soon.

[It's around 3 AM. Jon is in jail. He's bored, sleep-deprived, and in possession of only his phone for company.]

If I agreed to bind myself to you for another week, could you get me out of jail tonight?

[is it a surprise that it only takes about five minutes for Jon to get a response?]

oh Jon
for that kind of pledge I could do anything

[One the one hand, he'd like to be out. On the other... this would probably just wind up with him being put in here for longer and Jamie being arrested.]

Honestly, I'd prefer you just get rid of the spiders in my cell.
I know they're where I can't see them.
Lurking.

why do so little when I can do so much more?
What are you in for, exactly?

Escaping Guard custody during the riots.
I'd rather not have this last longer than it needs to.
Or have you in jail, too.
I doubt Wolf would be pleased if I get you arrested for no good reason.
And getting rid of the spiders might mean I could sleep for an hour or two.
I can feel them watching me.

Edited 2021-05-05 02:02 (UTC)

Wolf would be livid, I'm sure
so we just won't get me arrested
I'll have to come visit you to make them go away
But I could probably get you out while I'm there...

Even I think that's ill-advised, Jamie.
And I haven't slept in two days. If you can come without being seen, that's fine.
I won't be able to talk.
And there's a camera in the room.

ooo a challenge
twice over
tell me more
is it a sealed room?
are there windows? doors?
is there a guard? several?

It has walls on three sides and bars at the front, facing a hallway.
There's a guard that comes by every so often.
No windows.
The door's part of the bars.
The camera's out in the hallway, pointing into the room.

and you're not allowed to have normal visitors?

Not at that I've been told, no.

just because they haven't told you doesn't mean it's not allowed
well, we'll see
would you really prefer i take the back way in?

[...]

Jamie, it's the middle of the night.
They're hardly going to let you in now.

I'm offended you think they wouldn't.

Aren't there 'visiting hours' in jail?

yes
but I think you wildly underestimate how convincing I can be

Jamie.
Just do it the illegal way.

Jon, you're such a bad influence.

alright then
don't flip out when i show up, ok?
i don't know exactly how it will look

Ominous.

[Whenever Jamie arrives, he'll find a disheveled, sleepless Archivist curled on a cot. He's missing his glasses, he's in a jumpsuit, and he has a plain black dummy gag in his mouth and strapped in place with a belt around his head. The cell is black, the only light from his phone.]

[It isn't easy to come through the Hedge when there isn't a trod. Jamie doesn't like doing it if he can help it, it's better to use doorways that are already there. But, it is for Jon.

It isn't reality bending. It's more like a tear in between the bars of Jon's cell. There's a flicker of a world on the other side, and then there's Jamie. Wearing pajamas. Little sheep drinking tea and wearing nightcaps decorate the pale purple sleep pants, a silky ribbon ties them at his hips. The shirt is plain and white and hugs the shape of his torso. Over it all is a soft cardigan, slumped off of one shoulder as he reaches to push his fingers through his hair.

The tear closes up behind him, leaving the bars once more.]

Well this is awful.

[The sense of something off pervades Jon's awareness, and he stares as Jamie appears, eyes wide, staring, and unblinking. There's a faint glow from his eyes as he drinks in the strangeness.

Jon starts to say 'yes,' but there's just a garbled mumble behind the gag as he sits up.]

[Jamie gives off a faint glow of his own. He moves carefully, though, because he can't see in the dark even if he can shine in it. He manages to get to the edge of Jon's cot and sits down without landing on the archivist.

He brushes his fingers over the gag, following a strap behind Jon's head to see if he can get it undone.]

All of this and you're afraid of spiders? Sounds like something I'd complain about.

[It's a belt with a small lock at the back. Jon shakes his head and tries to knock Jamie's hand away. He points toward the hallway, then puts his hands up like he's holding binoculars. There is a camera, and while the Guards might tolerate a clandestine visitor, he doubts they're going to appreciate him taking off his gag outside designated meal times.]

[Jamie rolls his eyes expansively and looks at Jon's face.]

You think that's going to work right now? Or that I'm really worried about being caught here? I know you probably think I'm not more than dandelion fluff, but I am not new to this, Archivist.

[Still, he sighs and sits back, arms crossed.]

Are you just going to type on your phone? Or do you just want me to get rid of the spiders and go?

[Jon's gaze flickers past Jamie to the camera. If it's not working, Jon's certainly not going to argue taking the damn gag off. He reaches up and tugs on the strap of his gag before bowing his head to Jamie. If the other man can deal with the lock, Jon will happily acquiesce to allowing the help. It means Jamie's probably going to have to put it back on, but needs must.]

[Jamie looks over the lock and wrinkles his nose. It's not complicated, the trouble is getting it open without hurting it. He reaches up to slide a pin out of his hair and works on unlocking it in the most mundane fashion. It takes a few seconds but he does manage to get it open with a soft click.]

We probably don't have long, [he says quietly as he undoes the strap of the gag.]

[Jon gives the gag a hard suck before it's removed so he doesn't drool down his chin. Jamie will be able to see it's a predictably phallic design as Jon wipes his mouth with the back of his wrist.]

Better something than nothing.

[He keeps his own voice low.]

How are you dodging the cameras?

You know, the only reason I haven't gone mad yet is because you aren't totally human yourself, [he says mildly as he examines the gag. Hm. He's a bit jealous of this piece of plastic. Jamie sets it aside on the cot and returns his attention to Jon.]

I just am.

[Jon's brows furrow in confusion.]

You haven't...? Why would that- what?

Our lives are all about balance, [he says as he sits on the cot. He's not sitting on the damn floor.] Our connection to the mundane world is what saves us, and we want - need - to feel accepted by it. And when we do things counter to that, it...

[Jamie tries to think, absently fidgeting with the ribbon on his pajama pants.]

We start to lose the ability to tell the difference. Coming out of the Hedge like that? That's not normal. Normal people don't do that. The normal world doesn't work that way.

Oh.

[Jon grimaces.]

I shouldn't have made you come. I'm sorry, I just. I'm hungry, and the spiders... I don't like spiders.

[He gestures vaguely to one corner of the cell.]

I do love that you think you made me do anything, [he says with a dry look.] I don't know that it'd be a good idea to feed you in an enclosed space, but. I can deal with the spiders.

[Jamie looks at the corner in question. He can't see that far, but he trusts Jon that they're there.]

I wasn't asking for... never mind.

[Maybe he had been. Jon stares down at his hands and fidgets with them. God, he's exhausted. Getting rid of the spiders will solve a tiny piece of his problem with sleep, but it won't solve it. Still, he can be grateful.]

If you need me to do some sort of pledge before you get rid of them, I was being serious.

[He feels like he owes Jamie something at this point.]

Would you like to make it a formal, binding arrangement? Or will you just keep your word?

[Jamie lifts a brow. Maybe he should make sure he gets payment before he goes and performs such a service. He's curious that Jon so readily offered himself in the first place. Maybe he'll ask when Jon is his again.]

Don't you need the contract to... do whatever magic you're going to do?

[That's the main draw for an actual contract here. He'd just sort of assumed it was needed.]

Contracts are how I do magic, but they're not the kind you're thinking of. Well, not exactly. The pledge I put us in before just made sure you'd be bound to me with consequences. I was angry with you.

[Jamie shrugs one shoulder.]

But, you've offered, and I'm accepting. It doesn't need to be more complicated than that, unless you're planning on trying to get out of it.

[... If Jamie doesn't need it. But, no. No, he owes the other man.]

I'm not. Just... don't pick an inconvenient time for the repayment.

[You're not getting out of it, Jon. Jamie has it in writing.]

I'm happy to sit down with your calendar to work it out, [he says airily.] The contracts we use are ones the Gentry made with... I don't know. Facets of reality or something. Doesn't matter.

[Not right now, anyway. Jamie considers, looking off into the dark corner, then over at Jon.]

After I deal with the spiders, is there anything else I can help with? You look tired.

[Jon rolls his eyes at the mention of a calendar. He is interested in the contracts, but that's a question for when Jamie's not working on a clock. He can ask him over text later, maybe.]

Make the camera stop buzzing and the gag more comfortable?

[He sighs, then waves a hand vaguely.]

It's fine. It's only a week in here. Getting rid of the spiders will help. I can feel them watching me.

[He considers a moment, then slides something out of his pocket. It's nothing much, really. It looks like a smooth stone.]

Take this, [he says, holding it out to Jon.] It'll help you feel better.

[Probably. It's meant to, anyway. He made a few of these but he hasn't given any away yet. Jamie waits for Jon to take it, then gets up and wanders toward the corner in question. Banishing creepy crawlies isn't hard, especially if they're mundane.]

[Jon takes the proffered stone and begins examining it critically with the light from his phone's screen, trying to figure out what it is.

The spiders are entirely mundane things just trying to live their lives and keep the population of other bugs in the cellblock down. Jon does look up and over after a moment to watch Jamie, though, and make sure they don't try to overwhelm the changeling. He'd rather not watch someone else die by spider in his life.]

[The stone itself is warm from Jamie's body heat. There doesn't seem to be anything else special about it otherwise.

Given that the spiders are just trying to live their best lives, Jamie doesn't destroy them. But he does make sure they're gone. He gets up with a quiet sigh and wanders back to the cot. He sits down next to Jon again and leans against him.]

If you start getting worried or scared or whatever, just hang onto that and think of something nice. Or me. Whichever is easier.

Will it contact you?

[Is it some sort of psychic stone? Seeing as Jamie hasn't been overrun with eight-legged fiends, Jon turns his attention back to the stone.]

Not exactly. But it'll make you feel better. Safe and warm.

[Jamie brushes his fingers along Jon's arm, looking at the stone while Jon tries to puzzle it out.]

Don't take your offer back. I'd very much like to have you again, even if it's only for a little while.

[Jon frowns at the stone, rubbing it curiously until Jamie touches him. That gets him to look up, to properly regard the changeling again. When he does, he feels a blush rising to his cheeks.]

You've got rid of the spiders. I owe you, Jamie. I've been told to expect another anklet after I get out for at least a week. Probably best not to do it then, but I'll be available to sort out the payment.

[Jon can't quite bring himself to admit that he wants to be had. He'd enjoyed that room and swing in Jamie's cottage, being ordered about to an extent...]

[Jamie feels like he should point out the fact that Jon helped Wolf, and that means far more than getting rid of some wispy little spiders. And it means Jamie is probably more in Jon's debt than not. But. He liked feeling like Jon was his for a little while.

And, really, the excuse to tease Jon more is fun.]

Alright. Some time after your anklet comes off. Another seven days?

[Jon sighs as if he's being extremely put upon.]

I said a week. Is Wolf going to try to punish you for it again? Or was that more Alessandro's doing?

Mmm that was all Alessandro. Wolf just happened to think it was hot and didn't mind participating.

[Jamie hadn't really minded, either. It'd been a very new experience and certainly gave him intense new ways to experience desire and need. In the end, worth it.]

Will you pack properly for yourself this time? Or do I need to supervise? Or help?

[Jon's blush deepens; though, with the current lack of lighting, he's hopeful that might go unnoticed.]

Are you going to make me wear different lingerie every day?

Of course I am. It'd be boring if you wore the same set all week. And require more laundry loads.

[Jamie smirks and turns his head to nuzzle against Jon's neck.]

I know you have some really cute things.

[Jon starts to fluster, but he doesn't pull away for the moment.]

Don't you have to leave soon?

Probably should. [Jamie brushes a kiss to Jon's neck before he picks his head up. He finds the gag and offers it back to Jon.]

I'll make sure the lock goes back on. Sorry to leave you like this, darling. But, you have your stone.

[Jon takes the gag back.]

And here I thought you might like seeing me in a gag.

[He puts it back in his mouth and threads the strap around his head. He also sucks a few times, brows furrowed in annoyance as he waits for Jamie to lock it in place.]

Edited (Repetition) 2021-05-06 13:43 (UTC)

[Once the got is on, Jamie clicks the lock back in place. His fingers linger against it and he presses a kiss to Jon's cheek, just over the strap.]

Darling, I'll like it when I can put the gag in myself, [he purrs.] Though I'm sure there are far more interesting ways to keep your mouth occupied.

[He grins and catches Jon's chin to turn the man's head toward him. He gives him another kiss right over the gag, then lets go and gets up. His glow diminishes slightly and he finds the seam he used earlier. He peers over his shoulder.]

Sweet dreams, Jon.

[Jon huffs and makes a shooing gesture. He really shouldn't have told Jamie he sort of likes the teasing. As the other man looks back before leaving, Jon does feel like he owes him something more, even with the pledge. Self-imposed isolation and being forced into it are very different things, especially when he can't choose the venue. It had been... nice to have someone familiar, even for a few minutes.

He holds up the stone for Jamie to see, then curls his fingers around it and pulls it to his chest like it's something precious. At least it's something to focus on. Maybe he can figure out what sort of magic the changeling's put on it... if any.]

VOICE	TEXT	ACTION
Jamie What can I do for you? <

Duplicity Inbox

un: triskele ▶ text

un: flower

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voice; un: trebuchets

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text; un: jeongbro --> following Sabrina's realignment

un: flower

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un: thearchivist; text

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