psychoshenanigans | GRATIA // PSL

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GRATIA // PSL

The first thing he feels is the cold.

It permeates everything down here on the lower levels. What little warmth humans have made for themselves is greedily gobbled up by the stone walls that surround them on all sides. Despite the stirring of people in the streets, in their homes, and around corners, this place feels like a grave. A similar sense seems to loom over the heads of most who make their way through this deep, dark part of the world, hovering around them like a cloud of inevitability. No one has been outright sentenced to death, but they may as well be.

Upon waking, Tek will have found himself in a dark, wet alleyway. Attempts to orient himself reveal that he has been brought, somehow, to an impressively large network of tunnels that all lead, more or less, to three or four larger chambers. There is far more vibrant life above him somewhere, far, far above the layer of caves he's in now, and there is also a very deep, sluggish form of life somewhere far below his feet.

No one is coming to get him. No one follows him in his immediate vicinity--the few stragglers hanging around doorsteps and windows don't give him a second glance, or even a first one. The place is crowded, but not busy. Everyone keeps their heads down. The people are all dressed poorly, in rags and robes and bundles that suggest a certain level of consistent poverty all throughout the level. The buildings in these tunnels look man-made, either built from scrap or carved straight out of the rock of the cave, but the majority of the actual roads and cave walls seem to have been formed with very little help from human hands.

The place is lit with lanterns and dirty-looking florescents suspended high above in the cave ceiling. The air is thick and stuffy, the smell of mold and mud prevalent over even the smell of human stagnation. It would not be hard to drag someone off, and he gets the immediate feeling that if he did, it's unlikely that anyone would come looking for them.

What does he do?

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[Tonic is very aware of the power dynamic being established here. he is presenting himself as a possession while the person over him is presented as the possessor. but he fell into it a little more naturally than even he is ready to accept. and even though a part of him instinctively dislikes being coveted, another part of him very much wants the attention and good favor of this mysterious, dangerous person even more.

he looks up at him the entire time, always a little wary of things happening so close to his face... but the genuine smirk remains, fueled by the dark twist in their conversation and the pleasant feeling of human contact that... well, frankly, isn't based in some weird sex thing the other person has for dramatic scars.]

[the fact that Tonic invited him into this position matters a lot. sure, he is feeling greedy and possessive, but there isn't anything to prove here. with Robin, there's always a fight, a constant tension, and it defines them. here, it's still just a game--easily taken, easily let go.

so, he doesn't pin him there for long. after some doting, he breathes a pleased sigh and takes his hand back--giving Tonic just enough room to make his next question a little less oppressive. the way his smirk twists to match is another little warning.]

...Would this be a bad time to call that a truth?

[he didn't feel the hand on his face all that much, but something about it being missing makes him shiver. he's been watching Tek the whole time, so he knows that the question is coming, but...]

Depends. [he smirks, but tilts his face up a little, perhaps hopeful.] Are you just trying to get my shirt off?

Well, that would be fair, wouldn't it?

[something about turnabout being fair play would be appropriate here. and like Tonic had done earlier, when the roles had been reversed, he rests the side of his face in his hand. just charmed and happy to be here.]

I could point out... that you missed a penalty, last question.

[Tonic picks himself up, rearranging himself a little stiffly so that he can sit up and lean backwards. getting his shirt up over his head is tricky, having to navigate the bits and edges of his mods without having the full, fluid motion of a normal person... but he's done it enough times that he at least doesn't make an idiot of himself.

if Tek can be patient for a few extra seconds, Tonic will have his shirt off and his torso fully exposed. it is marred more in the way that his good arm was, with nicks and scrapes and a couple of deep-looking scars where he's had unfortunate run-ins with sharp objects... the real visual interest comes from where his arm was apparently dunked down into a vat of acid, Tek can actually make out specks and splashed shapes where the splatter must have been, eaten away and causing the skin to have that same sort of uneven, strangely-scarred texture as his face and arm.

no big holes for metal bits, just a couple of flat, metallic brackets punched into parts of his shoulder, maybe for support. they almost look fashionable, polished to a reflective shine.

Tonic drops his shirt near his other clothing, not much caring if this one wrinkles.]

[he feigns a surprised, low chuckle.] Are you trying to get into my pants?

[around the joke, however, he's gazing at Tonic with patient adoration as he undresses, and he's almost surprised with how much he likes what he sees.

the man has stories written all over his body. how could he not be drawn to that?

so, if Tonic had been hoping for an ego boost based on a look alone, he could easily find one here. Tek doesn't know what to do with him now that he has him like this, but he's very glad he pushed the game this far.]

I'm not trying to do anything...

[he does like this, being appreciated for the sum of his parts, his story, rather than just his skills or his unusual looks or the surface personality he's put forward. he doesn't dive into this world often, but he thoroughly enjoys it when he does.

he thinks this is one of those times. he leans back on his arms, regarding Tek with an even gaze.]

I just feel like maybe I should get something for winning...

[and if it isn't obvious already, he gestures for Tek to come in closer with a finger.]

[again, the invitation goes a long way, especially with the delicate game they had been playing earlier. he's taking more care than he often does in not wanting to cross some line--whether in conversation or something else--and scare this one away. the gesture is maybe not needed, but definitely appreciated.

the invitation also means that he is wanted, and that will always be his very favorite thing. he is both grateful and full of pride when the other man beckons him over, and he doesn't waste a moment to go slinking forward to meet him there.

he's excited just to be closer to him. the impending prospect of touch, all that uncovered skin, permission to tilt his face in near his companion's and revel in the tension that exists in the space there--he gets close and breathes it in.]

[Tonic doesn't leave him hanging there for long as he has done this--as he does most things--with intention. the approach is met by a slender hand reaching up to curl around the back of his neck, and Tonic leans up the rest of the way to catch him in a kiss.

it's a little odd, kissing Tonic, because his mouth feels very uneven; what he lacks on one side is made up for by the other, though, still soft and warm and direct, but not demanding. and he is half-smiles, at least, because all he wants in the moment is to get a taste of this strange man and his infuriatingly beautiful face.

it's like kissing art. which he'd be into.]

[Tonic had the right idea when he'd claimed a reward for his efforts. this moment can stand as a trophy for both of them, a prize won for all their careful gaming. the challenge will almost certainly continue at some point, but tonight's round can be considered a draw, with both opponents indulging in (and not demanding) a victory.

Tek is treating himself to this just as much as Tonic is. it's been a long time since he's touched someone new--especially someone who has managed to capture his interest so thoroughly. he immediately rests a light, affectionate hand on Tonic's good wrist, but it soon moves to his shoulder, finally gliding up to his neck as he can't help but smile against the scars of his companion's mouth.

he doesn't mind the strangeness of kissing him, really. when you've spent hundreds of years with creatures who sometimes have fangs or scales to work around, a little unevenness isn't that bad. he meets him with just as much warmth, and makes sure not to seem too greedy about it. the little bits of pointed teeth against the good portion of his lip are just to tease him. it's just a little sharpness for fun.

even when he shifts over enough to begin placing a few experimental kisses along the unscarred skin of Tonic's jaw, he's slow and doting about it. this is one of those instances in which he's actually interested in gauging what his partner likes before he goes for the throat.]

[Tonic might have been a little disappointed if there weren't teeth, after everything they've talked about. he knows full well that Tek could be mean if he wanted to. predator, and all that.

he's a little hesitant to let Tek leave and trail down his jaw at first, but then something about having a mouth close to his neck changes his mind entirely--and with a grateful sound, he tilts his head away to give the dragon another open invitation. the hand on the back of his neck drags nails over his skin, lightly, as thanks.

he thinks of saying something stupid, like, "maybe next time I will let you get me drunk"... but it's too many words, and might be misconstrued, and really, he doesn't want to risk breaking the spell that they're under. so he keeps quiet, content to bask in a little well-earned affection.]

[especially with pretty nails dragging along the back of his neck, Tek finds it very hard not to begin purring against his friend's throat. it's probably a slowly-failing attempt, but he's at least still trying to keep his various inhuman tendencies in check.

so, he spends extra attention on his partner to make up for it. his mouth and teeth and a little bit of that strange tongue that Tonic had gotten a glimpse of pick their way along scarless skin. it's not that he doesn't love the marred half of the man's body just as much, but he wants to make sure that there are as many nerves as possible there for him to play with.

he revels in the fact that he's being trusted enough for the other man to lower his guard and let him get this close. he drags fingertips down his back, feeling along smooth skin and the little interruptions of scars, until he can settle and hold him at the shape of his waist. he breathes him in. he waits for the little hints that tell him what his partner likes, and follows them. he wants to learn more about him.]

[it is a large show of trust, to let the other man at his throat. it's also a show of trust to let his hands wander over his body, where there are strange, sensitive nerves and old, deep scars, and plenty of vital organs (he thinks of every single one of them as Tek drags his fingers down his back) that only need one good jab with something sharp to wreak havoc on the rest of his body.

that said, he gets a little tense whenever there are teeth, but seems to ease up and enjoy that strange tongue of Tek's immensely. maybe he could warm up to something sharper, but he certainly isn't Robin--who would practically be begging for a bite by now. Tonic seems content to sigh into Tek's affections, simply thankful for the closeness of another creature that he likes.

Tonic smells strongly of the cigarette he'd been burning. Tonic can't tell what Tek smells like, but it's strangely familiar... and after a while, he indulges with his eyes closed, pressing his face in against his hair and breathing him in just the same.]

[he'll be nice with his teeth, then. the reward of pleased sighs and indulgent body language is enough to keep him kind. he'll be soft where the nerves are thin and excitable, and leave teeth for where there are muscles and tendons underneath that could take a little bit of a push.

there's only so much he can do for his patience, though. once he reaches the edge of the man's jaw again, he smiles there and hums low, before sneaking in for his mouth with intent. he's restless and curious and wants to see how much his new friend wants to play.

keeping him fixed there with a kiss, the rest of him scoots back until he's settled against the line of pillows. the hand at Tonic's waist tugs with a little coaxing pressure then, encouraging him back to where they could have even more warmth and comfort and contact.]

[Tek will be happy to learn that Tonic doesn't need all that much encouragement to follow along. in fact, he seems to like the idea, making a little sound of agreement against the other's mouth.

that'd be much better. he slinks up along with Tek, settling in very close, sneaking that modified arm of his around the other's waist. he wants his other arm, the better one, to be free to feel over his chest and skin and ribs and places where important, vital organs should be. he wants to get to know the other, too. and though he's normally not one for leading in these kinds of situations--he does really like the idea of having this man underneath him.]

[when he has another body settling so close against him, Tek barely manages to keep what would have been a purr, at only a low, grateful hum. it really is an impressive demonstration of will.

and lucky for everyone involved, there is another demonstration of will when Tonic's fingers go skating over the nerves along his side. the resulting hitch in breath and antsy squirm could easily be mistaken for a generic reaction to affection, and isn't an immediate giveaway that the charming, enigmatic dragon is being tickled. he almost makes a sound. it could have been much worse.

of all the secrets that he has been giving away tonight, that is not going to be one of them.

so, he shifts his body over a little, under the guise of getting more comfortable beneath his companion, and lets his hands get restless and distracting. it's only partially a ploy to cover his own discomfort--he really is enjoying getting caught up in someone who isn't Robin. he's looking for differences in the details. he gets absorbed in the touch of metal where skin should be, indulges in reaching down to feel thigh through skirt fabric.

mostly, he's following cues. Tonic wanted a reward for his hard work, and Tek is more than happy to accommodate. he wants to make a lasting impression, after all. he goes wandering to see where his partner wants his hands to be. he listens for sounds of approval. just teasing and testing and enjoying, hoping that--for a little while--they can both forget that the rest of the world is out there waiting for them.]

[he almost catches it (or so it seems), as he makes a curious little noise in response to the squirming and adjusting... just wondering what it is that has his new friend moving into a new position. maybe he would have pursued it further if there wasn't a very welcome hand there to distract him a few seconds later.

it's very effective. he does not seem to mind the touch at all, even as fingers run over bands of metal and those deep, old scars of his. for a moment, he's sorely tempted to throw all of his reservations away and just... dive into him, because he does like the attention and he does want to feel more of him, and most importantly, he's so charmed that this person has almost completely eclipsed his pervasive thoughts of Robin and all of his frustrating, pointless games.

this game has a point, and he'd like to win it.

unfortunately, just as he starts to try and express this through his own wandering hands and slow, encouraging shifting against the other--there's a voice from the opening of their little nest-chamber.]

Aw, shit-- Hey, go back down!

[his attention snaps away, his whole body tensing back at some perceived threat--but to his surprise, there's just some greasy-looking guy peering up over the edge of the entrance.]

Ugh, fuck, man. Get a room...

[someone below him asks some confused question, and the first one hurriedly shouts back down that this one's already full... while doing his best to duck awkwardly back out of sight himself and clumsily skitter down the way he had come.

somewhere in all of this, Tonic suddenly bursts into laughter.]

[Tek's own happy, hungry little world is similarly shattered as the ice-water feeling of adrenaline shoots through his veins. luckily, Tonic is just as quick to turn on the possible threat as he is, so the other man is looking back at the doorway and not at the reflexive moment when Tek's teeth are bared.

and then it all falls apart in the stupid seconds that follow. the tension drops, excited nerves stall out, and reality careens back into view. just as he's sure his companion must be doing now, he is forced to suddenly take a look at their whole situation from the outside, and it's all over from that moment on.

it's as if Tonic's laughter drains the life out of him. his previously-wandering hands drop dead at his side, the breath that had just been pleasantly held up in his lungs falls out of him. his head drops back against the pillows, his eyes close. and he begins to chuckle.]

[Tonic's laughter goes on, a little helpless as he gets to the end of his breath and every shallow inhale just triggers another bout of chuckles. he wilts away, rolling onto his back next to Tek and just giggling until the laughter is all gone, and he can finally breathe again, smiling crookedly up at the ceiling of their nest.]

Gods... [he presses the palm of his hand against his bad eye, elbow pointing up. he can't help but grin again.] How rude.

[his low giggle eventually bleeds out into a sigh of annoyance, but it's more rueful than anything, because... yeah, the whole thing is just dumb. he sits up and automatically goes to straighten himself out, but he isn't really wearing a whole lot to straighten anymore. this leaves him looking down at himself--his bare chest and bare feet--like he can't quite believe where he ended up.]

He didn't even apologize.

[the man makes a sound of agreement, but then says nothing. after a few moments of silence, he realizes he has been absently staring up at Tek since he stopped laughing, and moves his hand to gaze up at him unobstructed.

funny, this whole thing. it's a shame that it's over now, undeniably... but even with this interruption, and the both of them awkwardly hanging around in barely any clothes, this is one of the more interesting and enjoyable outings he's had in a while.]

You're a very interesting person, Tek.

[he likes him. he wants to know more about him. he'd kill to be able to see him again. his expression holds nothing but fondness, as slanted as it may be.]

[Tek also makes a sound of agreement, while he slowly stretches out his arms--very thorough about it, like a cat, from his fingertips all the way to his spine.]

You really have no idea.

[but the arrogance isn't meant to be taken seriously, by the way he glances over with a sidelong smile. the appreciation is mutual, to be sure. he just hopes he doesn't need to say so out loud.

instead, he reaches for the rumpled shape of Tonic's shirt lying off to the side and hands it toward him, before he begins sorting through his own forgotten clothing.]

[with a small laugh as he notices the shirt--] Ah, thank you dear.

[he sits up, begins the process of pulling his shirt back on over his head, navigating his metal parts through the arm holes and smoothing out the fabric once it's on his body again. he will take this time in silence for now, as he has a couple more pieces of clothing to track down than Tek does.]

[there's plenty to occupy himself with in the meantime. boots need all of their fancy little buckles fastened, he runs a hand through his hair to make sure nothing disastrous has happened, and he touches around the corners of his mouth to check for any smudged lip gloss. he even takes a moment to lean and peer down from their perch to see if the intruders are anywhere in sight, and to just get in touch with the outside world again.

he doesn't bother buttoning up his shirt, however, and he leaves his jacket folded up near the edge of the nest.]

[Tonic has two sleeves, two socks, both of his heeled boots... and his own jacket to finish things off. he lifts it off the ground to return his leather case of vials to one of the pockets, but doing so reminds him of a piece of their conversation from earlier.

as he pulls the jacket back on, one sleeve at a time, he glances back over at his new friend:] Really darling, if you'll be in town for a while, you should come find me on the market level sometime. Argent Stone.

[he repeats the name just in case Tek was only humoring him earlier, or had forgotten the name between all of their other games.]

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heresyandlace - 2018-12-01 04:58 (UTC) - Expand

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