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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Supposedly.

[Tek shrugs with what is likely an infuriating amount of nonchalance at something that sounds like it should probably be noteworthy. to him, it's just the nice place that knows how to keep its mouth shut.

once you've seen one opulent bathhouse, you've seen them all, right?

Tek hardly remember the name of the place, let along understands the significance of it, but he still has the gall to stroll in as if he's a regular.]

[oh, of course it gets to Tonic. he almost repeats it back mockingly, and the only reason he doesn't is because the sound of his own voice immediately echoes too much in the entrance hall for his comfort.

it is certainly more on the opulent side; marble dragged up from the underground has been carved into all kinds of patterned floors, statues, vases, decorative pillars, and these are trimmed with gold and thin lines of an obsidian-like material. a middle-aged woman breaks away from a small group of attendants to meet them, smiling warmly and nodding in deference.]

Hello, friends. How might the Serene be of service today?

[Tonic will stick close to Tek, hoping that he can do all of the talking.]

[this is still Tonic's fabulous date night, and he has just had a near-death experience, so Tek will let him quietly hang on his arm and look pretty all he wants. Tek will do all the work.

the warmth doesn't quite reach his eyes, but the rest of the expression that he mirrors back at the woman seems convincingly genuine.]

Ah, we have just had an incredibly exhausting day, so we would love a quiet place to relax. Robin recommended this place quite highly.

[he glances toward Tonic to include him in the conversation as he continues, but he isn't expecting him to actually chip in anything more than a look. give him the fun of responding however he would find enjoyable in this instance.]

I'm thinking a bath to start with, fully outfitted with whatever you think would be nice... and then we can decide what we'd like from there.

[so a bath with all the goodies included, private, and maybe a massage or something else extravagant if they're feeling it afterwards.]

[Tonic gives a polite smile, managing to keep any wariness thoroughly under wraps. the woman doesn't seem at all phased by either of them, and simply nods when Robin's name is mentioned aloud.]

Ah, I believe we have a package you might enjoy... That would be one of our medium private baths, spacious for two people, and the water is prepared with one of our in-house bath salts already included. If it is your first time, I recommend a selection of our most popular massage oils and cleansing ointments, and full access to three of our massage specialists to be called upon whenever you feel you would like them.

[this all sounds very fancy to Tonic, certainly, but as their attendant describes the full range of services available to them, he gets distracted by another woman off to the side. another attendant, she catches his eye, smiles at him warmly, and waves politely with two fingers.

he waves back without really lifting his hand, two fingers. easy to miss. after that, his attention is back on the woman in front of them.]

Drinks and food are complimentary during your stay. [and without missing a beat, she asks:] Shall we charge this to Robin's current account?

[Tek's eyes tick momentarily from Tonic to the woman that he's exchanging a greeting with and back again, but his expression doesn't change. it's hardly an interruption in anything before Tek makes it clear that he's taking a moment to think things over--not because he's doing something practical like weighing the impact of a potential price, but more of judging whether or not the package sounds luxurious enough. the fact that Tonic does get distracted while the woman is explaining conveniently plays into the story.]

I think that sounds acceptable. [not impressed, but mostly satisfied. he nods in response to the woman's question about Robin's account, and then he turns his attention back to Tonic again.]

What do you think? [if Tonic has any issue with the plan, Tek is giving him a convenient excuse here if he wants to back out.]

[Tonic, now very much keyed in to the conversation, does not immediately accept the arrangements. he hums for a moment, tilting his head back and forth as he appears to think it over with some measure of seriousness.]

Well, it sounds very nice... But I'm concerned about space, darling.

[somehow, Tonic represses a grin as he presses his hand to his cheek and gives a charming, crooked smile.]

Would you happen to have anything bigger?

[the attendant, all too happy to give them whatever they want, nods their head without the slightest hesitation.]

I completely understand. Perhaps a large bath to start, and you are welcome to move if you find that the room is not to your liking when you arrive.

[this is almost good enough for Tonic... but he knows he can go further, so he presses his fingers to his temples as he tries (or pretends to try) to remember.]

And--one more thing, I apologize--but do you still offer those candles...?

[the woman nods, of course.] Our candle sets? Yes, would you like me to have a selection sent with you?

[then, finally, Tonic claps both of his hands together with a cheery little grin.] Yes, please. That would be just lovely.

Edited 2019-06-02 06:15 (UTC)

[Tek seems just as bright and agreeable with this arrangement, but it entirely has to do with the sentiment behind Tonic's requests. every little bit of spite sent Robin's way inevitably pays out doubly for Tek, so he's absolutely tickled by Tonic's additions to their request.

as they thank their host and are moved into the establishment now as proper guests, Tek plays the part of perfect, doting boyfriend. he squeezes his partner's hand and nuzzles cutely in by his face, but Tonic will recognize the wicked little glint to his smile and the way he's just barely keeping himself from laughing.]

[Tonic is genuinely charmed by Tek's playful, malicious glee, which makes it easy to lean cutely back and giggle a little as they're led through a short series of doorways and into a large, open room with a large, steaming bath drawn up for them in the middle. there are small, colorful bottles arranged for them on raised glass trays along the edge, as well as a helpful collection of brushes, sponges, pumice stones, and several other things one might need to clean themselves up.

true to their word, several bundles of large candles have also been dropped off near the edge of the bath, along with a bowl of rose petals (should they be in one kind of mood) and a bowl of things that look a little like chalk (should they be in another kind of mood). their new attendant shows them the little wooden cards they can clip to a constantly-rotating overhead line for service, and after asking if there's anything else they would like, finally leaves them alone together in the room.

as soon as the door is closed, Tonic's got his hand over his mouth to stifle a laugh.]

I can't... Believe this...

[as soon as they're alone, Tek begins a slow tour around the perimeter of the room, as if he's still considering whether the space is acceptable or not. however, he's already beginning to unbutton his shirt as he goes, so he must not be deliberating that hard. it more gives him something to do while they're acclimating to this significant shift in gear, and he can begin to explore what exactly they have at their disposal here. he can begin to make plans.

in the meantime, he glances over with a sly grin. he looks proud of himself.]

So, I suppose that means this place might help make up for some of the shock from earlier today? [--either the vertigo of being above ground or the whole nearly-being-murdered thing. take your pick.]

Make up for it?

[Tonic sounds incredulous, half-grinning and laughing again... and then laughing some more, even harder, as more of the last half-hour really comes back around at him. at this point in their relationship, it isn't terribly surprising that the man is struggling to find his words around a fit of relief and exhaustion, clutching at his side as he looks helplessly around the room for something to start with. he's tough and clever and keeps his cool when he needs to... but at the end of the day, he is only human.]

You stuffed a guy in a barrel! [he finally exclaims, struggling to catch his breath.] Fuck... Today has been...

[he shakes his head, eyes bright, finally grinning over at Tek--one side of his mouth pulling at the other.] Insane. This is insane.

[--insane, yes, but Tonic is still grinning over it. the man's eyes look full of life (or madness) instead of strung-out and overwhelmed. it's all the encouragement Tek needs (and probably shouldn't have been given) and all lingering worry over the events of the past day completely evaporate.

just like that, Tek considers himself entirely absolved. he grins back, teeth sharp, entirely unrepentant.

he wanders over to the pieces of furniture meant for clients to leave their clothing and important belongings on so he can shrug out of his coat. it's closer to where Tonic is standing, but there is still a safe, comfortable amount of distance between them.]

...It was either that, or the roof. [he adds, with a little gesture up and over his shoulder. it implies a lot, and it's all horrible. he's having fun again.]

You can't...

[his exasperated exclamation is halted by another laugh when he realizes that Tek can, and even if he shouldn't, that would never stop him.]

You are a menace. You are a problem, sir.

[and this would have been a deal-breaker, months ago. but Tonic has either rationalized it or given up on trying, because he says these things with nothing but good humor. and then with another breath, he spreads his arms, encapsulating the room around them with the gesture.]

We're standing in the Serene! This place is legendary...

[more giggling as Tek receives nothing but praise, proudly undressing in the middle of what he considers a reward for all of his hard work. Tek knows very well that some slim, invisible line must have been crossed in order for Tonic to still be standing here after the events of the day, and he feels very proud of himself for having carefully lured the other man this far.

he has gotten a tired, paranoid, very mortal individual to frolic along with him into the mouth of chaos, and have fun doing it.

and to make sure that his friend continues following him, he lifts his chin in his direction and then nods at the furniture beside him.]

We are indeed. However, I hear that it's much better experienced without clothing.

Oh, is that how this works?

[with one last giggle of disbelief, Tonic finally walks over to where the other has been taking off their jacket. he looks like he's reaching up to start unclasping his many necklaces, but instead of stopping where it would be appropriate, he comes a step or two closer to lean in give Tek a quick kiss on the neck.

that's all, and he's quick to turn and pretend it was nothing, carefully setting some gold jewelry down what would be considered his side of the table.]

[Tonic is free to return to freeing himself of his jewelry... but he is followed after. Tek was going to leave him in peace, but then Tonic had to go and cross the little line that Tek had kindly drawn between them. by doing that, and teasing Tek with any attention at his neck, he has forfeited rights to personal space.

as soon as Tek finishes what he'd been in the middle of doing--removing his shirt--he wordlessly slinks up behind his friend to hunt in for his neck in return. Tonic can continue doing whatever he wants, but Tek is at least going to return the favor.]

[Tonic knew that something would be coming his way, so he's not entirely surprised when he feels the looming presence of the man behind him. he is surprised by how his nerves light up the moment there is a mouth at his neck, though.

Tek gets the satisfaction of a full-body shiver from Tonic, accompanied shortly thereafter by a sigh and a slight tilt of his head to give him whatever he wants.

though all of that gets somewhat interrupted as Tonic continues trying to undress, moving his bag, and...] --Oh, there's-- [he doesn't really move, but he pulls satchel open and pulls out several poor, wilting flowers and a dead man's pocketbook.] These things.

[Tek doesn't really stop in idly mouthing his friend's neck, but he does chuckle a little and peer around to see better.

don't mind him. he'll just be there, casually making out with the side of Tonic's neck, arm loosely draped around his waist, while the other man removes the layers of the day from himself.]

[if Tonic is at all bothered by continuing to be accosted, he doesn't say anything about it. he simply makes a curious sound and flips open the little black book, which is full of a number of transactions, probably, most likely. it's a bit hard to tell, given that everything in it seems to be written in a completely different language.]

Mm. [Tonic turns the book sideways, appears to be reading whatever these symbols and scribbles are, flips through a few pages, and then carelessly tosses it to the side.] Useless.

[but he still has small bundle he got out of the man's shoe. he opens it dexterously despite the distraction, even leaning back a little against Tek to get more comfortable. inside the cloth are a set of very small tools. a lock-pick, a coin-sized mirror, a razor, and a couple of very small, flat things that Tonic immediately picks over in his palm with interest.]

Now this is something...

[after setting the rest back on their table, he fidgets with another round, coin-sized thing. it looks much more advanced and delicate than anything that would be allowed in the Underground, but Tonic slides parts of it away and loosens several thin plates between his fingers before a little drawer pops out of the side.]

Here we go. [he pulls a small, rolled-up piece of paper out of the slot, unfurling it between his fingers, and holds it up towards the light overhead. a series of lighter marks appear on the paper, more symbols and scribbles. Tonic chuckles.] Predictable as always...

Edited 2019-06-02 22:31 (UTC)

[the trinkets and contraptions and secretive language is ultimately so interesting to Tek that they steal his attention. with a curious sound, he finally breaks away to just set his chin on his friend's shoulder, enjoying being privy to this whole mysterious operation.

and when it seems that Tonic has finally come to some conclusion, Tek speaks up.]

--What does it say?

[oh, Tonic doesn't mind. he had some doubts before, but now that Tek has murdered someone right in front of him, Tonic doesn't feel like he needs to pretend that he isn't a spy as much anymore.]

Tom Relik, of the Red Scale order, assigned to assassination of Renea Goldbren by... Sundown, four days. Hah.

[he lets the paper roll back up into its tight little spiral, setting it and the rest of the device on the table.]

Looks like someone's going to miss his deadline... But this isn't a hit ordered on me, which is the important part.

[with that said, he now finds it an acceptable time to move away from Tek and finally work on taking off his lovely black dress.]

[Tek lets him slip away without a fight, turning around to lean comfortably back against the table to also work on removing the rest of his clothing.]

...Does that mean it was personal, then?

[he's not excited about the fact that someone was trying to kill Tonic... but he is excited to hear the reason why.]

[Tonic shrugs as he pulls himself out of his sleeves.]

Personal, political, nearly the same thing when it comes to these people...

[he glances back at Tek while the both of them are undressing... partly because he just likes to watch the man undress, and partly to take his mind off of the self-consciousness he feels undressing in front of people. it's a relatively small discomfort, and it's not like Tek hasn't already seen pretty much everything; it just feels different when they aren't laying on top of each other while it's happening.

he also has to weigh a decision in his mind, and looking Tek up and down might have something to do with that. when he finally speaks, it's with a small tilt of his head and a straightforward tone.]

I assume that Robin already told you a long time ago that I've worked as a spy?

[by this point, Tek has a heel propped up on the edge of the table so he can work on the buckles of his boots, but he pauses long enough to make a so-so gesture with one hand.]

He didn't say much, and I'd already had guesses of my own on the matter... so yes, it's not exactly a surprise.

[and he doesn't want to give the subject or the speaker an undue amount of attention while things are still a little hesitant, so he doesn't linger on either. instead, he pauses between removing one boot and beginning to work on the other to peer over at the collection of fluffy towels and linens. he's looking for something specific, and he hums triumphantly after a few moments of searching.]

Aha... perfect.

[he has found the bathrobes! after tucking one under his arm for himself, he holds up another up for Tonic to see.]

[Tek's answer is, likewise, not surprising, though now he has to think of what comes next. the man's distraction is welcome, since it gives him time to think... though, what his friend holds up for him is even more welcome.

it's like he read his mind.] Ah--thank you, darling.

[he'll come over, take one, and put it on immediately. in addition to being extremely soft (it's hard not to nestle in it out of instinct), it goes a long way towards making him feel a little less vulnerable about everything. now he can peel off his own shoes in relative psychological peace.

so he continues.]

Well, I worked with him a long time ago. And, frankly, I was much better at it than he was... Then I disappeared, he probably got promoted up to Surface work--and my guess is that he spotted me out of nowhere several years later and either panicked, or had gotten cocky enough to think he can take out two people on an open street with a bunch of windows.

[the good side of his face frowns, the bad side stays eerily still.]

I think we might have been a couple for a while, but honestly... I was kind of a mess back then, I can't remember how serious he thought it was... or if it'd be enough to murder someone over...

[with his companion now more at ease with everything, Tek can go back to undressing and enjoying the story unfolding before him. both boots removed now, he gives a short laugh at the last (very informative) bit of explanation, and works on the final bit of undressing he has yet to do.]

...It sounds extremely petty.

[and that's coming from him.]

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