councillor-roland

[councillor-roland]

Roland: They're trying to restrict our relationship! I'm having a difficult time taking a step back from that. Roland: If they post a guard outside your office to keep me out it will count towards something. That's actually been suggested. Roland: I am not letting you resign over their ridiculous vendetta against me. Don't even think of it.

Rhys: Take a moment. Take a step back, at least mentally if physically's out of the realm of possibility. You know as well as I do that this means nothing. It's not going to change anything between us. I won't let it and nor will you. Rhys: Let them say what they want. It's not as if it'll count towards anything. Rhys: If worst comes to worst, I'll hand my notice in. Then it won't be a workplace issue. Simple.

#t: rhys #rhys9

[councillor-roland]

Roland: It's absolutely maddening. Roland: I've been attacked, belittled, talked down to, threatened to be dismissed among many other things. Roland: I don't want to give them the satisfaction! We haven't done anything wrong! Roland: It's rather too late for that.

Rhys: I'm sorry they're putting you through it, Ro. Rhys: Just get through it for now, okay? Say what you have to if it means getting it over and done with. Doesn't mean either of us have to abide by anything they say when it's as preposterous as it is. Rhys: Promise me you'll keep your cool, yeah? Don't let them get to you. It's not worth it.

#t: rhys #rhys9

[councillor-roland]

Roland: Quin suggested it but they claim it's a council issue. It shouldn't be an issue at all! Roland: Who knows? They insist on dragging this out and yet blame me for not taking my 'slap on the wrist'. It's utterly insane.

Rhys: And none of them thought to ask me directly? Shouldn't that have been the first step taken? If it concerns both of us, then both of us should be present to defend such a claim. Rhys: How soon can you get out of there? I'll meet you wherever you think is best as soon as you're free from it all. We need to talk about this.

#t: rhys #rhys9

[councillor-roland]

Roland: Indeed. Roland: Oh, it is. De Luca of course jumped right on board and Eros, apparently. Roland: This is utterly inane and stupid and yet they're treating it like a serious problem.

Rhys: What? Rhys: Wait, he called a meeting over it? Rhys: Seems a little excessive. It's not seriously being entertained, is it?

#t: rhys #rhys9 #sorry rhys!

[councillor-roland]

Roland: That Maltese snake has had the audacity to complain about how much time you and I spend together in a council meeting! Roland: Putain de merde!

@rhysdasior

#t: rhys #rhys9 #lol he is so very angry #putain de merde = fucking hell

[councillor-roland]

"I'm suggesting you're trying to be kind to spare my feelings." The overdramatic look of hurt and the slight laugh that followed made a smile tug at Roland's lips in spite of himself. "Can you guarantee that? I want to hold you to it. Also, overthinking is your thing. Take it back, please, it's exhausting." His tone was a little lighter, in spite of his misery, since Rhys apparently had the power to tease and cajole him into a better mood. That was part of the reason he was the only one Roland wanted to be around when he was trapped in this terrible state.

Then again, maybe he was going to rethink that since Rhys continued to be entirely unreasonable about his silly working hours and told him what to do several times which was just patently irritating and unfair. Roland let out a long suffering sigh and pouted. "You could, you're choosing not to. Can't I just...order you to cater to only me? I am one of your bosses, after all." He doubted pulling rank like that would work but he could at least try. "You're getting rather free with the orders there, Monsieur Dasior. I'd be careful of that if I were you." It was half chastisement and half tease though Roland, irritatingly, had nothing he could back that up with. The power dynamic had decidedly switched. Not in terms of their hierarchy in the castle, that hadn't changed, but in terms of their actual personal power. Roland wasn't at all a fan of that. Then Rhys said one of the silliest things he'd said yet and Roland gave him a look. "Of course it does. First come first serve and all that, non? Besides, I should always be the priority." He waved a hand dismissively as if Finn's near death experience was nothing to him. "No one's going to die as you just said so you don't have to divert your attention."

Roland sighed, again, for the millionth time as Rhys still refused to cooperate. It would be the least he could do given how Roland was suffering but of course he wouldn't. "I'm not sure that I can. I may not survive at all, I'm sure falling down the stairs could kill me and it seems rather likely that I might do just that given that I can't seem to walk with any grace whatsoever." He wasn't really afraid of dying like this but he couldn't put too fine a point on how much he hated all of this, even if that meant being particularly dramatic. Roland rolled his eyes as Rhys pulled a 'because I said so' on him and lectured a little. "Well, for the record, I hate that you've said so and that I seemingly have to abide by it." At least his secondary tactics seemed to be working a little better, though he could always get a good reaction from Rhys physically. He hummed when Rhys agreed to having missed him, feeling a little soothed just from being physically affectionate. "We could, though, for fun." He murmured it and smiled slightly. Why not desecrate the office? They'd done it before. Rhys pulled his head up and he looked at him but frowned a little as he was told off again, irritation flashing in his eyes for a moment. "I have every right to act surprised when this is the only time in our history that those consequences have reared their ugly heads. And no, it isn't." Rhys should know that Roland was practically insatiable and he was seeking comfort in familiar physical pleasure, as it were, at the moment. That was, however, more or less a firm no and Roland didn't push hard past such limits. He leaned up and kissed Rhys anyway though, for a long moment, winding his arms around his waist to hold him closer. "But I suppose it will have to suffice." He admitted, grudgingly, when he finally pulled back from the kiss.

Roland’s theatrics were anything but a surprise and though Rhys was all too familiar with them at this point, that didn’t make them any less entertaining. If Roland didn’t want his suffering to be as entertaining as it was, he needed to keep his mouth shut, but that was an impossibility Rhys knew he could never truly ask of him. “Are you suggesting I’m lying to you, Ro?” Fixing him with a deliberately overdramatic look of hurt, Rhys rolled his eyes with a breath of laughter. “I know it’s all a little strange to you, that it’s a big change and everything… but you’re not going to succumb to any kind of rapid aging process in the hours that remain. You’re overthinking it.”

Rhys made a noise of disagreement before Roland’s suggestion was even fully uttered, the firm shake of his head effortlessly translating his oncoming refusal. “Not an option. Not during this time of year. I’ve got to be available to help however I can, even if it’s not necessarily magically. Can’t just lock up out of nowhere with no explanation. As I said, you’re going to behave yourself and let me do my job if you’re going to be staying here. If you don’t want to, you know the way back to your suite perfectly well.” Even with the species swap, it was entertaining to see that Roland still viewed himself as the most important person in the room. Rhys bit back a smile at the question, temporarily blindsided by the endearing nature of it. “Just ‘cause you were here first doesn’t mean you’re automatically the priority, Ro. I had Finn in here a couple of days ago. He was bleeding out all over the place– not enough to die, obviously, but enough for things to be a little stressful for a second. If that kind of thing happens again, I’m going to have to divert my attention elsewhere.” 

As the petulant comment was uttered alongside the rest of Roland’s whining, Rhys gave a light laugh, another affectionate rolling of his eyes accompanying it as he got comfortable in Roland’s lap. “I’m all yours all the time, Ro. I’m sure you can survive sharing me for a couple of days.” Roland’s insistence didn’t seem to be wavering whatsoever and though the kiss had meant to placate him, it seemed as if it somehow managed to do the opposite. “Because I said so, Ro. Not everything needs elaboration. You’re visiting me during my office hours during one of the most chaotic times of the year here. Don’t know how much clearer I can make that for you.” It was challenging to keep to his word as Roland resorted to playing dirty; each kiss against his skin managing to weaken his resolve just that little bit further. “Of course I’ve missed you,” he murmured, inhaling and exhaling slowly to keep his tone level whilst trying to rise above Roland’s tactics. The nip pulled a pleased sigh from the witch instantly and though it lacked the usual sting that typically accompanied any bite from Roland, it was no less enjoyable. “I miss you whenever we’re apart from each other. Doesn’t mean we’ve got to desecrate the office to prove it.” Moving a hand to cup Roland’s jaw gently, Rhys sat back a little as he lifted Roland’s head to hold his gaze properly. “You knew what you were getting into when you decided to get involved with the head of the department. Don’t act surprised when the consequences of your actions actually happen. Isn’t this enough for you?”

#c: rhys #rhys8 #krovs spring mischief 2024 #species change: human #honest abe #he continues to be super dramatic and pouty #but you've kind of worn him down rhys well done

[councillor-roland]

Roland made a quiet noise of sympathy. It was true, Nahim did have quite a mess to clean up given how poorly Marcellino had operated. "Personally I always think there's time." Roland couldn't help interjecting that though he sobered a little as Nahim mentioned not being ready to move on. Roland understood that quite well, though he again seemed a little taken aback that Nahim had brought it up so boldly. "It...wasn't." He took a hurried sip of his drink after the confirmation. It hadn't been easy at all and he was paying for it now, given how Rhys was still keeping him at arm's length in spite of all the effort he was putting in. Still, he hoped that was nearly at an end and he'd come to terms wtih it all anyway. Roland had no desire to elaborate, especially not with Nahim who he hardly knew.

The other councilman went on about Marcellino's reaction to the assassination attempts and Roland was vaguely amused. "I suppose that's not the worst idea though it didn't turn out that way." Apparently, Marcellino could think occasionally, what a surprise. The grin and the elaboration about how Marcellino had actually wanted to be targeted in a bizarre way drew a chuckle from Roland. "I can believe it of him. He should've counted himself lucky. It was hardly enjoyable having to constantly look over my shoulder for months at a time." The attack itself had been fairly traumatic, too. Nahim finally settled and Roland turned more to face him. His expression darkened a little at the mention of security measures. "It certainly should have been and we did enact security measures though they obviously weren't enough. I advocated for much stronger methods of interrogation and security but was roundly shouted down." He made a face at that, since the memory clearly displeased him. It had mostly been Raphael, but still. It was never fun to be discounted like that.

when the round of questioning was turned on him, nahim gave a quiet laugh. “oh, no. no. definitely not. not back home, not here. thanks to marcellino’s inability to perform effectively as a councilman, most of my free time will be spent fixing his mistakes. there simply isn’t time to entertain any romantic connections. they’re such fickle things and we – collectively speaking for the sake of the others back in valletta, of course – only lost marcellino a very short time ago in the grand scheme of things. i don’t know if i’m ready to move on from him yet. kudos to you for finding the strength to try again, though. i can’t imagine it was an easy process for you.” whenever he’d observed alix and roland in the past, the two couldn’t have looked more in love and though the concept of love escaped nahim entirely, whatever it was had clearly existed between the two of them. the youngest dasior had seemed to rise to the challenge of filling the alix-shaped void in roland’s heart both exceptionally well and exceptionally quickly. interesting.

hiding his laughter with a well-timed glance elsewhere, nahim offered a brief nod in response. “he certainly cared. fleetingly, but there was concern there. he was trying to discern if there was any kind of geographical pattern to the attacks so that he could preemptively strike should they wish to darken the palazzo’s doorstep,” glancing back at roland, nahim allowed a genuine grin to settle into place as he laughed again. “you should have seen his face when word reached us about the attacks reaching the castle. he’d been hiding away in valletta like a madman until then, pacing throughout the palazzo like a thing possessed at all hours of the day, muttering all sorts of plans to himsef. when it turned out that they’d skipped malta entirely, he was incandescent. he felt slighted by it. can you believe that?” chuckling to himself at the memory of the furious outbursts that had followed the report, nahim wandered back towards roland to finally settle on the opposite end of the couch, bringing his knees up to his chest to watch roland over them. “i’m glad it’s all taken care of now. i can’t recall the last time the council slipped up quite so badly. where were the security measures? why weren’t they enacted sooner? should that not have been the priority here following the first assassination?”

#c: nahim #nahim1 #ignore claudia and the page turning #just his irritated expression really #not actually at nahim just the past situation

[councillor-roland]

Roland struggled to understand family ties as his had been cut so early in his long life but he could understand not wanting to lose those you loved. In that sense, he supposed Corinne's choice made some sense even if it was still not one Roland would ever have made. Roland blinked, frowning a little as Rhys mentioned that he still spoke with her. What, did he commune with her spirit? Perhaps that was something witches could do. It seemed to be the case as Rhys explained. "I suppose that must be comforting." Roland wasn't sure it was, though. How would you not spend all your time clinging to that last scrap of someone, longing for something you couldn't really have back? The offer caught him off guard and he jolted, the shock obvious on his face. "Try it...with Alix?" On the one hand, he wanted to jump at the opportunity. To see him again, hear his voice....the longing for it was sharp and deep and he almost immediately wanted to say he would try it. But on the other hand, it would no doubt be incomplete and temporary. How much worse would it be to have him back for such a short time and then have to lose him again? Wouldn't it just make everything worse. "I'll...I'll have to think about it." The very idea shook him and threw him into turmoil.

Better to focus on Rhys for now, as he desperately tried to do and more or less succeeded. The longing for Alix was old and familiar, but the one for Rhys was fresher and he could actually do something about it immediately. The witch seemed to be on board with that given how he took his thumb into his mouth for a moment and Roland let out a breath at the sight and feeling of it. "You. All of you, every part I've been deprived of for too long. I need to feel you, taste you, be with you again." He followed the impassioned words with another kiss, rougher this time, the hand on Rhys' face sliding down and pressing firmly against his heart. He pulled away from the searing kiss after a moment only to trail his lips down Rhys' jaw and neck. "Let me take you to bed, cheri."

“She told me that she couldn’t stand to watch any of us pass before her. Knowing that those of us who are content with our lifespan wouldn’t be eternally by her side was too harrowing a thought, according to her. She’d argued that she’d lived enough of a life, experienced enough, and that she was content with the path I was on at the time, even if I couldn’t properly see it for myself yet, she didn’t have to hold my hand through it any longer. I guess that was the last of her worries taken care of before her time came.” Corinne had always been a lifeline for Rhys in a multitude of ways and though he’d lost her physical form, he’d been fortunate enough not to suffer the same prolonged ache of raw grief for as long as Roland had with Alix. “I still talk with her pretty often. It’s what the psychomanteum’s for in my suite– y’know, the little space with the desk and the mirror? It’s an altar most of the time so you’ve probably ignored it and the mirror’s usually covered, but… yeah. That’s what that is.” Rhys paused for a moment to consider his next offer carefully, his gaze scanning over Roland’s face curiously. “It can be therapeutic. If it’s ever something you want to try, I’m sure we could figure something out. No pressure, though.” It could be a lot the first time around and given how much of a toll merely discussing Alix was taking on Roland, such an approach wasn’t recommended until he was in a much stronger mindset. “Just want you to know it’s an option.”

It dawned a moment too late on Rhys that it’d be all too easy to accidentally burn Roland’s far too expensive but still somehow outlandishly garish couch if he got too magnetised by the sudden show of attentiveness, forcing himself to think rationally for a second to stub out his cigarette and chuck it in the ashtray beside Roland’s as he was granted a brief reprieve to catch his breath once they parted. Rhys shuddered faintly as the vampire’s thumb traced over his lips, taking the digit into his mouth with a hint of a playful smirk tugged at the corners of his lips as he hummed around it in contemplation, pulling off of it with a low laugh as he held Roland’s gaze. “Tell me what you need, Ro. Whatever you want, it’s yours.”

#c: rhys #rhys7 #it seems to be working #he's like 'focus on rhys not alix' which is not that hard to do considering lol

[councillor-roland]

Roland shook his head slightly as Rhys tried to deny his appreciation. "It still wasn't required. After how I've treated you...well. You deserve my appreciation and more." He would drop it after that but it was important that Rhys knew it meant a lot to Roland, that he'd been willing to listen to the reason for his behaviour and being so understanding on top of it. Not everyone would have been and it was just further proof that Rhys was exceptional. Given how difficult it still was to discuss Alix in any detail it was likely fairly obvious that he hadn't exactly dealt with or processed his grief in any significant way but what else should he have done? He spent nearly sixty years drowning and the only way he'd been able to move on was to box it all away, both literally and figuratively. It was the only way he functioned and for the most part it worked so long as Alix didn't come up too much. Naturally, he was coming up a lot right now but even this was nearly unbearable and he hoped they could get past it soon. It had been necessary, certainly, but he couldn't stay in this space for too long or he risked falling back into the whirlpool of his grief and despair. Rhys didn't need that from him.

The witch tried to wave away his sympathy but it had seemed at least somewhat necessary, even if it was the natural way of things as Rhys explained. Roland blinked a little, slightly surprised Corinne had apparently chosen to die rather than continue. What kind of choice was that? Certainly not one Roland would ever make but they were rather different people. "I suppose you did what you had to, then. It's still a terrible thing. Suffering such losses, inevitable as they may be, it...takes things from you, carves part of you away and you never really get them back." Roland stared off into the middle of the room for a moment as he spoke, not appreciating this maudlin mood but he couldn't seem to shake it quickly, taking another drag off his cigarette. Losing Alix had felt like it had hollowed him out entirely and he'd had to fight hard to fill the space back in though he'd never fully succeeded. "I confess, I can't understand her choice but I'm sure she appreciated you respecting it."

They needed to move past this, to get beyond all this grief and celebrate being back together as Roland desperately hoped they were. Rhys kissed him and leaned into him so easily, so readily, that it certainly seemed like it. He reached over blindly to set his cigarette in the nearby ashtray so he'd have both hands free, cupping Rhys' face and shifting closer on the couch so there was little space between them at all. He deepened the kiss, tasting the smoke and the alcohol on Rhys but drinking it all in regardless, almost greedily. He wrapped an arm around Rhys to keep him close and only just remembered that Rhys did have to breathe sometimes so finally pulled back a little, just enough to be able to look at him. "Stay with me." Roland traced his thumb lightly over Rhys' lips. "I need you." In a number of ways, really, but he was fairly sure Rhys was aware of that.

“You don’t need to thank me for anything, Ro. I mean that. Being here for you is the least I can do, especially with something like this.” It was blindingly obvious that the pain Roland felt was still raw no matter how much time had passed since the loss of Alix; it clearly hadn’t been dealt with or managed in any sufficient way throughout the years, undoubtedly shoved to the back of his mind, the pain of it too great to bear and whilst Rhys understood that doing so was the fastest way to deal with such agonising pain, he also knew all too well that it was the worst way to pretend to manage it. He could have taken the same approach with Corinne and the devastating side effects of her loss – it’d been tempting to deny it, to save himself from feeling as if his heart had caved in on itself entirely. Somehow, likely through the demands of the rest of the family, he’d worked through his grief in a significantly healthier manner. It also helped that the occasional scrying session brought her back to him in near-perfect clarity even if it always managed to drain a debilitating amount of mana each and every time, leaving him magically spent but emotionally fulfilled until the time rolled around again. 

Though perpetuating discussions pertaining to grief was a… risky decision given the delicate nature of such a topic, it seemed to pay off if Roland’s quiet admission was anything to go by. However, the obvious pain that reflected in Roland’s entire demeanour mere seconds later firmly told Rhys that dwelling on the topic any longer was only going to do Roland more harm than good and the sooner they shifted from it, the better. The vampire’s subdued sympathy prompted a dismissive wave of Rhys’ hand out of pure habit, the gesture aborted halfway as he moved to take a slow drag on his cigarette instead. “As much as I appreciate the sentiment, it’s just a fact of life. All mortals go through the cycle. No use in running from it or trying to deny it. Accepting that it’ll happen is all we– my kind, I suppose– can do. She could’ve granted herself immortality, she had the magic and the knowledge to. She just… didn’t want to. Past a certain point, sometimes enough is enough. Trying to persuade her otherwise would’ve been insulting to her. Would’ve been selfish of me, too. As hard as it was, accepting it was the only thing left to do even if it felt like a betrayal at the time.”

Rhys had been content to settle into the silence and let them both mull over and process everything once and for all but when it was interrupted, Rhys had been glad he’d refrained from fully mentally checking out like he usually tended to when matters of the heart were explored so thoroughly, Corinne’s laughter fading in his mind as Roland tugged him closer. Rhys hadn’t realised how badly he’d needed the familiar comfort of the vampire’s affection until it practically flooded every sense. He leaned closer without even realising it, instinctively satiating the need to be as close to Roland as physically possible. If nothing else, at least the proximity would give them both something concrete to cling to while emotions were running as high as they were.

#c: rhys #rhys7 #talking a little more in this one #trying to wrench himself out of sad mode and into reunion mode lol #the two are kind of bleeding together #should've used this gif last time #oh well it works now too

[councillor-roland]

Extra shots of Lestat from the Cast Diary version of "In The Throes Of Increasing Wonder".

(Realized for the first time that Lestat is only pretending to drink here, lol (he does not swallow))

And smiling at Lilly (when talking about composing that song for Nicolas(!):

And some stills:

These last ones definitely drip with longing...

Bonus: Louis looking absolutely splendid.

Yum.

#vanity #look at him damn #feat. Rhys

[councillor-roland]

The smug smile earned Rhys another glare. "Non, it isn't fun at all. In fact, it's the exact opposite. I can and likely will still comment on your impatience in the future even if I understand it better now." Humans were so fragile and had so little time, it was no wonder they rushed about everywhere. Rhys wasn't exactly the same, of course, less fragile and with more time, but it still wasn't the same as it was to be a vampire. Roland longed to return to it since it was both much more familiar and significantly less distressing.

Roland only half listened to Rhys' phone conversation, more focused on the eventual and distasteful result of such a meal but he would try to forget that as soon as he could. No point in dwelling on it until he actually had to deal with it. At the comments, Roland gave him a look but he supposed Rhys' point made sense. "I suppose not. Still. I can't possibly be as appealing as I usually am. I can practically feel wrinkles forming already." Why did gravity seem so much stronger? Likely because Roland himself was so much weaker and slower so it seemed to have more of a hold on him. He failed to see how anyone could actually live like this all the time.

Rhys was at least looking at him more sympathetically now and the kiss was appreciated. The witch went on to lay down the law, so to speak, and Roland listened and tried not to interrupt...though didn't quite succeed. "We could just lock the door." It wouldn't be the first time they'd done so during Rhys' working hours and likely wouldn't be the last. Now more than ever he didn't want to be around anyone else but Rhys so it hardly seemed like an unreasonable demand. "I don't see why you still need to entertain anyone given that they'll likely just come to complain about the effects of spells that you can't reverse anyway making it a waste of time. I was here first and therefore deserve your undivided attention, don't I?" He was pushed back further into the chair and realised, somewhat uncomfortably, that he hadn't let Rhys do it he'd just...been able to. Troubling. "You should be all mine anyway until this ridiculous spell is gone." It was decidedly petulant but he couldn't seem to help it. He softened a little as Rhys climbed into his lap, settling his hands on his hips and kissing him back. It was muted, not nearly as good as usual, but still nice. The next comment was really just astoundingly unfair. "Why not? It's not like it would be the first time." Whining didn't seem to be getting him anywhere so he switched tactics, trailing kisses down Rhys' jaw and neck and sliding his hands up and down his thighs slowly. Coaxing might work better, it usually did. "Haven't you missed me?" He purred, nipping at his skin with depressingly blunt teeth but at least it would still have some effect.

The scowl that deepened on Roland’s face coaxed a quiet coo of sympathy from the witch but it dissolved as quickly as it had arrived and Rhys levelled him with a smug smile. “Glad you’re experiencing it for yourself for a change. This means you can’t comment on me being impatient in the future. Not so fun when it’s your turn, is it?” Whilst Rhys did have some sympathy for Roland’s plight – it was undoubtedly a hideously jarring experience, there was no doubt about that – he’d gotten off very lightly compared to what some of the castle’s inhabitants were going through simultaneously. 

Rhys listened patiently as Roland considered his options, nodding as he leaned forward to pluck the office phone from its cradle on his desk to call down to the kitchens, requesting they bring up a few courses of whatever was on offer for the afternoon whilst Roland mulled over the complexities of the human digestive system. Out of everything that was to be delivered, there would be something to Roland’s liking; the law of averages suggested as much. Setting the phone back in place, Rhys snorted at the immediate glare that settled into place as the offer of Seth’s hypothetical opinion was shot down in flames. “Wouldn’t lie to you,” Rhys added airily, shrugging off Roland’s doubt as he spoke. “Wouldn’t benefit either of us in any way if I did.”

As Roland’s touch lingered on his wrist, Rhys felt his defences weaken further still and he leaned down to press an affectionate kiss to the crown of Roland’s head before straightening up to study him again, meeting his gaze with nothing but affection and adoration despite his apparent shortcomings. “We don’t have to go anywhere if you don’t want to. Your food’ll be here shortly, twenty minutes at the most. For the next hour or so, you’re free to hide away in here. Won’t bother me in the slightest. You might have to deal with people coming in and out as I’m technically still working if I’m not out of the office, but so long as you keep your thoughts to yourself, your presence shouldn’t be an issue. Just know that your commentary on any of the consultations I have won’t be required at any point. If I need a second opinion, I’ll be asking Seth.” Though he mostly trusted Roland to behave himself within working hours, Rhys saw no harm in reminding him. Though he’d mentioned taking a break earlier than anticipated, if they weren’t leaving the office, it wasn’t quite as simple as flipping a sign on the door and hoping people would actually read it before attempting to barge in. “Until then, I’m all yours.” Pushing Roland back properly into the armchair, Rhys moved to settle in his lap with an accomplished sigh, tucking two fingers under Roland’s chin to guide him into a kiss, partially to reassure him and partially to shut him up for a moment. “We’re not fucking in the office, though. Not while I’m still on the clock. Just so you’re aware.”

#c: rhys #rhys8 #krovs spring mischief 2024 #honest abe #species change: human #pay attention to your boyfriend rhys #he's suffering and needs a distraction lol

[councillor-roland]

"Pity." Roland drawled, though he was still smirking. He would have to take it easier on Enzo if he couldn't take much more already. He allowed the kiss, returning it just as heatedly, rubbing his thumb harder against his nipple and pinching it for a moment before he pulled back. "Au contraire, I think I should stop. Just to let you calm down a little." He nipped lightly at Enzo's bottom lip then slowly pulled away completely, withdrawing all his touch and backing up a few steps. "We're both rather overdressed, wouldn't you say?" He shrugged off his jacket and tossed it away then started unbuttoning his waistcoat, taking it off slowly. He intended to make this as much a tease as everything else had been.

Enjoying the brief, teasing contact, Enzo let out a soft, breathless moan before he felt Roland's hand moving away from his cock and up under his shirt. Each touch felt fucking incredible, and he wasn't quite sure how much he could take. Being teased and edged had both always been such big turn ons for him, and he couldn't help but arch his body a little into the touches. He should've been the one having the effect on Roland considering he was a fucking siren, not the other way around, and yet the councilman had him gasping and moaning like a little slut. "Probably not much more," he chuckled with a smirk before leaning forward to capture Roland's lips in a heated kiss. "But don't stop," he purred against his lips.

#c: enzo #enzo1 #just pretend he's not sitting #very pleased i have a gif for this lol

[councillor-roland]

The longer they kissed, the more into it Roland seemed to get, wanting each sensation more and more and just generally wanting Raphael. He wondered if the ghoul was doing something to make him feel that way but didn't particularly care at the moment since he was determined to enjoy this now, consequences be damned. His hands roaming over Raphael's skin noted the rougher texture of some of it though it wasn't unpleasant. He imagined it would just feel good in the state he was in to rub against it. "I am." Roland confessed, at the question, sighing. "That's a shame. What's the point then?" He smirked, a little mischievous. "Not even the tail?" He reached down to try and find it, catching hold and stroking it slowly as though it were a different part of Raphael. "Surely they're for more than decoration..."

Raphael only hummed in response to Roland's egging not needing it to get the job done right. Every second that passed by with their making out the ghoul spun more threads of his magic to enhance the sensations. A little lustful emotion magic, a pinch of biological magic to augment the physical pleasures and sensitivity (not that Roland really needed it with the leather spell), and a dash of mental manipulation to further push away any of the other's inhibitions here. He smiled against Roland's lips as the other man curiously explored his true form's body. His skin in this form was harder than ordinary flesh with patches of harder, rougher, leathery surface not yet similar to stone. His back muscles twitched at the pressure right where his wings sprouted from his back, the appendage spreading and stretching outwards. "Curious?" he murmured against Roland's lips, tongue darting out against the bottom one as he pulled back. "They're not sensitive like that if that's what you're wondering."

#c: raphael #raphael3 #krovs spring mischief 2024 #leather: raphael

[councillor-roland]

Roland tutted at Jamie's self deprecation. He was worse than Rhys and that was certainly saying something. "Nonsense. The clothes are just accentuating your already excellent assets." Jamie was attractive, as Roland had been able to tell, even under the bad hair and the drab clothing. Now that he was dressed and styled properly he looked as good as he always should have. The phoenix seemed self conscious about the lack of a shirt or that his stomach was showing but there was really no need for it. Perhaps Roland could ease him into feeling better about it in time.

The vampire chuckled a little at the idea of 'wasting' good alcohol on Jamie. All he had was good alcohol, obviously, he didn't keep anything that wasn't top shelf. "I hardly consider it a waste." He poured him some whiskey and refilled his bloodwine then carried both drinks back over to the couch, settling beside Jamie and handing him his. The pillow made him chuckle a little. "You have nothing to be ashamed of, you know." He nodded at it and sipped his wine then inclined his head, pleased at the compliment about his suite. "You're quite correct. Au contraire, I would like to hear what you have to say. You needn't fear me, Jamie. I want us both to enjoy ourselves." He reached over and stroked his fingers over the back of Jamie's neck gently, almost like he was petting him.

"Suppose not. Just - feel a bit like mutton dressed as lamb. No wait, that's the wrong one. Is it a pig with lipstick on? Sorry, I sound daft. I just meant - I'm not fancy like that. Feel like the clothes are better than I am." His nerves about mentioning his sisters kept him from thinking too much about the outfit, and now he was stuck in it. It felt odd not to have a proper shirt on, but at least everything fit right. He kept putting a hand over his stomach to hide his belly, though he supposed Roland had seen worse. The stylist fussed and he now smelled nice and probably looked proper good but he didn't bother checking his reflection. And then they were alone and Jamie wasn't sure what to do with himself again.

The question about a drink made him pause because he couldn't remember the last time he'd had alcohol. "Oh, anything. I don't - the last thing I had was maybe a cider or a pint of lager. Whisky's fine but you needn't waste anything good on me, I'd never know the difference." Seeing a decorative pillow, Jamie snatched it and covered his stomach with it while sitting on a very fancy piece of furniture that was probably older than his great-grandparents. "Your flat's lovely. Very - Louis Quinze? I had a fella who was into Ancien Regime French design - sorry, you don't care about that. Or my opinion on your furniture. I'm daft."

#c: jamie #jamie1 #not quite so intense but mostly the right vibe #and he's looking at jamie lol

[councillor-roland]

"Oh, I'm aware we don't have any kind of personal connection nor do I intend to establish one now. Any kindness I've shown you has been for Rhys' sake, not any personal interest in you. Even that is coming to an end, however, as it seems no matter how civil I begin you're determined to be anything but." Roland glared. "I'm merely meeting the same energy that's given to me. If you don't appreciate that perhaps you should change how you speak to me." The threat to tell Rhys about this didn't particularly phase Roland as he would also be telling Rhys about it, watching Seth go with a scowl. "Rest assured he will hear about it." The insult only deepened his scowl and he cursed after him in French then stormed away.

END

"You speak as if you and I have any personal connection or friendship when we don't. I actually know Rhys. I've known him longer than you've taken an interest in him, so I have every right to pass judgment or concern for my mentor and friend's emotional and physical safety when it comes to you. You have no right to speak about who I choose to spend my time with because it's none of your fucking business and you have no better comeback." Seth's cold smile tightened then, wishing he'd thought to record this interaction to share with Rhys. No matter, he bet the older witch would believe him when he told him about this. "I'm sure Rhys would love to hear about this when I have dinner with him tomorrow night." He moved past Roland with a final sneer in his direction. "See you around, Lord Fuckwad."

#c: seth #seth3 #well that went well lol #not #end thread #krovs spring mischief 2024 #honest abe

[councillor-roland]

Clearly that wasn't a name Raphael liked given the look shot his way and Roland made a note of it. He wondered at it but now clearly wasn't the time to ask. He'd be sure not to use it again, though Roland doubted this would be a regular occurrence between them. It didn't take long for Raphael to bring him over after the warning and Roland cried out as he did, back arching off the seat and fingers tight in the other councilman's hair as he rode it out. He fell back, panting and grinning. "I would say so." He loosened his hand in Raphael's hair and dropped it down to lightly caress his infuriatingly perfect face, always tactile with partners of any kind regardless of his real feelings. He debated making the offer he was considering, finding it very tempting just to leave now that he'd gotten something he wanted but..."Shall I return the favour?" It was only fair, really, and Roland couldn't help being a generous lover. He'd blame the post orgasmic bliss if anyone found out and asked.

Raphael shot Roland a look at being called a good boy. He'd let it slide this time since Roland didn't know but the warning glance ought to be enough for the younger councilman not to use that again should this happen another time. He could feel how close the other was, his cock swelling in his mouth as Raph bobbed, twisted, sucked, and swallowed to finish him off. Once Roland came he was sure to swallow every last drop that spilled down his throat and licked the last of it off the tip before finally pulling back. "Good enough of a sample for you, councillor?"

#c: raphael #raphael2 #krovs fight club 2023

[councillor-roland]

Thankfully, Rhys accepted his decision on the matter, his inability to discuss Alix in any kind of regular setting outside of this one where he was explaining it all. It would likely be a rare occurrence that he brought him up at all but it had been important for Rhys to know about him. When you're the one left behind. Roland flinched a little at the accuracy of the statement, though he knew Rhys hadn't said it to be hurtful. He'd been the one left behind many times, from deaths or simply because he'd been left and it was...still difficult, sometimes, to reconcile that. "Merci. For understanding. I appreciate it." Rhys' kind words deserved some kind of response even if he could barely manage that. At least it was nice to know Rhys wasn't going to ask him for details which Roland wouldn't have been able to take, especially if it happened regularly. The respect for his pain and grief was greatly appreciated.

Roland looked at him when Rhys opened up about his own grief, pained to hear that he'd also suffered a great loss. It was different, obviously, the loss of a beloved family member different than that of a lover but the grief was clearly similar. A beloved person was still gone. They'd discussed Corinne once, who Roland had known during the war, but never in much detail and that was clearly who Rhys was referencing now. Roland listened, sympathetic, and nodded as Rhys described some of the actions he'd taken, smoking and feeling very much like he needed to as those descriptions reminded him of the things he'd done. "I wore his clothes." He added, softly, not interrupting just contributing further to their conversation about grief. "They didn't fit properly, they were too big for me, but it felt...like a way to be close to him." He swallowed, feeling that fist close over his chest and his throat tighten. Too much, he shouldn't talk about the details, that had been a mistake. Roland closed his eyes and fought it down, gritted his teeth until it passed and let out a slow breath, opening his eyes again and taking a shaky drag from the cigarette. That was exactly why he didn't delve into too much detail. Rhys seemed to okay it as he came back around to Roland and Alix, saying it was all right to keep Alix to himself and it didn't dishonour his memory. That was a small comfort. "You're right. I'm sorry to hear you've experienced anything even remotely similar. It's terrible, grief and the weight of loss. I would never have wished it on you." It obviously happened and Roland couldn't have done anything about it but he didn't like knowing Rhys had experienced anything even close to that pain.

There was a silence again, probably much needed by both of them, until Roland couldn't help but express how much he'd missed Rhys again. A slight smile tugged at Roland's lips as the witch agreed. "I feel the same way." It hadn't been right without Rhys, nothing had been and it didn't seem like it would be fully until they were together again. Using his grip on Rhys' wrist, Roland tugged him gently towards him and leaned forward at the same time, catching his lips and kissing him slowly though there was a hint of desperation in it as well. He needed him back, just needed him right now, still raw and sensitive from his grief but wanting more than anything to heal this breach between them and just be with Rhys again.

Rhys nodded in understanding as the offer was politely declined. It was Roland’s call to make; if he didn’t wish to put himself through discussing such a raw subject again, Rhys had no intention of forcing it out of him. It’d clearly taken a lot out of him to share as much as he had. “And that’s fine too, Ro. You’ve gotta do what’s best for you. Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things anyone can go through. When you’re the one left behind, you need to learn to find ways to cope with and manage the pain that remains. If keeping Alix’s memory alive is something that you can only manage mentally, so be it.” Taking a moment to choose his words carefully, Rhys took a breath to steady himself before continuing.

“Although it’s on a slightly different level, I can empathise with you. When I lost my grandmother a few years back, I was a wreck. I couldn’t function as a person for months on end once she’d passed. I barely left her bed for the first few weeks. Wouldn’t see anyone, wouldn’t talk to a single soul. I refused to exist, basically. It felt like all the good in the world had died alongside her. She… she raised me, basically. Taught me everything I knew, took me under her wing without a moment’s hesitation when things really turned south back home... she was the only person who could ever truly get through to me. She’d talk me down through my worst moments and never thought less of me because of it. I’m the person and the witch I am today because of her. I doubt I’d still be here if it hadn’t been for her intervention and unwavering compassion. Losing her was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to endure. It’s only over the past year or so that I’ve been able to talk about her without freezing up and shutting down but some instances are harder than others. But just because I don’t talk about her doesn’t mean that I love her any less. The same goes for you and Alix. Your love for him doesn’t dissipate just because you’re not speaking about him. You can adore someone with all your heart and keep them to yourself; those things can coexist and that’s okay.”

Taking a much-needed drag on his cigarette, Rhys’ gaze followed the plume of smoke and he smiled forlornly up at the ceiling as Corinne’s chastisement for the habit rang out in the recesses of his mind. Hypocrite that she was, it was every bit as amusing as a distant memory as it had been hearing it face-to-face every time she’d caught him hanging out his bedroom window with an ashtray haphazardly perched in his lap, her cigar tin sat on the table beside her armchair downstairs seemingly nonexistent as she’d playfully reprimand him from the doorway. The soothing touches against his wrist brought Rhys’ attention back to Roland in seconds and the witch smiled tenderly at the quiet admission. “Missed you too, Ro. Hasn’t been the same without you. Nothing’s felt right without you.”

#c: rhys #rhys7 #rhys actually talked a lot more than roland #shocking lol