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Thank you. [Richard summons a smile on his face, seemingly warm and friendly, hiding any sign of sourness underneath it. He knows better than to let out his emotions like a petulant child after facing roadblock. And besides, Charles had proven out to be a rather perceptive young man (perhaps a little too perceptive, if you ask him) and it wouldn't do good to reveal his cards right away.]

And just like always, your support is greatly valued, Charles. I was hoping that perhaps you could help me with re-shaping this place to be something that our fellow Chosen could see as a safe haven and home. [Among other things, but that is the story he wishes to sell to others, Charles included.] I would give you a tour, but I suspect you might be familiar with the surroundings, correct? Shall I show you my office?

[ it is a convincing smile — one that charles takes at face value. he is rather adept at reading others, had to grow up to be so and has only honed it further over his decades as a detective, but why should he suspect anything of richard, now? if anything, he thinks he is trying perhaps harder than usual, but it must be to cover for the hot springs —

which, well, they're not talking about it, and while he has some opinions on what jinx told him, those opinions mostly concern silco. and so he aims an easy smile at richard. ]

Yeah, course. Anything you need. [ an equally easy promise; helping out with the inn? why not. sounds like a good use of his time. ]

Sure, sounds good. And you're right — I stayed here for a tick when I got here.

[Look! He hasn't played the political theater all these years for nothing. He knows how to play the kind and benevolent face when needed and what not.]

I knew I could trust in you, Charles. You are my most trusted ally here. [That statement, at least, was close to truth. There were only so many people that Richard could place his trust in. And Charles definitely was up in the ranks in that regard.

But with that he gestures the youth to follow him. Richard leads them both to small office located behind the reception. The office is still rather bare bones, with only minimal amount of furniture. There's a bookshelf placed against the wall, containing folders and books along with bottle of whiskey and wine. It seems that the whiskey has been at least been popular, seeing that it's half empty. Other than that there's one grand desk with some papers on it right in middle of the room, with couple of chairs around it.

Of course, there's a big, fluffy cushion placed on the floor right next to the radiator. For Whitey.]

It is not much, but I am hoping to expand it eventually. I would offer you drink but if my memory serves correct your condition prevents you from indulging in such pleasures.

[ he isn't used to richard like this, smiling and supportive — but then, perhaps it's wrong to say he's used to richard, period, what with the way his moods shift like quicksilver, their every encounter coloured with a different emotion.

he smiles back, almost helplessly — what else does richard telling him he trusts him do except make him want to be worthy of that trust? ]

Oh, [ he says, a quiet exhale more than a word, ] Well. I mean, you can. [ trust him, that is. ] Whatever you need.

[ as they enter the office, charles looks around; and indeed, it's quite modest for the literal king of england... but then, he's just getting started. ]

Rome wasn't built in a day, yeah? It's plenty good for starters. And you're right. Who knows, maybe one day someone'll come up with a drink for ghosts. Someone's working on that, so... [ a shrug — who knows! maybe silco will pull through eventually. ]

[Then Charles really should see him addressing the the royal court. That always comes with carefully premeditated theatrics and scripted schemes. Politics were really nothing more than planning and placing alluring traps for one's foes to walk into. And honestly, that wasn't too far from what he was doing with Charles here.]

That so? How nice of them. With so many skilled magicians and witches here I have no doubts about them succeeding. Please, have a seat. [He gestures at one of the chairs in front of the desk, settling down on the opposing side.] What of other pleasures then? Your friend have returned since the last time we spoke, correct?

Yeah, he seems like a determined guy, so...

[ so! anyway — he does take a seat as instructed, though he sits on it sideways, legs slung over the armrest. the mention of his friends makes him smile — with an edge of sadness to the expression, to the look in his eyes. ]

One of them did, sure. But the other one... seems to be gone for good. Which — I know that's how it goes, but he was sorta like me, so... doesn't seem fair.

[ he would understand those who have a life to go back to being sent back... but someone else who is dead, who only has their afterlife, if that? it doesn't sit well with him. ]

And once he does I insist you to let me know. We are long overdue a shared drink, Charles.

[Richard raises a brief curious brow at the position that Charles chooses to take but ultimately let's it pass without any comments. He, however, does notice the sadness in the ghost's eyes as he talks about the friend that never came back. "sorta like me" leaves only so many interpretations, especially in Charles' case.]

It seems that his penance in this world is over then. I'll pray that your friend was able to find the peace as he moved on. [He knows that these very generic words might not be solace to Charles' loss, but what else there is to be said?]

Do you want to tell me about him?

Edited (Peace not piece lol) 2024-11-19 20:18 (UTC)

Sure. We really are.

[ and thank you for your easy acceptance of his bisexual sitting habits... anyway — his expression twists slightly as richard speaks of finding peace, but what else can he hope for? nothing, really. ] ... Yeah, I hope so, too. Maybe the Death in his world's nice like the one from mine.

[ a sigh as he runs his hand through his curls. ] Not sure how much there's to tell. His name was Shinjiro. He helped me back when everyone was, you know, turning into different versions of themselves, and he was there on the way to Ketsora. Just — wish I had gotten to say bye, yeah?

[ another sigh. ]

Ah. [There's a sound of recognition from Richard as he hears the name. He, too, had met the said youth before. But on completely different terms than what Charles had as Shinjiro had been one of Richard's victims during the infection.]

I, too, met him once but I can't say I knew him beyond his name. But he clearly meant more to you. [Honestly, Charles seemed to be so soft hearted at times, getting attached to just about anyone he meets. Richard's not sure what to think of that, really. As in a way it made him want to scoff at the ghost's bleeding heart, but other times worry that someone might come along and exploit it.]

There is no one who is not touched by a death in one way or another, as I'm sure you know. I watched the reaper to claim many lives around me, some sudden, some after a long fulfilling life. Enemies, friends, family, loved ones. It will never get easier for survivor's soul but all that we can do is accept it, respect their memories as we move on. Remember them and share their stories. That way we can ensure that part of them will never truly die.

[ maybe it's silly, to be so attached to someone he had only hung out with maybe on three, four occasions — but it's just the way he is. he gets attached easily, cares even more easily, and he's always been like this. ]

... Yeah, I know, I know. [ he's talking to someone who is in touch with death every day, after all — but charles swallows, then, realising how dismissive he must sound, so he summons up a smile at richard. ] Thanks. For, you know, remembering him.

[ and then, straightening up, ] Anyway, sure you didn't ask me here to talk about my dead buddy, did you? Is it about the inn? Something that needs doing round here?

[Richard doesn't mind that much, actually. He understands that Charles must have an outlook to death that differs from those that were still alive. But he still can't help but question the sincerity of that smile Charles shows him.

Oh well. It didn't matter much, and the ghost was right. Richard did have other reasons to summon Charles.]

I wished to see you. It has been far too long since our last meeting. [Which they shall not discuss!!] But I admit that I did have hopes for you to agree to become my right hand man with running the inn? I already have an associate guiding me through the bookkeeping but there is a lot work to be done, and I would prefer to have someone who I consider loyal to stand next to me rather than one of these fickle natives.

I am more used to governing lands, leading a military and the politics of the crown. I am afraid that I don't have much talent with conversing with people outside of that group. I believe you could offer me valuable insight.

I — what?

[ it isn't that he doesn't hear him perfectly; it's that the words don't really make much sense to him. he'd expected some odd jobs around the inn, maybe helping to fix it up a little, do some physical labour that's beneath someone like richard.

but this? right-hand man. somehow, that sounds like something a lot more significant than just helping him through some interactions with people. and perhaps because of that, for once, charles takes a moment to think about things rather than answer with his gut feeling. ]

That's, um, that's a real honour, innit? And I want to help you as much as I can, I do. Just — what would it... include? I mean, I can help you round here, with talking to people or whatever else, just. It sounds sorta like a full-time job, and I don't know if I can do that. [ he ducks his head, scratches the patch of skin right below his ear as if sheepish. ] I am loyal, don't get me wrong, but there's someone else who's got dibs on my time, so... I can help with whatever you want, but only when he's, you know, at work or something.

[See, there is already an issue. Richard's world is colored in black and white, that the words "I am loyal" followed by simple "but" are already creating a crack in his mind. He does not show, of course, but stores it in the back of his mind.

Richard leans back on the chair, crossing a leg over his knee and places his elbow on the arm rest so that he can lean his cheek on the gloved knuckles.]

Oh? Is that so? How unfortunate for me, then. Of course, I would not expect you to work for free and I am more than willing to give you a compensating pay. I was hoping that you would help run errands for the inn, listen to our patrons and to their concerns. I have the book keeping and other paperwork under the control.

However, I do understand if I am too late. But it makes me wonder just who this 'he' is that has caught your heart before me.

[ of course there's already an issue, why wouldn't there be... charles winces as richard keeps talking, because — ] No, hold on a tick, that's not —

[ he's making a comparison here that's not at all something to make, and yet he can already guess that trying to explain it might go badly. not that he's not going to try. ]

I wasn't saying no, was I? I can help you with all of that, just — I don't have any other job, not as such, and I do wanna help. [ he sighs. ] But you can't really say that, Your Grace. I mean, you're the king and I know it's the whole for king and country thing and all... but as much as I care about you, it's not like I'm dating you, is it? It's not the same.

[ he tries to soften his voice a little, then, ] I love my boyfriend, a lot. And he's always gonna be the one I put first, in everything. But if you're fine with that, then I can help you, no problem.

[It's Richard's turn to listen. Well, well. Seems like that is one way to rile up an honest answer out of Charles. The word "boyfriend" does catch his attention, though. And honestly? He can't say he's too surprised. Richard had taken a notice of people indulging in the sin and forming forbidden liaisons like that. And he supposes that it would explain why Charles kept lingering on even after his death. Perhaps it was this nature of his that kept Saint Peter for calling his name.

Personally? Richard didn't really care that much. He had a long time ago accepted that he would never see the pearly gates, embracing his own wickedness. He is the last person to judge others on their sources of light and solace.]

Charles. [Richard begins, voice soft and tender, as if he was trying to soothe out the ripples of nervousness in the other.] I have no intention nor desire to rip you away from your loved ones. I am terribly sorry if i have made you feel that way.

Love and companionship are the most beautiful things in all of the existence. I am overjoyed that you have found them in a bleak world like this.

Edited 2024-11-21 19:34 (UTC)

[ the sound of his name makes him freeze, just for a moment, despite richard's soft tone — as if the reaction is so ingrained in him he can't quite help it, until the fact that richard is speaking with such a soothing voice sinks in and his shoulders drop and he manages a smile. ]

No, not at all. I mean, I know you didn't mean it like that.

[ his smile gains some of its brightness back, then, the kind of luminosity that reaches all the way up to his eyes. ] And yeah, so am I. Can't dislike this place too much, can I, not when it's the reason I met him.

[ and then he seems to check himself, because he can and will go on with mushy nonsense if left to his own devices... but he's trying to be better about that. so, ] Anyway, if you don't mind me keeping some irregular hours here, then sure, I've got your back.

[Now, Richard is not the most emotionally aware one out there but that doesn't mean he isn't perceptive. The reaction that Charles gives to him is like a flash of red on a white paper, loud and demanding attention. How curious. Another thing to file away for later.

The serene smile stays on Richard's lips, eyes full of warmness as he listens to the youth.] Charles. You have filled my heart with bright light with your answer. I am certain that with our combined efforts we can make this place better and help the fellow chosen build their lives. And you are right.

[Richard pushes himself up from the chair, walks around the desk right next to Charles. He then places his hand on the ghost's shoulder, giving it a light squeeze.]

Without this world I would not have been able to meet you, Charles. And for that I am very thankful. I am proud to be able to call be able to call me your king. [He then slides his hand to cup Charles' cheek, thumb reassuringly brushing his cheekbone.] But I see you holding out on me. Certainly you would tell me if there was something wrong?

[ it is easy to smile back at richard, and though his words are a little too flowery, it must be the normal way for him — and so charles doesn't call attention to it, just grins and nods, because he does want to help the people here, and if this means he can do it, well, that's just aces —

except then richard gets up, and walks to him, and there's a hand on his cheek, and he blinks in confusion. there is nothing threatening in the move, far from it, one might call it affectionate... but this is richard, and charles might call him many things, but affectionate is not one of them. and yet, as ever, he pushes his own discomfort to the backburner so efficiently not a bit shows in his expression or his movements, summoning up a smile instead. ]

I'm thankful too, for what it's worth. And I — I mean, of course I would. Just... I'd be proud if you could call me your friend, too.

[It is kinda funny to watch Charles's reaction to his gesture. His smile only widens, the grin nearly reaching all the way up to his ears, when he watches the confusion briefly flare up on youth's features. Richard had come to learn very fast since his arrival that some things that he took for granted and proper, such as casual and comradery touching like this, were viewed as weird and baffling. While behavior that would easily have one arrested or worse were deemed as normal.]

A friend? [Richard repeats, tilting his head slightly to side -- as if he was tasting the word in his mouth.] Friendships are the fruit of a hard labor, a sign of trust and respect between two souls. It comes with both great burden and joy. [Which... Is exactly why Richard has never done 'friendships' in his life. Even those who are closest to him have been held at arms length -- either by his status or his own distrustful nature.]

Would you truly be willing to take my hand and invite me to your circle of friendship?

Yes, [ he says, immediate and emphatic — is richard finally getting it? yes, friendships are hard... but they're also worth it. at least for him. ]

I mean, I wouldn't be saying it if I wasn't, would I?

[ and maybe it should be weird, to be saying this with richard there close to him, hand on his cheek and watching him careful and owl-like... but charles is now too focused on the matter at hand, so he forgets all about his own earlier discomfort. ]

[Friendship is difficult. Especially for someone who has always kept themselves hidden and out of other people's reach, seeing relationships just as something to be benefited from. It had not always been like that, of course. In Richard's life there had been only one man before who had extended his hand towards him in search of genuine friendship. And back then he had wanted nothing more than to grab that hand. And now? Well, that man was no longer there. Richard had seen to it.

Charles might have gained a glimpse to part of his true form, and managed not to flinch at the sight of injury. He was kind and just. But then again, so had Henry been. ]

Hm. [Humming thoughtfully, Richard leaned in a little closer as he kept stroking Charles' cheek with his thumb.] Then, I shall be honored to call you my friend, Charles.

And in that light I must ask you again, Charles. If there was something I should know, you would tell me. Correct?

[ the sweet, beaming smile charles aims at richard at his agreement is not unlike the sun coming out from behind clouds — his genuine smiles are radiant, and richard saying they can be friends is definitely worth of one.

let's just not pay attention to the fact that the hand cupping his cheek is, hm, not exactly very friendship-y. maybe it was in richard's time? probably. who knows about the 1400s.

but, with a slight tilt of his head, charles notes the way richard keeps on coming back to this one thing... and then thinks back to a few of his other encounters, discussions, and well. perhaps he can put two and two together, here. ]

... The way you keep asking that, can't help but feel you mean something specific. D'you mean the stuff about your — relationship? [ a pause, and his smile, while no longer quite so radiant, is no less sweet and soft as he says, ] I didn't mean to bring it up, not because I don't trust you, but because I thought you'd get uncomfortable. But for what it's worth, all I care about is that you're happy.

[Richard answers to Charles downright luminescent smile with a more calm and controlled one. Well, it seems like securing the youth's trust and adoration for now was easier than he initially thought. Guess he hadn't entirely lost his touch when it came to sweet talking someone. Though he's not certain he's in the clear waters just yet.

He slides his fingers along Charles' jawline, carefully taking his chin between his fingers as he lifts his head up just a little. Definitely not looming over him like a hawk that's spotted its prey or anything, nope.

But ah, there it is. Exactly what Richard had wanted to hear during this whole meeting. And honestly? He was kinda expecting to have do more fishing than this but he's glad that Charles jumped right into it.]

So, you have indeed heard of this troubling rumor. [There's a silent spike of ire in Richard's mind. Though it is aimed at Silco, who failed to pluck out this seed before it took root in Charles' mind, rather than at his subject.] Yes, it had come to my attention that might be the case. However, I would like to know exactly what you heard and from who.

Edited 2024-12-13 00:22 (UTC)

[ at this point, he is just — well, ignoring the whole thing with richard holding his chin, because if he thinks about it too much he's just going to phase through the chair and probably richard, too, and knowing what he does, that's not going to go well at all.

so not thinking about it at all it is; and then he frowns, because — ]

Well, uh, Silco asked me about something, and it had to do with, you know, history stuff, and I'd heard previously that he was seeing someone, so — [ a shrug; not hard to piece together the whole thing. of course, jinx had since confirmed it all... but he's not mentioning that part. he'd promised her not to talk to anyone about what she told him, and he's holding to that promise. ]

[Well, good thing that he isn't thinking too much about it. Richard hums and keeps looking into Charles' eyes as he tries to decipher what goes in his mind. He can tell that the youth is being avoidant. And yeah, while it hardly takes a genius to figure out just who his informant has been in all of this, Richard hardly is pleased. Charles is still hiding stuff from him.

Taking deep breath, Richard finally lets go of Charles' chin. He takes couple of steps back so that he can lean against the other edge of the desk.]

Tell me. What exactly was this "history stuff" that made you suspicious of the nature of our friendship, hm?

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cw: internalized homophobia in religious context

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wrap soon?

🎀 yyyy