Duplicity IC Inbox

[nehraachargers]

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[samahl]

[Cyril is reassured by that, even though he knows without a shred of doubt that the only reason Bull feels that way boils down to coincidence.

He's already obsessed over that fact so much, though. He has spent so much time considering alternate versions of himself who died in the explosion at the Conclave, who stayed with Clan Lavellan, who died in the illness that took his mother, or any number of other possibilities. The one who gets the mark is just the one standing close enough to hear the Divine call for help. There's nothing special about him to make it happen.

There are probably even so many versions of Thedas where he never met Bull at all. Never had Bull there to teach him about so many different kinds of pleasure. Never had someone to disappoint so fully by being scared of loving him.]

I know. [At least this version of Bull belonged to him, even if all the rest of it was true.]

[nehraachargers]

[There's a lot of crap going through that head. He can see the wheels turning and he knows that Cyril isn't going to tell him anything. He sighs finally and just holds him close with his hand on the back of his head. Right now this is what Cyril needs more than anything else. Just an embrace to know that this shit is real. That he's not alone anymore.]

Tell me more about your new Sub.

[samahl]

His name is Linneus. He's beautiful, Bull. If he was Thedosian, I'd assume he was elf blooded.

It's an arrangement to protect us both, but I count him among my friends. He's hinted to me that he was owned by someone back in his homeworld, though. That's... concerning. I hate the thought that someone would escape slavery only to end up here.

Though, I suppose that's your arrangement too, hm?

[nehraachargers]

I think I've met the guy. And you're right about him being gorgeous.

[He thinks to Fenris then nods, his chin brushing pale hair to let him know his head has moved.]

Yeah. Though, I don't really need protection but this way Fenris has more freedom here. I didn't like the idea of him getting forced into something that would hurt him.

[samahl]

Me either... And Thedosians understand each other in ways others can't.

[Cyril rubs at his face and frowns. The drying tears are itchy.] Bull. I think I need to wash my face but...

I don't think I should get this wet. [He means the wrapping around his injured hand. It's not as if he has another hand he can use.]

Can you help me?

[nehraachargers]

Yeah. Come on upstairs. I'll get you cleaned up.

[He nods for him to hop off his lap so he can lead the way up. It's easier to see the mish mash of everything that is the place when they head back up and he takes them into the bathroom with a giant tub in it.

Grabbing a washcloth, he gets it wet and washes his hands off too before coming over so he can wash off the tear stains on his face. Maybe fix up that makeup a little too.]

[samahl]

[Cyril looks up at Bull as he cleans his face. The gentle care in Bull's hands makes his heart feel like it's in his throat.]

Do you and Fenris share a bedroom?

[nehraachargers]

He's got his own room but he ends up in my bed most of the time.

[Which, he guesses, means that they share a room. Just not technically.]

[samahl]

Well, speaking from experience, you do have a nice chest to fall asleep on.

[nehraachargers]

Yeah, he seems pretty into it too. It works for me because I'm not gonna deny that he's beautiful.

[samahl]

[Cyril smiles at that, though there's something sad in his expression.

He's not jealous. He doesn't get jealous that way. It's more that he regrets his own foolishness more than he dislikes Fenris being there.]

I'm glad you two found each other.

[He means it when he says it.]

[nehraachargers]

I'm just glad I can keep the guy out of a worse situation than he's in already. You know those Lyrium marks that the stories talk about? They're all over his damn body, boss.

[samahl]

[Cyril blinks at that, trying not to be too distracted by the mental image.]

I see.

I'm afraid I haven't spoken to him much. Or at all. All I know of him really are Varric's stories.

[nehraachargers]

You should meet him. I'd say stay until he shows up but he could be out for awhile doing his stuff.

[And he's not going to just call him to tell him to come back.]

If you want I can talk to him and see when he wants to have you come over to meet him.

[samahl]

[Damn, now his head is filled with thoughts of what they could do while they were alone in Bull's home. That felt... dangerous. This city would probably find a way to force them together eventually - even if they were both Doms it seemed to thrive on doing things that hurt the most - but then at least he could claim it was the city and now his own desperate desire to rekindle something he had destroyed.]

I'd like that. I can bring wine.

[nehraachargers]

That'd be great. Before you go though, you can have some of ours. Seems like it's been awhile since you had a drink with me so might as well enjoy some.

[samahl]

Bull...

What year is it for you? Back home, I mean. For me, it's 9:45 Dragon, and then I've been here for a little over a year.

[nehraachargers]

Same for me. Except I just got here.

[samahl]

I had assumed it was at least after... Well.. [He gestures vaguely towards his arm.]

Otherwise, you might have had a very different reaction to seeing me.

But... usually, people are from earlier. I suppose this does mean I don't have to catch you up on anything. Not that the machinations of home matter much here.

Here, you'll have all-new horrors to contend with.

[nehraachargers]

Yeah, I've run into a couple of them. And I'm told it's just gonna get worse.

[He sighs and puts a hand on his shoulder.]

That arm won't bother me though. Sure it's because I know why but it just won't. You're still you arm or no arm.

[samahl]

[Cyril tenses slightly at the touch. He knows he shouldn't. Bull will pick up on it, but there's still this strange desire to run away and hide from all of the ache and desire building in his chest.]

I think I will take that drink. Several, in fact. Right now.

[nehraachargers]

[He drops his hand and pretends not to notice. Even if he definitely has and it stings like hell. He nods his head.]

Back downstairs we go.

[Once there, he waves for Cyril to take one of the seats before he grabs some wine and brings it over to pour some into the cups there. One of which he slides over to Cyril before sitting in the other cushy chair across from him. The bottle gets set between them. Easy reach for refilling.]

[samahl]

[Cyril takes a great big drink, almost gulping it down. He doesn't say anything right away, only focuses on drinking as much as he can as quickly as he can.]

[nehraachargers]

[He lets him, only drinking himself. It doesn't look like he's watching him but he is. Always keeping that eye on him to make sure that he's ready for that point where Cyril possibly gets shit faced.]

So, where you living now?

[samahl]

I still have my loft in the Up. Lin has a house that's technically in my name, but it belongs to him. I stay there to keep up appearances.

[He rubs his forehead, almost as if he's getting a headache, and then winces as that reminds him that his palm is cut.]

Fuck. Everything here is keeping up appearances. [He presses his hand into his forehead again, this time on purpose.]

It was like that with the Inquisition too, wasn't it? Smile pretty at the people who call you knife-ear and work to undermine their power in the shadows.

It's just that last part that gets left out here.