hadriel | ✘ Round 8

You all... you all are truly insufferable, you know that?

[Right off the bat, this is strange behavior for Glacius, who has woken up to an odd, subtle-but-familiar buzzing in the back of his mind. He might notice it from the last time the gods pushed him to lash out at people, but this particular brand of rage plays off emotions that are already fiercely strong in the alien: his protectiveness towards the people close to him, or in this instance, the one person he is closest to. He's always been frustrated at the treatment Carlisle has had to endure, in his own world and occasionally in this one, but this just pushes him to a breaking point.

At this point Glacius thinks he would like nothing more than to waltz out into the city and pick a fight with someone who so much as looks at his partner the wrong way, but he can't. He can't just wander through the city thanks to the ever-oppressive heat just outside, so that leaves him with only one avenue: arguing over the network. This should come off as extremely uncharacteristic of Glacius even to people that only know him in passing.]

It's bad enough, the trouble that I go through for all of you. But to put Carlisle through anything even remotely similar? My partner?! How many times has he come home exhausted, terrified, or in tears—because of what he has to go through here? Because of what you have asked of him, or of what you have done to him? All he has ever tried to do is help the needy of this city! If you've ever ended up injured, there's a good chance he has helped you directly! You probably don't even know what that does to him—and worse, this is how you repay him?!

So. [The ice alien pushes a little snort through his nostrils, as his brief but angry tirade is replace by a colder sort of fury.] Let this be your warning. If any of you come anywhere near him with any intent to harm him, physically or emotionally, you will answer to me. I will keep him safe. I must!

[And with that, some of the otherworldly warrior's true protectiveness beginning to bleed through, he cuts the feed. He's not sure if this accomplished anything and it wasn't even therapeutic to get out like he was hoping thanks to the outside influences still leaving his mind addled, but he can't just sit by any more.]

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[You know who left the apartment early, all hopeful for a change, ready to face the day and do some gardening, only to see this message come the afternoon? This guy.]

[And who was 100% not ready for his partner to talk openly about how deep that partnership goes? That it's not so much of a partnership as it is a relationship? The kind he isn't supposed to have? That two people might engage in when they have strong feelings toward one another? And where they might do things that romantic partners tend to do? Also this guy.]

[Did Glacius have to mention where Carlisle comes terrified or in tears, or what consequences his affliction has, or the part where they are clearly romantically entangled? The two of them? Together? As partners?]

Edited 2018-02-18 08:06 (UTC)

[Carlisle does his best not to panic as he stares at the phone in his garden cottage. Desth, what if the gods find out? Or someone else who might use their relationship against them?

Right, he thinks, right right right okay Glacius didn't say they were romantic partners as such, it's just... painfully obvious, even without context.

But why is it he's acting like this? Carlisle expects this kind of brash tomfoolery from other icy aliens, but not Glacius, of all people. Did the gods already get to him? How dare they! How dare they think that—]

[He stops himself, taking a breath, stifling down that nagging protectiveness creeping into his own mind. He should address this. And go home. Now.]

Glacius, did—

[He grinds his teeth, a strangled noise barely escaping the back of his throat. He is painfully red -- it's from working in his garden, he promises.]

As much as I appreciate your- your concern for my well-being, did- was this- can we talk about this? Now?

[Now now. Now now now. So much now that it doesn't even cross his mind that he should probably try to make this very conversation private. That's such a feat for someone as technologically inept as him.]

[Glacius gives Carlisle a look, as if he can't imagine why this is a problem. He's just looking out for you!] What is there to talk about? You and I have both bemoaned the behavior of others in this city on multiple occasions. [Also probably not a great thing to say openly on this public network.] I had thought you would be in agreement when it comes to me trying to protect you from their insufferable, trouble-making ways!

[The background moves quickly behind Carlisle as he picks up his pace.]

You desire to protect me is appreciated, truly, but- but did you have to—

[He lowers his voice, as though it'd somehow keep people from hearing.]

Did you have to talk about us so brashly?

[A pause in which Carlisle gets another look... but the confusion in this one is tinted more with sadness instead of frustration.] And... what is wrong with us?

N- nothing! There's nothing wrong with us, but- but but I'm- I'm not supposed to... you know.

[His phone in his hand is shaking, but the crimson color of his face is evident regardless.]

Yes... I know. [That expression on his partner's face seems to break through a little bit more to the alien; Glacius' one mandible flares and he looks bitten in a way that acknowledged his own misstep. It doesn't last long, however.] But that is not fair to either of us! And besides, someone has to tell these fools they cannot just treat you however they like. You deserve justice! And it is my duty to you to be sure you are safe, and happy, and that extends to being treated well.

[It's Carlisle's turn to look confused. Fools? And such talk of unfairness? It's unlike Glacius, and more like something another of his kind -- one Carlisle has met -- would say.

And there's something in that thought that angers the clergyman. Neither of them deserves this. Neither of them has ever deserved this. If there were just some way to keep his partner safe not just from the tricks of the false gods, but from everyone else. There are those who would argue, no doubt. Those who wouldn't understand. They could be made to understand, though, compelled to—

Compulsion. That thought comes so naturally to Carlisle's mind, yet even he manages to recognize how unnatural an occurrence that is. His hand with his phone shakes again as he looks around as though he could see what it is that threatens his mind, paranoia creeping across him. There's nothing within the camera's view, but—]

Stay there, Glacius. There- there's something wrong. There's something wrong about this.

[Carlisle picks up on the compulsion fairly easily, privy to what it feels like both to subject others and be subjected to it himself... but Glacius still has yet to catch on. He's vaguely aware that the anger he's experiencing is uncharacteristic, unfamiliar in an uncomfortable way, but the treatment that his partners has received over the years is such a sore spot that he's more ready to assume that he's just reached a breaking point. Combined with his natural protective streak, and it means it will take a bit of guidance to snap him out of it.

Thankfully, Carlisle is coming to do just that, and the alien very readily agrees to having his partner nearby again. If he's nearby then he can be sure no one else hurts him, that no one else even thinks about getting close.] I will stay here if that means you are coming to me. You need to be kept safe from the fools and schemers of this world, and I will do that. I promise!

Of course. It's only a walk home, and I'll be fine, as always. [Or as usual. Sometimes, things get hairy when the gods cause trouble.] Just- just try to focus on something else in the meantime.

[Not on him. Not on this transmission, either. Cisth, he does not want to think about the implications laid bare here.]

[Focusing on something else is extremely difficult when that awful, burning anger persist in the back of his mind. Glacius' features crinkle up with skepticism.]Always? If you were always fine I would not have to be warning the inhabitants of this prison-world off! Are you sure you do not wish for me to meet you half-way, so that I can ensure your safe return?

[That god-influenced irritation gets to him.]

I'm not the one who is in danger simply by stepping into the sun, Glacius. I do not need to be watched—

[He pulls in a sharp breath and stops, closing his eyes, trying to remain impassive. If the trees still behind him are any indication, he's still in the park.]

You need not worry, Glacius. I walk this path every day.

Which means you are becoming predictable. Any schemer with foul intent could know the path you take and spring upon you without warning. I can't let anyone get close to you—you are mine to look after!

I don't need to be coddled! I am not made of glass!

[Big talk coming from a guy who gets winded going up the stairs. It's getting harder to hold his tongue.]

We will speak of this when I get home.

[And with that, he's hanging up before he loses his temper to this irrational nagging at the back of his mind.]

✘ Round 8 | [Audio]

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