hadriel | ✘ Round 3

[Maybe it's the hangover wearing away at him, or maybe it's the guilt, but whatever the reason, Carlisle is subdued by comparison to Glacius, the fury and fire he had last night having died out somewhere along the way to the morning. Left in its wake is the desire to right those who have been wronged -- perhaps, in doing that, he can begin to focus on rebuilding his garden once more. He has plants and cuttings, and a partner willing to help him. That's more than he had when he arrived in the city. It's a start.]

Glacius.

[His voice is quiet against the alien; Carlisle unfolds his arms from around the icy giant, trying to meet those glowing green ones with his own.]

What was done to me might not be perfectly justified, but neither is what I did to instigate it. My goddess would have me do this if I am to find myself in her good graces.

[Glacius readily meets the clegryman's gaze, anger and hurt on behalf of his partner quietly simmering there... as well as a sort of defiance that is perhaps a bit too familiar. When Carlisle speaks his name, however, so clearly and evenly, it seems to break through--the alien's glowing green eyes start to clear up as his pupils dilate normally once more and the muscles in his neck and face relax. He still doesn't think Carlisle is in the wrong here... but he has never seen it as his place to dictate the affairs of the others, nor is he about to get in the way of whatever it is his partner needs to do to heal. He will defer.]

... Fine, [the alien rumbles, his flared mandible settling back against the side of his face.] As long as you admit that it was not justified, and do not blame yourself so fiercely for it. Just... at least make sure that the other party apologizes and seeks to right their own wrongs, too. They shouldn't be able to walk away from this thinking that what they did was acceptable... and this shouldn't have to be all on you.

I will try, my friend.

[Though he bows his head and nods to that, there is a subtle uncertainty in his tone, as though he's not sure that getting an apology out of Shadow is a task he could ever hope to accomplish. Giving Glacius another gentle touch along the arm, Carlisle brings his hand to his eyes once more, still trying to rub both sleep and pain from them.]

As much as I would like to stay here, I should perhaps attempt to clean myself up for the day.

[Or what's left of it. He'd have a drink to soothe the headache, but when Glacius says he got rid of all of it, Carlisle is positive me means it. His people are not prone to lies or exaggeration.]

Edited 2017-03-10 01:33 (UTC)

See to it. [Glacius nods, having heard that subtle uncertainty and not feeling up to leaving much room for it. Carlisle might have tempered his will, but that doesn't mean he's going to let someone walk all over his partner. After that his eyes flick down to his partner's hand, observing the point of contact until Carlisle's physical expression of his tiredness and pain. He chirps.]

Easy, my partner--give yourself a little bit more time to come back around. You were under for a long time, and I don't want you trying to get up too quickly, only to stumble and fall over now. I refilled your water glass--[and as he speaks reaches over with his long arm to grab said glass, stretching underneath his partner]--try to have some more, give yourself time to adjust and recuperate... and then do whatever it is you need to do.

[He keeps squeezing at his eyes.] I think I'll adjust better if I at least shower. It will take my mind off, um. Well, what I could be doing.

[He does take the glass of water though, sitting up so he can sip at it, letting the silence rest between them.] Perhaps afterwards, we could talk. Rest. Discuss the garden. Allow me to make up for any surly indignation you suffered last night.

[Were it nearly any other situation, Glacius might have taken advantage of the position they had just fallen into to coyly ask how Carlisle planned to "make it up" to him... but he's too aware of his partner's shaky physical condition right now. He doesn't want to push him or make him feel like there's some expectation to perform--he just wants to provide him comfort and support as he recuperates, and that extends beyond the physical.

So the ice alien pushes himself up after Carlisle shifts away, settling for sitting next to him with a great white hand securely on his back.] I'd like that a lot, my partner. Just--don't be too hard on yourself, alright? I know you are going through a lot right now, and I know you were not yourself last night. So just know that I am not angry, nor has it altered my perception of you... especially now that the man I care for so much is showing his true colors again. I knew that you would do the right thing.

[He finishes his drink, giving it as little pause as the one before he slept, and casts Glacius a grateful look. His memories of all they talked about the night prior might be fuzzy at best, but he's well aware none of it exuded the amiable kindness Glacius seems to think him capable of. If he is going to be making things right with others, Carlisle realizes, the least he can do is start with the one who has steadfastly stood by him despite his flaws, who has helped him through many a drunken night, who makes him feel as though he can do almost anything.

Sliding off the bed, he gathers up his robe, slippers, and some undergarments, stopping at the door before leaving.]

Thank you, Glacius. I... I know I should find strength within myself, but I don't like to think of where I might be without you. Your friendship and camaraderie and understanding have... they've meant a lot to me, and perhaps I don't say it as often as I should.

[Glacius watches Carlisle gather everything up with an air of fondness from his spot on the clergyman's bed, glad now that he decided to stay here overnight. His partner's space feels inviting and safe to him once more, getting the chance to watch over him helped him make up for the amount of time he let the human fall too hard on his drinking... and the reconciliation Carlisle has suggested working towards helps soul feel at peace once more. All in all he's already beginning to feel much better now than he did last night, and he knew they wouldn't have gotten this chance if he had sulked away to somewhere else--at least not as quickly, which is another thing that has been very settling to the alien. No matter what they go through, they've been able to work through it and build their relationship up stronger. Nothing seems to be able to mar what they have for very long.

What Carlisle says now is only further proof of that, and the sentiment is enough to have a glowing smile settling into place over Glacius' features.] Thank you for saying that, my partner. It... puts my hearts and ease to hear you say that, to know that I make a difference in your life. Ever since we have fallen into this, it is all I have really wanted, and for what it's worth... I don't want to think about what life would be like without you either, any more.

[The ice alien regards the clergyman with all the fondness and gratefulness in the world, then drops his head as he fights with sheepish embarrassment over the sappy sentimentality he can feel welling up inside himself--enough to color his cheekbones faintly.] Ha... now go take your shower and come back. When you talk like that, I do not know how much longer I can bear to be apart from you.

[Carlisle gives Glacius a soft, honest smile at that -- at that feeling of being wanted, needed -- and to the shower he goes, leaving his partner behind for the time being. He hasn't left his thoughts, though; they continue to quietly plague him from the inside as he turns on the water and lets it heat up.

If there's one modern marvel that Carlisle has come to enjoy in his time away from home, it's the ability to have a warm shower or bath without the use of magic or fire. His aren't so much 'warm' as 'blisteringly hot,' the temperature doing wonders for the numbness that plagues his hands and the stiffness of his joints after an expenditure of magic. With his body relaxed, his mind can turn elsewhere. That's normally a good thing, but given the way he's been the last few days, even Carlisle knows it'd be a terrible idea to let himself dwell too long, especially when there's no alcohol in the apartment to drown out his thoughts.

Thankfully, he has other ways to occupy his attention, at least for the immediate future. It's not easy, but he knows he must put his trust in Glacius -- he says he does, after all. It's time he shows it.

Not wanting to linger too long with his thoughts and leave Glacius with his absence, Carlisle's shower is quicker than it would normally be. When he returns to his room -- robe on, glasses back in place, his hair slicked back and hanging a bit more to one side than the other -- he is looking more put together than he had been only a night before, when he was cowering in his closet and trying to drink the world away. Hopefully, how he's feeling has improved as much as his general appearance.]

Edited 2017-03-10 03:53 (UTC)

[While Carlisle showers, Glacius contents himself by centering himself on the bed and going about his usual stretching exercises that he skipped over in favor of staying tucked up against his partner, the sound of the shower peasant background noise. The scent of the clergyman that can be found on nearly every item in his room also proves to be a good enough comfort while he waits for him to return. Thankfully, he doesn't have to wait very long--the clergyman emerges from the bathroom before too long, the hot shower seeming to have done him a lot of good. The ice alien opens his eyes and gives his partner a happy smile, scooting to one side to make room for him back on the bed.]

Welcome back. It was hard, but I managed to survive your absence. [It's a good-natured joke, but it doesn't take long for the ice alien's bright smile to shift to something more coy as his eyes flick over the robe covering his partner's body.] You know... if you're still looking to make things up to me, I've thought of a good place to start. Why don't you take that off and come over here? There's a heated blanket with your name on it. [And an ice alien who looks like he wants to cuddle right up, but that probably goes without saying.]

[If Carlisle was looking for a distraction from his troubles, he got it. Though already a bit red from his scorching shower, his shade deepens as the alien invites him back into the bed. He'd been the one to suggest they talk more and that he make up for any injured feelings, but he hadn't expected Glacius to actually take him up on that, given the drunken behavior and sore attitude he'd had to put up with.]

That... does sound nice, admittedly. [Though Glacius has seen more of him than anyone else, Carlisle still feels a hint of anxiousness over literally disrobing in front of him, as all he has on otherwise are his underpants and those fuzzy slippers. He lets out a nervous little laugh belatedly — it's hard in this circumstance would have gotten more than that out of his uncle Benistad — and slides onto the bed, leaving his slippers on the floor.]

[Glacius can't help the anticipatory smile to his face when Carlisle begins shucking his robe, revealing first his chest, then his abdomen... though when he sees that there are yet more clothes in the way, he frowns. That's right, he forgot about that underlayer. Always complicating things and spoiling the view...

Well, no, that's a bit unfair. Getting the reserved and self-conscious clergyman this bare is a real accomplishment, a true sharing of himself, and the ice alien knows it. He should return the favor, shouldn't he? So while his partner slips up onto the bed to join him, the otherworldly being focuses, allowing the ice to retract from his chest and abdomen. Not only is it a showing of trust on his part, but it should make it more comfortable for Carlisle to get close to him now that there's not a layer of ice against his bare skin.] There. So... what is it that you'd like to talk about, Carlisle? Tell me what is on your mind.

[As grateful as Carlisle is to not always drape himself across Glacius' icy layer, he does worry every time the alien retracts it, even if it is for his comfort. It's hard not to think of the anguish Algidus had without it, his underbody burned and blistered after the fire. It was the first time he'd really seen their alien anatomy in full detail, and he can't help the image being forever seared into his mind that day.

That's a thought for another time, though -- he rubs at his eye and tries to ignore it, sidling up against his partner, his skin still warm from the shower.]

I was just thinking of the garden. How we'd build it. The plants we need to move there to start over.

[He rests his hand on Glacius' abdomen, feeling the muscles there.]

Us spending some time there, together.

[As partners would do.]

Edited 2017-03-10 11:41 (UTC)

[No need to worry, Carlisle--Glacius is being careful. The pain of exposing himself always hurts, of course, but there's no real risk from the act itself; that comes from the vulnerability of his underbody to physical damage and warmer temperatures. He knows the clergyman isn't planning on attacking him, and he's left enough of his icy shell in place to maintain his body temperature (which his microweave is assisting with as well). Localized exposure isn't too dangerous for the ice alien; the more icy skin he strips off, the more risk he puts himself at, but this level is of discomfort is worth enduring for greater closeness with his partner.

So the ice alien relaxes happily under Carlisle's touch. Admittedly his underbody is a scrawnier thing than the whole of him is, when he has thick icy skin and muscling protecting him and reinforcing his strength... but the muscles under the clergyman's hand are still present and clearly-defined, especially given how tightly the pale skin of his underbody seems to be pulled. He gives the human a lazy but no less fond smile, draping one arm around him to keep him close.] A completely attainable and utterly enjoyable end goal--I like it. So how would we go about making this a reality? You mentioned building a structure in the park to house them in. Is this still what you would like to do?

Right. [That'd be agreement as he still tries to remember the finer details of what he said last night.] I still have some plants. Cuttings and whatnot that can grow to replace the older ones, given time. The structure needn't be a true building or anything, though a single room where I could rest might be nice, if we could get the supplies without going to the false gods.

[He's thinking for those nights when he has to feed Armand. The walk home from the park would be a considerable one when he's so exhausted.]

[Carlisle, you are playing a dangerous game if you're attempting to rope the alien into building some sort of feeding pen for a dangerous creep... and you're a little bit delusional if you think he'd leave you somewhere out in the middle of the night in such a dangerous city. This is panning out to be a Terrible Idea.]

As I said, I don't mind finding an out of the way location in the park from which to cut lumber... and I'll be the only one doing that, just in take the gods take issue with it. [He doesn't know how much the strange beings care about the landscaping, but in the off chance that the felling of a few trees actually bothers them, he wants to be the only one getting punished for it.] I'm glad you kept some of those cuttings... I'm glad most of the plants will be able to grow again, allowing the garden to survive. See? We can do this--with every plan we formulate, we get closer and closer to restoring what you worked so hard to cultivate.

[The things he'll have to tell Glacius eventually. Thankfully, the subject of why he comes home fatigued every twenty days or so has never come up.]

I suppose we do. I'm not sure I can replace the little carnivorous plant, though. Not unless the Door seeks to bring in more.

[The dangers of trusting a cagey clergyman. He'll learn one day.]

And if it does, next time I'd much prefer you let me know where your'e going. The Door's monstrosities are not to be trifled with, and that thing almost took for leg off. [Even if the injury might have been healed well before Carlisle came back, it was hard to miss the shredded pant leg.]

Edited 2017-03-11 00:50 (UTC)

[He snorts stubbornly. He'd insist he was fine and had healed the limb with no trouble at all, but there's no denying the floral abominations that had come through the Door that day had tried to rip his leg right off. They both saw his pants when he came home that night.]

I hadn't realized it'd be such a troublesome endeavor, or I would have called you for assistance. There were surely others in greater need than me.

[But perhaps none of them were so cared for by the alien warrior. Carlisle is a bit special in that regard.]

[Now you're getting it, Carlisle.] Greater need? You were injured--I'd have come to your aid for less than that. If you didn't have those healing powers of yours, who knows what might have happened to the limb... and I'm not going to just sit around and let you endure pain and suffering if I can help it. I wouldn't deserve to call myself your partner if that was the case!

[Carlisle chuckles lightly, his breath hot against Glacius' chest.]

You do plenty for me, my friend. [More than that, he reminds himself. So much more.] At least my abilities grant me more survivability than most would expect -- myself included, admittedly.

[He remembers those shears his double shoved into his back very well.]

Edited 2017-03-11 02:40 (UTC)

Again--[Glacius huffs, the put off tone of his voice suggesting that he also remembers it too well--] just because you have those abilities does not mean we should be putting that survivability to the test. You already have enough difficulties with your health as is... and we're supposed to be protecting you from exsiccation, on top of all of that.

[The ice alien sighs again, shaking his head as his hold on the clergyman tightens.] I'm sorry. I--I'm not trying to be stifling, but... despite my separation from my world, I am still a marshal, and a warrior. Protecting the people what I care about is what I was brought into this world to do--and I care about you so deeply, Carlisle. I don't want to fail in this again--I don't want to fail you again.

[If there is one thing Carlisle can understand, it's the fear of failure, and what it can do to an individual. After all, it is that fear -- of the loss and regret brought upon by his curse, of the fact he is the Longinmouth who single-handedly brought ruin to his proud and prominent bloodline, of the knowledge that there truly is no redemption for him or for what he is -- that has defined Carlisle's entire life. It is the fear of what it means when he dies, and the fear of that death itself, that has kept him moving all these years. He cannot even meet his end gracefully, it seems. He has never been known to have the heart of a lion.

Of course, death isn't the end, for him. It is an eternity of wandering for the twice-cursed. That's one reason he's so afraid of it -- it's not just his failure, but a endless existence to then ponder it, to suffer it again and again and again.

While not entirely familiar with such intimacy as that which Glacius offers him, Carlisle does recognize the tightened grip around him as the desperate cling of a being who doesn't know how to combat the terrors he faces from within. The clergyman long ago accepted he is going to die horribly at some point -- he's not looking forward to it, but he knows it's coming. This is different. This isn't the kind of innate, natural apprehension one feels for themselves when contemplating their own end, but the powerlessness that comes with considering the death of another -- a friend, a loved one.

Carlisle knows that, too. He has been afraid for himself for most of his life, but never was he so certain he had someone who would mourn him until recently. That, unfortunately, changes things. His death would not just mean the end of his line, but something more... something worse.

And that's completely new. Glacius is so powerful, so brave; the alien warrior is unlike Carlisle, a creature who might as well be a bundle of tension and nerves hiding beneath a human skin. He has many weaknesses. It's normal for him. He's just a human, after all.

But for Glacius? He has only one exploitable soft spot, it seems: his friends. Carlisle has heard it when Glacius speaks of Kate, seen it with the icy being's remorse over the death of a possessed Emily... and is experiencing it now, its influence on the alien stronger, more vicious than before. Carlisle isn't blind to the fact that he is as much of a bane to Glacius as a boon: he is both the alien's support and his weak point, all embodied in one man.

That's both flattering and frightening, and he's not sure how he feels about it. There is no going back, though. They've come a long way, are too far from who they used to be.

Carlisle shifts in Glacius' arms, his damp hair sticking to him as he pushes himself up with one elbow, his eyes searching for his partner's.]

Glacius, you have never failed me, but... I understand how it is you feel, How... destroyed you'd be if something were to happen to- to one of your friends. [He pauses, not wanting to presume, but:] ... to me.

[He puts his hand on Glacius' abdomen once more, his fingers ghosting along to spot where the alien's double had impaled him -- a spot Carlisle healed, but one he'll never forget, nor forgive himself for.]

When I called here to warn you of that other me, only to hear he was already here, I felt it. When your own twin left you dying on the floor of this very room, it gripped me. When something happens to you, and it could be my fault in any way... I feel so frail. Like my heart would shatter if it weren't for the thought of seeing you once more.

Edited 2017-03-11 17:05 (UTC)

There's no presumption involved when Glacius has stated time and time again how much he cares for Carlisle and values his friendship. One of the alien's own hands comes to rest over the one that the clegryman has placed on him, and he meets his gaze with understanding and fondness.] Carlisle... if something happens to me, it will not be your fault. It is just the way of my calling. I would suffer a thousand lashes if it would mean that you did not have to suffer--and I would do it gladly.

[Realizing that none of that is probably very comforting to the human that has just expressed such sorrow when harm befalls him, however, the otherworldly being sweeps a thumb over the back of his hand and continues.] It touches my hearts deeply that you care so much about my safety and wellbeing, however; you are a wonderful partner. It is good that we have found each other--we keep each other safe, and happy, even when things in this cave are difficult or dangerous. This relationship is a true gift, and I believe that we can see each other through whatever it is that the false gods have to throw at us.

[Carlisle smiles somberly; Glacius is encouraging as ever, which makes certain prospects all the more difficult to bear.]

I do wonder about what happens should one of us be sent away from this place.

[Not the happiest subject, but one he considers when he thinks of what Glacius means to him.]

Edited 2017-03-12 00:18 (UTC)

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