✘ Round 3 | [Audio]

[glacius]

[Despite things in his apartment being a little bit more complicated than usual, Glacius comes to the network today with a relatively straightforward question. Since Carlisle has sequestered himself away in his room--again, a concerning tendency that has developed only recently-- he assumes now is as good a time as any, though he doesn't particularly care if the clergyman sees it or not. One way or another he's going to find out what the alien is up to, he'd just prefer his efforts to culminate in a nice surprise for his friend.] Hello, fellow residents of Hadriel. I have a simple question, so I will get right to it: is there anyone here would happen to be kind enough to teach me how to make any dishes or meals that are commonly enjoyed by humans?

I live amongst you now, after all, so I should... probably know how to better provide for my friends. You can leave recipes here--or if you are feeling particularly inclined, I would be willing to take lessons as well. It would have to be in your residence, however... I doubt my roommate is currently up to entertaining company, and I do not want to infringe upon what I assume is wanted space.

Thank you for your time.

Comments

[glacius]

I think we can attribute that to your good heart--always wanting to stand by people, even if they have wronged you or hurt you. It is not a bad thing that you harbor no cruelty, Carlisle... but you must learn that when someone has become a toxic presence, rather than a source of happiness or support, it is not a bad thing to cut them out. You can only invite so much hurt into your life before it begins to warp and twist you... and you have already suffered plenty, my partner. You may not want to lose anyone, but you do not want to lose yourself, either... and those that are worth keeping will stand by you, and seek to set things right when they have wronged you.

[tongueamok]

I have wondered that, regarding Algidus.

[It's easier to talk about others than himself, even those who have given him a lot of grief.]

If he truly was... you in some other time and place... what was it that changed him? What so gnarled his heart that he became nearly unrecognizable?

[And he leaves the heaviest question unasked as he curls tighter against his friend, his partner: if something could twist Glacius in such a way, would it happen again?]

[glacius]

[Carlisle may leave it unasked, but it seems like Glacius is asking himself something along those lines--curled so tightly against him as the clergyman is, he'll be able to feel the way the alien tenses, then holds him a little more tightly.] I... I don't know. I can't say, and it's part of the reason I wish so badly that I had gotten the chance to speak to him. We don't even know if he really was... some other version of me... but if he was, what does his aggressive behavior and proclivity for violence say of me?

[The ice alien pauses and takes a breath, fighting the urge to look away.] Ever since I took Cinder's life, I have wondered if it meant that I have... darker tendencies lurking somewhere in my hearts. Would this not be evidence of that? Am... am I an aberrant? I don't... I don't want to...

[tongueamok]

[Carlisle places a hand along Glacius' chest as the alien starts to trail off; out of reach of his forehead and the scar, it's the next best thing in terms of showing solidarity.]

Even the most virtuous of men has the capacity for ill will, but that does not make us absolutely evil, Glacius. And even if you were an aberrant, would that change anything between us?

[It didn't change how he viewed his friendship with Algidus, after all. If anything, it provided him with some level of understanding as to why the green alien felt like an outcast.]

[glacius]

An aberrant is not necessarily absolutely evil-- [Glacius starts, but the hand on his chest causes him to pull in a breath, cutting himself off before he starts over.] So long as you always stand by me as you have in the past, and never deign to pass judgment on me, I... I cannot see anything changing between us. But that doesn't make this... this notion, this fear any easier to bear! I have lived my whole life trying to do right by my people, to never go against them or jeopardize them in any way. I don't want to have that taken from me! I already don't belong in this cave. I don't want to be an outcast from my own people, too!

[tongueamok]

[There's a second or two of silence, then Carlisle shifts in Glacius' arms, moving himself closer to the alien's face so he can take the injured side in his hand. That's better.]

I... truly do understand how you feel, Glacius. [His brow furrows, eyes falling.] To have those you've spent your life serving so diligently turn on you is a burden I'd wish on no one, certainly you.

[He still remembers the way they glared at him as he was dragged away by the Inquisitors, the looks on people's faces as the last of the Longinmouth line was painted as the true reason for their downfall. He'd believed it all those years, and it was in that moment that the people of Bear Den did, too. His service in the years that followed showed he was fit for clergy, but for his bloodline?

No, never. He was cursed, and nothing he did for his goddess or his people could change that. His eyes flick back to Glacius -- there's that feeling he had for Algidus welling in his chest, that sense of hopeful camaraderie within misfortune. It had gone so poorly with the green alien, and yet, he continues. After all, Glacius is not Algidus -- and he hopefully never will be.]

But... to be an outcast would be one more thing we'd have in common, were it true. It's not so bad to belong with me, is it?

[glacius]

[Glacius seems to take comfort from the hand upon his scar... he places his own up over it, meeting Calisle's gaze, his own glowing green eyes filled with sympathy.] I--of course. I am sorry, Carlisle, in my own anguish I spoke carelessly. I did not mean to bring up bad memories, to seem as though I was casting any sort of condemnation on your own life. Those that turned on you were wrong to do so, and utterly mistaken about who you are.

[But that gives him cause, especially as the clergyman continues and speaks not with similar reassurances, but with talk as if this is actually a plausible fate for him. The otherworldly being's face tightens up, conflict clear in his features again.] No, of course not--I am as happy at your side as I can ever recall being. But... why can I not belong with both? Is this... truly what you think of me? All that talk of me being upright and good... thrown out just because of this... other alien that may or not be me, in another world, another time? Why can I not just--just be my own?

[Which, ironically, is the same thing Algidus had craved so desperately.]

[tongueamok]

[His brow knits tighter; oh, this isn't going as well as he'd hoped... much like it hadn't with Algidus.]

I- I didn't mean to imply that you couldn't belong with both. You're not him. I just—

[He sighs, sitting up once more. They really are alike sometimes -- not so much in temperament, but absolutely in their ultimate goals. They want to belong, to have a place in the world. Carlisle cannot deny knowing that feeling, as well.]

You tell me that my world has wronged me, that such treatment has no bearing upon who I truly am and what good I have done... yet, you think that just because I suggested it might not be so bad to be an outcast that I'd lump you in with someone as foul-tempered as Algidus? Would you think the same for me and the other twice-cursed, criminals and necromancers who'd turn against their own kind? Or would you think that the things the other me said were thoughts of my own rather than his? I'm not him, and you're not Algidus. I—

[Another sigh, more frustrated.] I just wanted to allay your fears... to let you know that even if you are cast aside by your people, there is still good to you, even if they cannot see it, or if they hide it from your eyes. It doesn't change who you are, and what you have done because you had to. If you hadn't, then perhaps you wouldn't be here. Perhaps I wouldn't be here.

[glacius]

[It's rare that a fire is lit within Carlisle, but Glacius recognizes this passion as being fervently for him, and it's enough to snap him right out of his torment. He butts against the hand on his face, then clasps it in his own more fiercely as he frowns.] I--thank you, Carlisle. I did not mean to mistakenly twist your words. My fears blinded me for a moment, but I know now that what I saw as an expression of doubt was actually a proclamation of loyalty. I am... so fortunate to have a partner that would stand by me no matter what, that would not allow the perceptions of another to alter how he feels about me. That would tread beside me regardless of the obstacles that we might face... knowing that, I can walk my path without wavering.

That is a great gift. I feel the same way about you, and for what it's worth... [The ice alien finally cracks a small smile, slipping a hand to the back of the clergyman's head and leaning his own foreward, inviting him to press his forehead to his.] ...I am very glad you are here.

[tongueamok]

[Glacius' smile is met with a wide one from Carlisle, one of relief as much as gratitude. Carlisle is used to this being the other way around, where Glacius is combating his fears, but he does what he must for his partner. With his hand still at the scar on Glacius' face, Carlisle leans forward and presses his forehead to the alien's, enjoying the cool pressure from his icy exterior, as it soothes that soft throbbing behind his eyes.]

I'm glad you're here, as well. I know it was not the best of circumstances that brought us together, but if given the chance to change it, or to have never left home at all... I don't believe I would. Not if it meant never having you in my life.

[And that's a sentiment Carlisle hasn't expressed openly -- perhaps in his private journals or prayer, not but to anyone, not even Glacius. He pushes his glasses to the top of his head and presses the bridge of his nose against Glacius in that not-quite-a-kiss, wanting so badly for the alien to understand just how much his presence means. He can't always put it into words, but he hopes that through his action, and through their little signs of fellowship, Glacius will know.]

[glacius]

[That is quite the confession--and though he does press back against his partner when the clergyman's gesture of solidarity and affection turns to something more intimate, now it is Glacius' turn to not know how to respond for a few moments. Not because he doesn't appreciate the sentiment--he very much does, but because his gut reaction is to say he doesn't know if he feels the same. This cave had pulled him from his people and his mission, forcing his isolation to endure long past the time when he should have been able to return to his own world; it had made him endure suffering on par with--if not worse than--his torments at the hand of Ultratech. It had forced him to watch friends die.

... But if he was never brought here, then he wouldn't have made those friends to begin with. He likely wouldn't have gotten the expanded perspective of humanity that he has now, and thus would likely never have felt as justified in his mission to protect the young species. More importantly, he wouldn't have forged the loving, supportive relationship that he has now... and if he had just moment ago admitted to his partner that he was coming to value this life as much as the old one, then why would he change it? As long as he can still return to his world to set everything right one day, there's no real reason to.

The thought that time might actually be progressing in their own worlds while they're here and that Ultratech might be running wild with his technology is a hefty helping of regrets that he'll suffer through when or if it turns out to be true. For now, he chooses to focus on appreciating what's right before him, tangling his legs with the human resting on top of him and slipping one hand between them to rub intimately at the scars across his partner's abdomen.] At this point, Carlisle... I... I can't say that I would either.

[tongueamok]

[Carlisle pulls in a quiet breath as Glacius' hand presses against his sensitive scarring; he mirrors the patterns the alien draws across them on Glacius' marred mandible before he drags his hand downward, his fingers lingering along the tendons in the icy warrior's neck.

He's apparently ready to try this intimacy thing again. He doesn't want to overthink it, doesn't want to lose the feeling building in his chest -- he might not know exactly what that feeling is, but it's there, a seedling nurtured with every moment he spends in the alien's company. With time and care, it will blossom further, as it already has in ways Carlisle never expected.]

[glacius]

[Glacius will do his best to tend to that budding feeling with as much care as Carlisle had tended to the seeds of his own garden; hopefully tending to the clegryman himself will be a good way of helping it blossom. The ice alien tilts his head back--thank the Makers for the pillows, which help to cushion his gill arches-- to allow his partner easier access to his hollows. Without some added stimulation, focusing solely on the anchoring tendons in his neck is a more effective way of putting him in a state of total relaxation--which is valuable when it comes to soothing, but maybe a little counter-productive when it comes to attempting to rile him.]

[tongueamok]

[It may be counterproductive, but Carlisle seems to like the results nonetheless: he keeps working those tendons for another minute, his fingers pressing against them, pulling at them as he drags his hands up, then down in a slow cycle to match the gentle caress Glacius has given his scars.

Making a mental note to write down this reaction later, he finally lets his hands make their way back to the alien's jawline. Glacius might be the one getting special attention, but Carlisle has done nothing but burn deeper the entire time, his face very red by the time he goes for the crags along Glacius' mandible. He's clearly enjoying the fact that he can cause such relaxation in his partner... and without compulsion. They're are doing this of their own accord, he reminds himself. This is them, and nothing else.]

[glacius]

[At this point, the ice alien's brain is churning too sluggishly through the thick fog of relaxation and pleasure to question why Carlisle has not taken him up yet on his unspoked invitation. As he continues to focus on his neck, the clergyman can probably feel the way every muscle in Glacius' body begins to relax--the closest he can get to a puddle without involving his species' ability of actual liquidizing.

He only seems to come around a little bit more when his partner finally shifts his focus up to the on intact crevice underneath his mandibular support. The ice alien's eyes don't open, but his hand does start to move again, dipping lower towards his hips as he slings one leg up and over the clergyman to keep their hips flush. Finally, a deep chuckle rolls up and out of Glacius' gills.] Learning new things every time, I see. You'll have me thawed if you keep this up.

[tongueamok]

[Glacius' movement around him surprises Carlisle just a bit, but he doesn't mind the closeness as his hips are drawn against his partner's. He lets out a quiet, nervous chuckle at the compliment.]

I truly am trying to remember what, er. What attention does what for you.

[He wants so badly to be a good partner.]

[glacius]

You seem to be sorting it out quite well. [Glacius replies, attempting to reassure Carlisle that he's better than good to him.] I think I've been managing the same alright, but if there's every anything... more I can do for you, Carlisle, please don't hesitate to let me know. Anything that makes me better suited for pleasing you is something I want to pursue.

[tongueamok]

I admit that I think you might be better at knowing what pleases me than I am.

[Which, given how full of self-loathing and lacking in any kind of self-love Carlisle is, probably isn't a surprise. His scratching at Glacius' jaw and mandible continues, stronger, more confident.]

I, ah. I like what we've done so far, despite my occasional struggles.

[glacius]

Well, that's very good to hear. If you didn't like it I think we could safely assume I was doing something wrong, now couldn't we? [Glacius chuckles, torn between tilting his head back to bask in the solid scratching he's receiving, or to try and look his partner in the eye. He opts for the latter, as he'd very much like to encourage the clergyman to similarly revel as he uses the leg pinning them together to make it easier to rock his hips against Carlisle's.]

[tongueamok]

[The look Glacius gives him makes Carlisle look away, though not from shame -- it's just a reflex, one betrayed by the smile on his face. He's enjoying the attention, and returns it with more vigorous massaging along his partner's face, his nails barely catching along the crevices, his breath picking up just a hair as he joins Glacius in rhythmic rocking.]

I- I'm not sure you could do wrong. If anything, I believe my inexperience and lack of, ah. Clear communication would be the primary problem, not you.

[glacius]

It hasn't been a problem yet, so I can't see it becoming one. If anything, I like it that I get to help you experience entirely new things. [As if the smile that takes over the alien's features in that moment isn't evidence enough, pleased not only with his partner's reactions but with the way he easily falls into rhythm.] Besides, you communicate very well when it comes right down to it.

[And he continues to rock in time with the stroking of his hand, letting it drift lower over each dark purple mark across Carlisle's abdomen--attempting to encourage some of his pleased vocalizations as he lets slip his own in response to the adamant massaging he's receiving.]

[tongueamok]

[The longer Glacius rubs at his middle, the harder Carlisle finds it to concentrate on his own work on the alien's jaw. His fingers tighten bit by bit until he can no longer claw at the curves of the Glacius' remaining mandible; the pressure against his old wounds, so sensitive to touch and magic alike, causes him to draw back, his forehead landing along the side of Glacius' neck as his body curls inward. With his hips still locked against Glacius' own, it's all he can do to keep up with the alien's rocking, the friction between them undeniably good.

Ah, he should communicate that, he reminds himself belatedly. So much for doing well at that.]

This is good.

[He tries to unfurl his fingers to keep at Glacius' mandible, but every subsequent grind against him makes them curl once more.]

[glacius]

[Carlisle may be losing some of his focus, but that frees up some of Glacius'; he's afforded a bit more room to think without incessant waves of pleasure rolling through him. They've done their job, though--there is a distinct lack of ice coating the alien's hips, pelvis, and thighs, and with nothing between them but the thin layer of fabric comprising the clergyman's boxers, it makes the combined motions of their hips absolutely intoxicating.

It's enough that after a moment, all of the otherworldy being's gills open to release a moan, and he takes the opportunity to switch up from rocking to some shamelessly needy grinding.] B--better than good-- you feel so good, Carlisle.

[tongueamok]

[With just the boxers between them and his robe hanging along his arms, there's not much left to the imagination in terms of how Carlisle feels about that needy grinding against him. His hands curl tighter, his breath faster, sharper with each intake; he's trying not to gasp, but the way his entire chest shudders fools no one.]

I- I do. [He utters that quiet agreement, not really thinking about the words until a second later, when his sensation-addled brain catches up.] I mean, ah. So do you against— [there's that heavy gasp that's been itching at his throat] —against me like that. It's- it's not too hot for you?

[He gives his partner a slightly worried look. Despite their intimate moments, he can't help but worry with so much of Glacius' underbody being exposed.]

[glacius]

[Glacius has used his imagination enough after their last encounter, anyways-- fond memories playing back in his head in his idle moments. Getting the chance to be intimate with his partner once more is something he's been genuinely looking forward to, and waiting for it has just made it feel all the better. He's not going to be dissuaded.] Nnn-no. Not too hot... not as long as I only bare myself locally...

[Granted, being exposed to warm air and body heat isn't the most comfortable thing ever for a creature that thrives in the cold, but he's seemed to have decided that it's worth it... and he knows it won't be long before he can't focus on minor discomforts like that anyways, with the way this makes him feel.] ...I'm... I'm being careful, Carlisle. Now come down here... I want to kiss you. [It was something he hadn't requested before because he didn't want to interrupt the skritching he was receiving... but now that the clergyman is a bit too distracted, he's going to take full advantage.]