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If I told you I wanted you to mark me tonight..?

Where are you?

[He considers a moment, but then sends an address in the Down, a rented space just off Riddler's square.]

Here. It's private and mine, had some work to do but done now.

[He glances around at the space that now feels more empty and open than it had before. All of the frames and instruments for various kinks were pushed to the sides, white sheets thrown over top them and the table along one wall that held drawers of plugs and restraints and any tool he might need. The only things left untouched were the bed and the two chairs under the single window, Chris himself sat in the overly wide one.

His eyes fall to the drawn circle at the door and the symbols along the walls, likely identifiably as Nate's magic and just waiting Chris' necromancy to be turned on. There's a stockpile of potions and charms befitting a small army stacked on and in the curio cabinet; Nick's handiwork that kept building in his quiet anxiety.

He needed to tell Caleb. It wasn't fair he was the last, but...

He waits.]

On my way then.

[ He glances at the address, considering it for a moment, before heading that way.

It doesn't take him long, practicing some shielding spells he has been learning for further practice with Nate for working at his side as a vigilante.

He pauses at the door, checks the address, and then knocks at the door. ]

[Chris had gone over to the small stash of liquor he kept in a cabinet to pour himself a finger of whiskey when the knock comes. He shoots back the drink and sets the cup aside as he calls.]

Coming!

[He sweeps open the door with a smile and leans in to steal a quick kiss from Caleb.]

Hello, love. Mind the chalk as you step in, place isn't what it usually is.

[Which is all the explanation he offers for now as he steps back to give Caleb room to enter.]

Usually have this room set for kink and sex and a good time, but it's purpose is about to change for a bit, so needed to rearrange.

[ He can't help but smiling just as soon as he sees Chris. He can't help how much he loves this man, and how touched he is that Chris texted him to do this tonight.

Arching a brow though at the comment about repurposing the room. ]

Oh? I can't believe I never had a chance to play in this room with you but what's it becoming?

[ He's smiling though as he says it, curious as he steps in, careful of the chalk but looking around. ]

[He closes the door behind Caleb and locks it, then leads further in, back towards the bed and chairs.

There's a small bathroom off the side and there's some visible stores kept in doorless cabinets along the wall, a space that could have doubled for a one room studio, if needed.]

It's not permanent, I'll restore it to what it was in a few weeks and you'll be first I have fun with again here, alright? We play so much at the theatre, it's never really crossed my mind to have you over here.

[He slides past the question itself and invites Caleb to join him on the edge of the bed with it's large frame clearly meant for hooking restraints.]

I don't tend to have others over at my house since Festival's not got an appetite for sex, so if their house isn't much an option, I've got this. Cheaper than hotel rooms too often and got a bit of everything needed.

[He holds a hand out to take Caleb's.]

You know I appreciate you coming at a sudden ask, right? Thank you.

If you want to invite me here, then so be it. You know you don't have to, right? Even if I tease you about it?

[ And he means it. He knows they have a lot of time together in the theatre, and Chris doesn't have to bring Caleb into more aspects of his life. He knows they all have their layered lives in this place. ]

Understandable. I admit, I don't often take anyone home, but that's more of the animals and everyone who can and is in and out for Nate. Besides, I spend most of my time at the theatre and it surrounds me with those that matter.

[ His fingers curl against Chris', stroking his thumb over the back of his hand. ]

Any time, Chris. You're welcome. I love you and you are important to me. There's very little that could keep me from you if I have my choice.

[There's a twinge in him at that last part, not because he didn't believe it, but because he believed it too well, yet here Chris was less so honest by half and keeping things from Caleb out of...fear? Concern? Habit? He wasn't entirely sure, just that he didn't deserve that open expression and heartfelt sentiment.

He brings Caleb's hand up to kiss his fingers briefly.]

I'm sure I've said it before: but you wear your heart too much on your sleeve, love. It worries me sometimes. Not that I'm so sure I'd want you to change either, it's part of what makes you Caleb.

[ Caleb watches Chris' fingers brush against his fingers, the gesture mingling with the words. His other hand moves to cup Chris' cheek, leaning in to kiss him tenderly. ]

I think there's worse things than loving easily and deeply. Yeah, it's bitten me in the ass here and I've dealt with that pain. If it means not loving you, or Nate, then I'd rather take the chances.

I'm not as easily swayed as you might think to fall for someone. Just once I have...

[ And he has for Chris. Someone he's known for his entire lifetime in this place. ]

If you're going to worry about me, worry that I dive into magic like its a pool. Likely much more dangerous than my feelings for you.

[He meets the kiss as easily as drawing his next breath.]

Maybe...I'll trust you on both fronts regardless, just be careful.

[...]

And maybe don't drink Nate and Nick's side experiments, hey?

[He reaches up to brush Caleb's cheek with the backs of his fingers. He's put this part off long enough, at least.]

Which...is good enough timing to say: I'm going to be out for at least a week, so behave yourself. You can still get me through text, but you won't see me until then. Got some business to take care of. Just don't want you worrying or thinking I've vanished.

[ He can't help but smile at that, because it's true. Maybe he should be careful about that. He turns his head, brushing his lips against Chris' knuckles. ]

Well they are better labeled now so I'll try and be more careful about that.

[ The smile tightens for a moment and then fades, looking confused. ]

I'm going to worry. And I'm going to ask what's going on... but I'll accept if you can't or won't tell me.

[ He's trying to be mature about it, even if it's rough to think about. It's not like he can go all that far, and yet there's so much trouble he can get into. ]

Are you in trouble?

[He maybe hesitates a beat longer on that than he should, eyes darting away from Caleb before daring back.]

I'm not going to jail nor in any trouble with the city, if that's your meaning.

I'm just...[He sighs.]

There's a man in the city who's hurt some people in quiet ways, ways that are easily unnoticed. I've got it in me to do something about it and I intend to. [He holds up a hand.]

Before you offer, no I don't want you there. He's dangerous to most if he chooses and, no, I won't be alone.

[He doesn't like this. He doesn't like any of it. This town is dull of dangerous people, but obviously this has affected Chris in some way and that makes Caleb worry as well.

And not have a clue that he might well be involved with the person they're going for. ]

What are you going to do when he comes back for revenge against those involved? That's all I'm going to ask. Is there a plan for that as well?

[ It's not the only question he wants to ask, but he knows it's the one he definitely needs to know the answer to. ]

[It's a fair question, even if it's born from Chris' miscommunication. He shakes his head.]

I'm not going to kill him or even torture him. Merely hold him long enough to be able to talk to him. To try and understand and reason with him a bit. He...I don't think he's unreachable, I just need to find the right angle for it.

[He hesitates a moment, but then reaches up to place a hand against Caleb's cheek.]

I don't like to see the concern in your eyes. I'm trying to keep details minimal to keep from too much fuss, but for you- [His words fail a moment, but then he finds them again.] I'll answer what I think I can, love, if only to keep that concern as small as possible.

[ He trusts Chris, he does. He trusts him not to start a war that could cause ripples over those in the LIERs community.

He just doesn't trust whoever else this might be. He's dealt with those that would harm others without it showing, to do things that went beyond someone's boundaries and then pretend they didn't know why the other person was upset.

And he knew how bad that could all get. For both sides. ]

You know asking me not to worry is like asking the ocean to be more dry, right?

[ He leans into that touch, and then turns his head, kissing Chris' palm. ]

What if he's not reachable? I want to hope you're right and they can be but what happens then? Are you at least disguising yourself in some way?

[His lips twitch up for that kiss, but he keeps his focus on Caleb.]

No...I want him to know it's me. When his memory comes back, I want him to at least have a flicker of thought as to what might have caused it; If I want him to know he's hurt people, he needs to know at least one.

If I can't...if it's all for nothing, then I hope he understands the idea of calling even and leaves it there. If he doesn't...well, I'll not be alone. We'll figure it then.

[He knows that answer sucks, but there's little else he can offer.]

[ That answer definitely sucks, and it's because he knows how those kind of people can be. He had been pushed to kill to protect himself and others long before he came to this place.

He knows Chris hasn't led an easy life and he hasn't backed down... but that doesn't mean Caleb is comfortable with him going through torment and hardship here either. Especially not alone. ]

It's something you need to think about. In case.

[ He sighs, leaning into Chris and resting his brow against his boyfriend's. ]

You know I don't like this, right? I get why you're doing it but we know this place doesn't tend to side with what's right.

[ And from what he knows, he does think Chris is doing the right thing. That doesn't make it easier though. ]

[Chris’ hand comes up to curl around Caleb’s arm as he leans into the feeling of his boyfriend’s brow to his.]

That’s why I’m doing this. If I thought the city would do something for Justice or to help, I’d consider it, but he’s a dominant and…[He pauses, his anger and self-disgust rearing up, but he tries to choke it back down.]

By rights, i consented to what we did and have no proof he did more except what I can tell’s wrong. I don’t know any other way to try and right it.

[He turns his head to snatch a kiss.]

I promise it’ll be alright. I’ll make it be alright just to not lie to you.

[Caleb had suspected it wasn't just Chris doing what was right but he wasn't going to push him on that either. Now that he's admitted the truth though, Caleb can feel bile rising in the back of his throat.

Chris doesn't need anyone defending him or protecting him but damn the desire is there. He loves this man so much and hates that anyone has taken advantage of him. Just as much as he might hate learning he's involved himself with the same person in a night at the Gray Room. ]

I trust you then, Chris. You wouldn't outright lie to me.

[ He expects not full answers and avoiding topics. Everyone does it to make things right, but for Chris to say it like that means something else. ]

Please be careful. If this person has taken advantage of you once, who knows what they're capable of.

[He doesn't tell Caleb he doesn't think it happened out of desire, he doesn't tell him he messed around with Grayson again already just to make sure it had been a power or feeding play then, to prove to himself they were both playing a game with each other. He certainly doesn't tell him he'd been planning on ruining the vampire's life long before he'd discovered the personal violation.

Caleb...saw him a certain way and Chris wasn't ready to color that perception when it seemed so undeservedly kind.

Instead, he brings his hands up to cup Caleb's face.]

I swear it to you. Here...

[He angles their faces so he can kiss Caleb again, not quick, but slow and thorough and commanding. Something to steal his breath away.

When he pulls back, he holds his own a long moment before looking to Caleb again.]

May I take your breath with me to keep within my chest and close to my heart until the gods allow me to return it to you.

[It was an old saying and not said in the language it comes out as, but the forced-translation was close enough.]

[ Caleb has been taken advantage of more than once in this place. He's dealt with betrayal and abuse and literally being treated as property by someone he trusted because of the mark on his throat.

He's dealt with things he never imagined he'd go through, and he's gained things here that make his heart seem to swell in his chest. Magic and love and this man before him. Things that make it worth all he's been through, and anything he faces in the future.

Even if he knows, in the grand scheme of things, he's been blessed compared to many he cares about.

He isn't prepared for that kiss, but he gives everything of himself to it. Pushing into Chris' touch, wanting to give everything of himself into that kiss as if that alone could give protection.

So when he hears those words, eyes still closed as he lets the sensation of the kiss wash over him, he finds himself clinging to Chris. When he speaks his tones are hushed and breathless still. ]

Dammit, you're not supposed to be that charming when I'm worrying. Thank you though. For telling me and trusting me.

[He smiles lightly and kisses Caleb's chin as he pulls away to sit back again.]

I'm supposed to be exactly that charming when you're worrying...but thank you for being...safe enough to be open with. I love you deeply, Caleb Danvers...which is why I told you, why I trust you....and why I'd like you to mark me as you like.

[He reaches for Caleb's hand and gives it a squeeze.]

I can be monogamous if asked, I know that, but it's not in my nature. We've both several partners and others we love, but I don't ever want you to doubt that you hold my heart in a way few others do, so I want to offer something you can look at and remember how I feel for you when little else in the way of promises and bonds exist here.

[He pauses and a flush builds across his face slowly.]

If that makes sense, anyway.

I trust you to be powerful and strong and to do what you think you must. I will stand by you with all you choose to do. It won't ever change that I'm going to worry.

[ He's spent so much of his life worrying for those he loves and doing all he could to shelter and protect them. He had done them no favors though. He won't do that to others, especially here with those that have endured and faced so much worse than he could have imagine. ]

I love you too, Chris. I trust you and I will do whatever I can for you. Remember that, okay? I might not always be happy with your plan of action, but I trust you enough to give you my opinion and stand by you.

[ If the words had made his heart race, coming back to the marking actually brings a soft flush to his cheeks. ]

I think we make our promises to one another in our way. I know you love me and trust me. I hope you know how much I love you and how safe and secure and loved I feel with you.

[ Caleb has faced times when he didn't feel that way. With Chris he does. He only wholly feels that way with two people, the only ones he truly feels safe with in this place. ]

I want to mark you. I want to be able to see it and touch it, for you to know how much I love you.

[ He leans in, kissing him softly. ]

I've even thought of ideas for a tattoo with magical ink. Do you know where you'd want it?

[His hands come up to brush along Caleb's cheeks as Chris simply looks at him as though there's little else he'd like to do.]

I'm ager to hear your thoughts. As to where...an arm might be good? Or a thigh, if you want a place a bit more intimate. [He lets a hand drop to wrap his fingers around Caleb's instead.]

I'm open to suggestions.

What sort of magic were you thinking?

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