cicero-the-assassin

[cicero-the-assassin]

The calm seemed to linger like he had intended. After all, it wasn't just for Lucio's sake. Archer seemed so distraught- he just wanted to help. If only until he was back in shape somewhat. After all- from the way he looked, Lucio wasn't so sure that if worked up enough he would break something or just fall apart in his hands.

Perhaps it was also partially the soil he was pressing over him. Nice and cool over the burns- it's soil from his home estate. Something familiar to him, but perhaps comforting to the other in some way as it is also apart of Lucio.

"Vermin?" He scoffs audibly and rolls his eyes, "Do you know how many rats I'd have to catch? I would if that's your preference, but I'm pretty sure human blood is much more convenient for me to acquire. Not to mention better tasting and faster acting in healing your injuries."

There's a ding on his phone and Lucio smiles as the blue light illuminates his pale features. But he says nothing to the other about what he's looking at.

"Mmm," He hums. He knows the other wouldn't automatically think of this situation in a positive light. But there's something to be said about possibly being free. About ending up here, in familiar and gentle hands.

All in good time.

But perhaps he was reading this situation wrong. What if... what if he'd rather have just died like he was supposed to? At least then it would be over. Right? Was Lucio wrong trying to help? Should he really have just finished it? Perhaps that was something to ask later. Even at full health, Lucio could permanently end Archer. Should that be his choice.

For now though? For now his cool hand brushes Archer's cheek. A bit of dirt from his fingers smearing slightly.

"Shhhh- such melancholy.." He muses softly, petting the other's face, "Get some rest- I will wake you when I have something for you."

That calm sort of radiates again, much softer than before. Washing over the room in waves, the soil soaking up the power.

He was told not to panic and Archer might have, were it not for Lucio's power still quieting his mind. He found it difficult to even keep his eyes open. Stressed and feeling so unwanted and used, he almost wished this was real ground washing over him. Encasing him in it's depths forever.

Weakly he kept his gaze on Lucio as the other spoke. Currently it was the only thing keeping him grounded and not drifting into all the odd mix of emotions fluttering through him.

Something to eat. Did he even have the strength to?

He gave a soft hum in agreement. "I will... not complain... about vermin." He simply appreciated that Lucio would hunt for him. How generous. His master would barely-

His.... his ex-master... what kind of a title is that?

Archer's face screwed up into a shriveled sob. Fleeting sorrow before drifting away again.

"He could have killed me..." He stated blankly. "Made sure I was done... but he didn't.... he.... left me to rot...... as if my death wasn't worthy of his time." Archer's eyes pinched shut and he wished he could curl into a ball and finish his torment, but the weight of the earth and the weakness in his undead flesh prevented him from even doing that.

[cicero-the-assassin]

It sounded like fun. And having him alone, well, left room for other things. Possibly.

The sigh of relief is noted.

"Embarrassed to be seen with me?" He asks, though he doesn't seem offended. Just... curious. Lucio had had plenty of lovers in the past who didn't want others to see him with them. For a wide variety of reasons. He can't help but wonder-

"You got a boyfriend back at the coffee shop?" It's definitely a tease. And obviously so from the way he's grinning. Of course, Lucio would know if Lian had a boyfriend. He would've smelled him by now. Likely just... shy.

Lian mentions perhaps he could have a drink. Which Lucio would remind him doesn't make much difference but his thoughts are interrupted by a gesture. A small point to the side of his neck. Something of an empty headed offer. Perhaps a joke? Or was he just being polite?

But maybe, just maybe, he was considering it. How thoughtful.

"Mmm-" He hums lowly, as if considering it, "What a polite host you are Lian. That's a very kind offer. You know-"

Lucio is walking very close to the other now, a slightly heady feeling air around them now.

"If you have a drink first, I could taste it in your blood. Even a glass or two of wine could actually give me a buzz off of someone's blood. Sodas and sugary drinks make it sweeter for the same types of reasons. It would be like offering me something- and I wouldn't even have to throw it up in your bathroom and ruin your evening.

But of course- I am perfectly suited to anything I am offered. Even nothing. Your company is enough for me, though I cannot say I'm not tempted."

Lucio's plan made Lian laugh softly. Rotting together in the truest sense of the word definitely didn't sound like something he was eager to do, but knowing what he actually meant by it made it all the funnier. “Rotting together, exactly. That's certainly fun.”

Leading the way, he went ahead, but waited for Lucio to keep pace beside him. Now that they were finally completely out of sight of his work colleagues, he could breathe a sigh of relief.

“I'd cook something for you, if that were possible. Well, it's possible in principle, but it doesn't make much sense. But I can offer you something to drink.”

When it occurred to him that he might be referring to blood, though that wasn't intentional, he blushed. A little embarrassed.

“I mean… a real drink… well… I could also…” Lian trailed off into words, but pointed to his neck, smiling awkwardly at him. “If it's necessary, I mean… ah, just forget what I said, yeah?” He laughed and wanted to undo what he had said, unsure of how Lucio might react.

[cicero-the-assassin]

It seemed the Prince was immune to his snarking charm. What a shame. He says nothing more for now on the matter.

"Yes- I notice you wear alot of deep jewel colors. At least at home. It's befitting of someone in your position. It is very similar to where I come from."

Though, as he is willing to have some sort of casual conversation, his charge falls silent. Opting to bob and weave amongst the masses. Every person Lucio passes making him feel just a tad bit feebler. His completely black ensemble making his pallor ever more noticeable. Even under his hat.

When they reach the smithy- Conláed is greeted warmly.

"Welcome! We've been expecting you!"

The smithy closed for the day in preparation for Conláed's arrival. Lucio can... feel it. Like he can also feel eyes immediately fall on him when he enters the room. Standing close to the door, against the wall. Letting Conláed take lead. Lucio needed a break to take a breath. Not to mention he had to guard the door.

By now, Conláed was used to being exposed to Lucio's sarcastic tones from time to time. He had decided to leave it uncommented on, although he couldn't help but give him a displeased look every now and then. Although he had the feeling that this was exactly what spurred the vampire on to do it all the more.

“Gold and ivory are beautiful,” the prince nodded. “I also like shades of green like emerald and sapphire. Blue also goes well with most royal robes.”

Realizing he was rambling, Conláed immediately fell silent again, desperate to prevent the other from thinking he was interested in a more personal conversation with him. However, if he wasn't so stubborn, he would realize that there was nothing wrong with that.

“Maybe you'll find something where we're going.” That was the last thing he wanted to say before they reached the blacksmith's store and entered.

[cicero-the-assassin]

When the other raises his brow, Lucio shoots him a bit of a dirty look before rolling his eyes. Leaning back in his chair.

"When I was young- you were lucky to be offered bread at all. It was a delicacy. Now when you want bread- it's some sort of oddity."

'Back in my day'.

Sounds like an old man.

"I can eat it. Though it won't be pleasant. My stomach will reject it not terribly long after. With liquids..." Lucio nods to the glass before him.

"It happens much faster. I'd hate to ruin the floor."

He sighs- thinking about how hungry he is now. He'd much rather have a snack like everyone else. But... there are no willing volunteers without him bewitching some poor soul that he'll have to discard for their own good. And... the enchantment placed on him burns at even the thought of killing someone.

"Like wine more or somethin?" He asks.

Despite the dim candlelight illuminating the pub, there was no mistaking the waiter's skeptical raised eyebrow at Lucio's order. It seemed like half an eternity before he scribbled down what he had said on a piece of paper.

When he had disappeared, Conláed raised his eyes to his counterpart.

He had also noticed that the vampire did not really agree with his own order and especially the beer that had been placed in front of them without being asked. Somehow interesting that it was possible to put someone like him off with little things like that. A beer and a food order.

“If you don't want to eat the bread, I can do it,” the prince offered. After all, it was no use having a guard with him who was struggling to digest anything edible.

“Not sure about the beer, though.” With a slight smile that he couldn't suppress, he tapped the cold glass.

[cicero-the-assassin]

Lucio would've asked if the boy had been living under a rock. But rocks couldn't compare to the way Attigo pinned his play things under his thumb. The boy may as well had been living in the dark ages really.

He grins widely when their eyes meet. It's so wide it wrinkles the corners of his eyes. A sort of lightness on the air.

With Archer's neck craned back into his lap to look at him, Lucio's hands decided to take advantage of the situation and gently graze behind his ears, down each side of his neck, and underneath the collar of his shirt. Fingertips lightly scratching over his collarbone and over where his neck meets his shoulders.

Smoothly, like it was only natural. He makes no note of it at all.

"Of course it is. He would never know. Any color you like. You style your hair with it- like any wax. And you wash it out when you're done with it. I wouldn't recommend all over your head though- it might get crusty looking."

Lucio's hands are a bit further down, grazing his sternum then trailing back up to the shoulders again.

Testing.

Archer tensed as he felt those hands hover. He knew what he had requested did not involve pain and Lucio had spoken as if to honor that request. But no bond or promise was sacred. He knew not to trust any gift.

They always bore concequences.

He swallowed back the anticipation when that first touch scraped across his skin, instantly drawing goosebumps along with it. Another aspect of anatomy best left for humans than vampires. It was interesting how Archer even managed it.

His eyes fluttered closed with a very pleased hum as Lucio's touch continued. He swayed into his hands, letting him have the whole of him as he worked. That tension he held before was quickly washing away and gave muscles that haven't relaxed in decades a chance to do so.

This was better than sex! Why did people not focus on this more?

With mention of coloring his hair, Archer's eyes flung open and broke his trance like state. Slowly he craned his head back, cracking his neck so he could look up at Lucio without changing his position.

"That is... possible?" He was scared to even speak it. Master would never know? "I... I can't remember my hair not being this color... ever." There was a tingle of excitement and rebellion budding in his throat. Even tempting a half cocked smile.

[cicero-the-assassin]

One hands pale fingers continue to rub at the silky tips of her black hair. A soft hum rumbling in his throat as he listens, considering her over. Mulling her words about on his own serpentine tongue.

Feels like static on the brain. A constant buzz of black and white.

There is worry- though perhaps moreso worried that someone else would get to her before he could. Ramona had captured his attention for some time now. But he still wrestled with the idea of what exactly it was he felt. Something twisted. Something like adoration yet possessive. His hands begged to wrap around her throat and squeeze till she thrashed and cried. Yet- his eyes can't stop focusing on the sultry curve of her lips.

'Friend' isn't what he'd call it. He doesn't even entertain the question with an answer.

"Look at you- practically pouting with that look on your face and yet you wonder why you're treated like 'a little girl'. There are many things out there worse than dying. Dying is easy. Dying means it's over."

Her finger poking his chest earns a look. Something hungry.

"What more can you lose? What more can you lose? Something much more important than a limb. Or your life. Hope. Dignity. Your freedom. The sense of self. Purpose.

Most don't fight after they lose those things. You won't either."

You aren't special.

"Perhaps I am worried. Worried that you'll eventually come to know these things firsthand. What if I'm not here for you to run crying to? Pouting and huffing.

Crying that your luck ran dry and the world chewed you up and spit you out. You vaulties are so closed minded- you have no imagination. No concept on how low one can stoop without dying."

'Lucio' frowns now, hand retreating from her hair before his hands have a chance to wander. It's no fun anymore, not when she's not even scared.

"You're drawn to danger. After all that's why you're here. But... perhaps you're one of those that can only learn through experience."

He isn't moving from the door, but he's no longer touching her either. Smile gone, somehow it's worse to have those eyes bear through you without amusement.

"if i didn't know any better, i'd say that's a threat more than a warning," ramona's arms unfold & her hands are placed firmly against her hips. distrust is embedded deep in her body but she has her reasons; she doesn't consider this a lack of trust anyway, she thinks this is her instinct working, reminding her to sleep with a gun on her bedside. "why worry yourself over me? do you consider me a friend now?" the thought amuses her, though the more she thinks about it, the more she realizes she wouldn't be against having lucio as an ally. he's strange, yes, but who isn't in this day & age? ramona's a little strange & unusual herself; she's often wonders if others think the same.

"i'm not a little girl, ya know? it's patronizing when you're standing here, warning me about the dangers in the world," ramona huffs, & her glare toward lucio seems more in irritation than challenging this time. she's small, sure, & she may not be able to handle herself in a physical fight, but she still as teeth & knives. "you're really standing here tellin' me there's worser things than dying? what things have you experienced to come to this conclusion?" now, she's curious. "honestly, if you have, i would worry more about yourself than me, you've seen some bad shit, maybe experienced it, then the one who should be careful is you." ramona jabs a finger on lucio's chest. "i don't know... i have already lost a lot, what more can i lose? a limb? sure, i can live without that but i'm still fighting." she doesn't enjoy his comment, it really does feel like a threat, & suddenly she feels itchy, & her foot starts tapping against the floor anxiously, with a frown etched on her face. she doesn't like how he's standing between her & the door — feels dangerous.

[cicero-the-assassin]

ship ;)

🐝  *  ―  𝑺𝑯𝑰𝑷𝑷𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑺𝑯𝑬𝑬𝑻.

do i ship our characters together?: yes! | no | not yet but maybe soon

would i like to ship with you?: yes; absolutely! | maybe, i'm willing to try | no

type of relationship i could see: childhood or high school sweethearts | exes | engaged | married | long-term relationship | crushes | unrequited love | fling | long distance | online relationship | just dating | new relationship | toxic lovers | friends with benefits

tropes i'd enjoy writing for them: friends to lovers | enemies to lovers | exes to lovers | fake relationship / dating | forbidden love | grumpy and sunshine | star-crossed lovers | surprise pregnancy | second chance | soulmates | amnesia / mistaken identity | forced proximity | secret relationship | slow burn relationship

would i rather plot first or jump right in and see where it goes?: develop their relationship first | jump right in | something in between (You know me; I kinda flit between the two. You want something specific you just let me know and I'll make it happen)

what now?: let's plot something | send me shippy memes | i'll send you shippy memes | write me a random starter | i'll write you a random starter (If you're not sick of all my threads anyway; can always toss some and start some if you like)

anything else i want you to know about me / my character / my shipping habits: Lucio adores Archer. The only problem I foresee is... well. Attigo. (Ha ha ha oopsie) Lucio touches alot of things that aren't his. And I feel as though Archer will (if he doesn't already) see Lucio as this knight. Doing what's right, standing up for him, perhaps even loving him.

But Lucio doesn't love him. Not in the slightest. (Not yet anyway!) Right now I think he's a bit obsessed. He adores the way he looks and how sweet he is despite his abuse. Lucio admires his endurance? Tenacity? Even though beaten and shy- Lucio feels something when Archer looks to him or leans into his touch for comfort. And there's something just wonderful about pissing off Attigo. Even in small bits.

I think the more time they spend with each other, the more attached Lucio would be. But for now? You're in pet territory. If you don't hook him- you'll just end up with a new master. (He's nicer though so I guess that's still a win?)

Bonus shoutout to Smokes; who I think Lucio would absolutely hate. (In a sexy way?)

Extra bonus shout out to Attigo; one of the worst men I've ever met. Who could definitely make Lucio seem very submissive! He's not too proud to crawl for the right people!

[cicero-the-assassin]

🚢 from Lian!

🐝  *  ―  𝑺𝑯𝑰𝑷𝑷𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑺𝑯𝑬𝑬𝑻.

@twistedhxart

do i ship our characters together?: yes <3 | no | not yet but maybe soon

would i like to ship with you?: yes; always! | maybe, i'm willing to try | no

type of relationship i could see: childhood or high school sweethearts | exes | engaged | married | long-term relationship | crushes | unrequited love | fling | long distance | online relationship | just dating | new relationship | toxic lovers | friends with benefits

tropes i'd enjoy writing for them: friends to lovers | enemies to lovers | exes to lovers | fake relationship / dating | forbidden love | grumpy and sunshine | star-crossed lovers | surprise pregnancy | second chance | soulmates | amnesia / mistaken identity | forced proximity | secret relationship | slow burn relationship

would i rather plot first or jump right in and see where it goes?: develop their relationship first | jump right in | something in between (I think we got a hang on it! Though I'm always happy to hear from you if there's something new you want to do or a plot point you'd like to discuss :) )

what now?: let's plot something | send me shippy memes | i'll send you shippy memes | write me a random starter | i'll write you a random starter (Feel free to let me know if you want something new!)

anything else i want you to know about me / my character / my shipping habits: (Lucio/Cicero can be a bit more intimidated by relationships with other men. Lian doesn't seem to have too much of that problem because- lets face it- in most of their verses, there's a power disparity between them. Favoring Lucio. He's typically in charge of how fast their relationship moves if at all. So he's decently comfortable! But you may be waiting awhile in some verses. Modernly- he doesn't want to assume intimacy between them. He doesn't want to scare him off! And in the historical side of things, I think Lucio is going to be more forward. But- this is his charge he's talking about here! Pursuing him would be indecent and not to mention that Lian is technically his sort of 'owner' currently. He can't do what isn't bid of him. Eventually the ball will be in Lian's court. What will he do with the opportunity?!)

[cicero-the-assassin]

🚢

🐝  *  ―  𝑺𝑯𝑰𝑷𝑷𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑺𝑯𝑬𝑬𝑻.

do i ship our characters together?: yes | no | not yet but maybe soon | It's been dependent! We've shipped them briefly in random verses before! But there hasn't been alot of substantial interaction between them yet. So we kinda have before!

would i like to ship with you?: yes! I'm more than happy to have some more serious threads I can write on! We can aim for it at least! | maybe, i'm willing to try | no

type of relationship i could see: childhood or high school sweethearts | exes | engaged | married | long-term relationship | crushes | unrequited love | fling | long distance | online relationship | just dating | new relationship | toxic lovers | friends with benefits

tropes i'd enjoy writing for them: friends to lovers | enemies to lovers | exes to lovers | fake relationship / dating | forbidden love | grumpy and sunshine | star-crossed lovers | surprise pregnancy | second chance | soulmates | amnesia / mistaken identity | forced proximity | secret relationship | slow burn relationship

would i rather plot first or jump right in and see where it goes?: develop their relationship first | jump right in | something in between ( what specifically? ) I tend to do a mixture of both! I plot for direction but not necessarily the minor details. You already know this though because of Lian!

what now?: let's plot something | send me shippy memes | i'll send you shippy memes | write me a random starter | i'll write you a random starter | (I'm willing to do any of these things. But I'd love to get a verse and relationship solidified and see where we can go from there! It gives me more confidence if I know a direction my partner likes

anything else i want you to know about me / my character / my shipping habits: Ayako is beautiful and likely Lucio/Cicero will come on very strong! It won't be too difficult to get him hooked. It's keeping him that's the problem! He's fickle! Perhaps we'd prolong it by putting them at odds every so often. Or force them together in a way.

[cicero-the-assassin]

🚢 !!

🐝  *  ―  𝑺𝑯𝑰𝑷𝑷𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑺𝑯𝑬𝑬𝑻.

do i ship our characters together?: absolutely I do | yes | no | not yet but maybe soon

would i like to ship with you?: 👉👈 I meaaannn... we kinda do already but if you needed a definite answer, then yes | yes | maybe, i'm willing to try | no

type of relationship i could see: childhood or high school sweethearts | exes | engaged | married | long-term relationship | crushes | unrequited love | fling | long distance | online relationship | just dating | new relationship | toxic lovers | friends with benefits

tropes i'd enjoy writing for them: friends to lovers | enemies to lovers | exes to lovers | fake relationship / dating | forbidden love | grumpy and sunshine | star-crossed lovers | surprise pregnancy | second chance | soulmates | amnesia / mistaken identity | forced proximity | secret relationship | slow burn relationship

would i rather plot first or jump right in and see where it goes?: develop their relationship first | jump right in | something in between ( what specifically? ) We seem to enjoy both! If there's something you want to do- just hmu. New plots or universes, I'm always down.

what now?: let's plot something | send me shippy memes | i'll send you shippy memes | write me a random starter | i'll write you a random starter if you want I just figure we have too many threads already and I don't want to overwhelm you

anything else i want you to know about me / my character / my shipping habits: About me?! About MY boy? Something relevant to how things are going between them lately; due to Ramona's (previously discussed) status as something Cicero considers to be 'work', he's a bit less likely to be super nice right off the bat. He feels very irritable towards her currently as he's struggling to differentiate between what he wants and what he's told to do. While he's flirty- he's writing it off as setting a precedent for down the line when he will likely need to manipulate her for the good of the Legion. Any sort of connection she seems to be trying to make towards him is met with agitation. I don't want that to discourage you! Truthfully, Cicero sees some of himself in her. Damaged but not yet broken. And deep down, I think he wants to protect those parts of her. By proxy- protecting himself. Perhaps he's none too keen to treat her the way he normally would any other prey because he's already killed enough of himself. He's not sure he has it in him to do it again. He wants to hurt her, part of him doesn't like her. But a bigger part of him, one he doesn't want to acknowledge, wants to protect her. Even from himself.

[cicero-the-assassin]

🐝  *  ―  𝑺𝑯𝑰𝑷𝑷𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑺𝑯𝑬𝑬𝑻.

send 🚢 or ( 'SHIP' ) if you ever considered shipping our characters romantically and want me to fill out the following form for our muses. bold all that definitely applies, italicize what could potentially apply. feel free to add more if you think certain options are missing or you just want to add more.

do i ship our characters together?: yes | no | not yet but maybe soon

would i like to ship with you?: yes | maybe, i'm willing to try | no

type of relationship i could see: childhood or high school sweethearts | exes | engaged | married | long-term relationship | crushes | unrequited love | fling | long distance | online relationship | just dating | new relationship | toxic lovers | friends with benefits

tropes i'd enjoy writing for them: friends to lovers | enemies to lovers | exes to lovers | fake relationship / dating | forbidden love | grumpy and sunshine | star-crossed lovers | surprise pregnancy | second chance | soulmates | amnesia / mistaken identity | forced proximity | secret relationship | slow burn relationship

would i rather plot first or jump right in and see where it goes?: develop their relationship first | jump right in | something in between ( what specifically? )

what now?: let's plot something | send me shippy memes | i'll send you shippy memes | write me a random starter | i'll write you a random starter

anything else i want you to know about me / my character / my shipping habits: ( put whatever you want here )

[cicero-the-assassin]

Peter Steele from type o negative for Playgirl, 1995

[cicero-the-assassin]

h e l i x

[cicero-the-assassin]

Fantasy Sentence Prompts

“If you kill me I will become more dead than you can possibly imagine.”

“Magic is fucking stupid you gotta be a dork to use it.”

“If you’re in the woods in the middle of the night and you hear like a child saying ‘oh somebody please help me!’, you don’t help them! It’s not the right tone for that!”

“The only type of love I know how to show is tough love.”

“I CAST…. “Stop being mean to me”!”

“Can you two STOP MENTIONING MY CURSE?”

“Everyone says awkward things on dates.”

“Dancing in the graveyard? He’s a… necro-dancer.”

“All that effort… and yet somehow you still couldn’t win.”

“Fight me you nerd-ass punk!”

“At least try to act sophisticated when you threaten someone.”

“I once had a ouija board that just summoned bees every time you touched it.”

“Dost thou wish to engage in a duel, my good bitch?”

“Promise me you won’t fall in love with me.”

“Okay, here are the ground rules: you can punch me, kick me, pull my hair. I am a-ok being stabbed. Biting and scratching are on the table. You can use fire.”

“It haunts me. It haunts my dreams.”

“I have a lot of pent-up trauma.”

“Why does this always happen? We were just supposed to get bread.”

“I hate when flies rub their disgusting little hands together. What could you possibly be plotting? You can’t even get out the open window.”

“They are just a menace.”

“Okay, but what if I seduce the dragon?”

“I don’t have trauma. It’s all just… the wizard’s curse.”

“You come into my home uninvited and tell me how I should arrange my furniture?”

“Oh you think you’re so fancy with all your spells.”

“I may be cringe, but you’re mean. And that’s worse.”

“I’ll be honest, kitten. The amulet is driving me insane.”

“I don’t use mathematics or statistics or calculation or anything at all like that. Because I can’t do it. So I just hope for the best.”

“The mage I’m seeing gave me these hickies… turns out he’s a neck-romancer.”

“Sorry for making you fall in love with me because of my awesome vibe and kissable lips.”

“I’d love to stay and chat, but the prophecy foretold some absolute bullshit.”

“It’s important to have at least one friend who’s equally as out of touch as you are.”

“I think they lied on their resume. Like the rest of us.”

“Yeah… that’s still murder, bud.”

“Why is it always ‘hey let’s grab a cup of coffee’ and not ‘hey let’s reunite the shards before Gorlac opens the Shadow Gate.’”

“He’s got the Shadow Stone. I don’t think you understand what’s happening here.”

“I’m talking about magic. Turn you into a frog type shit.”

“You ever just want sweet, milky beans?”

“We need to talk about the fireball spell.”

“You are definitely not going to beat this man.”

“Sorry I’m late. The troll that blocks my driveway had harder riddles than usual today.”

“No ice spells. No frost spells. Look at my wrist. That’s the ice right there.”

“They reveal their HP from the jump. What the hell?”

“Do you not like joy?”

“You speak to me like you’re my friend, but I don’t see a friend when I look into your eyes.”

“I’m pretty sure that chalice is filled with human blood.”

“You don’t give bards last words. What were you thinking?”

“Let me put my tome down.”

“I fear no army.”

“Sneak into their house at 4am - which statistically speaking is the hour people are least prepared to defend themselves, and then–” 

“Since when did a staff do the work? When did the staff do the studying?”

“Door was unlocked.”

“I’m a heroine addict. I can’t get enough of strong, beautiful ladies.”

“You fireballed and found out.”

“I smell like a sweater made out of meat.”

“I might bite you but it’s worth it for the thrill of my presence.”

“I think you’re overreacting.”

“This is a crime. And I hate crime.”

“I’m a creepy little guy.”

“You can’t just collapse and die because you don’t wanna do something, buddy.”

“I know. We all wish we could do that. But we can’t. Because of society.”

“Have you seen some missing villagers?”

“There’s no way this book is cursed.”

“I feel I was denied critical, need-to-know information.”

“You ever see a tiefling get dropped and come back up? Me neither.”

“I will summon your daddy.”

“Sure it grants invisibility but it… it’s bagpipes.”

“There’s too many laws.”

“If you’re going to make a rude comment, just say it with your whole fucking chest. Own it.”

“Did you get stabbed?”

“I have to sell my soul at the crossroads at midnight.”

[cicero-the-assassin]

"Of course," He notes idly, watching the other walk away a moment before taking his queue to follow. Just off work, he likely just wanted to go home and relax. Lucio wouldn't take that from him. Plus-

Wasn't this the whole point anyway?

He's reminded of his dream from this morning. And looking over the other now, he can't help but feel at least slightly embarrassed. Imagining the way he looked...

"Hm?" Lucio is snapped from his thoughts, a small smile cracking his lips, "Your place sounds good. You just got off work- so I thought you'd want to relax the rest of the evening. Perhaps we can stay in and you'll let me order you dinner. We can watch something or... or anything really. I've never really stayed in your home for a longer period of time. I think it'd be nice to just... rot together, you know?"

“Good to see you.” Lian was still smiling when Lucio let go of him. “It's been busy today. But luckily I'm off now.”

He could imagine his work colleagues watching him from inside and whispering about who this 'mysterious black-haired man' was, so Lian decided to take a few steps out of their sight, assuming Lucio was following him. He had no desire to be subjected to prying questions again.

“So… um… do you still want to come home with me? Or do you fancy something else?” Even if he couldn't cook him anything, they would surely think of something else they could do.

[cicero-the-assassin]

"Oh- what a benevolent ruler. Allowing me to come along. So generous. I'm honoured."

It's obvious he's being sarcastic. But follows dutifully behind the Prince he'd be forced to protect. And though he still didn't exactly care for these consequences, it brought some amusement from time to time. Conláed was an interesting sort. Not exactly what he'd expected and yet- everything he expected.

Either way, he could make due with pretending to be a knight for this boy. At least until his family negotiated for his return.

Though- most everyone in the royal city was aware of his ever looming presence now. Not by his choice of course, but it was an impossible secret to keep. Some would snicker to themselves- thinking that it was laughable to see such a creature leashed and bound. But most would shut those people up. Lucio- though embarrassed by his predicament, had no attachment to these people. Should he choose to plunge the world into a second dark age, he could. And would. At the slightest provocation.

"I love looking at silver. Unfortunately, I cannot wear it, no. Iron can be a bit of nasty business as well. I just stick to ivory and golds. Steel, even. Same color as silver, just without the pesky burning bits."

He rubs his eyes, as though sleepy.

"No aversions to stones though. And they all suit me just fine."

He says this, but it's to be noted that he isn't wearing any jewelry currently besides one tarnished gold ring on his left middle finger. Something with an insignia on it. A family crest?

A dragon of a sort, something in it's mouth.

Lucio caught him, unable to hide a small grinning snort as Conláed turned his head away so that the vampire couldn't see. Did he expect something in return? Probably not, because he was deeply in their debt, in his and his father's debt, in fact in the debt of the whole kingdom.

It was surely a small matter to protect the prince from a few bandits.

“Fine. You can come with me.” Conláed said it as if he hadn't already decided that it was all right for Lucio to accompany him.

By now, everyone should know that he was not to be trifled with. Unless, of course, no one knew who he was. But most were aware of the vampire in their midst, ever since the incident some time ago.

“...What kind of jewelry do you like? Certainly not silver, is it?” It sounded like small talk, though the prince was actually interested in how different Lucio's tastes were from his sister's.

[cicero-the-assassin]

The smell was a bit overwhelming, so many humans in here over the course of this inn's existence. And Lucio could smell every single one of them. But his face seemed complacent. Not terribly perturbed by any of it.

Though, he does swallow a bit thickly looking at the filled cup before him. It would be suspicious of him not to eat and drink. And yet he found himself dreading the task. And the pain that would come with it. But- anything for the bit, yeah?

"Aheh.." His fingers intertwine on the tabletop.

The Prince of Vampires- off put by a beer.

"Bread. Please. Just... bread. Perhaps... cheese."

Cheese made 'just bread' seem a bit more normal. Practically sandwich material.

Conláed said nothing when Lucio held the door open for him to enter the inn. Only a few eyes turned to look at them, others were absorbed in dice games, eating or drinking. No one was interested in the strangers who entered, which was good not to attract attention. At least for now.

Seated at one of the free tables, it wasn't long before one of the waiters came over and plonked two glasses of beer in front of them. “Food?” With a piece of paper in his hand, he eyed them both grimly.

“I'll have the stew you're serving today,” Conláed replied, pointing to the board hanging on the wall behind Lucio.

“And… uh…” He was unsure whether his companion would order something just to pretend to eat or just leave it alone, looking at him questioningly.