#( it IS perfect... your gif-picking skills remain unparalleled 😌 )

[rhysdasiorarchive]

Rhys didn’t expect Roland to understand his perspective and, unsurprisingly, he didn’t. The repeated attempts at shifting his foul mood were appreciated but ultimately, they were pointless. Until it was all said and done, Rhys couldn’t see himself enjoying any aspect of such gratuitous displays of senseless violence. “I am all for that, usually. Just not under these conditions. It’s an insult to the slaves competing – once it’s finished and those less successful in the ring have had their egos bruised, it’s straight back to the daily suffering. As wonderful as it is that a few get the chance to experience normality for a while, it’s pointless as a whole. It doesn’t mean anything.” Fortunately, the brief burst of affection halted his tangent and Rhys was grateful for it in a multitude of ways. He hadn’t intended to come here to ruin Roland’s experience – of course those within the council were enjoying the brutality. It was practically in their job description to do so. Encroaching upon Roland’s booth to complain wasn’t exactly the best use of either of their time so putting a halt to it prematurely was likely the best option for them both. He watched Roland preen with a barely concealed smirk, unable to stave off the intensity of his adoration even in the midst of his bad mood. “Something tells me they already know,” it wasn’t as if they’d been particularly subtle with their… arrangement. Rhys had fully intended to keep things under wraps when they’d first decided to progress past a simple one-night stand despite his doubts. He’d initially been more focused on maintaining his reputation as something wholly untouchable for the sake of professionalism. The last thing he’d wanted was to become a stereotype – sleeping with one of his many bosses was a surefire way to become the embodiment of all that Rhys had made an effort not to be. However, as time had gone on and they’d found themselves spending more and more time with one another, Rhys was struggling to find a reason not to allow himself this one small joy, even if Roland drove him to insanity on occasion. “I guess it’s not as if it really matters, though. Nor should it come as a surprise. You’re the only one that really matters as a whole. At least you still possess a shred of decency. Most of the time.”

Rhys seemed to at least slightly appreciate his bets on Seth so that was something and Roland smiled a little. "I can be quite sweet when the mood takes me." Rhys knew that better than most. His smile faltered a little and he blinked at hearing that Seth himself would apparently benefit from the money. "You're going to give it to him?" Roland sighed. "Of course you are. That's very generous of you, cher." Lining Seth's pockets hadn't exactly been the goal but when you gave a gift you didn't get to decided how someone else used it and the money was Rhys' to do with as he pleased. Roland probably should have guessed he wouldn't really take it given how he hated this whole tournament idea in the first place but he'd been hoping. He rolled his eyes at Rhys' continued complaining. "Surely you can find something to enjoy other than the ending. This provides the slaves with a little more freedom than normal. Access to their powers, a chance to have the collars off and blow off steam. Shouldn't you be all for that?" He doubted his explanations would really change Rhys' mind on the whole thing but he had to try. At least the kiss seemed to help a little and his smile was back as they leaned their foreheads together for a moment before Rhys pulled back. He dropped his hand from Rhys' neck and just draped his arm comfortably around the witch's shoulders instead, leaning back and preening more than a little at the compliment. "Merci. I thought it fit with the theme." Roland chuckled a little at Rhys not wanting the other councilmen to know of the compliment, glancing back at the fight for a moment but more interested in Rhys now. That was....slightly concerning but he refused to let it intrude on his good mood. "What, you don't want them to know that I'm your favourite?" Maybe he could tease Rhys into a better mood.