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[boatdriinks]

A quiet chuckle bubbled out of Kerry as their lips parted for the time being, only just barely resisting to go back in for another taste.

"How very "horndog teenager" of us. Couldn't even bother t'make it outta the car without jumpin' on each other." He wouldn't have it any other way. The fact that he was doing well enough in holding back from just leaping into Vik's lap felt like an amazing feat of restraint.

Kerry squeezed Vik's hand back, just staring at his date for a few moments longer before bringing their lips together again. He definitely didn't mind just having their moment there, though his mind did stray to inviting Vik inside if he wanted. For now, though, his mouth was far too busy to get the words out.

Vik's answer to that tease was a smirk with a flash of teeth, and an agreeing upward flick of both brows. Eyes lidded low behind tinted lenses, the only reason his smile faded was to better meet Kerry's lips once more.

He felt the strain as well. Though it'd be worth it, Vik would rather not head home with a crick in his neck if he could help it. Turning in his seat, he took care not to let either foot press on the pedals; it'd be harmless if he did, sure, but still a bit annoying and embarrassing.

A soft, throaty noise escaped from parting lips, ending in a sigh through his nose at the slide of Kerry's touch over short dark hair. Vik lifted his own free hand, fingertips tracing along the other man's jawline to settle on one side of his chromed neck. Vik's other hand, meanwhile, kept hold of Kerry's with a small fond squeeze. At least here, they wouldn't get shooed out for taking their time.

[taleswritten]

@riipperdoc from here

Knock him out? "Vik, don't you fucking dare." Comes the low growl from the Merc, but it doesn't really have any bite to it. He's not too keen on the idea of being shot up with a sedation, especially with what it could mean.

"Think about it. You sedate me and that leaves a door wide open for Johnny to come out to play and then I really won't get rest." Glancing out of the corner of his eye, he spots Johnny scoffing but he seems rather amused. He wants to scold him, tell him that he's glad one of them finds this amusing but instead, V's eyes land back on Vik.

[youtianchef]

Everyone's the same when you strip off the mask they put on for work - rich, poor, leader, follower, whatever. You can't tell if someone's a big-shot just from looking at 'em. It's not like we were born with some special trait or anything.

Zhao Tianyou of 'Like A Dragon' Indie RP Sideblog

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[nomadanymore]

Continued from X @riipperdoc

"Why do you think you have to?" Vik sighed, straightening up a little where he sat on his wheeled stool. V could be so damn stubborn sometimes - or, more like almost always - and concerningly unbothered by the wringer he'd put his own body through. I know you're dying, V, but jesus. That was a thought best kept to himself.

Instead, Vik added, "You're one o' the best out there, kid. In more ways than one. But the best can be even better when they got support. ...More likely to come back alive, too." He swiveled away to look over the latest diagnostic scans, hiding the troubled turn of his mouth and furrow in his brow. "Have a care for the guy who has to patch you up, huh?"

--

Silence was all that would come from him, he didn't have much of a response really. Smart assing back at Vik didn't seem like a good idea even if he did find himself being more irritable than usual these days. Johnny and the whole dying thing prolly being at equal faults there. Johnny couldn't be blamed for either really though, V had stuck him in his head after all. "I'm bein' careful..." V would insist trailing off some before continuing his train of thought. "It's my mess Vik. I can't be the reason anyone else dies." He finally would admit. Anyone who helped him out there was putting their lives on the line.

[boatdriinks]

Whatever Vik was seeing, Kerry knew he was seeing right. Maybe that was why it was so damn annoying. How obvious was he if basically a total stranger could see straight through him? Guess it wouldn't be hard, if you're a doctor and you'd had similar issues yourself.

He should just be honest. He needed help. For his kids' sake. For his sake. But goddamnit, this pride of his... it was so damn heavy on his shoulders that he wasn't sure if he was strong enough to take that first step. Kerry knew that just because he was in a better headspace as of late didn't necessarily mean he was completely okay.

"Nah," Kerry assured. "...Whatever you're seein', you're prob'ly seein' right. Y'don't get to be my age, 'r be in the entertainment industry as long as I have without bein' pretty fucked up in the head. So, nah," He reaffirmed. "No harm done." The rest of his glass was drained, for now just left empty in his hand.

"Didn't mean t'lose my cool. My bad, doc. I've just--" A breath of laughter escaped him. Kerry's eyes were focused on his empty glass. He had to look away if he wanted to get the words out of his mouth. "--been havin' to listen to people worryin' about me 'n' all'a this shit since I was fifteen years old." So many people kept forgetting, how Johnny and he were practically babies when they started out.

"Guess I'm still not great at not bein' defensive as all hell."

His back straightened a bit more, and he almost paused in setting down his own glass. Vik wouldn't need even half the instincts of V's detective friend to notice how stilted and affected Kerry's casual tone was. Ah shit, of course the guy was used to people grilling him over half-fake rumor mill garbage. If Vik tried to assure that his support and concern were sincere, would he be believed? Only one way to find out.

"Nothin' worth taking seriously." He kept his eyes on Kerry's, one thumb idly tracing his whiskey glass' rim. Offering anything short of the frank truth would just itch at him like an unwashed shirt. "I'm not a screamsheet kinda guy, and I only bother with the fun word-o'-mouth gossip - not the fuckers out there playin' armchair doctor."

A short pause, and a deeper breath as Vik kept a tight rein on his focus and centered his thoughts. "...Look. I'm sorry if I was outta line. I was just seein' a couple signs that I got firsthand experience with. Wanted to offer the kinda support I pushed away from back then. But if I was seein' wrong, I hope there's no harm done."

[boatdriinks]

@riipperdoc

He hadn't been to a ripper in a while. Yeah, yeah. To his own detriment, he knew. With everything feeling like it was practically disintegrating around him, however, his health had definitely taken a backseat to everything else.

There enters V, who would one day end up mentioning his personal ripper. Dr. Vik Vektor. A pretty chill dude with a clinic all the way in Little China. Wasn't his usual scene anymore, but... well, it sure as fuck was better than pouring eddies into the pocket of some corp sellout. So, Kerry had taken the number offered to him and decided he'd think on it.

That would all culminate into calling the clinic using a voice changer and a private number one day. He hadn't gotten back to having his staff around him all the time anymore, so he just took the act upon himself. Placing the phone on speaker, Kerry would wait patiently, hoping for an answer, despite the lack visible number.

[youtianchef]

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[boatdriinks]

@riipperdoc

He was a little antsy, that much was clear just by the fact that Kerry was there at all. Earlier in the day, he'd texted Vik with the invitation to pop in around the afternoon for his weekly check-up. Needless to say, plans had been changed.

Instead, he'd made the drive all the way to Little China like it was nothing.

Misty let him know that he should've been finishing up with his current patient, so letting him through shouldn't have been an issue. With that in mind, Kerry kept his disguise firmly over his features as he trotted down the steps and into the open clinic.

Part of him had been hoping to see V in Vik's chair, but nope. Hadn't seen hide nor hair of V in a while, and that apparently wasn't going to change today. Letting the thought fade from his mind, he'd instead ignore the client in general to put all his focus on Vik.

"Take yer time," Kerry would immediately assure as he stepped forward, a little too comfortable in the space by this point. It was far from the first time he'd been here by this point.

"I'll jus' stay outta your way." And out of clear sight of the patient. Absolute last thing he needed was someone recognizing him today. That meant going straight past the chair, instead going to sit on the corner of the desk where Vik's computers were.

[boatdriinks]

Even just making it up the driveway felt like an impossible task. And with the car finally coming to a halt, Kerry was more than pleased to see Vik already initiating. It was nice to know that he wasn't just being unproportionally insatiable compared to Vik. The feeling appeared to be extremely mutual, and it felt amazing.

"Pretty eager, huh?" He teased, leaning in as well. Kerry let them both linger that in front of one another for just a moment, grinning before letting their lips connect for the nth time that night alone.

He was quick to start adjusting in his seat, if just to make sure he wasn't craning his neck too much. Better in his newfound position, he deepened the kiss and reached out to cradle the back of Vik's head.

Behind his attention on his driving, his head was a jumble of how next time might go and of how tonight might end. Vik didn't want to rush that, either - though potentially getting a lapful of Kerry while they kissed for a while longer was too tempting to ignore. The guy was a magnet, even beyond the rockerboy charisma and gorgeous smile, one Vik would be happy to get stuck on.

A soft laugh slipped out from low in his throat. "Just what I was thinkin', actually. Your place it is."

Vik upped the speed only slightly, enough to meet the posted limit at least. Navigating the roundabout and the winding turns was familiar enough by now to leave room for anticipation fizzing through his veins, fueling images of what could happen.

Those thoughts at least kept him occupied enough to reach Kerry's house. He parked a bit closer than he'd done for past visits, just to make sure they'd have this moment to themselves. Vik's hand trailed from the gearshift to find Kerry's palm, while their eyes met and he started to lean in.

[boatdriinks]

Next time. That anticipation of next time had its grip on him, too. The fact the Vik was still feeling that even with the added angst of the last few minutes... Man, he really shouldn't be getting too optimistic so quickly, but how could he not? Vik had him wanting to kick his feet and sigh like a lovesick teen.

"Well," It was almost impossible to ignore the opportunity. After all, no harm in asking, right? "We are pretty close t'my place already. Could just stop off there. Not have t'worry 'bout anyone peepin' in on a randomly parked car." None of the guards, or the people trying to get to the columbarium. Couldn't be too forward if Vik's mind was starting to stray off in a certain direction in the first place, right?

"Oh, there's plenty," he assured, smile widening a bit more when his next glance caught Kerry's grin. "And it'll definitely have a more fun reason." Mostly because, with any luck, the next time wouldn't be that far in the future.

Vik didn't want to rush anything - but knowing how fantastic a kisser Kerry was definitely tested that particular patience. A part of him wanted to spend way too long just kissing, maybe somewhere they wouldn't get some silent signal to leave. The fact the best place for that was either of their homes did help him keep his patience, a little. Sure, he'd been to Kerry's several times now, but the context would be so different it felt like he would need permission again. But if he got that permission...

He eventually made the turns toward North Oak, but went a bit under the speed limit. Fortunately, there weren't many other cars on this particular stretch. "Not tryin' to rush the end of the night. Just got to thinkin' a little too much about next time," Vik admitted with another soft, low laugh. "Figured I should get us parked somewhere, before my train of thought runs us off the road." He didn't even look sheepish, instead only amused and affectionate.

[boatdriinks]

The kiss grounded his anxious thoughts, bringing him back to the reason why he was making that effort in the first place. All for this guy that had him weak at the knees. Finally able to look Vik's way, Kerry's grin finally returned.

"Yeah? Well, 'm sure there's more where that came from." Car make out sessions were definitely among his favorite things. Made him remember the days where he was a lot stupider, enjoying the attention fame got him a little too much. In that moment, the only attention he craved was Viktor's. "Hopin' next time has more of a fun reason behind it, though."

His mind couldn't help but wander. A habit of his, though not one he was all that ashamed of. Just don't come off as nothing more than a horny bastard and he'd be all good.

That initial, sighed-out sentiment was - in Vik's opinion - one of the biggest indicators of this time being different. He didn't think he was any more or less special than Kerry's past relationships; rather, when it was Kerry who wanted to change, who had changed already, that was what mattered. Still, Vik simply listened while Kerry sussed things out.

The frustrated groan prompted a slight, soft smile in return. His hand skimmed up from the other's shoulder to brush the backs of curled fingers near the hinge of Kerry's jaw. "I get you. And I believe you."

He glanced to the traffic light; still red. Vik leaned in then, though only to kiss Kerry's cheek. His lips and hand had to retreat, though, when the light turned green. Tempting as it was to just pull over so all his attention could focus on Kerry, he had promised a nice chat and drive. Readjusting his seatbelt, Vik chuckled, "Been a long time since I kissed anyone in my car."

[boatdriinks]

Rough was definitely a way to put it. It was fucking embarrassing. Maybe he wouldn't have even brought it up if it were just the situation with Zohrin. That'd been nearly 60 years ago at that point. But considering how he coped with what happened before his divorce to Louise, it was a lot more recent than he could excuse.

He wanted to think he was a good enough guy to know better, but given how things went down last time, he couldn't help but worry. The possibility that things might just disintegrate as horrendously as it had with Louise made him wonder. He never could've predicted that absolute train wreck divorce. If that ever happened with Vik? Man... he didn't know what he'd do.

They'd only known each other a couple months by that point, but Kerry really liked him. Kerry didn't want things to go straight to shit.

"I really don't wanna fuck this up," he sighed out, still unable to look over toward Vik. "I could say that I don't really plan t'do that ever again, but I never planned it with Lou either. Then again, doin' it t'get back at her is a lot different than all the stupid shit that led t'me doin' it when I was married to Zoh." That was a mess in and of itself. Filled with a lot of him still pining after Johnny, and then all of the mental anguish that came with the aftermath of his death.

"...Whatever, fuck the "woe is me" shit. 'M not gonna betray your trust. I ain't that great of a guy, but..." Kerry let out a frustrated groan. "I don't know where I was goin' with this. Tell me ya get what I mean, Vik..."

Vik tried not to guess what it might be before Kerry had even said anything. There were all kinds of possibilities, and no way to really know what the other would've wanted to keep private from him. He himself had never been married, but he had been around the block with enough different folk to get that much.

Still, hearing Kerry had cheated more than once wasn't as expected as some other ideas that had come to mind. But Vik didn't blow up, didn't look disgusted - he just listened. And the way the older man spoke about it all helped Vik understand. There was no desperate plea or excess reassurance. The direct, frank owning of it did more to suggest Kerry had grown from those times than any flowery claim ever could.

"Appreciate you trusting me with that, Kerry," he replied after a thoughtful moment. "It's a pretty rough thing to admit." They reached another stoplight. Vik looked over, and even placed one hand gently on the other's shoulder. "...So I'll give you my trust too. I think you're a good enough guy to do things different this time."

Sure, he wouldn't excuse it if any cheating did happen, but acting like it was already a foregone conclusion didn't sit right with him either.

[boatdriinks]

He liked Viktor, a lot. Really, he could think of a lot worse ways to make or break a relationship, but he knew by now that not everyone was quite on his level of desensitized toward most things. Better to be honest now than for things to come out later and for that to be the thing that makes things fall apart.

Heaving out a heavy sigh, Kerry kept his eyes straight forward. He didn't want to look at Vik while he said it. Not like he was particularly proud of it, after all.

"So... I... cheated in two'a my three marriages. Was pretty shitty in both situations. With Zoh, I was just... an asshole. Ain't no better way t'say it. With Louise, it was revenge. She cheated first, while I was in the joint for a little while. Could go into all of it with both of 'em, but it's all kinda a big waste of breath." No matter what, it was all still a general clusterfuck.

"I just know that's the kinda thing really can't forgive in a person a lotta the time. So, y'know. May as well say it 'fore we get too deep."

It'd be nice to be able to swap some stories with Nik about their respective partners, after a good while of having to fend off the guy's well-intentioned attempts at matchmaking. Vik would probably still be teased over actually falling for someone who'd been a patient first, considering the handful of 'prospects' who'd come to his clinic on Vasilios' recommendation.

That aside, Vik wondered what stories he'd end up telling. He'd keep his word of course, leaving out namedrops or talk of Kerry's work, but the breadth of possibility that remained had a little giddiness curling in his stomach.

After merging to make another turn at a light, he glanced over when Kerry spoke again. Honestly, he hadn't expected the other man to want to talk about all that - but if Kerry felt it was needed, Vik wouldn't gloss over it. Someone with so many years of history was bound to have some darker times. "Heard you refer to 'em sometimes; don't think I ever pushed for details. Felt weird to, when I wasn't sure then how you felt about me. But whatever you wanna tell me, I'm open."

[boatdriinks]

"Damn straight," Kerry snickered, not even going to pretend like he didn't enjoy that bit of praise. He did have over 70 years of experience, so he would've hoped he got good at it at some point. But y'know, it was nice to already get that confirmation from his new boyfriend.

In truth, he was looking forward to bragging about his new beau, too. Was kinda looking forward to seeing how Louise would take the news, whether she'd not care at all or give him that side-eye of hers. Not that he could really blame her for either possibility.

It'd probably be some time before he could really tell anyone about the truth about who he was seeing, but he would savor those moments where he could be open. V, Louise... Maybe North. Not like he had much for friends right now. Maybe he could tell Kelvy, too. Probably wouldn't tell the younger ones 'til he was convinced this would last a while.

Man, what a weird thing to think about, but he really couldn't help it. He wanted this to last. He wasn't sure if he could handle another situation like Louise.

...And there lay another situation. Fuck, he should probably be honestly, right?

"Hey, uh-- ... don't remember, did I ever tell ya about... y'know, 'bout the shitty stuff I did that kinda caused the end of my marriages? --I know ya don't look at me an' just see all'a my mistakes, but I dunno. Feel like I should be honest. 'Cause I know some of the shit I did is pretty unforgivable to a lotta people. Better t'say somethin' now, than you findin' out from Lou or Zoh later 'n' gettin' pissed at me."

That light joke got a light, low laugh in return. Enough years had passed that he could, without his thoughts getting too dour about it. Vik didn't blame Vasilios, just the ripper that had done a shoddy job and the gradual shift - or warp, in his opinion - of expectations in the sport. And Kerry had a point; without that incident, who knew when he might've started his ripperdoc career, if ever. And thinking of the differences that would've followed deepened his gratitude, especially since things had gone alright with Vasilios after.

"Me neither. It seemed to scare him away from any major implants. He's not in Watson anymore, but we still talk sometimes about other ways he can keep healthy without much chrome in." A sidelong glance, and Vik's smirk resurfaced. "...Might tell him about you next time. Not by name, don't worry. Just that bein' a ripperdoc let me meet a pretty amazing guy; one who's a damn good kisser too."

[boatdriinks]

Kerry listened, but didn't have a ton to say about it. It made sense, though. Moments like those sometimes had a good impact on you, and he supposed he should be thankful that Vik had had that moment in the first place, else they likely wouldn't be in this position.

"Just the way things go t'get us t'where we are now. Kinda gotta thank the guy myself, in that regard, then, I guess," Kerry joked lightly. Without Vik there may've been no V. Without V... by this point there definitely would've been no Kerry. He could sit there and pretend that the only consequence would be a lack of their current relationship, but that would've been one hell of a lie.

"Shit sounds wild, though. Can't blame him for retiring."

He certainly didn't miss the parts that had just been getting started in his day, and now dominated matches, especially televised ones. Filming commercial takes wasn't how Vik liked to prep for a bout, and at the time at least he hadn't been the only one balking. Now, you had to if you wanted to get anywhere beyond streetside bouts. No, it was the sportsmanship, the athleticism, pitting strategies against each other, admiring the guy who knocked you on your ass fair and square. Not all his peers had seen it that way, but Vik liked to think he'd at least opened, if not changed, a few minds in his time.

"Kinda in the middle." Vik settled both hands on the wheel once more. "Finals of the Watson Grand Prix, Nik Vasilios. It'd only been a few days since he got subdermals in his arms - not too different from what I have now, but more for prevention than treatment. And, not installed as well as mine." A quiet, brief sigh. "I saw the bruises, but didn't know what caused 'em 'til after. A few swings into the first round, he found a window in my block, went for an uppercut... half the damn radial brace sheared off and out, got me in the chin. Gave him some first aid 'til the medics could take him away. He agreed to delaying the match and thanked me, so there's that. ...Think he hung up his gloves after he won."

[boatdriinks]

Kerry could understand that. It was like its own addiction. He could've left that life at so many points. After being dropped by Universal Music, after his daughter's death, after time in jail, and now after all of this time. He really could've just walked away from it all if he'd really wanted to. But the life always called him back. Kerry had gotten addicted to that rush, the sound of people cheering for him. Whichever part Vik missed, he couldn't fault him for.

"Yeah?" Kerry pulled out of his own thoughts to listen to Vik, eyeing the bit of the scar beneath his thumb. "Good guy? Or a piece a'shit you just happen t'kinda owe somethin' to?" Or maybe something in the middle. He had a lot of those, so it wasn't difficult to empathize.

Vik couldn't help a longer stare, more out of surprise than appreciation this time, before dragging his attention to the road. Fifteen? Yeesh... what a number that must've done on Kerry's self-regard at the time. That the man had come out of it any appreciable measure of whole was testament to his resilience, though Vik still wished the guy hadn't had to endure it at all.

He shook his head upon hearing how pissy and entitled both management-levels and fans could be. Vik hadn't been without his own small share of obsessed fans or coaches who insisted they knew best, but Kerry must've faced a whole other level of bullshit as a performer. Image was a good chunk of branding, or sellability or whatever the mealymouthed corpo-speak was for it these days.

"Can't lie, I do miss some of it," Vik replied as they pulled up at another red light. "But those parts, I can pretty much get just by training, watchin' live street matches, or payin' a visit to Fred. Think I've still done some good for boxing here after I left - patching up a few contenders, makin' sure their chrome sits right, that kinda thing." A quiet short hum of a laugh, and one hand lifted from the wheel to swipe a thumb over the scar on his chin. "Mostly got one guy to thank for givin' me the idea."