[Paolo had wanted Jindosh's heart beating out of his chest, but he'll settle for the fact he'd managed to silence a man that hardly ever stopped talking. He couldn't help but laugh over the fact, knowing it was unintentional, but it wasn't long before he ran his tongue over it to ensure it wasn't too hard.
Damn him for caring so much. But Jindosh— no, he was thinking of Kirin now, Kirin doesn't have to say his name to make him shudder with every action he took. Kirin is whose mouth he moaned into, whose body he took such care of. Kirin, Kirin, Kirin is what ran through his mind as he lost timing in his thrusts, becoming more erratic in favor of bringing him pleasure faster.]
Kirin... [Is what escapes his lips, said like he'd known him for much longer than they were familiar. Like he was the only thing he wanted in the world, like he was the only thing in the world. Karkacs was his life up until now, and Karnaca could wait.]
[There he goes, trying to take care of him again. Jindosh doesn't stop him, doesn't mock him for it, but it's all he can do to laugh in turn and press another kiss to the corner of his mouth. Paolo is sweet for a hoodlum, which isn't a thought Jindosh ever expected to have, but here they are. Paolo is sweet and he kind of likes it.
Well. More than kind of. But it's hard to focus when Paolo's control starts to slip, making him lose any brief shred of thought he was having about anything else. He's trembling again, holding tighter to Paolo and gasping. He's hot and cold at once, Paolo's body against his making him catch fire in a dozen places and the sound of his voice making him shiver—so much feeling, so much of everything.]
Paolo.... [He's drowning, he's definitely drowning. All of it is new and all of it (most of it—he will be sore later, but that's later) is good, and if he never has to let go of Paolo it will be too soon. The thought surprises him in its intensity, and he nearly says something else but loses it in another noise of pleasure. It isn't long before he comes with a muffled groan, squeezing around Paolo more tightly for how long it lasts before he relaxes.
Somewhat. Where does he look now, if not at Paolo's face with more emotion than he can handle? Soon all his fun neuroses will return...]
[Paolo watches him fall over the edge, as enraptured as he could be while he was still chasing his own end. For how easy he came to pieces under Jindosh's hands, one would think he'd follow shortly after. But no, he lasts throughout his name being said so sweetly, ffor better or for worse.
At least it gives Jindosh a view of his undoing. He removes the hand from his length to ball both fists in the blanket below him, driving his hips home with unrestrained groans and lower whispers of his name. He'd stoked the fires for him, but he hadn't cared to warm his own hands. And yet he was still worried about keeping Jindosh waiting.
He doesn't count how much time passes, he can't count if he tried, but it wasn't long before he tensed under the other man's hold. He met his eyes briefly as he came, before his muscles relaxed and he was leaning his head the hand in his hair to keep it up. The smile gracing his lips was a smile none-the-less, though, if a bit tired.]
I'm gonna... need a minute before I get those... clothes... [Of all things, it's what he remembers. It's more likely he's refraining from calling him beautiful again, but.]
[It's good that Jindosh is still lost in the moment here, because the snide comments he could come up with while more or less waiting for Paolo to get off would be stuff of legend if he could bring himself to speak. But he doesn't; he's content even, to keep his arms around Paolo and murmur his name a few times, relaxed enough by his own release to actually care about Paolo getting his. Which might have been a concern if he wasn't as invested in all this and Paolo as he is.
He's putting in enough effort to ignore the weird and awkward parts of sex, so Paolo can appreciate that. Now he can even look him in the face without glancing away in embarrassment, so he will, running fingers through his hair again and again with unmistakable fondness.
It is distinctly new and bizarre to have these feelings, but alright, he's rolling his eyes and shifting a little, relaxing his hold around Paolo's shoulders.]
One minute. [Like, he'll keep time.] One minute I can spare.
Exactly one minute. [Paolo chuckles and shuts his eyes, focused on the feeling of Jindosh's fingers through his hair as he caught his breath. Paolo does appreciate his patience, as the worries he shoved to the back of his mind were still worries. If he did something wrong, if he got boring...
He heaves a pleased sigh, leaning to kiss the inside of Jindosh's arm before he nudged it away. He knows he mustn't be serious about that minute, but he's still pulling out of him and sitting up like it was all he had.] Don't miss me too much.
[Was it him just following orders again, or did he just want to get it out of the way so he could get back in bed with him? Likely both, with how he's nearly tripping over himself getting out of it. He mutters something about it being "too damn low" before he's crossing the room to pick up things in the order he threw them. That stupid cravat.]
You... You serious about staying? [He asks it so casually, but the glance over his shoulder hints it was a greater concern that he'd like.]
[One minute... He'll keep count in his head because he can't help himself, to keep his mind off worrying about this, but he doesn't really care how long it takes Paolo to pick up his things. Maybe even a whole minute and a half can be spared.
But it's still a loss when Paolo gets up, Jindosh shifting on the bed to drag the blanket over his legs before giving up and watching Paolo move around. Be good to his cravat, thanks.
And... ah. He blinks at the question, raising an eyebrow like it's stupid to even ask. Does Kirin Jindosh lie? Hardly.]
Have you been paying attention? [Paolo!!] Join me before I change my mind.
[Paolo pays attention enough that he's nearly tripping over the boots he was meant to pick up. He has a feeling Jindosh wouldn't just change his mind and send him home, but hearing it had him gathering everything in a rush none-the-less. He wasn't bending over backwards for him, he'd say. This was casual, he'd say.
Paolo would be in denial. He was good to his cravat, though, before it's unceremoniously dumped at the end of the bed with the rest of his things. He's not going to pay it much more mind, seeing as he's already climbing back in to join him.] Two minutes. Gonna kick me out?
[That's not where any of that goes... Jindosh frowns to this effect, but he's already offering Paolo his arm to get in close to him before thinking about it. Hush and come here.]
I may lecture you in the morning on the importance of efficiency and the perils of sarcasm. [Whatever will stave off the palpitations from Paolo spending the night...] And then perhaps I will teach you what a wardrobe is so that you may put my things away properly.
[Hmph. He's already... some kind of anxious, though, about Paolo staying. Is it excitement? Is he actually sixteen, and more exhilarated than he should be about lying next to someone else? It probably doesn't matter; what he wants now is to seek out Paolo's hair once more, run his fingers through it slowly while he thinks.]
I am thinking, [a pause. Hrm.] about what you have said tonight, and perhaps I will take more time to think rather than make an over-hasty decision, but considering the circumstances... Perhaps it would be best if tomorrow night, you did not come to lie on my operating table.
[Another pause. Wait, how does that actually sound—] But I will still expect you before sundown, unless you plan on aggravating my nerves.
[Paolo maneuvers himself to lie under Jindosh's arm, pulling the blanket so it would cover them both. He'd have to remind himself to bring his own-- No, no. He was already picking up things for any future encounters, he didn't have to go so far as to start invading the man's space... Yet.
He turns his head away from the bare mattress, moving to lay on his side with an arm across Jindosh. For now, he'll listen without interrupting, settling in and enjoying the fingers in his hair. Though his own curled at what he had to offer.]
... Y'know, [he starts, leaning his head on Jindosh's shoulder,] that kinda sounds like you enjoy my company without cutting me open. What've you come to, Kirin? [He has to get a little teasing in, since he knows he's in for it in the morning.]
[Jindosh scoffs, looking briefly at Paolo and then up at the ceiling. It's getting kind of crowded in here, with the two of them and Paolo's attitude. Jindosh tugs once on his hair, chastising.]
Consider it the next phase of my experiment, if you will. [the gay experiment. there was no first phase.] Do you want me to say it, Paolo? That I enjoyed the evening, and you?
[He hums, like maybe he won't. Or maybe he'll say no, it was awful, and rescind his pseudo-invitation.] Fine then: I did. And I do.
You don't h... [Paolo starts, but trails off as Jindosh hums. It's astounding how many shades of red his face has turned today, but to salvage his ego, it's only a tinted pink.]
I'm... uh, glad. I'm glad. [He cleared his throat, dragging his hand up his chest to take and turn Jindosh's chin. Look, a kiss without any desire for more. Maybe he's not just horny.] Maybe I'll come by for lunch. Or breakfast... [or not leave at all.]
[Jindosh smirks as Paolo trails off and stumbles over his attitude, now. That's what he thought—at least he still has more experience in taking people by surprise with words.
But then a kiss, and one that isn't trying to climb on top of him again. His smirk turns into a look of thoughtful consideration, after that. Breakfast, lunch... it would be hard to miss the implication.]
In the morning. [He repeated against his lips, going back in for another kiss. He felt around for Jindosh's hand, taking up the ceramic to take one last drag of the evening.
He blew the smoke away from Jindosh's face for once, threading their fingers together as he laid his head on his chest.] And they say I'm not lucky...
[In the morning. Jindosh wonders how many "mornings" he can push real decisions back to, while he sorts himself out. Even now, Paolo's small gestures of affection feel like almost too much. He hums again instead, curling his other arm a bit more around Paolo like simple proximity to him will ease how much he doesn't know what he's doing.
Which it might. So.]
Hmm. Wait— [wait!!] Who is it that says you aren't lucky? You cheat death daily. What kind of standard for luck are they hoping for?
[Paolo blinked, then shook his head with a laugh and brought Jindosh's fingers up to his lips to kiss as he thought on it. He could get used to this, just giving affection instead of going to smoke cigars to keep his mind off the gravity of things.]
I didn't say they were smart. It is the Abbey, and... some other dumb fucks. Politicians, as it so happens. [He finally says, brushing his thumb over the ceramic's little details.] You don't get a face like this being the luckiest choffer in the city. So they're right. In some ways.
[Jindosh scoffs as if to say Oh, them. He should have known better—politicians and the Abbey are even more pointlessly offensive!! Mostly the former.]
Useless, simpering morons. Anyone born with a silver spoon in his mouth thinks he has a right to the highest seat he can find, no matter how empty his head is. [Jindosh stops playing with Paolo's hair just long enough to wave his hand in a small, dismissive gesture before working his fingers in again.] The era of luck will end sooner rather than later.
[The Empress melting his brain can't change his mind on this. He could probably write another book.]
As for the Abbey... well, it's typical of the intellectually incapable to fear the unknown, so I pity them more than anything else.
I don't. They don't deserve pity. [Paolo's jaw clenched and his eyes narrowed, but he made an effort not to squeeze down hard on his hand. Someone's bitter.] Killing too many people just trying to get by. Feeding their kids, their...
[He took a deep breath, focusing instead on the fingers back through his hair.] The most you gotta worry about empty-headed pigs is that they kill each other. And that's a good thing. Dunno how you worked with Luca...
[Ooh, bitterness. Jindosh raises an eyebrow at the ceiling, shifting to gaze down at Paolo's head on his chest. He's into bitter.]
You say "deserve pity" as if it's a good thing. [Just saying. Pity isn't charity, babe.] As for the Duke, I wouldn't call it "working with"...
[Except. For that one time. Whatever.] I'd rather spend his money than mine, more or less. Although I wonder if he'll have a change of heart, the way he has with so many other things lately.
[Pity is definitely charity, excuse you. Paolo scrunches his nose, but chooses not to argue it. He'll keep the fact that "pity" was going crazy in his basement another day.]
He's had a change of heart with a great many things. Says he finally has Karnaca's interest at heart, with guidance from the "great Emily Kaldwin." [He rolls his eyes, looking out at the view the balcony had to offer.] She ain't done shit for us. Neither of them. You know who's been taking care of this city? Me. Stilton. Ours friends. Not some little girl on a throne.
[Hmm. Paolo brings up the Empress himself, and Jindosh frowns more deeply up at his ceiling to think of her. It stirs up pain and shame in him to really think about Emily Kaldwin, and his fussing with Paolo's hair pauses for a moment while he listens to him discount the Empress' effectiveness.
He's into that, too. So there's that.]
And yet here you are in bed with the man outfitting the worst this city has to offer with inventions worth much more than any of their flimsy court titles. [haha just kidding, that almost makes it sound like he cares-] I've been hoping they'll kill each other with my clockworks eventually.
No one can rule a city like Karnaca from as far away as Dunwall, in any case. Even the Duke is too far removed to realize the simple reality of things: the time of nobility is waning. It's time for men of intellect and action to inherit the earth.
[Ah, he's getting ahead of himself. He fiddles with Paolo's hair again, determined apparently to never let it look neat. That said, there was something else...] How many audiences have you had with the Duke?
Your inventions can only fend off the rabble for so long in the hands of people that don't know how to use them. If all they do is sit back while your soldiers cut down the people, they're gonna find we learn how to turn it against them. [He would know, he thought, with all his encounters.]
I may not be smart, my boys might not be either, but action... Action always wins. [He's fought so many of the things he knows the ins and outs, painfully or not. He probably shouldn't sound so smug, laying with their creator, but can he really blame him? It doesn't really help that what follows is more talking about how important he is lately.] And uh... quite... quite a few, actually. He decided to call the great Vice Overseer Byrne-- [there he goes, waving a hand to the sky like the Overseer was somewhere out there to strangle,]-- and I to the Palace after his party. Wanted to make sure we play nice. Give updates on how the streets improving, make sure we don't try and kill each other anymore.
[He drops his arm, turning his head to look up at Jindosh like he was reassuring him. He still is cool, he swears,] We still do, but... I'm getting him wrapped around my finger. Those Abbey pricks were so hung up on catching me they don't have shit to present about improving the city, so when I lean real close and make my promises? He believes them. Maybe after a whiskey or two, but... he believes them.
[Jindosh resists interrupting to chide Paolo—"It sounds like you want one of your own, not that you can afford it."—and just listens instead to his assessment of the city. It's different, but it's almost what he expects from a man like Paolo. Jindosh's own assessment starts and ends with nobility being a useless concept and intellect being worth about a thousand times more minimum, so at least he's learning something about perspective.
Does he buy it? Maybe he will, in time. He does scoff to hear Paolo's boys could take down his clockworks, because maybe Paolo could, but he does have a special advantage his boys don't.
But trash talking "Luca Abele" is a hobby of his, so when he raises an eyebrow at Paolo again, it's with interest.] He would not have not too long ago, you realize. [Does Paolo realize? Jindosh, who sees every person like a puzzle to solve and has solved most already, realized at once that the Duke is no longer the Duke, but he assumes most people at the time believed the body double story he heard months later in passing.
He has the distinct feeling Paolo does not realize, but that's alright.]
The leader of the Howlers, muttering in the Duke's ear? How scandalous. I suppose it was his idea to send you here to annoy me over and over, was it? At least that's typical of Luca. [he's not dumb, he figured it out before Paolo kept bothering him for personal reasons. whatever!!] The streets of Karnaca are surely improving while you whittle away your time in here with me.
[There's... no doubt in him that Byrne is a dumb asshole and Paolo is at least trying, in his hoodlum way, but he still has to get in that jab. He smirks.] When shall I start calling you "Duke"?
[Why buy one when you can just bed the manufacturer? Paolo doesn't spare it a second thought, mindlessly tracing his fingers over the skin of Jindosh's chest. He knew something was off with the Duke, but all these months passed and he hadn't bothered to look into what.
He knows he can ask what exactly he's supposed to be realizing, but he didn't want to ask if it were something so obvious. So he'll skip it for now, save his pride.] You can call me that anytime you like, Kirin.
[He meets his smirk with a grin, leaning his head up far enough to kiss the corner of his lips.] With all my time whittling away, you'll get to say you knew the real Duke before his prime. More than any rich choffers can say. Won't even have to go to any parties to know what I would and wouldn't do.
[They are expensive, that's the point. Hush. Jindosh laughs anyway—call him Duke, goodness, he's a master of comedy as well as machines. More importantly than that is how he likes this side of Paolo, that's grinning and going along with him.
Now Paolo is the cute one. Take that.]
Please tell me your reign of terror won't involve any parties. I couldn't bear another one for as long as I live.
Terror! [Paolo is even cuter when he laughs, probably. He's too wrapped up in the subject to consider keeping up his persona, shaking his head with shaking shoulders.] My reign of compliance won't need anyone fucking all over the palace. That's a right reserved for the Duke. They'll have their own homes to do it in.
[He paused, his grin growing wider.] 'S why I was so surprised you were a blushing virgin. [He can make jabs too, both verbal and at Jindosh's chest.] If Luca's too dumb to get anything out of you, then why'd you even go?
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Damn him for caring so much. But Jindosh— no, he was thinking of Kirin now, Kirin doesn't have to say his name to make him shudder with every action he took. Kirin is whose mouth he moaned into, whose body he took such care of. Kirin, Kirin, Kirin is what ran through his mind as he lost timing in his thrusts, becoming more erratic in favor of bringing him pleasure faster.]
Kirin... [Is what escapes his lips, said like he'd known him for much longer than they were familiar. Like he was the only thing he wanted in the world, like he was the only thing in the world. Karkacs was his life up until now, and Karnaca could wait.]
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Well. More than kind of. But it's hard to focus when Paolo's control starts to slip, making him lose any brief shred of thought he was having about anything else. He's trembling again, holding tighter to Paolo and gasping. He's hot and cold at once, Paolo's body against his making him catch fire in a dozen places and the sound of his voice making him shiver—so much feeling, so much of everything.]
Paolo.... [He's drowning, he's definitely drowning. All of it is new and all of it (most of it—he will be sore later, but that's later) is good, and if he never has to let go of Paolo it will be too soon. The thought surprises him in its intensity, and he nearly says something else but loses it in another noise of pleasure. It isn't long before he comes with a muffled groan, squeezing around Paolo more tightly for how long it lasts before he relaxes.
Somewhat. Where does he look now, if not at Paolo's face with more emotion than he can handle? Soon all his fun neuroses will return...]
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At least it gives Jindosh a view of his undoing. He removes the hand from his length to ball both fists in the blanket below him, driving his hips home with unrestrained groans and lower whispers of his name. He'd stoked the fires for him, but he hadn't cared to warm his own hands. And yet he was still worried about keeping Jindosh waiting.
He doesn't count how much time passes, he can't count if he tried, but it wasn't long before he tensed under the other man's hold. He met his eyes briefly as he came, before his muscles relaxed and he was leaning his head the hand in his hair to keep it up. The smile gracing his lips was a smile none-the-less, though, if a bit tired.]
I'm gonna... need a minute before I get those... clothes... [Of all things, it's what he remembers. It's more likely he's refraining from calling him beautiful again, but.]
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He's putting in enough effort to ignore the weird and awkward parts of sex, so Paolo can appreciate that. Now he can even look him in the face without glancing away in embarrassment, so he will, running fingers through his hair again and again with unmistakable fondness.
It is distinctly new and bizarre to have these feelings, but alright, he's rolling his eyes and shifting a little, relaxing his hold around Paolo's shoulders.]
One minute. [Like, he'll keep time.] One minute I can spare.
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He heaves a pleased sigh, leaning to kiss the inside of Jindosh's arm before he nudged it away. He knows he mustn't be serious about that minute, but he's still pulling out of him and sitting up like it was all he had.] Don't miss me too much.
[Was it him just following orders again, or did he just want to get it out of the way so he could get back in bed with him? Likely both, with how he's nearly tripping over himself getting out of it. He mutters something about it being "too damn low" before he's crossing the room to pick up things in the order he threw them. That stupid cravat.]
You... You serious about staying? [He asks it so casually, but the glance over his shoulder hints it was a greater concern that he'd like.]
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But it's still a loss when Paolo gets up, Jindosh shifting on the bed to drag the blanket over his legs before giving up and watching Paolo move around. Be good to his cravat, thanks.
And... ah. He blinks at the question, raising an eyebrow like it's stupid to even ask. Does Kirin Jindosh lie? Hardly.]
Have you been paying attention? [Paolo!!] Join me before I change my mind.
[He... won't, but come here already.]
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Paolo would be in denial. He was good to his cravat, though, before it's unceremoniously dumped at the end of the bed with the rest of his things. He's not going to pay it much more mind, seeing as he's already climbing back in to join him.] Two minutes. Gonna kick me out?
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I may lecture you in the morning on the importance of efficiency and the perils of sarcasm. [Whatever will stave off the palpitations from Paolo spending the night...] And then perhaps I will teach you what a wardrobe is so that you may put my things away properly.
[Hmph. He's already... some kind of anxious, though, about Paolo staying. Is it excitement? Is he actually sixteen, and more exhilarated than he should be about lying next to someone else? It probably doesn't matter; what he wants now is to seek out Paolo's hair once more, run his fingers through it slowly while he thinks.]
I am thinking, [a pause. Hrm.] about what you have said tonight, and perhaps I will take more time to think rather than make an over-hasty decision, but considering the circumstances... Perhaps it would be best if tomorrow night, you did not come to lie on my operating table.
[Another pause. Wait, how does that actually sound—] But I will still expect you before sundown, unless you plan on aggravating my nerves.
[If he said "I like you," it would be too easy.]
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He turns his head away from the bare mattress, moving to lay on his side with an arm across Jindosh. For now, he'll listen without interrupting, settling in and enjoying the fingers in his hair. Though his own curled at what he had to offer.]
... Y'know, [he starts, leaning his head on Jindosh's shoulder,] that kinda sounds like you enjoy my company without cutting me open. What've you come to, Kirin? [He has to get a little teasing in, since he knows he's in for it in the morning.]
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Consider it the next phase of my experiment, if you will. [the gay experiment. there was no first phase.] Do you want me to say it, Paolo? That I enjoyed the evening, and you?
[He hums, like maybe he won't. Or maybe he'll say no, it was awful, and rescind his pseudo-invitation.] Fine then: I did. And I do.
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I'm... uh, glad. I'm glad. [He cleared his throat, dragging his hand up his chest to take and turn Jindosh's chin. Look, a kiss without any desire for more. Maybe he's not just horny.] Maybe I'll come by for lunch. Or breakfast... [or not leave at all.]
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But then a kiss, and one that isn't trying to climb on top of him again. His smirk turns into a look of thoughtful consideration, after that. Breakfast, lunch... it would be hard to miss the implication.]
In the morning... Decide then.
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He blew the smoke away from Jindosh's face for once, threading their fingers together as he laid his head on his chest.] And they say I'm not lucky...
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Which it might. So.]
Hmm. Wait— [wait!!] Who is it that says you aren't lucky? You cheat death daily. What kind of standard for luck are they hoping for?
[He's offended, this doesn't make sense!!!!]
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I didn't say they were smart. It is the Abbey, and... some other dumb fucks. Politicians, as it so happens. [He finally says, brushing his thumb over the ceramic's little details.] You don't get a face like this being the luckiest choffer in the city. So they're right. In some ways.
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Useless, simpering morons. Anyone born with a silver spoon in his mouth thinks he has a right to the highest seat he can find, no matter how empty his head is. [Jindosh stops playing with Paolo's hair just long enough to wave his hand in a small, dismissive gesture before working his fingers in again.] The era of luck will end sooner rather than later.
[The Empress melting his brain can't change his mind on this. He could probably write another book.]
As for the Abbey... well, it's typical of the intellectually incapable to fear the unknown, so I pity them more than anything else.
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[He took a deep breath, focusing instead on the fingers back through his hair.] The most you gotta worry about empty-headed pigs is that they kill each other. And that's a good thing. Dunno how you worked with Luca...
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You say "deserve pity" as if it's a good thing. [Just saying. Pity isn't charity, babe.] As for the Duke, I wouldn't call it "working with"...
[Except. For that one time. Whatever.] I'd rather spend his money than mine, more or less. Although I wonder if he'll have a change of heart, the way he has with so many other things lately.
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He's had a change of heart with a great many things. Says he finally has Karnaca's interest at heart, with guidance from the "great Emily Kaldwin." [He rolls his eyes, looking out at the view the balcony had to offer.] She ain't done shit for us. Neither of them. You know who's been taking care of this city? Me. Stilton. Ours friends. Not some little girl on a throne.
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He's into that, too. So there's that.]
And yet here you are in bed with the man outfitting the worst this city has to offer with inventions worth much more than any of their flimsy court titles. [haha just kidding, that almost makes it sound like he cares-] I've been hoping they'll kill each other with my clockworks eventually.
No one can rule a city like Karnaca from as far away as Dunwall, in any case. Even the Duke is too far removed to realize the simple reality of things: the time of nobility is waning. It's time for men of intellect and action to inherit the earth.
[Ah, he's getting ahead of himself. He fiddles with Paolo's hair again, determined apparently to never let it look neat. That said, there was something else...] How many audiences have you had with the Duke?
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I may not be smart, my boys might not be either, but action... Action always wins. [He's fought so many of the things he knows the ins and outs, painfully or not. He probably shouldn't sound so smug, laying with their creator, but can he really blame him? It doesn't really help that what follows is more talking about how important he is lately.] And uh... quite... quite a few, actually. He decided to call the great Vice Overseer Byrne-- [there he goes, waving a hand to the sky like the Overseer was somewhere out there to strangle,]-- and I to the Palace after his party. Wanted to make sure we play nice. Give updates on how the streets improving, make sure we don't try and kill each other anymore.
[He drops his arm, turning his head to look up at Jindosh like he was reassuring him. He still is cool, he swears,] We still do, but... I'm getting him wrapped around my finger. Those Abbey pricks were so hung up on catching me they don't have shit to present about improving the city, so when I lean real close and make my promises? He believes them. Maybe after a whiskey or two, but... he believes them.
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Does he buy it? Maybe he will, in time. He does scoff to hear Paolo's boys could take down his clockworks, because maybe Paolo could, but he does have a special advantage his boys don't.
But trash talking "Luca Abele" is a hobby of his, so when he raises an eyebrow at Paolo again, it's with interest.] He would not have not too long ago, you realize. [Does Paolo realize? Jindosh, who sees every person like a puzzle to solve and has solved most already, realized at once that the Duke is no longer the Duke, but he assumes most people at the time believed the body double story he heard months later in passing.
He has the distinct feeling Paolo does not realize, but that's alright.]
The leader of the Howlers, muttering in the Duke's ear? How scandalous. I suppose it was his idea to send you here to annoy me over and over, was it? At least that's typical of Luca. [he's not dumb, he figured it out before Paolo kept bothering him for personal reasons. whatever!!] The streets of Karnaca are surely improving while you whittle away your time in here with me.
[There's... no doubt in him that Byrne is a dumb asshole and Paolo is at least trying, in his hoodlum way, but he still has to get in that jab. He smirks.] When shall I start calling you "Duke"?
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He knows he can ask what exactly he's supposed to be realizing, but he didn't want to ask if it were something so obvious. So he'll skip it for now, save his pride.] You can call me that anytime you like, Kirin.
[He meets his smirk with a grin, leaning his head up far enough to kiss the corner of his lips.] With all my time whittling away, you'll get to say you knew the real Duke before his prime. More than any rich choffers can say. Won't even have to go to any parties to know what I would and wouldn't do.
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Now Paolo is the cute one. Take that.]
Please tell me your reign of terror won't involve any parties. I couldn't bear another one for as long as I live.
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[He paused, his grin growing wider.] 'S why I was so surprised you were a blushing virgin. [He can make jabs too, both verbal and at Jindosh's chest.] If Luca's too dumb to get anything out of you, then why'd you even go?
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