angelic_gabe (angelic_gabe) wrote in shadowlands_ic, @ 2017-09-11 21:27:00 |
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Entry tags: | caspian finn, gabriel allen |
Who: Caspian Finn, Gabriel Allen
What: A rather lovely early morning
Where: Caspian's flat
When: 11 September, 1888
Rating: PG-13, Adult themes
The recent events at Whitechapel had placed a new sort of strain on Gabriel’s time. The increase in late night patrols cut into his usual routine, and made his schedule a little tighter, and, as a demon with a daughter of marrying age, a business to run, a rather busy social calendar (to say the least), and a few recent minor fires that needed putting out, he was feeling a touch more thinly stretched than usual.
That was clearly evident when he woke blearily, Caspian’s arm flung over his chest, and the late morning sun golden in the window.
“Good lord,” he said, muzzily. “Did I actually fall asleep?” He looked over at his friend, his brain working to catch up. He’d swung by Cas’s after the Mer’s review with the notion of catching up a bit, and then had planned to go back out after to walk around Whitechapel, but clearly the latter hadn’t happened. “Well,” he said, rubbing a little at his eyes and leaning over to kiss Cas’s cheek.
“For a while,” Caspian mumbled in reply. He opened one eye, slowly, letting the haze of mid-morning drift away as it pleased, before opening the other eye.
Beholding the vision of the man lying beside him, Caspian beamed as radiant as the sun pouring in through the modest windows.
“Though you did sleep like a rock. You seem rested now, which is good. Too many things on your plate can cause strain. I do like you in a much more relaxed state.”
He relished the connection of Gabriel’s lips against his cheek and shifted only slightly to accommodate the other. “I know you need to be off soon, but I'm glad you stayed. I'm afraid you're going to wear yourself down if you aren't careful, my friend.”
Who was he to scold anyone? It wasn't scolding in the sense that his tone held any harshness or negativity. Honestly, it was more of a soft observation.
“I hardly see you anymore. It's a shame, really.”
Gabriel’s expression grew soft, and he leaned his forehead against Caspian’s. “And here I am, being a poor guest indeed, spending what little time I’ve given you sleeping. Forgive me?” He curled around Caspian. “I shall simply have to do better by you,” he said, quietly, “for you certainly deserve it, and I wouldn’t take a friendship such as yours for granted for all the world.”
He smiled a little, tilting to kiss Caspian gently on the lips. “I am more rested, though, and I suppose I needed it,” he said, “and there’s something to be said for sleeping soundly with you in my arms. I quite liked that.” He nuzzled at the Mer. “And I don’t have to leave right away,” he added, with a sleepy gravel in his voice.
He couldn't help but smile at Gabriel, basking in the man’s warmth. “You did need the rest, my friend, and who am I to keep you from it. It would've happened regardless.”
Leaning forward, Caspian connected their mouths in a gesture of forgiveness. He couldn't keep Gabriel from anything, wouldn't, because Gabriel was not his to keep. Even if he was, Caspian knew the man was needed out there.
“Well good, I'm glad to know you're able to stay a little longer. Though the day seems welcoming I would quite prefer to just stay right here with you.”
He pulled the other man closer, if that was even possible, and snuggled up against him. It was strange, the things flowing through him that he didn't understand and was confused by. Caspian found himself missing Gabriel dreadfully and usually that didn't happen. Usually he was able to disconnect with no issue.
“Likewise,” Gabriel replied, exhaling, and smiling as he felt Caspian wrap closer around him. The affection he was able to express with Caspian when they were in those blessedly private moments was a pure, uncomplicated sort -- a deep fondness and pull of mutual attraction he couldn’t help but be drawn to without a hint of shame.
He’d had Cas by for dinner a few weeks previous, but he could see now that his attempt to introduce the man to Leah with the notion that they might hit it off was doomed to failure -- he’d miss this closeness, this ease of intimacy, how they fit together as a pair, and while he would’ve respected Leah’s wishes, he suspected it would’ve been difficult for him to keep Caspian at arm’s length. He knew his friend took a different view when it came to relationships, and he wondered how the Mer felt about the abortive attempt.
“You are rather wonderful, you know,” Gabriel continued, quietly. “And while I’m sorry Leah didn’t leap at the chance to land such a catch, if I had to be honest...” he added, nuzzling in the crook of Caspian’s shoulder and neck, “...there’s a small part of me that’s rather glad I don’t have to treat you as I would a son-in-law. I like this, and you, a little too much.” He smiled a little as he ran his hand down the Mer’s side. “I think she could tell,” he added. “She has a… bit of a hang-up when it comes to considering anyone who’s a current partner of mine, especially one I’m particularly fond of.”
“Perhaps…” he continued to run his hand down the Mer’s ribs. “Perhaps you might come over again sometime, not as a potential suitor, but…” he looked over at Caspian. “But as my dear friend. Letting my daughter get to know you as someone who means a great deal to me… well. I think that might be a touch more fitting.”
These small moments he was able to capture and hold onto with Gabriel may have been few but they were sacred. He couldn't monopolize his friend’s time even if he wanted to, it just didn't seem fair or right considering both of them were fairly social in their own. Together they were dynamic, alone or out and about with friends.
“You are too kind, you know?” He teased, voice playful but grateful. “I can understand how that may have been a touch challenging for all of us, and while I think she's a very beautiful young lady I am quite fond of you. It would've been difficult to keep away, you're magnetic.” And he never wanted anyone to get hurt, especially not Leah or Gabriel. The Allens had been very good to him.
At the invitation he nodded and smiled, “I would be honored to attend an evening at your residence as a friend. I do want to know Leah, learn more about her. Perhaps all of us will be a touch more open and honest now that there is no actual necessity. I don't want any of this to be complicated.”
Tilting his head, Caspian peered at his friend. “I've been thinking of some new things to try at the Review,” he began, hoping Gabriel would be interested in helping him brainstorm. “Attendance has been low since all of this darkness has taken to lurking about. I figured a lighter performance was appropriate to try to lift everyone’s spirits. What do you think?”
Gabriel kissed his cheek. “During the revolution, in France, there was also a great deal of uncertainty, and fear. And people had different ways of reacting to it.” He frowned a little in thought -- it hadn’t been a particularly pleasant time, and his mother had died in the fray -- a loss he still felt most acutely.
“Some chose satire,” he said, rubbing his cheek lightly against Caspian’s shoulder to ground himself a bit more, “a way to take the thing they feared and laugh at it, but it could turn to bitterness quite easily, and it is difficult, really, to know how to take something so monstrous and make it laughable. Both then, and now. Some sought comfort in the familiar -- a reminder of simpler times, of childhood, or what they loved most about the world. Others… others embraced the darkness of it all. But I believe that regardless, people sought something that would make them feel safe, certain, and powerful, where they knew all the rules, and the world they were in made sense.”
He ran his fingers down the marks in Caspian’s side. “I think if people knew for certain that you were making a safe place, a haven, and that there wouldn’t be even a hint of an attempt to make light of what’s happened or make fun at the expense of it, that they’d come. And then, perhaps, when they feel safe enough… then you can start to tackle the monster they’re all afraid of. Or at least an allegory for monsters where the monsters don’t win the day.” He smiled, fondly. “A spot of comfort would be appreciated, dearest, and I do believe you’re well poised to provide it.”
Caspian leaned into both the kiss and each light touch Gabriel offered, that gentle brush of cheek upon shoulder, the way Gabriel’s fingers outlined those deep-set scars on his side. He couldn't help but adore the man, his friend, and he drowned in the confusion of it all.
He listened to Gabriel’s words, the wisdom in the observation and recommendation. The man had never steered Caspian in the wrong direction before and though he knew that no one was perfect he valued the insight that his friend provided.
“I see. Well, I shall attempt to relay your ideas to the cast and crew and guide them in the right direction. A haven we shall try to provide, especially those that might be more potential targets. I cannot help but worry for Keira, and even Leah. I should check in on them both though I'm sure you're keeping them in good company as well.” He considered himself close with Keira even if they didn't see each other as often because they were of the same species, and Leah meant the world to him simply because of her connection to Gabriel.
“I am as well,” Gabriel replied, sighing. “And yes, I’m keeping an eye on both -- despite their insistence on their independence and capacity to take care of themselves, naturally.” He palmed Caspian’s hip with his hand. “There are… there are others weighing on my mind as well,” he said, carefully, his thumb brushing the hollow of Caspian’s hip-bone. “I own a brothel,” he said, his voice low. “And I…” he looked up at Caspian, biting his lip. “I admit, I’m quite friendly with a fair number of people who make their living walking the streets. It’s part of who I am,” he said, “and all of them… they’re all worried, and I’m worried on their behalf, and they’re my responsibility.” He sighed. “So I do what I can, to keep them all safe, and that’s why I’ve been neglecting you of late.”
He didn’t tend to talk about this side of him unless the matter was forced, but this was Caspian -- if there was a soul alive who’d understand, who’d accept on faith that it was simply part of Gabriel’s existence without judgement (and wouldn’t be hurt by his earlier lack of disclosure), it’d be his Mer friend.
Caspian listened.
He frowned with understanding in regards to Keira and Leah; of course they were independent, he would expect no less of either of them though that made him worry more for them. He adored them both, each of them were very special.
Leaning into Gabriel’s touch, he listened to the confession.
“Gabriel,” he said, concerned, “What can I do to help?” There was never judgement, if that was what his friend needed then Caspian felt somehow responsible to assist his friend in need. Perhaps if he took up some of the watch then Gabriel could get some rest.
There was nothing to be done in reply to that but kiss Caspian, slowly, gratefully, pulling him close, his thumb brushing Caspian’s hip as the other hand cupped his jaw.
“I’ve been making the rounds most nights,” Gabriel admitted when they parted, with a soft sigh. “I know, it’s a little ridiculous, and I can’t imagine I’d be able to do much on my own… I’ve got the funds to hire some men, to help patrol some, so that’s something, but I’ll most likely still want to be out there myself, too, until the blaggard is caught.”
He looked over at Caspian. “Perhaps… I might do with some company while I’m out and about, now and then, after your show is finished for the evening. If you wouldn’t mind, that is. I know your time is precious, and you already keep odd hours, but it’d make me feel considerably better. Not every night,” he added, leaning over to kiss Caspian again. “And... I might want to come round here sometimes, after I’ve finished for the evening, and just…” his hand circled around to Caspian’s lower back, and his leg wrapped around Caspian’s. “Just be for a little. Whether that’s sleeping, or…” he grinned a little. “Or this,” he said, simply, leaning in for another kiss. “This is good too.”
Caspian leaned into the kiss and closed his eyes, savoring the connection. Whenever Gabriel kissed him he felt as if he were flying. Had he known the feeling or word to describe it it probably would've been something similar to a heavenly feeling.
His heart raced and when the connection was complete he smiled warmly and held his friend close.
There was little he could do, really. In a scrap he wasn't worth much if there was more than one assailant, Gabriel had bore witness to that but he couldn't just do nothing either. If Gabriel was there the odds were better that they'd prevail and perhaps catch the person responsible for this whole mess.
“I wouldn't mind at all, Gabriel. I want to assist any way that I can and if that means a bit of patrolling once The Review has wrapped for the evening, well...as long as you're there I can't say no.”
As they kissed again he smiled, “And you know that my door is always open to you. There is another key hidden out there, you are welcome to take it. Even when I am not here you are welcome to use this place as your own.”
The idea of Gabriel being here when he wasn't was oddly exciting. He didn't understand why, couldn't comprehend the depth of the feelings he felt for his friend so he said nothing about it.
Caspian simply ran his hands and fingers across any expanse of skin he could touch, a silent, necessary worship of his friend.
Gabriel made a small, pleased sound in the back of his throat, and slid his leg against Caspian’s, his own hands roaming as he kissed the Mer’s neck. “Thank you,” he said, quietly, his heart full. “Thank you, my dear.”
He didn’t tend to spend the night with Cas as a general rule when they were in town -- they did their best to be discreet -- but he liked the notion of catching a few hours of sleep with the Mer next to him more than he’d like to say.
He laughed a little, a low, rumbling sound as he ran his hand along Caspian’s arm. “I seem to have quite a problem,” he said, teasingly. “Between you and Keira, it appears as though I have an eternal weakness for Mer. Or at least the pair of you in particular. Mercy, I’m head over heels,” he said, lightly enough as he kissed Caspian to pass it off as a joke.
He had a thought, then, and looked over at Caspian, raising an eyebrow. “You might look into coordinating with the hansom drivers, to ensure there’s plenty of cabs after, for those who don’t wish to walk home,” he said, his hand running over Caspian’s chest fondly.
Making himself available for Gabriel was a highlight. If the man had asked him to come away on a grand adventure Caspian would've dropped everything at once, taken nothing, and ventured into the unknown.
He was aware that appearances needed to be kept for everyone’s safety and reputation, but any few hours in the depths of the night he could snag with Gabriel he would cherish.
He laughed softly at the predicament of his friend, “A fool you are, then, to allow yourself to be swayed by those crafted in temptation,” he teased.
“What you're feeling is mutual, my friend. I know that myself and Keira simply adore you, and I suppose that if I must share with anyone she is the better suited of us.” All said in playfulness of course. Caspian had no control as to what Gabriel did.
“I can take care of the transportation. You leave that to me. I can be very convincing when I want to be.”
“Of that, I have no doubt,” Gabriel replied, a teasing glint in his eyes. “After all, you are crafted in temptation,” he added, grinning, before rolling on top of the Mer. “And good,” he added, leaning down to kiss Caspian deeply, “because I adore you too. Very nearly beyond reason.”
He slid his leg against Caspian’s and looked down at the Mer, grinning as he slowly rolled his hips. “Let me show you just how much?” He asked, his voice low. “You are, of course, free to demonstrate your prowess at being tempting in return,” he added. “Your talent is… considerable, after all,” he said, more than a little cheekily, laughing in a low, rumbling chuckle.
Caspian shifted to accommodate Gabriel and beamed up at his friend playfully, “I can only be honest.” Any other words were lost when their mouths collided. A breath of a noise escaped him and Caspian leaned upward to return the kiss.
A palm pressed tenderly against one of Gabriel’s hips while the other snaked into his hair. Caspian could never have enough of the man hovering over him. It was impossible.
“Mm, please do demonstrate.” He curled a leg around one of Gabriel’s to pin the man in place and felt the muscles in his body tense with yearning. “I cannot claim not to be too tempting.”
“I beg to differ,” Gabriel purred as they began their familiar dance, moving together with a well-practiced familiarity, his skin tingling with the Mer’s hum of desire for him as he rolled his hips once more. “And I’d be all too happy to,” he added, his head dipping to scrape his teeth lightly against the Mer’s chest before kissing at it, his heart singing.