[ There's a little smirk at that words because of course John would prefer something free. And he easily moves behind the bar as he picks up one of the bar glasses and places it on the bar. His fingers move along in an easy magic spell as it slowly fills up with a sweet, fruity drink cocktail that thankfully won't be filled with anything extra that the city would normally make for losing control. He was going to push the brightly colored drink in front of John before clicking his finger to make the surface of the drink dance on fire for the other. ]
Though that little fire trick with the drink gets him to smile because... of course it would.
Reaching out with the tips of his fingers, he pulls the glass in close to him and takes it in hand, letting himself indulge in a slow sip of it before he gently sets it back down on the counter, licking over his lips — staring to the drink for a long moment. ]
I know I haven't always been... the most reliable when it comes to... you and me.
[ He starts with that, slowly twisting the glass back and forth with his fingers as he stares to it. ]
I think out of everyone I've ever had some sort of thing with, you've dealt with the worst of it. I mean— yeah I broke up with Alec that one time, but... you've dealt with the brunt of being pushed away — of being made to feel like you don't always measure up and you didn't deserve any of that. Even with the number of times I told you how I can be and the moods I get into... and the whole some part of me trying to stab you thing.
[ Not his finest moment, but. Apparently a part of him he needed to face.
Sigh on his lips, he looks up to the demon then. ]
Point is... you've had more than enough chances to bail. To not sign with me again or even put up with me. You're a fucking king of Hell. Former or not. You don't put up with anyone's shit and yet you put up with mine all the time. [ He smiles a bit at that, a shrug of a shoulder. ] No matter what happens, you and I always come back together and I know I said this before, but. If you're still open to it and putting up with me... we could make it permanent. Our contract.
[ Caliban for his part, lets John speak and get it all out god knows interrupting the other would be a mistake.
Of course, John wasn't wrong. They'd been here before and at that time Caliban had been quite excited about the prospect of having John in such a way, as a step forward for who they were together.
And while those words made his soul sing. It wasn't quite in the same way it had been the first time.
The demon sucked on the inside of his cheek as he leaned forward to reach a hand down to brush it over Johns as it played with the glass on the bar. ]
I love you more than I've loved any mortal in this realm or any other, John. You make my body and whatever spark of life made me sing in ways that not even Sabrina quite managed. You surpass every single being I've had the privilege to meet.
But as you pointed- you said this before and it wasn't that long ago you confessed to love Nate. Who, unlike Alec, shares my mark. Are you sure wish to tie yourself to me in such a way?
[ Which isn't a no for Caliban. He'd do it even now but it's hard not to see the road they'd already walked.]
I would have signed with you like this the moment we met in that old house but-
You need to be sure this is the life you want while we have it. [ Because god knows Caliban leaving recently proved that nothing in this city was a sure thing.]
[ Words he offers softly but genuinely, looking to the other's hand touching his. ]
He's tangled up in too many people. You know how I get with that sometimes.
[ Jealous. Insecure. It's different with Nate, sure. But John doesn't want to risk it — doesn't want to risk changing anything between them on account of his own insecurities drowning him whenever they feel like it.
Licking over his lips, he looks up to the demon then. ]
I love him, yeah. But it's because he's not my dominant and we've had what we've had for over a year now without any of that. We wouldn't work like that. You and I work like that.
[ They always have. Even from the moment they first met. ]
I get it if you're wary— you've got a right to be after the last time and all the other shit I've put you through, but. [ He smiles a bit, another shrug. ] You're still the only one I ever sign a contract with. Even when I took a small break. I didn't sign with anyone else. It's always you.
[ Caliban gives a little tilt of his head but he gives a little nod all the same because..hey, he understands how John can be when it came down to emotions and love when you had affections for multiple people. Even if Caliban's life had rather mellowed in that area- sure, he had many lovers but *love*? While he almost had that with Reggie...that too had simmered and cooled. John was the only one he truly loved those days. ]
Well, love isn't the easiest thing to navigate even when you're not in a magical sex city.
[ He pointed out with a little lopsided smirk as he gave that hand another little squeeze because...]
I don't want you to regret this choice, John. I don't wish you to feel trapped or bound by me in a way you come to regret your time with me.
[ But having said that...]
But if this is what you want- if think you're going in with what this with open eyes and true desires. It's always been you as well.
So.
Yes. I will sign whatever contract you wish. [ He pointed out as he took the others hand and bought it to his lips to place a kiss to the other palm.] I would love you to be mine, John.
[ Smile soft there on his lips, he ducks his head, bangs falling in front of his face, and looks back up to the demon with those blue-grey eyes of his. Quiet. Soft. Contemplative even. ]
There's some... conditions though. With signing I mean.
[ Caliban didn't REALLY think he'd go without attaching a few of those on, did he? ]
I gave you one that makes your own fire- remember?
[ He pointed out but he nodded- easily showing he'd easily get the other a fancy ring for the other to wear to tell the world he was taken. Even if it was more for Caliban's benefit than the cities at that point.
The demon's head tilts as the other adds that little extra twist on all this- not that it's all that shocking since John had a few last time they'd did this dance. John's need for control easily showing that he needed to know the boundaries of what this meant.]
[ He's not one to be left at a disadvantage if he can help it. ]
If you end up leaving this place before me, everything of yours is left to me.
[ He says that rather matter-of-fact. As if it were implied with all of this, yet feeling the need to clarify for just in case purposes. Stretching himself up to stand then, he taps his fingers against the counter there, those blue-grey eyes of his staring to the demon there before him. ]
I leave before you, the majority of my stuff is yours.
[ There may be an exception or two to certain things, but. ]
You fall in love with someone else or want to take another submissive, you discuss it with me first. [ Caliban had with Reggie, he knows, but. Again. Merely him wanting to put it all out there. ] I get a say in whether or not I want them living with us.
I would have left you the house if I had known I'd leave already- my Kingdom is yours, John. That almost goes without saying.
[ Almost- but hey, actually having such things talked about was important considering...well, last time they didn't get a chance. The demon shifts slightly to fold his arms over his chest as he watches the other, resting back against the back of the bar as he gives a little nod.
He would have pointed out that his feelings Reggie hadn't *actually* gone anywhere and that romance, as it was, had cooled to the point of cold molten rock. Still the demon sucks on his cheek as he gives another nod at those words- they seemed simple enough to apide by.]
You're aware of course- I wouldn't have made such a choice that affected you without talking to you first regardless. [ There's a pause before-] And you need to tell me if your love for Nate...changes- deepens into something you need to chase. You might not want to contract with him as you said but...I'd still like to know where your head is at-
[ He's a dominant and that...well, makes him different from Alec in Caliban's mind.] But yes, if you say no to someone living with us. I'll respect it.
I figured. I just need to say this so neither of can claim we didn't.
[ It's easier to just cut through any potential misunderstandings that way as well.
The ask concerning Nate has the fire manipulator chew on his bottom lip and he looks off to the side for a moment. He doesn't know how to explain to the demon how different what he has with Nate is. How even though they're now sleeping together — that there are romantic feelings involved, they're still very much how they've always been with each other and that includes John not wanting to contract with the witch.
After a moment, he nods, looking back to Caliban. ]
I've already told you how I feel about him but sure. If it does, then I'll tell you.
[ A tilt of his head, he presses a hand down against the counter and leans on it some. ]
[ Negotiations aren't exactly new to the demon- god knows he'd had his own talk like this with Sabrina once upon a time before they were married but when you were dealing with the royalty of hell, you almost expected that sort of thing. It seemed that fate was deeming this be the way he delt with every relationship he had.
While he didn't know the details of John and Nate- he felt like he had to say it, if only because if John had submitted to any dominant or fell for another dominant. It would cut a knife deep in the demon's heart in a rather unexpected way.
There's a little nod as John gives him that reassurance. ]
Not particularly. I think we've laid out most of those concerns. I want you, same as I ever have.
The rest of this simply promises that might not happen ever. [ He pointed out as he pushed off from behind the bar and moved closer to John. ]
You still want some sort of private celebration? Or something just for the two of us?
[ There's a gentle soft laugh at those words because it's not like he expecting anything else.
The demon was just going to reach a hand out to curl around the back of John's neck as he gives an easy nod. As if he was ever going to deny John anything. ]
As you wish, my love.
[ His voice was practically vibrating with affection as he leaned forward to brush those lips against the others before stealing a proper kiss from the mutant before he speaks against them once more.]
[ The affection is both noted and drank up when he feels it there against the demon's lips and he finds himself smiling a little as a hand comes up to curl fingers around a taut bicep. Just wanting to feel him. ]
You spoil me.
[ He murmurs, letting his lips linger there close against Caliban's. ]
More or less. You know what they say about demons and their bargains.
[ There's an easy tease as he brushes his thumb along with the other jawline affectionately. ]
Is it really that long? [ It was hard to really contextualize how long a year is for an immortal but still, at least it felt nice to have such a history.] No regrets about it? Hm?
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So.
The contract.
[ Might as well talk about it.]
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Though that little fire trick with the drink gets him to smile because... of course it would.
Reaching out with the tips of his fingers, he pulls the glass in close to him and takes it in hand, letting himself indulge in a slow sip of it before he gently sets it back down on the counter, licking over his lips — staring to the drink for a long moment. ]
I know I haven't always been... the most reliable when it comes to... you and me.
[ He starts with that, slowly twisting the glass back and forth with his fingers as he stares to it. ]
I think out of everyone I've ever had some sort of thing with, you've dealt with the worst of it. I mean— yeah I broke up with Alec that one time, but... you've dealt with the brunt of being pushed away — of being made to feel like you don't always measure up and you didn't deserve any of that. Even with the number of times I told you how I can be and the moods I get into... and the whole some part of me trying to stab you thing.
[ Not his finest moment, but. Apparently a part of him he needed to face.
Sigh on his lips, he looks up to the demon then. ]
Point is... you've had more than enough chances to bail. To not sign with me again or even put up with me. You're a fucking king of Hell. Former or not. You don't put up with anyone's shit and yet you put up with mine all the time. [ He smiles a bit at that, a shrug of a shoulder. ] No matter what happens, you and I always come back together and I know I said this before, but. If you're still open to it and putting up with me... we could make it permanent. Our contract.
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Of course, John wasn't wrong. They'd been here before and at that time Caliban had been quite excited about the prospect of having John in such a way, as a step forward for who they were together.
And while those words made his soul sing. It wasn't quite in the same way it had been the first time.
The demon sucked on the inside of his cheek as he leaned forward to reach a hand down to brush it over Johns as it played with the glass on the bar. ]
I love you more than I've loved any mortal in this realm or any other, John. You make my body and whatever spark of life made me sing in ways that not even Sabrina quite managed. You surpass every single being I've had the privilege to meet.
But as you pointed- you said this before and it wasn't that long ago you confessed to love Nate. Who, unlike Alec, shares my mark. Are you sure wish to tie yourself to me in such a way?
[ Which isn't a no for Caliban. He'd do it even now but it's hard not to see the road they'd already walked.]
I would have signed with you like this the moment we met in that old house but-
You need to be sure this is the life you want while we have it. [ Because god knows Caliban leaving recently proved that nothing in this city was a sure thing.]
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[ Words he offers softly but genuinely, looking to the other's hand touching his. ]
He's tangled up in too many people. You know how I get with that sometimes.
[ Jealous. Insecure. It's different with Nate, sure. But John doesn't want to risk it — doesn't want to risk changing anything between them on account of his own insecurities drowning him whenever they feel like it.
Licking over his lips, he looks up to the demon then. ]
I love him, yeah. But it's because he's not my dominant and we've had what we've had for over a year now without any of that. We wouldn't work like that. You and I work like that.
[ They always have. Even from the moment they first met. ]
I get it if you're wary— you've got a right to be after the last time and all the other shit I've put you through, but. [ He smiles a bit, another shrug. ] You're still the only one I ever sign a contract with. Even when I took a small break. I didn't sign with anyone else. It's always you.
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Well, love isn't the easiest thing to navigate even when you're not in a magical sex city.
[ He pointed out with a little lopsided smirk as he gave that hand another little squeeze because...]
I don't want you to regret this choice, John. I don't wish you to feel trapped or bound by me in a way you come to regret your time with me.
[ But having said that...]
But if this is what you want- if think you're going in with what this with open eyes and true desires. It's always been you as well.
So.
Yes. I will sign whatever contract you wish. [ He pointed out as he took the others hand and bought it to his lips to place a kiss to the other palm.] I would love you to be mine, John.
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[ Smile soft there on his lips, he ducks his head, bangs falling in front of his face, and looks back up to the demon with those blue-grey eyes of his. Quiet. Soft. Contemplative even. ]
There's some... conditions though. With signing I mean.
[ Caliban didn't REALLY think he'd go without attaching a few of those on, did he? ]
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[ He pointed out but he nodded- easily showing he'd easily get the other a fancy ring for the other to wear to tell the world he was taken. Even if it was more for Caliban's benefit than the cities at that point.
The demon's head tilts as the other adds that little extra twist on all this- not that it's all that shocking since John had a few last time they'd did this dance. John's need for control easily showing that he needed to know the boundaries of what this meant.]
And what are those, exactly?
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If you end up leaving this place before me, everything of yours is left to me.
[ He says that rather matter-of-fact. As if it were implied with all of this, yet feeling the need to clarify for just in case purposes. Stretching himself up to stand then, he taps his fingers against the counter there, those blue-grey eyes of his staring to the demon there before him. ]
I leave before you, the majority of my stuff is yours.
[ There may be an exception or two to certain things, but. ]
You fall in love with someone else or want to take another submissive, you discuss it with me first. [ Caliban had with Reggie, he knows, but. Again. Merely him wanting to put it all out there. ] I get a say in whether or not I want them living with us.
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[ Almost- but hey, actually having such things talked about was important considering...well, last time they didn't get a chance. The demon shifts slightly to fold his arms over his chest as he watches the other, resting back against the back of the bar as he gives a little nod.
He would have pointed out that his feelings Reggie hadn't *actually* gone anywhere and that romance, as it was, had cooled to the point of cold molten rock. Still the demon sucks on his cheek as he gives another nod at those words- they seemed simple enough to apide by.]
You're aware of course- I wouldn't have made such a choice that affected you without talking to you first regardless. [ There's a pause before-] And you need to tell me if your love for Nate...changes- deepens into something you need to chase. You might not want to contract with him as you said but...I'd still like to know where your head is at-
[ He's a dominant and that...well, makes him different from Alec in Caliban's mind.] But yes, if you say no to someone living with us. I'll respect it.
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[ It's easier to just cut through any potential misunderstandings that way as well.
The ask concerning Nate has the fire manipulator chew on his bottom lip and he looks off to the side for a moment. He doesn't know how to explain to the demon how different what he has with Nate is. How even though they're now sleeping together — that there are romantic feelings involved, they're still very much how they've always been with each other and that includes John not wanting to contract with the witch.
After a moment, he nods, looking back to Caliban. ]
I've already told you how I feel about him but sure. If it does, then I'll tell you.
[ A tilt of his head, he presses a hand down against the counter and leans on it some. ]
You want to add or change anything?
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While he didn't know the details of John and Nate- he felt like he had to say it, if only because if John had submitted to any dominant or fell for another dominant. It would cut a knife deep in the demon's heart in a rather unexpected way.
There's a little nod as John gives him that reassurance. ]
Not particularly. I think we've laid out most of those concerns. I want you, same as I ever have.
The rest of this simply promises that might not happen ever. [ He pointed out as he pushed off from behind the bar and moved closer to John. ]
You still want some sort of private celebration? Or something just for the two of us?
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[ He says that so casually, knowing what he's all about, lifting his chin even as Caliban approaches him. Forever unafraid of the demon. ]
I want you all to myself in every way that I can.
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The demon was just going to reach a hand out to curl around the back of John's neck as he gives an easy nod. As if he was ever going to deny John anything. ]
As you wish, my love.
[ His voice was practically vibrating with affection as he leaned forward to brush those lips against the others before stealing a proper kiss from the mutant before he speaks against them once more.]
You can have me in anyway you wish.
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You spoil me.
[ He murmurs, letting his lips linger there close against Caliban's. ]
Don't spoil anyone else like you do me, ok?
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Hm, there's no one else quite like you. How could anyone else be worthy of such a thing?
[ Caliban promised without missing a beat as he stole another soft kiss, even nipping at the other lower lip before tilting his head back.]
As long as you're mine. I'll obey such a rule.
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[ Tilt of his head to the side, he grins a little at the demon. ]
Guess I shouldn't be so surprised since it's been over a year for you and me.
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[ There's an easy tease as he brushes his thumb along with the other jawline affectionately. ]
Is it really that long? [ It was hard to really contextualize how long a year is for an immortal but still, at least it felt nice to have such a history.] No regrets about it? Hm?