[ Reggie lets himself in, grinning in a warm though cautious sort of way, taking a quiet moment or two first to assess Caliban's mood. He knows the contract situation hasn't been what Caliban would want to hear even if Reggie had intended it this way from the start -- not just with this contract but with any he takes on for the foreseeable future -- though it's admittedly been a lot more difficult thinking about things ending with Caliban than it had been when he was contracted with Betty.
Not that that hadn't been difficult too, but for entirely different reasons, unrelated to navigating complicated feelings but rather just feeling bad leaving her in the lurch if she had trouble finding a new submissive after him. If he knew how sad Caliban really felt, it would hurt his heart in a deeper, more intimate sort of way. ]
Relax. It's nothin' bad.
[ He walks over to Caliban, still smiling, pressing a quick kiss to his mouth to try and lighten the mood. ]
I've been plannin' on opening a business soon, and I wanted to know if you'd want in.
[ It was no doubt for the best that they never had such a *bold* talk about where they actually stood emotionally- otherwise everything they pretended not to be there would be all that harder to ignore, including that sadness.
Caliban just tilts his head with a little hum at those words- almost like he wanted to be like "we will see about that".
Still he does return that kiss and his hand finds it's usual place on the others hip as he gives it a little possessive squeeze.]
A business? And what exactly would you be doing? Bracing out from those videos then?
Yeah-- I mean like, I could still do that stuff on the side, y'know? But that's the idea.
[ Reggie leans into that touch, just enough of a tease before he pulls back to sit down on the edge of the bed, crossing one leg over the other. He looks up at Caliban, thinking through his next words. ]
A strip club and casino, with a fully stocked bar-- uppers, too, and probably a few house specials that'll make it so anyone can get drunk off 'em. [ He bumps his eyebrows, eager to hear Caliban's thoughts, but then continues: ] I've already got a couple witches on board as my suppliers, so that part's good to go, and you wouldn't even be the only Dominant backing it, either, so this isn't like, about money, I just thought...
[ He bites at his lip hesitantly for a moment. ]
We'd still see each other, like, all the time, you know?
[ Which honestly made sense to the demon- building your own little kingdom in the city certainly spoke to something in Caliban. There's a soft smile as the other leans into his couch before his eyes follow the other to watch him settle down on the edge of the bed. The demon just folding his arms over his chest as he tilts his head to listen to those next words.] >
My, you are thinking ahead. Magical beings across the city will flock to such a place. [ After all, the demons ability to get high really, really did rely on a few more magical spells or the cities own magic *kick* to those drinks or drugs.] It certainly sounds like a den of sin I would approve of. [ Stripping, gambling, drinking. What more could a demon really ask for?
He's not expecting those last words but that they still hit him like a ton of bricks. That desire to still see him, even if they were contracted- that comfort of just having each other close.
A tongue brushes along his lower lip as he nods a few times as his eyes just soak in the sight of Reggie.]
I suppose we would. And I'll admit that does make your venture all the more enticing, Reggie. Time with you is as precious as any cocktail you're going to sell-
[ He pointed out, at least not shy to admit such a thing as he takes a step forward towards the other.]
[ Reggie nods, glad that Caliban can understand where he's coming from with this; he's been in Duplicity a long time now, and all Reggie's done so far with his two plus years here is drift along aimlessly from job to job and bed to bed with no real goals or direction. It would be nice, after all this time, to finally build something that was his, something to keep him busy, driven, occupied. ]
Yeah, that's what I was thinkin', cuz there's like, a ton of people here who've got like, powers or something that make it hard for them to just get wasted-- and if they're wasted, then they'll spend more money in the club or at the casino.
[ Indeed he is thinking ahead, and from multiple angles. As far as Reggie can tell there's almost no way this business could fail, assuming it all pans out as planned.
He grins at Caliban, reaching to take his hand, pull him closer. ]
I mean, you could invest a little if you wanted, but... [ His smirk signals that he's teasing, mostly. ] What would you wanna do there?
[ Caliban gave a little hum, more than a readily impressed at how the other was planning it out. There were certainly days he could do with a magical drink or two. Nothing was quite as nice as the wine he he'd had in hell but...well, one makes do. Caliban doesn't fight it as the other takes his hand and tugs him closer like that- his fingers interlacing with Reggie's intimately.]
You know I'd always be happy to support you, my- Reggie. [ He pointed out with a little tilt of his head as he moves to stand in font of the other, peering down at him.]
I'm not entirely sure. I mostly dance or bartend at the Grey Room. Dorian hired me because I wanted another shirtless pretty thing to parade around. And I think it amused him endlessly to have a prince on the pay role. [ He pointed out as he brushed his knuckles down the others jawline with a hum. It was tempting just to say something like "fuck you over the bar." but the other was genuinely invested in this business it seemed, and for once Caliban was going to give a proper answer.] Something with power- I suppose, perhaps running the bar instead of being behind it.
[ Still smiling, Reggie's gaze drops down briefly to their now-interlocked hands, a brief flush of heat coloring his face slightly around the cheeks and ears. He doesn't pull his hand away, though lets his body settle in a casual, weightless way as if he hasn't even noticed. ]
Good. [ His smile twitches at the corners, grows broader. ] Great.
[ That makes him happier to hear that he'd anticipated, as if the reason he was asking Caliban at all was about something more than the fact he's Reggie's Dominant and it only makes sense to ask, since he'd end up finding out anyway. Reggie has two other Doms on board already so he isn't sure how much Caliban specifically would need to become involved just for the logistical and set-up purposes, approving this or that decision, but that really, really isn't the point; it didn't occur to him to loop Caliban in because he might have to, the reason he's doing it is because he truly wants to. It makes him happy to think of Caliban being part of it.
He leans in close to that touch, watching Caliban's expression. After only a couple moments of thought, he offers: ]
Consider it done. You want the bar, it's yours. I'll need someone to manage things there anyway, an' I think a Prince of Hell can probably handle that sorta responsibility. [ And Reggie wouldn't object to being fucked over the bar either; he meets Caliban's gaze like they're both thinking the same thing. ] You won't even have to wear a shirt if you don't want to.
[ Caliban smirks softly at that cute, adorable blush on Reggie's face and he simply gives the others hand a squeeze. It's one of those things that feel natural- easy- between them.
And he's just as happy that the other still wants to keep him in his orbit in such a big a way as inviting him to bring into his business in a big way as this. Caliban's eyes soften as the other leans closer into that touch and his hand smooths down to cup the others neck.
He does smirk when the other gives him management of the bar- how hard could it be? ]
Oh, I think I can handle a den of sin as much as a bar. [ He chuckled as he as he met those eyes and he could almost sense that heat in the others in eyes- his tongue brushing along his lower lip.] And here I thought you'd prefer if I didn't?
[ After all, why not give everyone a free show while they're drinking down some magical drinks? ] I'll even be happy to christen the bar with your...
I'd like that. [ Reggie tilts closer, almost leaning on Caliban's shoulder, teeth showing as he grins openly. ] Both things. I'm not the kinda boss that would wanna make everyone wear some kinda crappy uniform.
[ He sits back, breathing out slowly, still not letting go of Caliban's hand. This is... nice. Quite intimate too, yes, but he doesn't feel afraid of that right now. ]
Christen it, huh? [ Cocking his head a little in faux-innocence, like he wants to hear more, but then his body relaxes again. ] I wish I even had a place to actually show you yet-- that part's still a work in progress.
[ Caliban just chuckles softly as the others words, and at that smile before he gives a little hum of approval himself at the idea of not wearing a uniform.] No, I don't imagine you are- besides, far be it for you deny yourself such a wonderful sight.
[ He teased softly, without any real heat to his words. This was Reggie's business after all and Caliban wasn't about to jeopardise that by defying his status as "the boss" in any way. He keeps their fingers interlaced as he gives lopsided smirk.]
Personally I think you would look divine bent over it...or at least, the image in my head is quite, quite nice. [ That faux-innocence was cute on Reggie, even if he'd seen him in the most depraved situations which made quite the contrast in his head. ] Ah. You will.
[ Caliban raised his hand to gesture vaguely at the place around them.] It took me months to find a place- a home- like this.
[ granted, with John threatening to leave him and Reggie finding a new contract- it certainly never felt *less* like a proper home than the last few days. ] I'm sure you'll find the perfect location for such a place- and after everything, the clocktower, the camp- I think everyone needs a bit of levity.
[ Not that the idea of uniforms is a terrible one, at least for certain jobs around the club, but it's getting to be a little much for Reggie to think about all at once. As good as his business instincts and ideas can often be, he's never actually built one up from scratch before, and he's fast discovering that there's no shortage of things he needs to account for that he'd have normally never thought of.
Just a bit overwhelming, sure, but nothing he can't handle; Reggie's just that much more glad he's pulling in other people to help who can (hopefully) keep him from overlooking anything obvious or important. ]
Well, when I do find a place, I'll make sure you're one of the first to know. [ He teases back, though he also means it, too. ] Gotta make sure the bar's gonna be up to your standards an' all.
[ And then it'd be only right for Caliban to be the first one to bend Reggie over it, since it would be his. This may all still technically just be in the "flirty banter" stage at the moment, but Reggie quite likes the idea of christening the bar (and wherever else they may see fit) like that before the place opens to the public; claim it first, make it theirs.
He nods slowly, eyes staying fixed on Caliban curiously. Levity probably wouldn't be the word he'd use, himself, but he still knows what Caliban means and definitely agrees with the sentiment-- this is something he needs to do. ]
How're you holdin' up, though? [ His tone becomes a little more solemn, more gentle. ] Since camp?
The high standards of prince of hell- my, that's quite a lofty goal.
[ Caliban's voice was full of affection at the very idea of having his own little piece of Reggie's dream. He does give a little soft hum at the idea of being the first person to know whatever abandoned lot the other found to make into the casino. It was honestly just nice to be included- That Reggie wanted him in his life like this.
Besides as if he'd ever turn down sex with the other- and that bar deserved someone as hot as Reggie being bent over it and used in the best way. Not that Caliban was going to be able to look at the bar and not think about Reggie- which perhaps was for the best, really.
There was a little pause however at that question because it's not an exactly an easy thing to answer. The experience of being...human had been something that had shocked him to his core more than he'd liked to admit. ]
I'm better than most. [ He mused, speaking mostly about John- the weight of being unable to help him was harder than he'd ever had to deal with.] I'm glad I have...my magic back- my bed. My life. It was an experience I'd hardly be eager to repeat.
[ That's how Reggie is choosing to think of it right now, too-- building a present and a future for himself here at last, and even having some power in choosing who he wants with him as a part of it.
Caliban means something to Reggie, means a lot to him, in fact, and while Reggie may still be a ways off from being able to acknowledge the exact nature of those feelings, he does at least know that he doesn't want things (whatever they may be) to end just because their contract will. It's nice being together like this, and in general; Reggie lets his fingers lace in with Caliban's, just indulging in the casual intimacy of the moment, of the conversation. ]
Yeah. [ He nods slowly. Reggie had been fine, mostly, for that part of things, but... ] I know Nick would've freaked, too... probably did the first time all this crap happened, but I mean like-- y'know I can always help you with that kinda thing, right?
[ Reggie's fingers interlacing with Caliban's felt great, perfect even as his tongue rungs along his lower lip as he soaks in those words. The mention of Nick once again has the demon pushing down those perhaps more intense feelings for Reggie into a smaller mental box tucked away in his mind. As if the Warlock might reappear sometime and the demon had no real claim to even a piece of the other boys heart in such a way.
He gives the others hand another little squeeze, however as his head tilts to the side just a touch.]
I'm sure Scratch would have mourned the loss of his magic without a doubt. [ He mused lightly before he sucked on the inside of his cheek with a little nod at those next words.] You helped enough, Reggie. You kept me alive and focused- feeling more like myself when I thought it wasn't possible. You kept me connected to who I was.
[ Reggie doesn't notice any particular reaction in Caliban at the mention of Nick's name -- and hasn't, either, or else Reggie would have certainly at least gotten the hint not to mention Nick around him -- nor is he aware of the exact nature of baggage between them, so he still doesn't think too much of bringing Nick up in front of Caliban, doesn't assume it incites any feelings in particular from the demon.
He nods again, gaze dropping briefly. ]
Definitely, like, no question. He-- [ But here Reggie decides against saying more, because thinking about what Nick is -- was -- like still hurts. ] Listen, just... like, if it ever happens again you would tell me, right? Cuz I can still, y'know, like... protect you, or whatever.
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Not that that hadn't been difficult too, but for entirely different reasons, unrelated to navigating complicated feelings but rather just feeling bad leaving her in the lurch if she had trouble finding a new submissive after him. If he knew how sad Caliban really felt, it would hurt his heart in a deeper, more intimate sort of way. ]
Relax. It's nothin' bad.
[ He walks over to Caliban, still smiling, pressing a quick kiss to his mouth to try and lighten the mood. ]
I've been plannin' on opening a business soon, and I wanted to know if you'd want in.
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Caliban just tilts his head with a little hum at those words- almost like he wanted to be like "we will see about that".
Still he does return that kiss and his hand finds it's usual place on the others hip as he gives it a little possessive squeeze.]
A business? And what exactly would you be doing? Bracing out from those videos then?
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[ Reggie leans into that touch, just enough of a tease before he pulls back to sit down on the edge of the bed, crossing one leg over the other. He looks up at Caliban, thinking through his next words. ]
A strip club and casino, with a fully stocked bar-- uppers, too, and probably a few house specials that'll make it so anyone can get drunk off 'em. [ He bumps his eyebrows, eager to hear Caliban's thoughts, but then continues: ] I've already got a couple witches on board as my suppliers, so that part's good to go, and you wouldn't even be the only Dominant backing it, either, so this isn't like, about money, I just thought...
[ He bites at his lip hesitantly for a moment. ]
We'd still see each other, like, all the time, you know?
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[ Which honestly made sense to the demon- building your own little kingdom in the city certainly spoke to something in Caliban. There's a soft smile as the other leans into his couch before his eyes follow the other to watch him settle down on the edge of the bed. The demon just folding his arms over his chest as he tilts his head to listen to those next words.] >
My, you are thinking ahead. Magical beings across the city will flock to such a place. [ After all, the demons ability to get high really, really did rely on a few more magical spells or the cities own magic *kick* to those drinks or drugs.] It certainly sounds like a den of sin I would approve of. [ Stripping, gambling, drinking. What more could a demon really ask for?
He's not expecting those last words but that they still hit him like a ton of bricks. That desire to still see him, even if they were contracted- that comfort of just having each other close.
A tongue brushes along his lower lip as he nods a few times as his eyes just soak in the sight of Reggie.]
I suppose we would. And I'll admit that does make your venture all the more enticing, Reggie. Time with you is as precious as any cocktail you're going to sell-
[ He pointed out, at least not shy to admit such a thing as he takes a step forward towards the other.]
What would you require from me for such a place?
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Yeah, that's what I was thinkin', cuz there's like, a ton of people here who've got like, powers or something that make it hard for them to just get wasted-- and if they're wasted, then they'll spend more money in the club or at the casino.
[ Indeed he is thinking ahead, and from multiple angles. As far as Reggie can tell there's almost no way this business could fail, assuming it all pans out as planned.
He grins at Caliban, reaching to take his hand, pull him closer. ]
I mean, you could invest a little if you wanted, but... [ His smirk signals that he's teasing, mostly. ] What would you wanna do there?
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You know I'd always be happy to support you, my- Reggie. [ He pointed out with a little tilt of his head as he moves to stand in font of the other, peering down at him.]
I'm not entirely sure. I mostly dance or bartend at the Grey Room. Dorian hired me because I wanted another shirtless pretty thing to parade around. And I think it amused him endlessly to have a prince on the pay role. [ He pointed out as he brushed his knuckles down the others jawline with a hum. It was tempting just to say something like "fuck you over the bar." but the other was genuinely invested in this business it seemed, and for once Caliban was going to give a proper answer.] Something with power- I suppose, perhaps running the bar instead of being behind it.
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Good. [ His smile twitches at the corners, grows broader. ] Great.
[ That makes him happier to hear that he'd anticipated, as if the reason he was asking Caliban at all was about something more than the fact he's Reggie's Dominant and it only makes sense to ask, since he'd end up finding out anyway. Reggie has two other Doms on board already so he isn't sure how much Caliban specifically would need to become involved just for the logistical and set-up purposes, approving this or that decision, but that really, really isn't the point; it didn't occur to him to loop Caliban in because he might have to, the reason he's doing it is because he truly wants to. It makes him happy to think of Caliban being part of it.
He leans in close to that touch, watching Caliban's expression. After only a couple moments of thought, he offers: ]
Consider it done. You want the bar, it's yours. I'll need someone to manage things there anyway, an' I think a Prince of Hell can probably handle that sorta responsibility. [ And Reggie wouldn't object to being fucked over the bar either; he meets Caliban's gaze like they're both thinking the same thing. ] You won't even have to wear a shirt if you don't want to.
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And he's just as happy that the other still wants to keep him in his orbit in such a big a way as inviting him to bring into his business in a big way as this. Caliban's eyes soften as the other leans closer into that touch and his hand smooths down to cup the others neck.
He does smirk when the other gives him management of the bar- how hard could it be? ]
Oh, I think I can handle a den of sin as much as a bar. [ He chuckled as he as he met those eyes and he could almost sense that heat in the others in eyes- his tongue brushing along his lower lip.] And here I thought you'd prefer if I didn't?
[ After all, why not give everyone a free show while they're drinking down some magical drinks? ] I'll even be happy to christen the bar with your...
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[ He sits back, breathing out slowly, still not letting go of Caliban's hand. This is... nice. Quite intimate too, yes, but he doesn't feel afraid of that right now. ]
Christen it, huh? [ Cocking his head a little in faux-innocence, like he wants to hear more, but then his body relaxes again. ] I wish I even had a place to actually show you yet-- that part's still a work in progress.
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[ He teased softly, without any real heat to his words. This was Reggie's business after all and Caliban wasn't about to jeopardise that by defying his status as "the boss" in any way. He keeps their fingers interlaced as he gives lopsided smirk.]
Personally I think you would look divine bent over it...or at least, the image in my head is quite, quite nice. [ That faux-innocence was cute on Reggie, even if he'd seen him in the most depraved situations which made quite the contrast in his head. ] Ah. You will.
[ Caliban raised his hand to gesture vaguely at the place around them.] It took me months to find a place- a home- like this.
[ granted, with John threatening to leave him and Reggie finding a new contract- it certainly never felt *less* like a proper home than the last few days. ] I'm sure you'll find the perfect location for such a place- and after everything, the clocktower, the camp- I think everyone needs a bit of levity.
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[ Not that the idea of uniforms is a terrible one, at least for certain jobs around the club, but it's getting to be a little much for Reggie to think about all at once. As good as his business instincts and ideas can often be, he's never actually built one up from scratch before, and he's fast discovering that there's no shortage of things he needs to account for that he'd have normally never thought of.
Just a bit overwhelming, sure, but nothing he can't handle; Reggie's just that much more glad he's pulling in other people to help who can (hopefully) keep him from overlooking anything obvious or important. ]
Well, when I do find a place, I'll make sure you're one of the first to know. [ He teases back, though he also means it, too. ] Gotta make sure the bar's gonna be up to your standards an' all.
[ And then it'd be only right for Caliban to be the first one to bend Reggie over it, since it would be his. This may all still technically just be in the "flirty banter" stage at the moment, but Reggie quite likes the idea of christening the bar (and wherever else they may see fit) like that before the place opens to the public; claim it first, make it theirs.
He nods slowly, eyes staying fixed on Caliban curiously. Levity probably wouldn't be the word he'd use, himself, but he still knows what Caliban means and definitely agrees with the sentiment-- this is something he needs to do. ]
How're you holdin' up, though? [ His tone becomes a little more solemn, more gentle. ] Since camp?
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[ Caliban's voice was full of affection at the very idea of having his own little piece of Reggie's dream. He does give a little soft hum at the idea of being the first person to know whatever abandoned lot the other found to make into the casino. It was honestly just nice to be included- That Reggie wanted him in his life like this.
Besides as if he'd ever turn down sex with the other- and that bar deserved someone as hot as Reggie being bent over it and used in the best way. Not that Caliban was going to be able to look at the bar and not think about Reggie- which perhaps was for the best, really.
There was a little pause however at that question because it's not an exactly an easy thing to answer. The experience of being...human had been something that had shocked him to his core more than he'd liked to admit. ]
I'm better than most. [ He mused, speaking mostly about John- the weight of being unable to help him was harder than he'd ever had to deal with.] I'm glad I have...my magic back- my bed. My life. It was an experience I'd hardly be eager to repeat.
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Caliban means something to Reggie, means a lot to him, in fact, and while Reggie may still be a ways off from being able to acknowledge the exact nature of those feelings, he does at least know that he doesn't want things (whatever they may be) to end just because their contract will. It's nice being together like this, and in general; Reggie lets his fingers lace in with Caliban's, just indulging in the casual intimacy of the moment, of the conversation. ]
Yeah. [ He nods slowly. Reggie had been fine, mostly, for that part of things, but... ] I know Nick would've freaked, too... probably did the first time all this crap happened, but I mean like-- y'know I can always help you with that kinda thing, right?
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He gives the others hand another little squeeze, however as his head tilts to the side just a touch.]
I'm sure Scratch would have mourned the loss of his magic without a doubt. [ He mused lightly before he sucked on the inside of his cheek with a little nod at those next words.] You helped enough, Reggie. You kept me alive and focused- feeling more like myself when I thought it wasn't possible. You kept me connected to who I was.
So thank you.
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He nods again, gaze dropping briefly. ]
Definitely, like, no question. He-- [ But here Reggie decides against saying more, because thinking about what Nick is -- was -- like still hurts. ] Listen, just... like, if it ever happens again you would tell me, right? Cuz I can still, y'know, like... protect you, or whatever.