NIGHTRAY HOUSE OF ILL REPUTE

[havesomedecency]

[WHEN WE LAST LEFT OUR HEROES . . .

Avoidance probably isn't the best word to describe what Elliot's been doing to Gilbert as of late, but suffice to say now that Vincent's returned to Court he's been somewhat more retiring than usual at least when the two of them are present together. Which probably makes it seem a little strange that he's at the seventh floor of Clubs, knocking at the door in hopes of finding a particular brother of his.]

Comments

[likeawritingdesk]

[Gil shifts up-- it's odd for someone to knock, all things considered, even though you wouldn't think so. He squints down the hall, standing up.... when he sees who it is he moves a bit faster.]

Elliot!

[havesomedecency]

[why wouldn't I knock it's only proper to knock!]

Ah—Gilbert. I was looking for you—are the others out?

[likeawritingdesk]

... Yes, they're out. Are you alright? Is something wrong?

[havesomedecency]

I'm fine. It's only something I wanted to speak to you of, if you're not occupied at the moment.

[likeawritingdesk]

[ah. maybe this is what has been bothering him?

Gil is eager to work through it, and answers quickly]

Of course. Come in, I mean-- come sit.

[havesomedecency]

[Elliot nods, a faint pink tinge rising to his cheeks at Gilbert's acceptance, though it's hard to see with how he brushes past him, moving to sit on the edge of a bed]

Thank you.

[likeawritingdesk]

[he'd lifted his hand automatically to guide/welcome him in by the back, but he doesn't quite move fast enough. Awkwardly lowers his hand, and follows...]

You're sure you're okay?

[havesomedecency]

I told you I'm fine—I just—wanted to speak to you.

[he shifts on the bed a little, moving over, waiting for Gilbert to sit]

[likeawritingdesk]

[sits...]

Of course-- you always can. About what?

[havesomedecency]

It's—ah—you've been getting on well with Vincent now, haven't you? Now that the two of you have settled your differences?

[likeawritingdesk]

[uh. his face pinks a bit.

DOES HE KNOW? surely he'd be more blustered if--]

Ah, yes... We're better than we have been in a long time, I think.

[havesomedecency]

[well he is turning a little more pink... is it related?? who knows!]

That's good—you must be happy, then. To properly have your family at your side.

[likeawritingdesk]

Incredibly so. I've had it with losing either of you, you're safe where you belong.

[havesomedecency]

Tch—[Elliot raises his head, firmly looking up at Gilbert now]

I won't go anywhere without you, you should know that by now.

[likeawritingdesk]

[meets his eyes... he's so serious...]

I do know that... I haven't been seeing as much of you lately.

[havesomedecency]

[he flushes a little pinker, turning his gaze away again]

That's—there's something I need to tell you. I'm sorry I didn't say it sooner, that I've kept my distance from you.

[likeawritingdesk]

. . . I can hardly criticize you there.

[havesomedecency]

It's still not an acceptable thing to do to you as your brother.

[huffs, looking back at Gilbert]

I—saw you, and Vincent once—

[likeawritingdesk]

[.....shit]

Saw us?

[havesomedecency]

You were—[//// wow he's so red right now]—you were ah—you were being intimate—with one another . . .

[likeawritingdesk]

Oh.

I--



I'm-- sorry you had to see that.

[havesomedecency]

Don't apologize—I interrupted something private! If you—if that's how it is between the two of you, then it's your own personal affair—

[likeawritingdesk]

S-still, we-- ...we. . .

[Stress pricks up his spine, and he tries to parse what he fears, exactly. Elliot knowing? Anyone knowing? That Elliot was upset? Disgusted? What had happened between he and Elliot had been Elliot's choice, and they were nothing but brothers, but he and Vince were blood-- and the only brothers he had left...]

[havesomedecency]

You—it's something for the two of you alone, isn't it?

[he can barely make himself meet Gilbert's gaze again as flushed as he is, but for as much as he does he's watching him intently, expectant]

[likeawritingdesk]

... It's private, yes, for. A lot of reasons.

And it upset you...