[ Ah yes, he remembers this voice. Someone very important, judging by his coming in alone and the smell of nice tobacco on his breath. (Hm. What he wouldn't give for a smoke right now too.) Someone dangerous. If this one's going to be coming back at all it'd be a good thing to get a few tests in on their patience for chit chat.
With a shrug and a demonstrative tug at his wrists, ] I am feeling sore, if we're being honest with each other.
[ Completely genuine. Not as lackadaisical as he might normally sound, but not quite like he's talking to someone who could end his life on a whim--it's moreso the average caution of talking to any kind of authority figure. ]
Though I don't suppose there's much you can do about that either, huh?
Fair 'nuff. My lads, they don't prioritise comfort when it comes to tyin', just security. Can't have you runnin' around here blind, can we? And we do need you blind.
[Heh heh horf. A little joke between pals, of course.] Just means you'll have more to thank your family or whoever for when they cough up, doesn't it? You can kiss their feet, thank 'em for getting your wrists all freed up. It'll be reeeeaaal heartwarming~
[Then he's quiet for a second or two, looking over his shoulder as if he'll get sprung for having too much fun, before turning his attention back to his guest and tapping the tip of his hook against one of Akira's thighs. Not a horny gesture, at least not for now, just meant to see if he'll jump.]
What would you give up if you could get outta here right now, I wonder? Both hands? Just for the sake of conversation, mind.
I don't know, watching me run around could make for some good entertainment.
[ Well, a sharp metal point certainly isn't a sensation he's expecting. So despite how calm and unbothered he'd like to seem both for his captor and himself, it does get a flinch out of him. At least he knows it's there now...? ]
For the sake of conversation...hm.
[ He takes a minute to give the question some actual thought, whether it's another intimidation tactic or not. Conversation is conversation at this point and he's taking it. ]
Might, but I'll leave that sort of entertainment to the lads. They need motivation to work harder on our businesses, y'see? And they just won't loosen up around me somehow.
[Tap tap tap.] Maybe they'll be fine with me takin' one of your legs, though. Just think...You could get a real neat prosthetic one instead. Maybe even a peg leg. Heard talk of a captain who has one of those, and she's real fierce.
But then again, having a prosthesis never stopped me from being good at my job. Made me better, actually~ Doncha agree? Didn't you just wanna be the best guest ever when we met?
You weren't this polite when we met. [ It comes out before he can think better of it, but. He's here now. Nothing to do but roll with it.
Even if he is very aware of the hook still at his thigh. It could be sharp enough to cut through such a dense piece of flesh with enough force, but it wouldn't get through the bone in one go. Once again despite himself, he swallows hard at the thought.
Smile still on his face. ]
I think I've been a good guest, though. Haven't been noisy, haven't made a mess...I think that could be worth leaving all my limbs intact.
[Never mind the hook, he's going to lash out with his hand and grip Akira's face in it, squeezing at his cheeks and snorting to himself. Mush mush.]
You know what makes a good guest, in my eyes? One who's in 'n out. One who's got folks who care enough to pick 'em up before they outstay their welcome. Even if you got outta this here container...Where are you gonna go? We're out in the middle of nowhere, constantly moving. You wouldn't be able to escape the Waves if you just jumped off the side.
Really, I'm bein' very polite, letting you come with us all safe 'n sound when we could use you for mermaid chum all limbs 'n pieces, really earning your keep some. Don~cha~ agreeeeeee?
[ Alright, approaching the limit on the tolerance of nonsense. Good to know.
Instinct is really clashing with good sense here. He's flung himself into plenty of dangerous situations, but those risks have all been calculated somewhere he knew he'd get out relatively fine. This man just repeated what he's always come back to in those thought experiments he'd been occupying himself with: if he got out, freed his hands and his eyes and yanked that door open, where would he even go?
That's the most frustrating part, not necessarily the manhandling. It's what brings up the hint of a decidedly inhuman growl under his words when he answers as best he can while being so impolitely squeezed. ]
When put like that, yes. You've been a wonderful host thus far.
[ He could bite, says instinct in the back of his mind. May not be able to hold this guy down but he could very easily bite that hand if it doesn't let go. ]
Thanks~ Glad to hear you understand. Some people don't, keep screaming, make it unpleasant for everyone. Not what we want, is it? Not an easy transaction.
[Thankfully, he lets go of Akira's face; his point's been made, and clearly it's only serving to piss the cargo off anyway. Pointless to push further in that direction, even if he keeps idly snagging his hook in Akira's pantsleg instead. Just ruining the cloth without truly tearing it.]
...Hey. My lads been treating you well? I won't be mad if y'say yes, of course. I want you all hunky-dory when you leave, and I can't have anyone breaking pretty porcelain behind my back.
Ahhhh, good, good. We only have abooouuut...Five guests right now, barring yourself, but like I said; you're special. Maybe they're worried that I'll get upset with 'em if they go playing with you~ Or...
Maybe they're scared of you, too. [That? That sounds less bored, more thoughtful. It's also underscored by the sound of Gregor's boots scooting, his leather pants squeaking, the heat and faint pressure of his knees bracing either side of Akira's. Not quite a straddle, he's not looming enough to do that, but it's pretty fucking close.]
But you're pretty chatty, so I think we're getting along great~
[ Said as Gregor's no doubt face to face with that talisman and the thick, confident strokes of its characters. Somehow it's sticking right on to Akira's face with no help, as if magnetized or glued or something, but that? That's just silly.
The talisman's taken a backseat in Akira's mind for a second, though, because this is an unexpected development. He is chatty, and so is his captor, and his desperation for any kind of mental or physical stimulation is enough to keep him going despite the fact he probably should have taken a cue from his other visitors and shut up a while ago. ]
I'm glad you think so. Your men don't seem to appreciate it nearly as much.
[ Instead here he is, not minding the situation as much as he should so long as someone, anyone is here sitting and talking with him. ]
Right! Just a sweet little pussycat, you. But they're a bit edgy after they do their rounds 'n report in, and it's oooonly been since you've been here. Funny, I think. Funny stuff.
[Gregor's quiet for a good few seconds then, clearly chewing on a thought. Especially if the way he takes his hook to the floor instead to tap a little rhythm is anything to go by.]
Sorry about the lads. They're real uptight sometimes, but you...I like you. You're my favourite guest thus far, I reckon. You like ice cream? Perfume? Maybe I'll send you off with a few gifts as my thanks, once negotiations are through.
[ What he wouldn't give to see those gears turning instead of just hearing them, having one more clue as to what's going on inside this man's head. Is he suspicious of Akira? Of the men? How much do the grunts know about what he is, come to think of it... ]
Your favorite? My, that has to be some pretty high praise from someone like you.
[ A little more leeway for nonsense has been given, it seems, so he tilts his head just-so. Perfect angle for batting one's eyelashes if the circumstances were different. ]
You think so? I think you're not a gibbering fool pissing himself 'cause I'm this close, but you're not disrespectful either~ A fine balance, that. Get too lippy, I might get upset and take all that good opinion back. But go boring, and I'll just leave.
[Another fragrant tobacco-puff, not quite right in Akira's face but too close for comfort all the same, before Gregor goes tapping the curve of his hook, flat side up, against his chin as if holding something precious on a plate.]
Must be a real pain, not bein' able to see so good. Don't suppose that tall tale about other senses makin' up for one lost is true, is it? Heh.
I do have a reputation for being lippy, but I'll do my best to remember my manners for such a gracious host.
[ Oh, hello. He's in the middle of scrunching his nose when cold metal's suddenly close to his throat and he automatically follows its nudges upward. Baring it to further danger, he's belatedly aware, but what is he gonna do? Take it?
And then a question is asked and the smile's right back on his face. ]
It is. Your brain naturally takes up the space it isn't using for an extended period of time, even if the change isn't permanent.
Atta boy. As my thanks for such good behaviour, I'll do you better 'n most guests. Three strikes of being too lippy, then you're out. How's that sound?
[The hook turns suddenly to press the sharpened tip against the soft, tender skin spanning under Akira's jaw, though whether it's in response to his smile or simply as a natural transition, it's hard to say. Gregor's revelling in having his expression hidden like this, able to smirk and leer all he wants without losing or gaining unnecessary ground for it.]
Might even try to make your transition back out into the sunshine a little easier on those eyes of yours, should it come to that. Hopin' it does, for our sakes~
Hey. [A sudden thought, a beat, the smell of that same expensive tobacco and leather.] You a smoker?
[ Cold, dangerous metal sliding across his skin steals a shiver out of him, more than he'd even admit to himself in this situation.
Listen. He hasn't been having the best time. And now here's someone with their thighs on either side of his, talking all smooth with their warm breath right in his face, and smelling a certain kind of real nice on top of that. Its' only natural his body would react.
Right? Right. ]
That depends. Is this a kind, honest offer to share?
[Understandable reaction, of course. Maybe not this Gregor's wheelhouse entirely (see: sous-chef Gregor), but still enough to make him chuckle as he sits back a little and starts patting himself down without jostling the hook too much.
Because it's staying right there, for sure. Gently scratching back and forth, a little red mark on pristine merchandise.]
Strike one. You wound me, honoured guest~ I'm offerin' to let you get a hit, and you go questioning my motives...Cheeky, that.
[Then there's the click of the lighter, before the hook's point drops away from Akira's throat, replaced by Gregor's warm, gloved hand. His grip's pointed, index finger and thumb between mandible and skull to hold Akira's maw open as he exhales directly into it all fragrant smoke and warm rum breath.]
For all he knows coughing right back in this man's face could be a second strike, another natural reaction or not, so he'll do his best to keep it to a minimum. Minimum, not total nonreaction, because of course he can't completely help his throat trying to force that sweet-smelling air out with strangled noises, but at least it's obvious he's trying to hold back.
Polite, Akira, polite. He can manage that. Once he gets some of his breath back. ]
[He'll just sit there, letting Akira tamp down his coughing, before setting the spit-damp filter on his bottom lip, as a treat.] Here. I'm a real generous soul, I am. Let no one say otherwise~
[something something indirect kiss something, except Gregor's a grown-ass man who really doesn't give a shit (at least in this life), long as they both have clean bills of health. Now that he's gotten his smokeplay in, he lets go altogether and hums idly, gaze wandering back down.]
...You wanna hand with that? I only got one. Or are you into, ah...Denial?
[ Oh thank goodness for this generous soul because a smoke after being without for a while feels great. Even helps release a lot of the tension he wasn't entirely aware he was holding onto, actually relaxing for the first time since he's been put in these restraints.
--Wait, a hand with...? Ah. Right. There's that too.
Contrary to popular belief he does have some sense of decorum in this area, and had this been the first leg of the trip before he'd had smoke blown in his face for being coy, he might have politely refused. As it stands, if this guy is really looking for honest answers... ]
Nah, I could never get into denial. A hand would be very appreciated, actually.
Livin' the life of Larry, you are~ That's the Twinhook Pirates' level of service, tell your friends, so on an' so forth.
[Time to walk his fingers dooooown Akira's chest, hook sliding down to match (flat first, tip snagging now and then as a threat more than anything) until both appendages come to rest at his hips.]
You ready? Hope you don't mind the glove stayin' on. [It's fine, he'll spit on the glove, just...Gotta get the fly dealt with and all first, before he worries about impromptu lube. It's a little annoying to deal with, but part of the customer service is not tearing pants open with the hook and thus threatening any valuable bits underneath!
And also spitting on the glove once he fumbles through all that mess and actually pulls Akira's dick out. Whew, all that effort and for what? A few lazy strokes from a lazy pirate? Apparently so.] ...Yeeeesh, you better pay good. Least gnarly-lookin' knob I've seen award is all yours, sunshine.
[ Y'know, this is pretty good service for being kidnapped. He could've been left all alone in the dark to be fed and watered once in a while to make sure he's still alive, and all of the sudden he's got a gorgeous voice cooing at him and a hand around his dick. Didn't even have to spend those few moments setting a more playful mood, could have just. Gotten straight to business. Could've done nothing at all! Could've sliced his dick clean off.
So yes, while things could be better, they could also be much worse. ]
M-mm. [ And lazy or not, friction is friction. He'll take it, hardly contained groans and all. If this is the pace throughout he might be able to remember those manners of his. ]
Yeah...? You're really spoiling me here. I'll hold onto that one.
Yeah, well...'tween us and the shipping container next door, I don't get to play much anyway. This is a real high point compared to havin' to organise my lads or read boring reports.
[With the way he starts humming jauntily to himself, dick in hand, Gregor's expression's probably obvious to even the blindfolded. For a moment, it's almost as if he's completely content just waggling Akira around like a joystick, easily amused, until he suddenly digs his hand down deeper, palming and kneading insistently at his balls instead.
...At least there's still friction from his wrist, the way they're so close-quarters that Gregor's really having to lean in.]
Real, real pity I know you can't be trusted without all that tyin' up. I'd love to let you stretch out some, but nope. Like being whole and hale better, I reckon~ But...You can be loud, y'know. Might as well enjoy the perks, make the other guests jea~lous.
[Punctuated by a warm breath against Akira's throat and faintly wet leather sliding back up the underside of his shaft.] Or d'you wanna risk insulting poor old me, instead? After I'm letting you smoke that real fancy cig from far off ports and everything, too...
[ Well fuck, you can't just rack up the intensity on a dime like that and expect him not to let out a loud, wanton cry just like he's asked to. Though as that hand keeps going, it may become very clear very quickly that he'd have been pretty vocal whether he was told to be or not.
Can't even keep his voice out of his steadily heavier breathing, only allowing a quick moment of silence to swallow back a gulp of air. That, too, turns into another groan in short order, ] Oooh, If you let me out of here I'd ride you 'til you couldn't see straight--whoever the hell you are.
[ Among other things, but as long as both their heads are in the same place... ]
But you keep going and I can tell you aaaall about how good you're doing~
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With a shrug and a demonstrative tug at his wrists, ] I am feeling sore, if we're being honest with each other.
[ Completely genuine. Not as lackadaisical as he might normally sound, but not quite like he's talking to someone who could end his life on a whim--it's moreso the average caution of talking to any kind of authority figure. ]
Though I don't suppose there's much you can do about that either, huh?
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[Heh heh horf. A little joke between pals, of course.] Just means you'll have more to thank your family or whoever for when they cough up, doesn't it? You can kiss their feet, thank 'em for getting your wrists all freed up. It'll be reeeeaaal heartwarming~
[Then he's quiet for a second or two, looking over his shoulder as if he'll get sprung for having too much fun, before turning his attention back to his guest and tapping the tip of his hook against one of Akira's thighs. Not a horny gesture, at least not for now, just meant to see if he'll jump.]
What would you give up if you could get outta here right now, I wonder? Both hands? Just for the sake of conversation, mind.
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[ Well, a sharp metal point certainly isn't a sensation he's expecting. So despite how calm and unbothered he'd like to seem both for his captor and himself, it does get a flinch out of him. At least he knows it's there now...? ]
For the sake of conversation...hm.
[ He takes a minute to give the question some actual thought, whether it's another intimidation tactic or not. Conversation is conversation at this point and he's taking it. ]
How about a leg? Is that worth two hands?
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[Tap tap tap.] Maybe they'll be fine with me takin' one of your legs, though. Just think...You could get a real neat prosthetic one instead. Maybe even a peg leg. Heard talk of a captain who has one of those, and she's real fierce.
But then again, having a prosthesis never stopped me from being good at my job. Made me better, actually~ Doncha agree? Didn't you just wanna be the best guest ever when we met?
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Even if he is very aware of the hook still at his thigh. It could be sharp enough to cut through such a dense piece of flesh with enough force, but it wouldn't get through the bone in one go. Once again despite himself, he swallows hard at the thought.
Smile still on his face. ]
I think I've been a good guest, though. Haven't been noisy, haven't made a mess...I think that could be worth leaving all my limbs intact.
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[Never mind the hook, he's going to lash out with his hand and grip Akira's face in it, squeezing at his cheeks and snorting to himself. Mush mush.]
You know what makes a good guest, in my eyes? One who's in 'n out. One who's got folks who care enough to pick 'em up before they outstay their welcome. Even if you got outta this here container...Where are you gonna go? We're out in the middle of nowhere, constantly moving. You wouldn't be able to escape the Waves if you just jumped off the side.
Really, I'm bein' very polite, letting you come with us all safe 'n sound when we could use you for mermaid chum all limbs 'n pieces, really earning your keep some. Don~cha~ agreeeeeee?
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Instinct is really clashing with good sense here. He's flung himself into plenty of dangerous situations, but those risks have all been calculated somewhere he knew he'd get out relatively fine. This man just repeated what he's always come back to in those thought experiments he'd been occupying himself with: if he got out, freed his hands and his eyes and yanked that door open, where would he even go?
That's the most frustrating part, not necessarily the manhandling. It's what brings up the hint of a decidedly inhuman growl under his words when he answers as best he can while being so impolitely squeezed. ]
When put like that, yes. You've been a wonderful host thus far.
[ He could bite, says instinct in the back of his mind. May not be able to hold this guy down but he could very easily bite that hand if it doesn't let go. ]
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[Thankfully, he lets go of Akira's face; his point's been made, and clearly it's only serving to piss the cargo off anyway. Pointless to push further in that direction, even if he keeps idly snagging his hook in Akira's pantsleg instead. Just ruining the cloth without truly tearing it.]
...Hey. My lads been treating you well? I won't be mad if y'say yes, of course. I want you all hunky-dory when you leave, and I can't have anyone breaking pretty porcelain behind my back.
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No one's hit me or anything, if that's what you're asking. Everyone always seems in a hurry to get out.
[ Of this delightful place? Wonder why. ]
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Maybe they're scared of you, too. [That? That sounds less bored, more thoughtful. It's also underscored by the sound of Gregor's boots scooting, his leather pants squeaking, the heat and faint pressure of his knees bracing either side of Akira's. Not quite a straddle, he's not looming enough to do that, but it's pretty fucking close.]
But you're pretty chatty, so I think we're getting along great~
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[ Said as Gregor's no doubt face to face with that talisman and the thick, confident strokes of its characters. Somehow it's sticking right on to Akira's face with no help, as if magnetized or glued or something, but that? That's just silly.
The talisman's taken a backseat in Akira's mind for a second, though, because this is an unexpected development. He is chatty, and so is his captor, and his desperation for any kind of mental or physical stimulation is enough to keep him going despite the fact he probably should have taken a cue from his other visitors and shut up a while ago. ]
I'm glad you think so. Your men don't seem to appreciate it nearly as much.
[ Instead here he is, not minding the situation as much as he should so long as someone, anyone is here sitting and talking with him. ]
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[Gregor's quiet for a good few seconds then, clearly chewing on a thought. Especially if the way he takes his hook to the floor instead to tap a little rhythm is anything to go by.]
Sorry about the lads. They're real uptight sometimes, but you...I like you. You're my favourite guest thus far, I reckon. You like ice cream? Perfume? Maybe I'll send you off with a few gifts as my thanks, once negotiations are through.
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Your favorite? My, that has to be some pretty high praise from someone like you.
[ A little more leeway for nonsense has been given, it seems, so he tilts his head just-so. Perfect angle for batting one's eyelashes if the circumstances were different. ]
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[Another fragrant tobacco-puff, not quite right in Akira's face but too close for comfort all the same, before Gregor goes tapping the curve of his hook, flat side up, against his chin as if holding something precious on a plate.]
Must be a real pain, not bein' able to see so good. Don't suppose that tall tale about other senses makin' up for one lost is true, is it? Heh.
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[ Oh, hello. He's in the middle of scrunching his nose when cold metal's suddenly close to his throat and he automatically follows its nudges upward. Baring it to further danger, he's belatedly aware, but what is he gonna do? Take it?
And then a question is asked and the smile's right back on his face. ]
It is. Your brain naturally takes up the space it isn't using for an extended period of time, even if the change isn't permanent.
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[The hook turns suddenly to press the sharpened tip against the soft, tender skin spanning under Akira's jaw, though whether it's in response to his smile or simply as a natural transition, it's hard to say. Gregor's revelling in having his expression hidden like this, able to smirk and leer all he wants without losing or gaining unnecessary ground for it.]
Might even try to make your transition back out into the sunshine a little easier on those eyes of yours, should it come to that. Hopin' it does, for our sakes~
Hey. [A sudden thought, a beat, the smell of that same expensive tobacco and leather.] You a smoker?
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Listen. He hasn't been having the best time. And now here's someone with their thighs on either side of his, talking all smooth with their warm breath right in his face, and smelling a certain kind of real nice on top of that. Its' only natural his body would react.
Right? Right. ]
That depends. Is this a kind, honest offer to share?
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Because it's staying right there, for sure. Gently scratching back and forth, a little red mark on pristine merchandise.]
Strike one. You wound me, honoured guest~ I'm offerin' to let you get a hit, and you go questioning my motives...Cheeky, that.
[Then there's the click of the lighter, before the hook's point drops away from Akira's throat, replaced by Gregor's warm, gloved hand. His grip's pointed, index finger and thumb between mandible and skull to hold Akira's maw open as he exhales directly into it all fragrant smoke and warm rum breath.]
...That there's your punishment.
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For all he knows coughing right back in this man's face could be a second strike, another natural reaction or not, so he'll do his best to keep it to a minimum. Minimum, not total nonreaction, because of course he can't completely help his throat trying to force that sweet-smelling air out with strangled noises, but at least it's obvious he's trying to hold back.
Polite, Akira, polite. He can manage that. Once he gets some of his breath back. ]
Right. Sorry. My bad.
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[He'll just sit there, letting Akira tamp down his coughing, before setting the spit-damp filter on his bottom lip, as a treat.] Here. I'm a real generous soul, I am. Let no one say otherwise~
[something something indirect kiss something, except Gregor's a grown-ass man who really doesn't give a shit (at least in this life), long as they both have clean bills of health. Now that he's gotten his smokeplay in, he lets go altogether and hums idly, gaze wandering back down.]
...You wanna hand with that? I only got one. Or are you into, ah...Denial?
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--Wait, a hand with...? Ah. Right. There's that too.
Contrary to popular belief he does have some sense of decorum in this area, and had this been the first leg of the trip before he'd had smoke blown in his face for being coy, he might have politely refused. As it stands, if this guy is really looking for honest answers... ]
Nah, I could never get into denial. A hand would be very appreciated, actually.
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[Time to walk his fingers dooooown Akira's chest, hook sliding down to match (flat first, tip snagging now and then as a threat more than anything) until both appendages come to rest at his hips.]
You ready? Hope you don't mind the glove stayin' on. [It's fine, he'll spit on the glove, just...Gotta get the fly dealt with and all first, before he worries about impromptu lube. It's a little annoying to deal with, but part of the customer service is not tearing pants open with the hook and thus threatening any valuable bits underneath!
And also spitting on the glove once he fumbles through all that mess and actually pulls Akira's dick out. Whew, all that effort and for what? A few lazy strokes from a lazy pirate? Apparently so.] ...Yeeeesh, you better pay good. Least gnarly-lookin' knob I've seen award is all yours, sunshine.
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Could've sliced his dick clean off.So yes, while things could be better, they could also be much worse. ]
M-mm. [ And lazy or not, friction is friction. He'll take it, hardly contained groans and all. If this is the pace throughout he might be able to remember those manners of his. ]
Yeah...? You're really spoiling me here. I'll hold onto that one.
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[With the way he starts humming jauntily to himself, dick in hand, Gregor's expression's probably obvious to even the blindfolded. For a moment, it's almost as if he's completely content just waggling Akira around like a joystick, easily amused, until he suddenly digs his hand down deeper, palming and kneading insistently at his balls instead.
...At least there's still friction from his wrist, the way they're so close-quarters that Gregor's really having to lean in.]
Real, real pity I know you can't be trusted without all that tyin' up. I'd love to let you stretch out some, but nope. Like being whole and hale better, I reckon~ But...You can be loud, y'know. Might as well enjoy the perks, make the other guests jea~lous.
[Punctuated by a warm breath against Akira's throat and faintly wet leather sliding back up the underside of his shaft.] Or d'you wanna risk insulting poor old me, instead? After I'm letting you smoke that real fancy cig from far off ports and everything, too...
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Can't even keep his voice out of his steadily heavier breathing, only allowing a quick moment of silence to swallow back a gulp of air. That, too, turns into another groan in short order, ] Oooh, If you let me out of here I'd ride you 'til you couldn't see straight--whoever the hell you are.
[ Among other things, but as long as both their heads are in the same place... ]
But you keep going and I can tell you aaaall about how good you're doing~
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