#threads: ricardo & suresh

[frgdsecrts]

For: Suresh ( @naga-raja-suresh ) Location: Suresh's office

It been a little over a week since the attack and Versi was finally ready to get back out there. He had just needed time to rest and recharge before being able to return to society. The wolf felt so lucky to have friends like Rus and Knox in his life. Knox had come to his rescue, again, and Rus had helped heal him. In that week he could not deny how often his mind had drifted to Suresh. There was a part of him that felt really guilty for not having reached out to him sooner, especially since he had told him he would come by, but an even bigger part of him was embarrassed over what had happened. Regardless, Versi did want to see Suresh and he also had his Christmas gift to give him still.

He arrives to the club with intentions of seeking Suresh out. He has already messaged the other to let him know that he wanted to stop by today and he was happy to find out that Suresh could see him today. In his hand was a little neatly wrapped box that was adorned with a green bow. Upon his arrival, he asks an employee if he could speak with Suresh. He wasn't expecting securtiy to come escort him to Suresh's office, but he followed. Curiously looking around at different things as he walked, though soon he found himself in front of Suresh's office door. The security knocks, awaits for approval, then opens the door for the Versi to step in. They close it and unbeknownst to Versi remain outside the door until told to do otherwise.

"Hello, Suresh. It's very nice to see you again." And it was, very nice. He steps a little closer to where Suresh was, warmly smiling, extending the gift out for him to take. "I'm sorry it's a little late, but Merry Christmas. I'm also sorry that I have been distant with you as of late, and that I did not make it when I was originally supposed to come." He shifts a little uncomfortably, softly clearing his throat, "S-something happened. Everything is okay now, but I just needed a bit of time because of it. How have you been?"

[brkwingss]

for: suresh ( @suresh-lal ) location: horror movie screening, central park

when ricardo heard there was going to be a top ten horror movies set in nyc screening there was no way he could miss it. he was glad that tonight he had a night off and was actually able to make it to one of the movies, friday the 13th: jason takes manhattan. he had debated on whether or not to bring teddy along for the event, as he wasn't too sure if his pup would enjoy watching jason slash his way through manhattan, but ultimately he couldn't deny his pup a night out at the park. especially when, as he was putting on his friday the 13th hoodie, teddy came over with his leash and placed it in front of him.

central park had gathered a bigger crowd than he expected. then again, spooky season was in full effect these days. he walked for a bit with teddy in his arms so as to avoid his overly excited pup to run up to anyone, teddy loved being friendly with pretty much anyone. after carefully maneuvering through people for a couple of minutes ricardo lets teddy down from his arms to walk around. but it only took a couple of seconds for teddy to run off to the nearest person, happily wagging his tail as he did. "no! teddy!" ricardo called out, sighing, quickly making his way over to his dog. "i'm sorry about him. he just gets very excited sometimes." he offered an apolgetic smile, kneeling down grab the leash that had slipped from his hands. "it's my fault, really, i asked him to help us find a seat to settle into. i should've mentioned a seat that doesn't invade other people's personal space..."

[frgdsecrts]

Suresh had actually eased a bit of Ricardo’s concerns with that one statement. He easily is brought back to his usual self and even a small bit of comfort could be felt. “Young, but so very tired.” A small confession, but one nonetheless. He turns his attention to the other as Suresh answers his questions, nodding along to his words. When he was asked not ask anymore questions he gives a little nod, “As you wish. Don’t worry…I do not plan to tell anyone of what you have told me tonight.” It was best that the two of them perhaps ended this conversation, mostly because he respected Suresh and whatever wishes he might have. “I should go find Mathias. It’s been a pleasure, as always, Suresh.” He is about to turn, but then adds, still in a hushed voice, “From one friend to another, I would reconsider beverages that are not handed to you personally by your own people, those you consider friends, or made in your safe haven. Too many hands in one pot can sometimes bring unpleasant surprises.” His gaze travels down to the flute half filled with champagne, never having been one to partake in the free drinks at events. With that he gives Suresh a small smile, a nod, and then makes his way back towards the crowd.

He felt it. That whisper of jealousy. And Suresh looked at Ricardo curiously. This was not the place for insecurity. But it was something to keep note of, that doubt he could just taste. He did not speak of it. Not now. Not tonight. "No. You are both so young." Suresh meant it kindly. Their youth was not their fault either. Everyone had to start somewhere and both Mathias and Ricardo had to carry so much on their shoulders. An impossible weight to bare. "I told him the truth. That his priest doesn't hate him. And that he could have let him die but he didn't. As for the question..." Suresh turned his gold eyes to look at Ric. "I said that happiness is a chemical reaction, a brief state of contentment that we enjoy. And that while I think god’s feel pleasure. I don't think they feel happiness." He lifted his finger to his own lips. "Ricardo. Please don't ask me any more questions."

[frgdsecrts]

for: suresh ( @naga-raja-suresh ) location: private room, club o

"I'm sorry it's been a while since our last encounter," Ric begins, offering a charming smile to the other, shrugging his trench coat off as he got comfortable. He had intended to come to Suresh a lot sooner, but certain other activities had delayed his visit. "You look absolutely stunning, as per usual." He folds the trench coat neatly, carefully resting it on the back of his chair, then finally settles in. "Oh," Ric says, reaching into the pocket of his coat, "I almost forgot the little gift I have brought you. It' a bit delayed. Again, I apologize." At this point the Christmas gift should be considered a Valentine's Day gift. So, he teased, "I was hoping you'd be my Valentine this year. Cause a right scandal, make everyone jealous."

After a second, Ricardo smiles, "I hope you like it." He waits for the other to open the gift before speaking again, "It lets you peek into the lives of those closest to you, if you concentrate on that person while looking in the emerald, but only for a couple of minutes. It's a way to keep those closest to you under a watchful eye, when you're not around to do it yourself, and have them close even when they might seem far away." Honestly, he felt like Suresh deserved better but, he hoped this would do.

"How have you been, Suresh?"

[brkwingss]

Ricardo looks gives a shrug again, looking to the other, “I’ll come to his defense when it’s needed, which doesn’t seem like the case here. Not yet, anyway.” He smiles at the next comment made by the other, nodding, “I do suppose that’s true, and I do appreciate your politeness. I’m just not used to my last name being used to address me, it truly makes me feel like I am either important or old. Only one of those is true, and it’s not the first of the two.” Because Ric did not see himself as important, something that he’d never truly get over.

The next couple of words the other said ended up striking curiosity in him, which pulled his attention back to the plague doctor. “I think this entire thing is uncomfortable,” he admits, gesturing around them, “I don’t think you’ll be the reason I become more uncomfortable.” At least he hoped not, Ricardo had already done his fair deal of pissing off underbosses turned Cartel bosses. Nearly burning down NYC because of it. He didn’t need to add Syndicate to the list. His attention returns to the floor, and to a way out, but then the other is speaking again. He looks to them, playfully replying, “See, those pesky details, always getting in the way of a fun time.” His friendship with Elizabeth was something he took very seriously, that hadn’t been threatened, actually nothing had been yet, and he understood why Luke was brought up. Touché.

Yet again, his attention returns to the crowd. He doesn’t notice the way the other steps closer, nor does he sense it, he is too focused on trying to find Tristan. When he’s pointed out, Ric relaxes a bit. It was only when the other spoke that he realized their distance had been closed a bit, even if there was space between them still, it almost felt like the other’s voice was whispering right in his ear. I don’t waste my time. Ricardo turns from Tristan’s direction, finally, he gives the man what he wanted, his full attention is on him. “You know, I really did enjoy your costume. It’s why I approached you in the first place, not because I suspected you to be who you are. But you, you knew who I was before I knew who you were. What’s got you so intrigued? Or..are you actually a Rocky Horror Picture Show fan?”

Watching Ric look around Suresh smiled. Smart. The shrug made him tilt his head, "Nothing to say? Even in his defense?" A little harder of a prod. But still very warm in the tone of his questioning. It was his turn to shrug, "We don't know each other well enough to use first names. I was trying to be polite."

He watched the way Ric looked at his offered hand and retracted it as the other began to speak. He nodded in understanding. "Of course. I wouldn't want to put you in an uncomfortable spot. No hard feelings." Suresh paused then added like he'd just thought of it. "Though if you are worried about appearances perhaps you shouldn't have spent half the night hanging out with one of us, letting him buy you and your lady friend drinks."

Suresh took the opportunity to step closer to the other as he looked around the crowd. But making sure to leave some personal space. He looked out the same way but his voice was still just for Ric. "He's fine." And pointed the leader out, who was totally fine. He looked up at the other man, "I don't waste my time."

[frgdsecrts]

The slap to the back of the head made Ricardo laugh. That was all it took for him to fall back into step with Henry. "Emperor, huh? I mean, I think being under your ruling would actually be kind of neat. I am not opposed to that, though I do not associate you and the word monster." Ric can feel his shoulders drop a bit when their foreheads meet, softening at the gesture. Even though he understood, it still killed him to hear what Henry was saying. He returns the sad smile, "I understand. I promise to do everything in my power not to trigger that from you. I don't want to lose you again. Our friendship means everything to me and without you....it just didn't feel right. It felt like I was missing another piece of me, because I was." He pauses for a second, before leaning back, "Wait. You're what?" Ric's lips go upwards in a happy smile, that quickly turns to a playful one. "A healer, hm?"

He wasn't expecting to be pulled into some more cuddles, but Ricardo easily gave into the gesture. It's moments like these that he mises with Henry, amongst many other things. "As long as you want. Always." His arms wrap around Henry in a protective embrace, laying down beside him. Ric smiles at the compliment, looking up to the other as he spoke. "You're going to make me blush, Henry. Thank you. Honestly, it's thanks to the help I got picking out the outfit that I look somewhat decent tonight. I am not too much for dressing up, and I hate these huge events. What a drag they are." Except tonight's event seemed to be pretty interesting thus far. He looks down when his friend pulls out his phone and gets a good look at Rus's picture. " Well, I must say," Ric looks up to Henry again, " Rus is one very handsome and lucky guy. I wish to be invited to the wedding," he teased, grinning. When the question was asked, he ends up chuckling. "Yes," he easily replies, "I do admit that I am trying to impress someone tonight. I'm sure it won't go very far, but still." He let out a small sigh, looking upward at nothing in particular, “I am still stupidly head over heels for my bodyguard. I probably sound so foolish, but I can’t help it. Someone like that is worth falling for, time and time again. He’s been giving me a lot of space tonight though…kinda makes me wonder if maybe he’s growing tired of my presence.” His gaze travels back to Henry’s face, “Tell me more about your healer cutie. How did you come across him?”

Even if he's terrified, Henry quickly realized that the hug were making things right for him. They both had their allegiances, that had never been a secret between them. Henry could still trust his friends while being careful about the Higher Ups. Making exceptions isn't new to him after all. And for Ric, he'll make all the exception. Henry makes a disappointed face when the hug ends, but still smiles back at his closest friend. It's like watching the wound between being stitched close. It can't be helped and Henry's free hand slaps the top of Ric's head. "You're not a monster. Cause if you are then that makes me emperor of monsters." He smiles sadly, pressing her forehead to his friend's. "There's nothing to rebuilt, I just need more time to heal. I just thought I need to be away and maybe I did at first,  but that hug felt so right. I want you by my side like before. I might tense or have anxiety attack, but I don't want to lose our friendship, it's too important to me. Who else am I suppose to tell I'm obsessing over some healer and following a tiny itsy bit around without sounding insane?" He says before chuckling and pulling back a bit.

Henry just yanks them both backward to cuddle closer. "Just a bit longer. Let's pretend nothing bad ever happened." He'd like to feel safe again. "I look lovely? Have you seen yourself? I'm surprisedno one has tried dragging you to their hotel room yet." He retorts, grinning. Really though, Ricardo looks so beautiful and very sexy in an elegant way—if that makes sense. "And I might be trying to impress the healer I mentioned 30 seconds ago. Ignore the fact that he's annoying handsome—like I wanna slap him for beinb that good looking— he's funny, kind and smart and did wonder to my chakras." Henry pulls his phone out to pull up a picture of Rus he'd taken while spying on him. "That's him." He nudges Ric playfully. "What about you? Trying to someone fall on their knees looking like that?"

[frgdsecrts]

Ricardo did not react to what Suresh had said, but in the back of his mind a seed of self doubt mixed with, unfortunately, a bit of jealousy was planted. Was he losing his place in Mathias heart? Was he no longer his close friend? Did Mathias no longer find him worthy of being someone he could talk to about those things? Had Suresh taken that? His gaze drifts back to the crowd as well, no longer holding that twinkle of curiosity, listening to the rest of what Suresh told him. Can gods be happy? His voice barely above a whisper, just enough for Suresh to hear him, “Can you blame him?” A pause, before he asks, “What did you say? Both of his question and his……” his voice lowers more, “priest.”

Suresh could feel it, changes. Something that the Naga had learned to weather but never truly enjoyed. Or maybe that was just the mood of the evening. But he had meant it. The Naga would always make time for the tall and handsome necromancer who often tasted of unrequited love. Such tragedy in a group meant to defeat Death. Suresh's golden eyes drifted over the crowd as he lowered his voice, "His love for the priest. And he asked me if gods could be happy. A maudlin place for anyone's mind to be."

[frgdsecrts]

Ricardo smiled, too, but he couldn't help but to tilt his head a little at the statement. He gives a nod of appreciation at the next thing Suresh says, knowing he would probably not be able to pay him a visit unless it had to be made. There were things he had his mind preoccupied with at the moment, though none related to any gang related things. But maybe he should have been focused on those things. Afterall, while he was not Mathias bodyguard, he was there mostly to make sure his friend would be okay tonight. His brows furrow in concern, "I see. What exactly did Mathias say to you?"

Suresh smiled, "I am not the darkness. I am one of the things that made men frightened of the dark and cling to their fires and caves." The statement again was far more honest than he had meant to be. He was an artful predator. The Naga watched the necromancer come closer and was able to not lick his lips. His smile widened with enjoyment as Ric flirted with him. But he already knew the way tonight would go. The way that it must go. "You know you are welcome when you have the time." Suresh spoke before he had even formed the full thought, "He was speaking of things far too honestly with me. Too much pain on the surface tonight. It was out of character..."

[frgdsecrts]

"As if you don't want to be that very darkness we curl up against," Ricardo teased, playfully winking. What Suresh said next did cause Ricardo to raise an eyebrow in surprise, but he found that he liked that forwardness from the other. He takes a step closer to Suresh, "You're my favorite type of scandal. Believe me when I say, I'd love nothing more than to taste the champagne off your lips. However," he lets out a small sigh, still keeping a smile on his face, "I told myself that I would be on my best behavior tonight. But I do believe it's been some time since we've met in private. I'd say we are a bit overdue for one of our meetings, wouldn't you agree?" At the comment about Mathias, Ricardo curiously asks, "How so?"

Suresh can feel the pull between Ric's mouth and his hand. The image of the old fashioned greeting appearing in his mind from the contact. And Suresh let a breath of desire travel along his hand and brush along Ric's skin. No intent behind it, just a soft promise. Grinning at the feel of the fingers. He knew better than to take it too far. After all Ric was there pretending to be the Boss. So they had to be two leaders speaking at a public event. "Very generous." Suresh replied with a smile. He looked around the rooms and nodded his head, his voice playful, "Oh I can imagine quite well. All of you sun and season worshipers finding excuses to curl up together against the dark." His gold eyes drifted back to Ric and his own smile widened, "Kiss me and cause a scandal." The answer was honest, maybe a little too honest. But he shook his head, "Watch out for Mathias. His mood is strange tonight."

[frgdsecrts]

Without hesitation, Ricardo reaches out to take Suresh’s hand in a cordial greeting. What he really wanted to do was to place a kiss on the top of Suresh’s hand but this was neither the time nor place for such actions. He lets go of Suresh’s hand after a moment, though not without letting fingertips brush against the other’s wrist in a playful manner. They both knew what Ricardo was doing, just a bit of light flirting without having to be to vocal about it. “I can be,” the underboss replies, a twinkle of desire in his eyes, just before glancing back to the crowd. “If this is the dinner portion I can only imagine what the rest of the night has to offer.” In this moment, Ricardo has no idea what was coming for him later this evening. But for now, he is enjoying the moment. He looks back to Suresh again, his small smile growing a bit as he asks, “How can I make your evening more enjoyable?”

Suresh had seen Ricardo in the room. The Deathrunners had made sure to make quite the impression at the Winter Solstice but that was to be expected. Death and rebirth, The Lightless and the Deathrunners, pretty little sun worshipers. This was their time. He'd stopped drinking the champagne after only a few sips the conversation with Mathias making him put the glass down. There was definitely something going on but no one seemed in actual danger so Suresh had stood back to watch and see how it changed the emotions fluctuating through the crowds. Suresh smiled as Ric approached him. Extending his hand in greeting to the other 'Boss'. "The night has had it's moments. But I wouldn't call it enjoyable yet. Are you here to change that?"

[frgdsecrts]

Ricardo had been doing his rounds with formal conversations he had to have with certain people, half of which he might’ve zoned out. He had a glass of champagne in his hand just to babysit it, occasionally drinking from his flask. He’s strolling along just taking in the crowd, listening in to random conversations to see if he picks up on anything interesting, and he spots Suresh by one of the windows. With a small smile, Ricardo approaches the other. “Any evening with you is a lovely one, Suresh. Are you enjoying yourself tonight?”

Who: Open

Where: The Napoleon House

Suresh stood by an open window listening to the sounds of jazz drifting through the the evening air. He was holding a glass of champagne that he hadn't taken a drink of yet. He'd done a turn about the room and had found a spot to just look and drink in the feel of people enjoying themselves. Turning his head to the person that had approached, "Lovely evening."

[brkwingss]

"Yes, details." Ricardo's attention turns from the masked man to the crowd, searching for Tristan. His mind automatically started to think of an exit out of this. He needed to get out of this interaction so that he could find Tristan, silently cursing himself for allowing them to split up for even a second. Even though he kept his gaze on the crowd, the question had pulled his attention to the other, Ric couldn't help but to let out an amused chuckle. Well, at least the other was keeping this interesting. He kept a friendly smile on his face but shrugged in response to the question.

He looks back to the other at the mention of his last name, still keeping a friendly and light tone to his voice, "Mr. Jimenez. You make me sound so official, important even." Ricardo nods at the response the other gives to his question and the name given. "It's very nice to meet you too, Lal. I really do mean that." He glanced down to the offered hand, then up to the masked face again, lightly heartedly saying, " It's important to remember the details, Mr. Lal. Shaking hands, given the circumstances, might be an important detail that could lead to a bad reputation. Can't have that, can we?" And he really could not afford Tristan looking over and getting the wrong idea.

It was tempting to add the bad for business bit, but he wasn't actually trying to come off as rude to the other. He gives a little nod of his head, returning his attention to the crowd, and he gets ready to make an exit. "Speaking of business, whether it be the harmful kind or not, I'm sure someone such as yourself has a lot of it to take care of tonight. I'd hate to keep wasting your time."

"It's important to remember the details." Suresh said chuckling at the exchange. His eyes drifted over towards the people he made sure he kept an eye on. But made sure to keep the conversation going, keep this one a little bit busy. "A required trait in your group." Such a soft seeming person to be so close to the center. But perhaps there were layers of steel under all this gentle exterior. Suresh wondered what would happen if he poked at the softness just a little bit. His voice still light and friendly as he said, "Like your boss pretending to be a friendly neighborhood superhero?"

He nodded, "Yes. We both know the answer to that, Mr. Jimenez." Dropping the other's last name between them. He waited for the other to respond to the question. "I am. It's very nice to meet you. I'm Lal." He extended a gloved hand, just to see if the other would actually shake his hand or not. "I'm not a Cortázar if that's what you are wondering. And I have no intention of harming anyone, bad for business." At least not so far tonight.

[brkwingss]

Ricardo chuckles, nodding in regards to the name comment, "Perhaps I should move to India then, hm?" It didn't sound like such a bad idea, truthfully. He chuckles again, looking around, spotting someone hiding beneath some blankets while peeking at the screen, “ I don’t know. I think that person might've been dragged here.” Teddy lets out another small sigh, but he preoccupies himself by playfully nipping at Ricardo’s hand. After a moment Teddy’s attention goes up to look at Suresh, giving a happy little bark when their eyes met, wagging his tail excitedly. That’s nice of you. If he had a nickel for the amount of times he’s heard that from people he shouldn’t have been nice with, he’d have his own place by now. Ricardo smiles, “Yeah, being nice, it’s both a blessing and a curse for me.”

His attention is peaked again at the mention of conventions. "You go to conventions? That's awesome. They're great fun, aren't they? I always love seeing how creative people can get with their outfits, and the different artists that go. Usually, I am down artist alley, you can catch me spending way too much of my nonexistent money on prints and stickers. What kind of conventions do you attend?" He looks down at the glasses, "I think my friend would've liked your taste." They probably would’ve liked Suresh in general, he was an interesting individual thus far.

When Suresh gently lets him know that he’s involved with someone, Ricardo instantly replays the conversation in his head. He didn’t feel like he had been flirty, but perhaps he had been. He clears his throat, smiling a bit, “I appreciate you telling me that, Suresh. I promise I wasn’t trying to make a move on you. I’m not exactly dateable, and even if I was, I’ve given up on that.” His tone wasn’t sad, nor was it happy, it was casual, but honest. “Your person, though, is incredibly lucky. Had you caught me a couple of months ago, Suresh, I would have flirted with you. You’re too handsome not to flirt with.” He paused, “Okay, now I was hitting on you.” Ricardo laughs, softly. “I would love a horror movie junkie buddy, though. I’ve never had anyone like that in my life before. It would be pretty neat to get your perspective on the films. Maybe some recommendations, too.” The count down to the film begins to happen, and Ricardo knows he’s only got seconds before they were no longer going to speak, so he takes one more opportunity to say, “Thank you, Suresh.” For giving him the feeling of a new friend, for being kind towards him, most importantly, for listening to him.

Suresh smiled as Ricardo politely agreed with him. It was just the natural curse of big cities. It was just a law of large numbers that in a city of so many the chances of running into rude people was more likely. Suresh was a polite ghoul if ever there was one.

It was one of those well stated facts that dogs could sense people's souls or something. But looking down at the puppy as he pet him Suresh felt that this was not a well studied phenomenon. Not that he minded, he usually got along well with people's pets. Nevermind what he spent most of his days doing. He smirked at the generous offer of being able to pet Teddy whenever they ran into each other. He glanced down at the dog, "That's nice of you."

As the other man spoke about his friend with his sunglasses collection he sat regarding the other. Dark eyes focused. He nodded and took his sunglasses back out of his pocket, showing them to Ricardo. "I got them at a convention a few years ago. And I've gotten a lot of use out of them. I have a pair that I actually wear, for more regular days. But that's the extent of it."

He tilted his head to the side a small smile as he said, "And the opposite would be true if we were in India. I would have the common name. And you wouldn't." It was all just a matter of location and perspective. But it wasn't an uncommon response to his name. He nodded as Ric mentioned horror movies and chuckled, "That's true for most of us here, no?" He watched the next trailer silently, happy again that his new acquaintance was not a during the film talker. Letting him have his full attention towards the screen. He saw Ric turn towards him again and raised his eyebrows at the request. Suresh couldn't always tell if someone was hitting on him or just being friendly. Something he'd been teased about before. But the plan required nothing from him other than showing up to a place he had planned on being at if he could. He nodded his head, "I'd like that..." He wasn't sure how to say the next part more delicately but did it anyway, "Sometimes I misread things so forgive me if I've done that here. I'm involved with someone. But I wouldn't mind meeting again next week as a fellow horror movie junkie."

[frgdsecrts]

” Luckily for you, I always said I would spoil my spouse. Nothing you ask of me could be too much, amor mío.” Ricardo teased again, returning the grin. It was nice to be able to be like this with Suresh. In a way, it made him feel normal. Like just two old friends shooting the shit or something. Ricardo didn’t see his relationship with Suresh to be anything less than a good thing, something that needed to be watered every so often because, he wanted it to blossom in every way. And in the future, a very distant future, if a world existed in which he no longer was part of the Deathrunners there was a part of him that hoped they shared a genuine friendship by then. He smiled when the other said it looked good on him, the gifted necklace, “Thank you, sweetheart. You make this grumpy ass know just how to blush.”

He let the other run gentle fingers through his hair, his curls bouncing back gently after they ran through them and selfishly let himself be comforted. It’s not like he knew who to even turn to right now anyway, and Suresh was so good at making him feel weightless. He looks up to the other when his head is tilted up, softly sighing as Suresh’s fingers ran through his hair, feeling the worries he had slowly start to lift. It’s not selfish to want…it’s nature. Ricardo let those words plant themselves in his head, the brushes of Suresh’s fingertips being the water that helped him blossom. “You can help…?” Of course he could, Ricardo wasn’t even sure why he was asking. The offer made him gently smile, “Oh, Suresh. You already do so much for me.” For a moment all those fears and worries tried to creep back up and he got flashes of Kazimir, Maddox, and Mathias. And a part of him did worry that being here with Suresh, without a single one of them knowing, was maybe not the best of ideas. Yet…there was that little voice in his head that told him this was okay, and he let Suresh’s words come back to him. When did he ever let himself have what he wanted? He always put things first, drew lines, or made excuses as to why he didn’t deserve said things. He wanted to have it all taken away, that’s what he currently desired, but he was so worried. “Are you sure, Suresh? Is it really okay? Because…I should like for it to go away. I’m so tired of feeling useless. Mostly I am tired of feeling like a failure to my own people.” His brows furrow in confusion, “I feel as if there is something in my core that is getting ready to become unleashed. I don’t know what it is. I don’t know how to describe it. I just feel it.” He reaches up to place a hand over Suresh’s, “What do I have to do go make it stop?”

"Are we? That is very sad for you being I am disgustingly high maintenance." Suresh replied with a grin, because he didn't mind the tease. Enjoying the moment with the other. The Naga had spent ages making the inroads he had with the Deathrunners. His greatest successes being in Ricardo and Mathias. Although the familiar was a very good gain in itself as well. Suresh could feel it inside of the necromancer. All that built up tension, worry, fear. So much to hold in such a young mind and body. And so much for the Leader of the Lotus Eaters to work with.

He knew the smallest of tender touches were the key to unlocking Ric. Suresh waved a delicate hand at being called too kind. "Not in the least." He reached down and touched the ruby then looked at Ricardo. "It suits you." He leaned back on the table, looking at the younger man with bright golden eyes. Like a key turning and suddenly it all came out. Suresh cocked his head to the side. He wouldn't tell Mathias how much he sometimes knew about the inner workings of the Deathrunners. The comment about missions was interesting. Something he would need to follow up on. Suresh waited a picture of perfect understanding as he allowed himself to exude a feeling of safety. A soft skin-deep lullaby that drifted silently through the room. The tiger and the undead... So much worry and fear. The final comment about wanting sex made Suresh smile indulgently. Finally reaching out he ran golden nails through those lovely dark curls, pulling Ric's head against his stomach. Holding the younger man softly as he made gentle shushing noises. "Now, now. Hush. You know that you can bring me all of your worries. All of your fears. All of your wants..." He coaxed Ric's head up so he could look down on those big dark puppy dog eyes. His fingers still running through his hair softly. "It is not selfish to want... It is nature." His gaze was all for the man he held in his arms. Soft whispers running through his hands, brushing along Ric's mind and skin. "There are a few things in there I can help you with if you like? You don't have to feel ashamed for asking. Or do you just want to lay down and let me take it all away for a little while?"

[brkwingss]

"Oh right. I kinda forgot about that bit, but that's a good point," Ric replied, chuckling a bit. He smiles at the comment about his commitment to his costume, giving a little shrug, "I'm pretty committed to something once I've set my mind to it. Halloween is one of those things that I just can not help but dive into. How nice it is to pretend to be someone, or something, else for just one day. Like a small reset, even if it's only for twenty-four hours."

His kindness and friendliness were truly his biggest strength and weakness. He found himself in getting in more trouble than anything thanks to those two traits of his.

Ricardo turns his attention fully to the masked stranger at the question, softly chuckling, "I think we both know the answer to that." If the other was asking it in that way, it could only mean he belonged to either the Cartel or Syndicate. Which one was the question. He nods, "I do. Are you the Paulie Cicero of your organization?"

Suresh made a small shaking motion of his head while chuckling, "While I appreciate the comment. And it is a good movie. Hill became an FBI informant. I would never." He was aware that sooner or later who he was would come out if the younger man hadn't been warned already. But he was having fun.

He brushed his gloved hand across his own covered forehead. A mirror of where Ric had his little fake wound. "Commitment is very admirable." He could understand why Tristan kept this one close. That and he was came off very kind and was pretty to look at.

"Friends or Brothers?" The question asked with absolute nonchalance, like he was discussing the weather. "I'm here representing my organization." He cocked his head to the side, "Do you remember who Paulie Cicero was in Goodfellas?"

[brkwingss]

"Can’t argue with you there," Ricardo nodded in agreement, accompanying it with a polite smile. He was glad the guy was not one of the many people contributing to the asshole population of New York. They had enough Cartel members running around that already did just that.

The more attention Teddy was given, the more his little wagged in excitement. It appeared his pup had really taken a liking to the man petting him, which made Ricardo believe the guy was not a bad person. Then again, much like himself, his dog sometimes had a bad sense of judgement. Listening to Suresh answer, he nods along to the man’s words. Teddy, on the other hand, perked his ears in confusion when the man’s hand moved away. For a second he looked at Ricardo as if it were his fault that he was no longer getting some affection.

“Well,” he says, looking from his pup to Suresh, “you’re always welcomed to enjoy my pup whenever we run into you. The little guy seems to have taken quite the liking to you.” Teddy’s tail wags a little more when the pup notices Suresh smile at him. Ricardo nods, moving on to the subject of sunglasses, “I had a very close friend who used to have a collection of sunglasses. I guess you can say that’s where my fascination with them stemmed. They even had kaleidoscope looking ones.” They weren’t very practical, but he figured they were intended for being under the influence of hallucinogens rather than actual sunglasses.

“It’s nice to meet you, too, Suresh.” He chuckles, “I mean, true, but my name is common. Almost worn out, really. Yours is not.” He had always enjoyed the more unique parts of life and the people who came along with it. Suresh was turning out to be just that, unique and delightful. “Perhaps. I would like to make it, as horror movies are one of my favorite guilty pleasures.” As long as he didn’t have a fight, or Heath didn’t need him for something, Ric would be here. Another trailer plays, featuring another horror film set in NYC, and he patiently waits for it to end. Like before, he looks back to Suresh after the trailer is done, “Let’s make an unofficial official plan to meet up next week. We can meet at this very spot. You bring the blanket and I’ll bring the snacks. If we don’t see each other by the time the movie begins then we know the other couldn’t make it. Would you be up for that?”

Kind and polite. Suresh tilted his head trying to decide how authentic this young man was. He seemed to be. And the comment had been so genuine that Suresh nodded his head in appreciation. "That's nice of you to say. New York can have it's fair share of... assholes. But that's true everywhere."

Suresh's legs were stretched out in front of him, ankles crossed with his hands planted behind him. Not worried about taking up the space he had staked out with his blanket. One hand reaching out to pet the dog absently. He shook his head taking his hand away, "No. I work too much and my hours are unpredictable. So I just enjoy other people's dogs when the opportunity presents itself." He shook his head, "Thank you. But no, I wouldn't call it a collection. Just a few pairs." He looked down at the dog's audible sigh but shook his head, smiling at the dog.

"Ricardo and Teddy. It's nice to meet you, Ricardo." He smiled at the compliment about his name. He'd heard it before but still said, "Thank you. But it's just a name. Like yours." Dark eyes watched the purchase without comment. Giving a small understanding movement with his hand. His attention drawn to the screen and the trailer for the next movie in the series, American Psycho, playing next week. Happy that the other isn't a talker until after the trailer ends. He turned his head and looked at the other, "I would like to if work allows. Are you?"