But you returned. At least proving my theory that those who are invested in this world -- those who build ground here are the ones who likely stay. Your Raina has surely done that, has she not? I imagine you to be a man who appreciates equal parts ambition and pro-activity.
[ Since Chilton had declined the offer for food, Petyr came back to settle beside him once more with no intention of leaving his side. At least not until the bottle ran dry. He was already topping off Chilton's glass before reaching for his own to take a sip. ]
Tell me, when is the last time you remember someone porting out who was largely involved with this world at the time? Someone who was right in the middle of projects and actively building relationships with others? Someone who hadn't seemed to disappear for a time and left you to wonder where they had gone?
I know that Cobblepot had invested a lot in his businesses in Maurtia Falls. I didn't really know the man personally, we -- ah -- ran in different circles. [Chilton took a sip.] I so rarely associated myself with common criminals.
[Oh no, no, he preferred the uncommon criminals by far.]
The name still lurks around that city, Oswald Cobblepot. But your point is made, he might be the exception to the rule. It is comforting to think about.
[ He nodded. Of course his point was made. Though it did cause a frown to cross his lips -- the mention of Oswald Cobblepot. ]
I had every intention of buying out the Iceberg Lounge, you know? Once its most recent owner vanished. Unfortunately, she had left writing in place that bound the building to two imPorts who could co-own it jointly. A waste, if you ask me. Though I have every intention of opening up a Lounge of my own, as soon as my Gentleman's Club has gotten its wings off the ground, so to speak. One that will rival and hopefully put the Iceberg out of business.
[ A beat. ]
When we cannot obtain that which we seek, we merely have to come up with other ways to ensure those others who have obtained it face a fate less fortunate than us.
[ Petyr Baelish was a petty and spiteful man. Maybe something Chilton would recognize and feel drawn toward as another petty and spiteful man. ]
[A cheerful observation, if nothing else. Chilton could certainly sympathize, and he felt it best to mitigate whatever bitterness he could with flattery.]
Few possess your aptitude, I imagine. And Maurtia Falls, for all its moral bleakness, does have a lot to offer. Your club will not falter.
[Tacitly walking around the gentleman's part of it.]
[ He smiled -- appreciative of Chilton's compliments. A hand moved out, resting on the psychiatrist's knee to give it a light squeeze. ]
Your faith does mean a great deal to me, Doctor Chilton.
[ And he removed his hand in order to reach out for his glass, taking a sip. ]
Take my bed this evening. You deserve the utmost comfort in your sorrow and you should not be alone in your home while you are in such a state. We are roughly the same size, if you need a dressing gown to sleep in, I can allow you to borrow one of mine.
[The doctor couldn't help but be touched with the gesture; offering his own warm bed so that Chilton wouldn't have to suffer the more physical reminders of Raina's absence was tranquilizing.]
Are you certain you won't be too uncomfortable? [On the couch, he presumed.] I have -- well. I have something to help you sleep, if you need it.
I assure you, I have slept in far more uncomfortable quarters than the luxury my couch affords. Imagine visiting a war camp and having to stay the evening in a tent. But I do appreciate your offer. Is it some kind of modern sedative?
[ Did Chilton just carry medications around with him wherever he went? It seemed as though it would be a burden to have them on hand. ]
[ The tender touch was surprising as Chilton drew near, but Baelish didn't back away from him. After all, he was equal parts curious and accommodating. At the moment, whatever would make Chilton feel better was what he would do.
That was until he realized through Chilton's explanation what this demonstration actually was. He practically recoiled, not wishing to be subject to powers against his will. But Chilton actually pulled away before Baelish could, and any tension that reached his shoulders relaxed. ]
That is fascinating and incredibly useful. I appreciate you sharing it with me.
[ He reached out in order to skim his fingers along the back of Chilton's with fascination at how truly dangerous those hands could actually be. ]
It gives you the distinct advantage in any unpleasant encounter, does it not?
I have had to use such power in self-defense before, yes.
[Chilton watched as Baelish touched the back of his hand; he had the distinct sensation of being appraised. Probably nothing, he reasoned, just his nerves. The anxiety of Raina's departure would inevitably seep into every emotion he experienced from hereon out.]
A few times, actually. It is a highly convenient escape clause -- one I tend to be quiet about.
[Rincewind knew, of course, as had Raina. Both required sedatives for medicinal use. And recently, Chilton had alluded to his ability to Will, thinking that the profiler had already known. Now that number rounded out with Petyr Baelish.]
Understandably so. A power loses its effect once you speak of it, once others learn how to counter it.
[ He paused, and then lifted his hand from Chilton's -- turning it to be palm up and exposing the tender flesh of his wrist. ]
Why don't you show me? Not enough to put me to sleep. You said you could control the dosage, after all. Surely you can show just enough for me to stay fully awake while feeling your power at work.
[ There were risks, of course. Petyr was leaving the comfort of his own control, but it was also at the sake of learning something further -- to experience Chilton's power so that he may recognize it someday were Chilton to attempt to attack him in such a manner. ]
[Chilton glanced at Baelish, a question on his lips. But he figured that this man from Westeros hadn't experienced a modern sedative, and he was curious. He had been warm and welcoming, he had cared for Chilton at this most brittle, vulnerable moment, so what was the harm?]
You'll get a little sluggish, a little tired. Nothing that a correctly caffeinated coffee won't fix.
[He extended a forefinger, touching the fingertip to Baelish's wrist. Chilton hadn't come out of the Porter with precise control of his ability -- he had to learn it over the months that followed. But now, nearly two years with this power, he understood it completely.
He pressed into Baelish's bloodsteam something that approximated a triazolam. A hypnotic, a central nervous system depressant in the benzodiazepine class.
[ It was a show of trust on the surface that he would allow Chilton to do this. Another rung climbed on their ladder of friendship. And also a learning experience. Petyr was surprised by how fast it took affect and how little he cared when it did. His body felt relaxed, even as he tried to resist it at first. But eventually, he cared very little to resist and settled back against the couch comfortably. When he spoke, his words were a bit tired, slower. ]
I imagine that can be quite potent when used to its full potential. That is incredible, Frederick. A truly incredible gift. I was not given anything nearly as effective. The ability to communicate with mockingbirds. How will that serve me when it comes to defending myself?
[ Petyr hadn't really meant to tell Chilton of his power, but he was in such a calm state that it just sort of slipped out. ]
no subject
[ Since Chilton had declined the offer for food, Petyr came back to settle beside him once more with no intention of leaving his side. At least not until the bottle ran dry. He was already topping off Chilton's glass before reaching for his own to take a sip. ]
Tell me, when is the last time you remember someone porting out who was largely involved with this world at the time? Someone who was right in the middle of projects and actively building relationships with others? Someone who hadn't seemed to disappear for a time and left you to wonder where they had gone?
no subject
[Oh no, no, he preferred the uncommon criminals by far.]
The name still lurks around that city, Oswald Cobblepot. But your point is made, he might be the exception to the rule. It is comforting to think about.
no subject
I had every intention of buying out the Iceberg Lounge, you know? Once its most recent owner vanished. Unfortunately, she had left writing in place that bound the building to two imPorts who could co-own it jointly. A waste, if you ask me. Though I have every intention of opening up a Lounge of my own, as soon as my Gentleman's Club has gotten its wings off the ground, so to speak. One that will rival and hopefully put the Iceberg out of business.
[ A beat. ]
When we cannot obtain that which we seek, we merely have to come up with other ways to ensure those others who have obtained it face a fate less fortunate than us.
[ Petyr Baelish was a petty and spiteful man. Maybe something Chilton would recognize and feel drawn toward as another petty and spiteful man. ]
no subject
[A cheerful observation, if nothing else. Chilton could certainly sympathize, and he felt it best to mitigate whatever bitterness he could with flattery.]
Few possess your aptitude, I imagine. And Maurtia Falls, for all its moral bleakness, does have a lot to offer. Your club will not falter.
[Tacitly walking around the gentleman's part of it.]
no subject
Your faith does mean a great deal to me, Doctor Chilton.
[ And he removed his hand in order to reach out for his glass, taking a sip. ]
Take my bed this evening. You deserve the utmost comfort in your sorrow and you should not be alone in your home while you are in such a state. We are roughly the same size, if you need a dressing gown to sleep in, I can allow you to borrow one of mine.
no subject
[The doctor couldn't help but be touched with the gesture; offering his own warm bed so that Chilton wouldn't have to suffer the more physical reminders of Raina's absence was tranquilizing.]
Are you certain you won't be too uncomfortable? [On the couch, he presumed.] I have -- well. I have something to help you sleep, if you need it.
If you don't mind it.
no subject
[ Did Chilton just carry medications around with him wherever he went? It seemed as though it would be a burden to have them on hand. ]
no subject
[Chilton reaches over, invading Baelish's space, his fingertips brushing lightly against Petyr's cheek.]
A kind of modern sedative, yes. Distributed through my hands -- I have complete control over the breed of sedative, the dosage. The effect.
[He pulled back that hand before Baelish could protest. It wasn't as if Chilton was about to administer any, of course.]
One of my powers here.
no subject
That was until he realized through Chilton's explanation what this demonstration actually was. He practically recoiled, not wishing to be subject to powers against his will. But Chilton actually pulled away before Baelish could, and any tension that reached his shoulders relaxed. ]
That is fascinating and incredibly useful. I appreciate you sharing it with me.
[ He reached out in order to skim his fingers along the back of Chilton's with fascination at how truly dangerous those hands could actually be. ]
It gives you the distinct advantage in any unpleasant encounter, does it not?
no subject
[Chilton watched as Baelish touched the back of his hand; he had the distinct sensation of being appraised. Probably nothing, he reasoned, just his nerves. The anxiety of Raina's departure would inevitably seep into every emotion he experienced from hereon out.]
A few times, actually. It is a highly convenient escape clause -- one I tend to be quiet about.
[Rincewind knew, of course, as had Raina. Both required sedatives for medicinal use. And recently, Chilton had alluded to his ability to Will, thinking that the profiler had already known. Now that number rounded out with Petyr Baelish.]
Works like a charm.
no subject
[ He paused, and then lifted his hand from Chilton's -- turning it to be palm up and exposing the tender flesh of his wrist. ]
Why don't you show me? Not enough to put me to sleep. You said you could control the dosage, after all. Surely you can show just enough for me to stay fully awake while feeling your power at work.
[ There were risks, of course. Petyr was leaving the comfort of his own control, but it was also at the sake of learning something further -- to experience Chilton's power so that he may recognize it someday were Chilton to attempt to attack him in such a manner. ]
no subject
You'll get a little sluggish, a little tired. Nothing that a correctly caffeinated coffee won't fix.
[He extended a forefinger, touching the fingertip to Baelish's wrist. Chilton hadn't come out of the Porter with precise control of his ability -- he had to learn it over the months that followed. But now, nearly two years with this power, he understood it completely.
He pressed into Baelish's bloodsteam something that approximated a triazolam. A hypnotic, a central nervous system depressant in the benzodiazepine class.
Just a little.]
no subject
I imagine that can be quite potent when used to its full potential. That is incredible, Frederick. A truly incredible gift. I was not given anything nearly as effective. The ability to communicate with mockingbirds. How will that serve me when it comes to defending myself?
[ Petyr hadn't really meant to tell Chilton of his power, but he was in such a calm state that it just sort of slipped out. ]