[surely, fate. especially for Luke, who does not tend to get distracted or lost in Umbraton. certainly not under normal circumstances.
so it's concerning, when he steps into the meeting room with the expectation that he'll be meeting someone else altogether. it's probably not even Istvan, for that matter.]
... Kleken.
[there's doubtlessly no surprise in how he remains wary, adjusting his posture only just enough to give him a moment to... explain himself. sort of. as much as Kleken ever does.]
For someone I'm supposed to be meeting, I don't recall making an appointment to meet you today.
[ His own tone is a practiced warm and welcoming, as if he really were the scheduled host for this particular meeting. And well, most of that is true, just not the part where Luke had been a willing participant to this change in schedule. But everything else held! ]
Life is full of surprises, isn't it?
I had been curious how you'd been. If the eggs had taken or not.
[ Lies layered with truths layered with subtlety layered with blatancy. He puts it all out on the table for Luke with the same easy smile, as if he'd just inquired about how the weather was outside today. ]
[but it's the followup that makes him flinch, eyes narrowing behind his mask. it makes it all but impossible to see how his cheeks darken, blending colour into its shadows. he needs to keep calm here.]
... there have never been eggs to think about, so I'm not sure what you're talking about. [yes he is. he hasn't forgotten it, how... freeing it felt, how he'd melted as soon as he'd been so full.] Naturally, I have been well. And as this is not my intended meeting, I shall be on my way.
[ His all too sharp eyes catch the flinch, though his expression remains even. How nice, to know that Luke hasn't forgotten about their little moment together either. An unwanted memory, perhaps, from the initial reaction, but not a fully unwanted encounter. Not with that little blush of his that Kleken finds quite cute when he spots it. ]
Oh, that's a shame about the eggs. I do believe I've worked out how to make the next batch stick though.
[ Never have more ominous words been spoken. ]
And your schedule has been cleared for the next three hours, I believe you'll find.
[never have more ominous words been spoken, indeed. Luke can practically feel his blood run cold, though he does his best to stay calm and collected.]
That won't be necessary.
[his schedule, huh... Kleken at least thinks he's thought this through, he'll give him that. of course, just because he has a "clear schedule" doesn't mean he needs to stay here.]
Nevertheless, I'll be on my way. Thank you for your consideration on this matter.
[he just... has to slip past Kleken where he is between him and the door. definitely not a calculated maneuver on the aurorian's part. truly.]
[ Whatever do you mean, Kleken's simply decided to take a spot in the most convenient place in the room. His tentacles as well, are simply spreading themselves out stretch after a long day. Nothing at all like he's up to something nefarious and it involves keeping Luke trapped in this room. ]
Hmm, do you have somewhere else to be? A shame, I was hoping you'd join me for a drink. Then you'll be free to be on your way.
Of course. There are things that must be done, regardless if whether or not my schedule is full, as you put it.
[nothing nefarious, sure. He glances to the wine glass as Kleken mentions it, lips pressing together. If it was most anyone else, he would be less worried...]
I rarely imbibe, you realise. It tends to be a poor choice for me.
[is that true? Maybe, but he's mostly dancing around admitting his suspicion. Delicate steps take him toward the exit—and, more unfortunately, toward those tentacles. Surely he can find a way to step around them, right? Surely. ]
[ A new glass is offered with much less wine in it, as if it'd been prepared ahead of time for this exact protest. What a coincidence! ]
[ It's a similar sort of coincidence that those tentacles are bringing out a possibly familiar rope from the depths of Kleken's coat, waggling it before quickly tucking it away again before it can be snatched away. Normal behavior. ]
[Kleken, one of these days he's going to strangle you. Possibly with that rope, because what the fuck, actually???]
... must you. [He's not sure if he's more annoyed by Kleken teasing that rope into view or the demand of a drink. Getting out of here... the more Kleken talks, the less likely it seems.] fine. I'll have a small amount.
[are the chances of drugging too high to be comfortable? Yes, completely. But maybe he can avoid Actually swallowing any to minimise possible dangers.]
[ He would deserve it, honestly. Even he knows that's a very real possibility and it'd be a direct result of his own actions. But that's not going to stop him anyway. ]
[ Thus with all the innocence of a guilty man who has no idea what threat Luke may be referencing, he smiles. ]
Must I what?
[ The glass is immediately offered at the agreement though, and yes, it most certainly is drugged because why would Kleken ever play fair? A potent aphrodisiac that's stronger when inhaled over when consumed- a rather expensive investment but his curiosity thought it well worth the price. Especially when he's equally curious about how a certain mercenary would react to it. ]
[He doesn't bother to answer, since his deadpan words had really just been in response to Kleken's insistence. Maybe also because he doesn't think the other really cares what he'd say anyway.]
I won't need any more.
[this said with emphasis, he taps his clawed fingers against the glass, considering his next move. The scent of the drink is almost cloyingly sweet to his nose, coating his senses almost immediately. That's... not good, he's sure. Shaking off the feeling, he sighs, unaware of the fact that he's affecting himself worse for it just yet.]
What did you expect to talk about, when you arranged this inconvenience?
To get to know you better, I suppose. We're certainly not in any sort of relationship to be sharing drinks together at the moment, don't you think?
[ To say such a thing while shamelessly inviting the man to share a drink with him is... Well. It's certainly Kleken-coded to do. ]
[ His eyes follow Luke's expression, what of it he can see through that mask of his, and his tentacles remain firmly in place until Luke takes a drink. Mainly so the man wouldn't suspect that the delivery of the drug was via a different method. ]
We could start with what sort of hobbies you do have.
[ They both already know the answer to that particular question. Even before their little run in, it was probably a resounding no. Still, shamelessness in the face of all was his specialty. ]
[ And he did manage to pull an interesting little tidbit out of the man that he hadn't expected to get. ]
I don't see a particularly notable benefit to that closer relationship.
[Kleken benefits from Luke's polite measure, at least. He could have easily left it at "no." "Hell no," even.
The sensation of hunger is sudden and concerning, but not completely unexpected. He's taken only one or two drinks, so he expects the feeling to settle soon enough.]
Yes. I've painted a few portraits and other memorial images. You may have seen a few around the markets on Umbraton.
[throb. his core aches abruptly, and he subsequently ignores it.]
[ That much is factually true, as someone with such a high standing in the Istvan Gang. The corresponding negative to having a close relationship with Kleken is literally everything about the man himself that makes him a pain to deal with in any capacity if your name wasn't Istvan. ]
[ Speaking of horrible decisions, Kleken swirls his own glass and takes a slow sip- he'd drugged his own drink as well, though with one not nearly as fast-acting nor powerful as the one he'd given Luke. Why? Because why not. ]
I'll have to keep a closer eye out then. It'd be rather nice, to own a portion of your work in my room.
[similarly factually true, as someone with a high standing with the Istvan Gang. Of course... that same connection has also sort of gotten him into this mess...
Taking another sip of his own drink, he considers the merits of downing the rest so that he can flee. It's not like him, normally, but—despite the way he's ignoring the growing ache and nursing that slowly, it's almost dizzying.]
I hadn't taken you for a—collector.
[Ah. That's absolutely him losing track of his thoughts, pupils dilating as stirred desire wraps around specific words Kleken speaks (alarming, in his lucidity—Luke can't imagine a time he would condone someone being "owned," so why did the thought appear, and so strongly at that?). He... needs to get out of here. As such, he does tip the barely full glass up to finish it.]
[ Ominous words that add one more red flag to Kleken's hefty pile of them. That Kleken's eyes are following Luke's every movement could also be worrying, when the man tends to favor coy glances away during a conversation. ]
Oh, I'm not. But perhaps I could start.
[ The only thing Kleken collects is wine, and that isn't a well-known secret. There have been those in the past who have tried to bribe their way into the conman's good graces with a fine bottle of wine, only to fall into ruin and their bottle ending up in Kleken's possession anyway. Was that collecting wine at that point, or trophies of ruined families... ]
[ Best not to dwell. Especially when Luke seems to be coming up on... other problems. ]
You're in quite the rush. Do you have somewhere to be? I had hoped to take more of you... ah, that is, your time while you were here.
If I don't qualify for them, then they aren't needed for me.
[His head is swimming a little now, aware of Kleken's gaze but unable to do anything to try and mitigate it. The other makes his thoughtful little suggestion and it does nothing to help Luke's mental state. Drug addles his reason, slowly wrapping him in a cocoon of indulgent desire.]
Unfortunately, as I mentioned... my time is quite limited, yes. You've already taken most of what I have to give.
[setting the glass down, he can feel himself trembling, just a little. Then he bends to rise again, pressing his fingers along the bridge of his nose as if to rattle his mind back into logic.]
[ He stands then, and while he may be at equal height to Luke, he certainly doesn't present quite as broad a figure as he does (though even then they are both still relatively twinks-). That's fine though, his tentacles more than make up for space-taking ability, and they linger close behind Kleken's back as he walks toward Luke. ]
[ Emboldened just a tad after taking in Luke's state, he reaches out to touch his fingertips to the other man's chest. ]
[They may indeed be similarly sized, with Luke just a bit more substantial—but under the circumstances the mercenary is already looking a little smaller than usual. He's alert at the way Kleken moves, peering up at him from his seat with every step forward. Ominous, yes... but there's something so satisfying in the display of confidence.]
You— [His pulse flutters as cool fingertips find his chest, the light pressure sending his mind into wondering at his plans... how much of this did he decide in advance, anyway...?] You would have to make a compelling case, Kleken. What more time could you hope for?
[His hand reaches to brush away the one at his chest, falling to ignore the desperation every point of contact raises in his belly. He's already lost his footing, but he's trying desperately to hide it despite knowing he likely can't.]
[ If Luke knew how much planning and coordination Kleken had done to get this 'chance meeting' in place... ]
[ Well. Let's just say it's better if Luke didn't know. ]
[ When he isn't immediately mauled by whatever counter-defensive measures Luke could have chosen to employ, he remains emboldened. Enough to turn his hand to catch Luke's shift in his fingers and tug him closer, bringing them further eye to eye as his tone drops to a dangerously seductive hum. ]
A second time.
[ His words are incredibly vague, but he's sure Luke knows exactly what he's referring to. ]
[It's far less of a warning than he wants it to sound. Pulled forward, with the odd scent of the other man tickling his nose as they come face to face, he struggles to keep from shivering at the way breath intermingles. The way that seductive tone holds his attention.
He's not even held in place yet, but he's forgotten to retaliate as arousal courses through him and every word sinks in. to satisfy that need...]
... don't be ridiculous, Kleken. [He still hasn't forgotten how they all felt, slithering in past where they belonged, nestling and nuzzling from the inside—] Why would I want to let you violate me again?
[His fingers curl around Kleken's wrist, but they're still trembling a little as the thought settles in his mind. Why, indeed, does he want to let himself be "violated?" Much of it is the aphrodisiac he's now exceedingly sure is coursing through his body, but...]
Oh, I couldn't imagine why anyone would want me to violate them. It would be quite the odd thing to request.
[ Though he doesn't look away from Luke's face, his tentacles pick up on those minute tremors of the other man's body. Catch the way he seems to be leaning more and more into the temptation that Kleken sets before him. He needs only draw the man further into his trap. ]
Pleasure, on the other hand, I believe I could provide. To fill that ache you hold within your body, to be bred within an inch of your sanity.
[ Though he unhooks his fingers from Luke's shirt, he remains leaned in, his breath blowing warm against the other man's skin. ]
That, I believe. I could do for you if you wanted it.
[hearing the words stirs every part of him Luke is desperately trying to calm and ignore. His mask does no good at hiding the flicker of interest in his gaze, drug-addled mind fluttering back to the memory. To wondering how much sweeter it would feel while his arms aren't tied down to a chair and his body can arch and squirm, when tentacles can nestle freely in every hole—]
I— [He has to force the words, body already too hot and needy to listen to any attempts to make it move.] I don't need that...
[Oh, but he wants it. Enough that he has to press his thighs together, trying to soothe the empty feeling and hide the bulge straining his pants.]
Ugh... [breathy, hot, his head dips dangerously as swimming through the haze of desire becomes impossible.] What—did you drug me with, you bastard? I can't—feel my legs.
[well, he can sort of feel them... it's just that they're hot and sensitive and even his clothing feels like it's squeezing them unbearably tight.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
lieabilities) wrote2024-03-31 01:33 am
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so it's concerning, when he steps into the meeting room with the expectation that he'll be meeting someone else altogether. it's probably not even Istvan, for that matter.]
... Kleken.
[there's doubtlessly no surprise in how he remains wary, adjusting his posture only just enough to give him a moment to... explain himself. sort of. as much as Kleken ever does.]
For someone I'm supposed to be meeting, I don't recall making an appointment to meet you today.
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[ His own tone is a practiced warm and welcoming, as if he really were the scheduled host for this particular meeting. And well, most of that is true, just not the part where Luke had been a willing participant to this change in schedule. But everything else held! ]
Life is full of surprises, isn't it?
I had been curious how you'd been. If the eggs had taken or not.
[ Lies layered with truths layered with subtlety layered with blatancy. He puts it all out on the table for Luke with the same easy smile, as if he'd just inquired about how the weather was outside today. ]
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[but it's the followup that makes him flinch, eyes narrowing behind his mask. it makes it all but impossible to see how his cheeks darken, blending colour into its shadows. he needs to keep calm here.]
... there have never been eggs to think about, so I'm not sure what you're talking about. [yes he is. he hasn't forgotten it, how... freeing it felt, how he'd melted as soon as he'd been so full.] Naturally, I have been well. And as this is not my intended meeting, I shall be on my way.
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Oh, that's a shame about the eggs. I do believe I've worked out how to make the next batch stick though.
[ Never have more ominous words been spoken. ]
And your schedule has been cleared for the next three hours, I believe you'll find.
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That won't be necessary.
[his schedule, huh... Kleken at least thinks he's thought this through, he'll give him that. of course, just because he has a "clear schedule" doesn't mean he needs to stay here.]
Nevertheless, I'll be on my way. Thank you for your consideration on this matter.
[he just... has to slip past Kleken where he is between him and the door. definitely not a calculated maneuver on the aurorian's part. truly.]
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Hmm, do you have somewhere else to be? A shame, I was hoping you'd join me for a drink. Then you'll be free to be on your way.
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[nothing nefarious, sure. He glances to the wine glass as Kleken mentions it, lips pressing together. If it was most anyone else, he would be less worried...]
I rarely imbibe, you realise. It tends to be a poor choice for me.
[is that true? Maybe, but he's mostly dancing around admitting his suspicion. Delicate steps take him toward the exit—and, more unfortunately, toward those tentacles. Surely he can find a way to step around them, right? Surely. ]
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[ A new glass is offered with much less wine in it, as if it'd been prepared ahead of time for this exact protest. What a coincidence! ]
[ It's a similar sort of coincidence that those tentacles are bringing out a possibly familiar rope from the depths of Kleken's coat, waggling it before quickly tucking it away again before it can be snatched away. Normal behavior. ]
I must insist.
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... must you. [He's not sure if he's more annoyed by Kleken teasing that rope into view or the demand of a drink. Getting out of here... the more Kleken talks, the less likely it seems.] fine. I'll have a small amount.
[are the chances of drugging too high to be comfortable? Yes, completely. But maybe he can avoid Actually swallowing any to minimise possible dangers.]
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[ Thus with all the innocence of a guilty man who has no idea what threat Luke may be referencing, he smiles. ]
Must I what?
[ The glass is immediately offered at the agreement though, and yes, it most certainly is drugged because why would Kleken ever play fair? A potent aphrodisiac that's stronger when inhaled over when consumed- a rather expensive investment but his curiosity thought it well worth the price. Especially when he's equally curious about how a certain mercenary would react to it. ]
Do let me know if you'd like more.
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I won't need any more.
[this said with emphasis, he taps his clawed fingers against the glass, considering his next move. The scent of the drink is almost cloyingly sweet to his nose, coating his senses almost immediately. That's... not good, he's sure. Shaking off the feeling, he sighs, unaware of the fact that he's affecting himself worse for it just yet.]
What did you expect to talk about, when you arranged this inconvenience?
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[ To say such a thing while shamelessly inviting the man to share a drink with him is... Well. It's certainly Kleken-coded to do. ]
[ His eyes follow Luke's expression, what of it he can see through that mask of his, and his tentacles remain firmly in place until Luke takes a drink. Mainly so the man wouldn't suspect that the delivery of the drug was via a different method. ]
We could start with what sort of hobbies you do have.
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[It's definitely very like him. In the end, Luke takes a mild sip of the drink; he's no lightweight, so he isn't worried for that much.
The question earns a raised brow, basically invisible behind his mask.]
... I care for bugs, and I also paint. Much of my time is far too busy for hobbies, though.
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[ They both already know the answer to that particular question. Even before their little run in, it was probably a resounding no. Still, shamelessness in the face of all was his specialty. ]
[ And he did manage to pull an interesting little tidbit out of the man that he hadn't expected to get. ]
You paint?
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[Kleken benefits from Luke's polite measure, at least. He could have easily left it at "no." "Hell no," even.
The sensation of hunger is sudden and concerning, but not completely unexpected. He's taken only one or two drinks, so he expects the feeling to settle soon enough.]
Yes. I've painted a few portraits and other memorial images. You may have seen a few around the markets on Umbraton.
[throb. his core aches abruptly, and he subsequently ignores it.]
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[ That much is factually true, as someone with such a high standing in the Istvan Gang. The corresponding negative to having a close relationship with Kleken is literally everything about the man himself that makes him a pain to deal with in any capacity if your name wasn't Istvan. ]
[ Speaking of horrible decisions, Kleken swirls his own glass and takes a slow sip- he'd drugged his own drink as well, though with one not nearly as fast-acting nor powerful as the one he'd given Luke. Why? Because why not. ]
I'll have to keep a closer eye out then. It'd be rather nice, to own a portion of your work in my room.
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[similarly factually true, as someone with a high standing with the Istvan Gang. Of course... that same connection has also sort of gotten him into this mess...
Taking another sip of his own drink, he considers the merits of downing the rest so that he can flee. It's not like him, normally, but—despite the way he's ignoring the growing ache and nursing that slowly, it's almost dizzying.]
I hadn't taken you for a—collector.
[Ah. That's absolutely him losing track of his thoughts, pupils dilating as stirred desire wraps around specific words Kleken speaks (alarming, in his lucidity—Luke can't imagine a time he would condone someone being "owned," so why did the thought appear, and so strongly at that?). He... needs to get out of here. As such, he does tip the barely full glass up to finish it.]
... but I really should be going.
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[ Ominous words that add one more red flag to Kleken's hefty pile of them. That Kleken's eyes are following Luke's every movement could also be worrying, when the man tends to favor coy glances away during a conversation. ]
Oh, I'm not. But perhaps I could start.
[ The only thing Kleken collects is wine, and that isn't a well-known secret. There have been those in the past who have tried to bribe their way into the conman's good graces with a fine bottle of wine, only to fall into ruin and their bottle ending up in Kleken's possession anyway. Was that collecting wine at that point, or trophies of ruined families... ]
[ Best not to dwell. Especially when Luke seems to be coming up on... other problems. ]
You're in quite the rush. Do you have somewhere to be? I had hoped to take more of you... ah, that is, your time while you were here.
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[His head is swimming a little now, aware of Kleken's gaze but unable to do anything to try and mitigate it. The other makes his thoughtful little suggestion and it does nothing to help Luke's mental state. Drug addles his reason, slowly wrapping him in a cocoon of indulgent desire.]
Unfortunately, as I mentioned... my time is quite limited, yes. You've already taken most of what I have to give.
[setting the glass down, he can feel himself trembling, just a little. Then he bends to rise again, pressing his fingers along the bridge of his nose as if to rattle his mind back into logic.]
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[ He stands then, and while he may be at equal height to Luke, he certainly doesn't present quite as broad a figure as he does (though even then they are both still relatively twinks-). That's fine though, his tentacles more than make up for space-taking ability, and they linger close behind Kleken's back as he walks toward Luke. ]
[ Emboldened just a tad after taking in Luke's state, he reaches out to touch his fingertips to the other man's chest. ]
I had hoped for just a little more of it.
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You— [His pulse flutters as cool fingertips find his chest, the light pressure sending his mind into wondering at his plans... how much of this did he decide in advance, anyway...?] You would have to make a compelling case, Kleken. What more time could you hope for?
[His hand reaches to brush away the one at his chest, falling to ignore the desperation every point of contact raises in his belly. He's already lost his footing, but he's trying desperately to hide it despite knowing he likely can't.]
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[ Well. Let's just say it's better if Luke didn't know. ]
[ When he isn't immediately mauled by whatever counter-defensive measures Luke could have chosen to employ, he remains emboldened. Enough to turn his hand to catch Luke's shift in his fingers and tug him closer, bringing them further eye to eye as his tone drops to a dangerously seductive hum. ]
A second time.
[ His words are incredibly vague, but he's sure Luke knows exactly what he's referring to. ]
To satisfy that need you and I had. Properly.
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[It's far less of a warning than he wants it to sound. Pulled forward, with the odd scent of the other man tickling his nose as they come face to face, he struggles to keep from shivering at the way breath intermingles. The way that seductive tone holds his attention.
He's not even held in place yet, but he's forgotten to retaliate as arousal courses through him and every word sinks in. to satisfy that need...]
... don't be ridiculous, Kleken. [He still hasn't forgotten how they all felt, slithering in past where they belonged, nestling and nuzzling from the inside—] Why would I want to let you violate me again?
[His fingers curl around Kleken's wrist, but they're still trembling a little as the thought settles in his mind. Why, indeed, does he want to let himself be "violated?" Much of it is the aphrodisiac he's now exceedingly sure is coursing through his body, but...]
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[ Though he doesn't look away from Luke's face, his tentacles pick up on those minute tremors of the other man's body. Catch the way he seems to be leaning more and more into the temptation that Kleken sets before him. He needs only draw the man further into his trap. ]
Pleasure, on the other hand, I believe I could provide. To fill that ache you hold within your body, to be bred within an inch of your sanity.
[ Though he unhooks his fingers from Luke's shirt, he remains leaned in, his breath blowing warm against the other man's skin. ]
That, I believe. I could do for you if you wanted it.
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I— [He has to force the words, body already too hot and needy to listen to any attempts to make it move.] I don't need that...
[Oh, but he wants it. Enough that he has to press his thighs together, trying to soothe the empty feeling and hide the bulge straining his pants.]
Ugh... [breathy, hot, his head dips dangerously as swimming through the haze of desire becomes impossible.] What—did you drug me with, you bastard? I can't—feel my legs.
[well, he can sort of feel them... it's just that they're hot and sensitive and even his clothing feels like it's squeezing them unbearably tight.]
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