[The danger that Matt faces is not the same as the danger that John faces. For now he believes it to be more of questionable people, racketeers. Folks that use the power of belief to manipulate and run businesses in darkness. John's connection to magic has been seen as just...a belief. And who is he to say that it's outright wrong when they have been respectable to the other's ideology.
They are put at odds there, push comes to shove. Matt wonders if they will burn and fizzle out the way that attraction does when it burns hot. His heart beats fast and his demeanor lightens at the possibility of the Londoner around.]
You can be more specific.
[As if there is any doubt as to what is in store. Desperate, messy kisses before alcohol is even involved. Eventually tasting whatever is on tap from one another's skins.]
That's--way, way too generous of you to say. I'm a lot of things. Not quite a saint.
[And not like any devil he has dealt with before.]
[ John is keen to let him believe what he will. Sighted or not the kind of world he deals with on the daily is not for most. He doesn't want to find out the category Matt falls into. He doesn't want to put him in the line of fire.
Distance makes him wonder what will come of them. He hopes that the moments they find in between miles will be enough. He likes being around the other man. Scrappy boy with scars that don't make sense for his day job. ]
What I've got in mind to start is going to murder my knees. Good thing the trousers will be out of the way.
[ Which of course comes after the punch drunk kisses between them. He can almost feel the charge in the air already. ]
More a saint than me at any rate.
[ Not in the least. The good kind. ]
They say it's a virtue. That's on the way to sainthood, right?
[ He's talked Chas into going along with this idea. Only because he'll give over gas money and pay for the hotel on top of it. Good thing his numbers the last few days have panned out. ]
[Still, if he's going to be in danger... may it be danger he's willing to pay the price for. Unfortunately Matt has no idea. Just a sudden and fast attraction. Distance means that they can have their own lives. And what would it look like for a lawyer to be dabbling with a man who is an expert the occult?
These miles between them lets Matt remember that nothing lasts. Not with Elektra. Not with Karen. Take it all for what it is when it is. And he knows that being evasive in his own way is going to have drawbacks at some point. More questions, no answers. Not returning calls and missing time.]
You have a beautiful, smart mouth, John.
[And his gut clenches at the thought. Cigarettes are never a pleasant smell. He still wants those ash laced kisses.]
Anything I should know? Is this going to be a long visit?
[Virtues and graces. Yes, all the things he knows. Benedictions to rattle off to clear his head, that would be the better response. Now he only wants the time to fly by so that the state lines are crossed.]
[ That's the last thing John wants or needs on his soul or conscience. So many others have insisted they know about what he does and deals with. Everyone pays for it. What was it that bastard demon said? Supplying a steady amount of souls for them. It's a big part of why he kept the ruse of being out of the country.
And it would hurt Matt's reputation to be seen with the likes of him in proper public circles.
Nothing lasts. Nothing except consequences. He'll take radio silence at the end of this rather than another mark on his soul. ]
And I fully intend to put it to the best possible use for you.
[ John's keen for it on most days. Throw one Matthew Murdock in the mix and here he is crossing state lines for whatever time the two of them can scrounge up. ]
I've got nothing pressing for now. Few days at least.
[ Maybe more. He's packing up a small bag as they speak. ]
[States away or an ocean away, it's still not close enough to touch. Physical contact as well as the experience of being in John's presence it's what he wants the most. The fond memories of sex also help.]
...did you know I was thinking about you earlier?
[Before he remembered that there was a text message waiting for a response. In those moments between sleeping and waking and half remembered moments.]
[ John won't deny there's a part of him that yearns for the simple life. He tried it once. Didn't take in the worst possible way. The fact that they can steal these moments means a lot but it puts John's hair on edge. Always hypervigilant to what could be lurking about and following his trail.
Even those fond memories aren't enough to lessen his nerves all the time. ]
I was wondering why my ears were burning. Don't keep us in suspense about it.
[ Those moments are the best moments when it comes to good dreams. Seems like an eternity before the world comes crashing back through. ]
[There's no such thing as normal. How could there be? Matt's desk hours and street hours don't add up. And thus far any other person he's tried to fit in the spaces between have been pushed out. John is strong, ornery to boot. That doesn't mean he'd be immune. They haven't even been seeing each other steadily enough to say one way or the other what this attachment is. Yes, there's sex. There's also wonderfully long conversations about music and cities. They indulge in one another's rambling. Does that make a relationship?
It makes something.]
Just about last time. Not just the hallway bit. That was--you're always incredible, John.
[And Matt cuddles to him whether he likes it or not post coitus.]
I have incredible levels of tolerance. You'd be surprised.
[ No but it doesn't stop blokes like them from wondering about the almosts and could have beens. John is made of sturdier stuff than most, if he left it likely wouldn't be because of Matt but instead what he himself brought along with him. He believed someone once when they told him they could handle it all. But what they have when they don't fall into silent wondering is good. They can have a good romp, chat about all kinds of things. Matt likes to hear about the places he's been and he's happy to describe it in detail, even going so far as to trace shapes on his skin with the pads of his fingers.
Whatever it is that they do have it's strong. Strong enough, John hopes. ]
Likewise, Matt. Still remember the bruises from the tumble over the coffee table.
[ It was pure accident and John was less familiar with the flat. They were too caught up in each other to really give a damn. At least it didn't break. And the cuddles? John won't argue that he's got a soft spot for it. Small moments in the morning before they have to go back to reality. ]
Careful, squire. That sounds like a challenge. Dunno what you'd do with old Johnny boy for an extended amount of time. Probably get tired of me, I reckon.
You get anymore bruises and I'll be sure to kiss on em so they'll hurt less.
[Sap. Utter sap. That's just how it goes though. Enough time spent together and he's spending nights thinking back on conversations and moments. They detract from past hurts. No one's got on through to him the way John has in a long, long time.]
I'd find a thing or two to do with you. I got an attention span. And don't undermine your natural ability to be engaging.
Or you could just distract me from the bruises with kisses in general.
[ John lives for it though. When did he end up falling over himself because of Matt Murdock exactly? Chas isn't going to let him live this down the whole drive up. Maybe he can pay him extra to not talk. ]
Only a thing or two? Let's see if we can get a list going longer than that when I get there.
Of course, all you have to do is ask. I'm...very giving too.
[Touching and being touched. Matt's first encounter with John was mundane, the way you run into a person in the city. That strange energy like electricity at touch, husky laugh and musical accent.]
I have enough ideas to start. You're inspiring. You know that. One thing leads to another.
Don't I know it. I think it's my turn to do the spoiling for you though, yeah?
[ Something good has to come of that old wreck of a pub called Josie's, doesn't it? Matt had saved John from a world of hurt when he and Chas were going to get some water to help the sobering process and been steered clear. They had exhausted all their leads for the time and tomorrow was a fresh start. His friend headed back to the hotel and John stayed to get acquainted with the locals. ]
Flattery and good looks, how did I get so lucky? I can't wait until I can get you in bed, the two of us just skin on skin.
Find a hundred different ways to drive you out of your mind.
I must not be remembering right if you think that meant that you're indebted. Or...it's just that fun with you.
[Not just the sex though that is in the foreground of conversation. That night at Josie's they sat at the bar and talked. Not just about how the establishment's water supply was hazardous, but the healing properties of drink. The way it's an international institution. A refuge for all kinds.
And then the flirting started. Careful--you have to be these days. And quickly getting a blind nudge or touch here and there.]
We've got hours to wait it out. And as impatient as I am, if it means being with you I can stick it out.
[As a bonus didn't John appreciate the sheets? That's not a standard thing.]
I know I'm not in debt to you. Consider it a challenge. Me finding all the many ways I can drive you barmy.
[ That night comes with a lot of fond memories. Usually John is only in it for a quick shag and a smoke after. Somehow he got caught up in the man's personality and charm and now here they are.
He was done for before he closed out his tab. ]
Well if you were having trouble sticking it out I could always call and talk you through it.
[ Yes, he's about to be in a cab. Nothing a quick shielding spell won't fix. Give them a bit of privacy and all. As for the sheets, he didn't peg Matt for silk sheets but he certainly wasn't complaining with the positions the two of them bounced between as the night wore on and into the wee hours of the morning. ]
If we're going to be this busy you might have to call in to work.
I have noticed that the very whiff of challenge is around you are game.
[Then again, while Matt touts himself as a bumbler and not all together capable of being a competitive person he truly is. And there was a small hint of that in the first night. How long could he keep the conversation going? How suggestive was too suggestive to his tastes? And John played along, tit for tat. It must have been such a time if he's still game.]
I would...greatly appreciate a call. I think you would too.
[ John was fooled at first but chuffed when he realized he was actually playing a con. It was one he didn't mind playing into himself. Not with someone as easy on the eyes as Matthew Murdock. ]
Give us a few, chief. You'll be hearing from me.
[ And sure enough, once he's got Chas to go along with his hair-brained idea and start getting the cab ready: John calls. He's got his little bag packed and a change or two of clothes, his usual fare. ]
[That swagger was attractive. Paired with the accent and the strange otherness that he could just not figure out in one sitting. Matt was transfixed. It wasn't an accent, a perfume and the forbidden. He had been ensnared before. This clearly was chance.
And what a find.]
I'll wait.
[He's already waiting right now. The call comes when it does.]
Or like an egomaniac but I've been called loads worse.
[ John knows he has a presence when he enters a room. It's the way he is if he isn't trying to keep a low profile. It's what made Mucous Membrane so popular when he was doing gigs with the crew still. The thing between the two of them?
Regular kismet, that. ]
Hello. Texting only does so much. Always good to hear your voice, love.
Egomaniac is a little much. And it really doesn't roll off the tongue.
[Not when John is the subject at least. And it is clear that he is not a personality for everyone. Matt isn't either. That is with his daily personal and nightly. The mix, the true Matt Murdock is typically headache inducing. Mr. Constantine is a smart man, he already has felt this kinship. It runs deeper.
Though it is so, so much easier to call it something light. An infatuation, a fling.]
[ John Constantine is an acquired taste. His line of work doesn't exactly lend to getting chummy with folk. Live fast, die tomorrow, face God and walk backwards into hell doesn't suit most people's lifestyles. He had mates, a good crew, once. They were all idiots, John included. Not many of them left now. He'd be the last person to go judging Matt about anything, much less his nightly activities and strained personal life. Pot, kettle, etc.
So yeah, easy to call it something light and not disruptive to their lives. ]
Were you now?
[ An answering sound of amusement. ]
Yeah, shortly. Chas has got to sort a few things but we should be on our way within the hour.
[Bitter, heady and sweet with so much more going on if we were to describe a flavor of personality. Matt still has a lot to know. And John's as secretive as he is. The bruises and scars on his body have their questions. Bullshit answers for now. Spending so much of his life alone he has not let himself be close to people. Elektra is gone like the wind. Karen is justifiably frustrated with Matt. And Foggy? Foggy's the only one that is bullet proof.]
I like to listen to you talk, is that also a predictable line?
[ John has gotten used to the way the air feels when Matt's in the room. It's not the same kind of charge that magic has but it's damn near close. No matter how he tries to cover it up there's the scent of the night city that lingers on him like his own signature trenchcoat. There's a vulnerability under all that too. A driving force that John doesn't know exactly where it comes from as he hasn't been let in on that particular secret. Theirs is a lonely life.
Finding each other on what they each thought was a deserted island is a novel kind of thing. ]
I could lie and tell you I've never heard that one but it's not a line I'm tired of.
[How wonderfully appropriate that there is so much at the tip of their tongues and the edge of their breath. Not everything would be revealed at once. Matt literally wears a mask. John is hiding in plain sight. The air still crackles and his touch tingles, he still has the heartbeat of a man.]
Since we're in the theme of cliche, predictable things... I can't wait to be with you.
[Font and the context, flirty though Matt has his voice low, suggestive.]
[ One day they might not hold back. The idea makes him nervous. It makes him think of Des. He can never make that right and it terrifies him that he might end up leading another person right up into that.
Yet here he is. Dabbling as usual. ]
Not the worst sort of predictable by any means. Makes two of us. If you're that eager, suppose the gentlemanlike thing to do would be talking you through it.
Not quite the literal tongue in your ear, but I reckon it'd do just fine.
[One day. And let's hope it is out of their own free will not necessity. That never makes for a very happy reveal. Case in point Foggy. That was some time ago. It still smarts every now and then.
For now Matt shuts the door to his office, leaning against it with the phone cradled to his ear.]
Oh I'm the only eager one am I?
[Guilty and yet--?]
You're plenty capable of doing whatever you put your mind to. Save for being here and actually putting your tongue in my...[ahem!] ear.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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They are put at odds there, push comes to shove. Matt wonders if they will burn and fizzle out the way that attraction does when it burns hot. His heart beats fast and his demeanor lightens at the possibility of the Londoner around.]
You can be more specific.
[As if there is any doubt as to what is in store. Desperate, messy kisses before alcohol is even involved. Eventually tasting whatever is on tap from one another's skins.]
That's--way, way too generous of you to say. I'm a lot of things. Not quite a saint.
[And not like any devil he has dealt with before.]
I have to play the patience game.
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Distance makes him wonder what will come of them. He hopes that the moments they find in between miles will be enough. He likes being around the other man. Scrappy boy with scars that don't make sense for his day job. ]
What I've got in mind to start is going to murder my knees. Good thing the trousers will be out of the way.
[ Which of course comes after the punch drunk kisses between them. He can almost feel the charge in the air already. ]
More a saint than me at any rate.
[ Not in the least. The good kind. ]
They say it's a virtue. That's on the way to sainthood, right?
[ He's talked Chas into going along with this idea. Only because he'll give over gas money and pay for the hotel on top of it. Good thing his numbers the last few days have panned out. ]
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These miles between them lets Matt remember that nothing lasts. Not with Elektra. Not with Karen. Take it all for what it is when it is. And he knows that being evasive in his own way is going to have drawbacks at some point. More questions, no answers. Not returning calls and missing time.]
You have a beautiful, smart mouth, John.
[And his gut clenches at the thought. Cigarettes are never a pleasant smell. He still wants those ash laced kisses.]
Anything I should know? Is this going to be a long visit?
[Virtues and graces. Yes, all the things he knows. Benedictions to rattle off to clear his head, that would be the better response. Now he only wants the time to fly by so that the state lines are crossed.]
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And it would hurt Matt's reputation to be seen with the likes of him in proper public circles.
Nothing lasts. Nothing except consequences. He'll take radio silence at the end of this rather than another mark on his soul. ]
And I fully intend to put it to the best possible use for you.
[ John's keen for it on most days. Throw one Matthew Murdock in the mix and here he is crossing state lines for whatever time the two of them can scrounge up. ]
I've got nothing pressing for now. Few days at least.
[ Maybe more. He's packing up a small bag as they speak. ]
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...did you know I was thinking about you earlier?
[Before he remembered that there was a text message waiting for a response. In those moments between sleeping and waking and half remembered moments.]
All the more for me.
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Even those fond memories aren't enough to lessen his nerves all the time. ]
I was wondering why my ears were burning. Don't keep us in suspense about it.
[ Those moments are the best moments when it comes to good dreams. Seems like an eternity before the world comes crashing back through. ]
As much as you can put up with at any rate.
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It makes something.]
Just about last time. Not just the hallway bit. That was--you're always incredible, John.
[And Matt cuddles to him whether he likes it or not post coitus.]
I have incredible levels of tolerance. You'd be surprised.
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Whatever it is that they do have it's strong. Strong enough, John hopes. ]
Likewise, Matt. Still remember the bruises from the tumble over the coffee table.
[ It was pure accident and John was less familiar with the flat. They were too caught up in each other to really give a damn. At least it didn't break. And the cuddles? John won't argue that he's got a soft spot for it. Small moments in the morning before they have to go back to reality. ]
Careful, squire. That sounds like a challenge. Dunno what you'd do with old Johnny boy for an extended amount of time. Probably get tired of me, I reckon.
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[Sap. Utter sap. That's just how it goes though. Enough time spent together and he's spending nights thinking back on conversations and moments. They detract from past hurts. No one's got on through to him the way John has in a long, long time.]
I'd find a thing or two to do with you. I got an attention span. And don't undermine your natural ability to be engaging.
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[ John lives for it though. When did he end up falling over himself because of Matt Murdock exactly? Chas isn't going to let him live this down the whole drive up. Maybe he can pay him extra to not talk. ]
Only a thing or two? Let's see if we can get a list going longer than that when I get there.
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[Touching and being touched. Matt's first encounter with John was mundane, the way you run into a person in the city. That strange energy like electricity at touch, husky laugh and musical accent.]
I have enough ideas to start. You're inspiring. You know that. One thing leads to another.
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[ Something good has to come of that old wreck of a pub called Josie's, doesn't it? Matt had saved John from a world of hurt when he and Chas were going to get some water to help the sobering process and been steered clear. They had exhausted all their leads for the time and tomorrow was a fresh start. His friend headed back to the hotel and John stayed to get acquainted with the locals. ]
Flattery and good looks, how did I get so lucky? I can't wait until I can get you in bed, the two of us just skin on skin.
Find a hundred different ways to drive you out of your mind.
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[Not just the sex though that is in the foreground of conversation. That night at Josie's they sat at the bar and talked. Not just about how the establishment's water supply was hazardous, but the healing properties of drink. The way it's an international institution. A refuge for all kinds.
And then the flirting started. Careful--you have to be these days. And quickly getting a blind nudge or touch here and there.]
We've got hours to wait it out. And as impatient as I am, if it means being with you I can stick it out.
[As a bonus didn't John appreciate the sheets? That's not a standard thing.]
We'll number them all and then some.
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[ That night comes with a lot of fond memories. Usually John is only in it for a quick shag and a smoke after. Somehow he got caught up in the man's personality and charm and now here they are.
He was done for before he closed out his tab. ]
Well if you were having trouble sticking it out I could always call and talk you through it.
[ Yes, he's about to be in a cab. Nothing a quick shielding spell won't fix. Give them a bit of privacy and all. As for the sheets, he didn't peg Matt for silk sheets but he certainly wasn't complaining with the positions the two of them bounced between as the night wore on and into the wee hours of the morning. ]
If we're going to be this busy you might have to call in to work.
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[Then again, while Matt touts himself as a bumbler and not all together capable of being a competitive person he truly is. And there was a small hint of that in the first night. How long could he keep the conversation going? How suggestive was too suggestive to his tastes? And John played along, tit for tat. It must have been such a time if he's still game.]
I would...greatly appreciate a call. I think you would too.
[Thinking on good authority!]
I'm entitled to my free time when I want it....
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[ John was fooled at first but chuffed when he realized he was actually playing a con. It was one he didn't mind playing into himself. Not with someone as easy on the eyes as Matthew Murdock. ]
Give us a few, chief. You'll be hearing from me.
[ And sure enough, once he's got Chas to go along with his hair-brained idea and start getting the cab ready: John calls. He's got his little bag packed and a change or two of clothes, his usual fare. ]
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[That swagger was attractive. Paired with the accent and the strange otherness that he could just not figure out in one sitting. Matt was transfixed. It wasn't an accent, a perfume and the forbidden. He had been ensnared before. This clearly was chance.
And what a find.]
I'll wait.
[He's already waiting right now. The call comes when it does.]
There you are. Hello.
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[ John knows he has a presence when he enters a room. It's the way he is if he isn't trying to keep a low profile. It's what made Mucous Membrane so popular when he was doing gigs with the crew still. The thing between the two of them?
Regular kismet, that. ]
Hello. Texting only does so much. Always good to hear your voice, love.
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[Not when John is the subject at least. And it is clear that he is not a personality for everyone. Matt isn't either. That is with his daily personal and nightly. The mix, the true Matt Murdock is typically headache inducing. Mr. Constantine is a smart man, he already has felt this kinship. It runs deeper.
Though it is so, so much easier to call it something light. An infatuation, a fling.]
I was going to say the same thing.
[With a low laugh.]
On your way to New York then?
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[ John Constantine is an acquired taste. His line of work doesn't exactly lend to getting chummy with folk. Live fast, die tomorrow, face God and walk backwards into hell doesn't suit most people's lifestyles. He had mates, a good crew, once. They were all idiots, John included. Not many of them left now. He'd be the last person to go judging Matt about anything, much less his nightly activities and strained personal life. Pot, kettle, etc.
So yeah, easy to call it something light and not disruptive to their lives. ]
Were you now?
[ An answering sound of amusement. ]
Yeah, shortly. Chas has got to sort a few things but we should be on our way within the hour.
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[Bitter, heady and sweet with so much more going on if we were to describe a flavor of personality. Matt still has a lot to know. And John's as secretive as he is. The bruises and scars on his body have their questions. Bullshit answers for now. Spending so much of his life alone he has not let himself be close to people. Elektra is gone like the wind. Karen is justifiably frustrated with Matt. And Foggy? Foggy's the only one that is bullet proof.]
I like to listen to you talk, is that also a predictable line?
[Soon then. So keep your shirt on Murdock.]
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[ John has gotten used to the way the air feels when Matt's in the room. It's not the same kind of charge that magic has but it's damn near close. No matter how he tries to cover it up there's the scent of the night city that lingers on him like his own signature trenchcoat. There's a vulnerability under all that too. A driving force that John doesn't know exactly where it comes from as he hasn't been let in on that particular secret. Theirs is a lonely life.
Finding each other on what they each thought was a deserted island is a novel kind of thing. ]
I could lie and tell you I've never heard that one but it's not a line I'm tired of.
[ Or take it off. Who's to know? ]
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Since we're in the theme of cliche, predictable things... I can't wait to be with you.
[Font and the context, flirty though Matt has his voice low, suggestive.]
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Yet here he is. Dabbling as usual. ]
Not the worst sort of predictable by any means. Makes two of us. If you're that eager, suppose the gentlemanlike thing to do would be talking you through it.
Not quite the literal tongue in your ear, but I reckon it'd do just fine.
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For now Matt shuts the door to his office, leaning against it with the phone cradled to his ear.]
Oh I'm the only eager one am I?
[Guilty and yet--?]
You're plenty capable of doing whatever you put your mind to. Save for being here and actually putting your tongue in my...[ahem!] ear.
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