- IC CONTACT POST FOR MASKORMENACE -

[slightlyoffchilt]

"Hello.

You've reached the direct line of Doctor Frederick Chilton. As I am not available at the moment, you might assume I'm quite busy with something pressing. State your name and business, and I will return your call."

Comments

[abduxel]

[He shifts his hand to grip Chilton rather roughly by the chin, pushing his head back a little just to show his control. Plainly,]

I'm crossing your boundaries, doctor. I'm making you uncomfortable.

[That smile blossoms, wolfish and evil, only long enough to say:]

I think it's working.

[And then his expression is suddenly cold again and he steps forward, forcing Chilton back.]

[slightlyoffchilt]

[That's when it clicked. The longer Chilton could endure Abduxel's aggression, the more he would appear to trust the demon -- or, at least, to be capable of trust. And given his predicament with Raina, given his complications with a deal he might have insinuated he had already signed, the psychiatrist needed to at least seem capable in such a manner. He needed to stagger to his limits.

Chilton was no match in strength, a fact that they both already understood; he fell back as Abduxel handled him, his flesh caving to Abduxel's forceful whims.]

I think you're worth a little bit of discomfort, Abduxel.

[He managed to hiss out.]

[abduxel]

[His hand now floats down to slide around Chilton's throat in a full-palmed grip, not pressing yet in the slightest, except that the tips of his thumb and forefinger push up at the hinge of Chilton's jaw, forcing him to expose his neck more still. His eyes are lidded as he watches his own action, gaze then flicking back up to make eye contact. He comes in close, nearly whispering.]

I'm not here to hurt you. But I will if you don't tell me to stop. It's no skin off my back.

[slightlyoffchilt]

I trust you.

[He lied, keeping what eye contact he could at that facial angle. His hands twitched at his side, searing at the need to defend himself -- but the psychiatrist controlled the impulse. His pulse throbbed. His heart rate sped.]

You're important to me, to our -- ack, our operation.

[abduxel]

[Abduxel laughs faintly, and squeezes. Just a little.]

I don't think you understand the exercise, Dr. Chilton. Are you uncomfortable?

[slightlyoffchilt]

This -- is not the most uncomfortable I've been.

[It's fine, he wants to follow up with, but considers how that might just provoke the demon.]

We're doing well, aren't we?

[abduxel]

[His fingertips press in roughly. With a bit more vigor:]

That's not what I asked you. If you're uncomfortable, tell me to stop.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Nngh -- I'm not. Uncomfortable. Abduxel.

[He said through clenched teeth.]

But I am getting irritated.

[abduxel]

[He pushes him to a wall, hard, and snaps:]

Tell me to stop. You're the boss here. So tell me and I will obey.

[slightlyoffchilt]

[A groan followed, along with an arched back, and Chilton -- despite the circumstance -- broke into a sharpened grin.]

Do you think that manufacturing boundaries demonstrates restraint? Self control? I want to see you obey me when it hurts.

That is trust.

[abduxel]

[His expression falters a little. That's... that's an awfully good point.

He heaves a frustrated sigh, and hesitates; is this goading to go farther, to hurt him and be called off? Or is this a warning that his little exercise is just plain futile? It might be telling that he doesn't escalate the aggression in this moment, unlike the previous pattern of taking everything-but-no as 'yes, continue.']

I already have, Dr. Chilton. It hurts me not to tear you apart for that little trick you played. But here I am, trying to take the high road.

[Oh, is that what this is...??]

[slightlyoffchilt]

So you are looking for a way to vent your vindictive little self, is that right?

[Chilton, smug once more, wiggled his fingers in reference. They both knew Abduxel to be spiteful, but (wondered Chilton) to what length? What priority ranked vengeance on the demon's personal list? It was a thing to consider.]

Does the high road involve releasing me, or not?

[abduxel]

[Irritated, he lets go of Chilton suddenly. Evidently, vengeance didn't rate quite as high as whatever he was trying to accomplish now.]

If you'd followed the exercise, you'd see that isn't the case.

[There's rather suddenly a knife in his hand, but he's turning his back to Dr. Chilton already by that time, intending to stride rather briskly from the room to the nearest mirror. Of course, he knows exactly where it is, and he intends to mark all of them.]

[slightlyoffchilt]

I'm not much of a follower, Abduxel.

[Chilton adjusted his tie, smoothing over the contours of his suit. He watched the demon with a clinical interest now. Abduxel's compliance was noteworthy, and the psychiatrist intended to observe for patterns. He took a notebook from his desk, flipping it open, his eyes locked to the demon.]

[abduxel]

Yes, I'm rapidly getting that impression. You have to be aware I'm trying to give you control, so that you stop feeling the need to preemptively defend against me.

[His voice is tense, annoyed. He glances over his shoulder at Chilton as he pulls the gloves off, tucking them haphazardly into a pocket.] Working with you is truly in my best interest. It never really was, with Walter. That's the difference.

[It's... a little bit true. But not totally. Money and freedom were great, with Walter, and stalking people was his idea of a good time. There was nothing wrong with it, really. He might have preferred not to get fired. But now that he did, this was in his best interests, especially as he thought Chilton had made that deal with Lucifer; but even without it, that would be the case. For now.

He looks away to draw blood along his forearm, and then tucks the dirtied knife into his expensive black suit, before using his forefinger to write the small sigil on the bottom corner of the mirror.

He says some gutteral word, and the blood on the glass is suddenly dried there.]

[slightlyoffchilt]

Giving me control isn't quite the same. [Taking it was more familiar to Chilton, more resonate with his engagement with power structures. He felt that rarely had anything been simply given to him -- he's had to manipulate, to cajole, to negotiate with for his little empire.

An eyebrow raises as Abduxel makes that claim. Working with him, better than with Walter? The difference in monetary compensation had already been made clear. And Abduxel had his expensive tastes, now didn't he? Chilton made a few notes on his pad, frowning all the while.]

How many are you going to do that to?

[The unearthly display was, undoubtedly, unnerving.]

[abduxel]

Isn't quite the same as what? You want to dominate me? [He laughs aloud at that, moving to another mirror to repeat the process.]

I'd like at least one or two marked in every room here. And at your home, as well. But it's your protection. For the record, I can't come through these unless you call me.

[Or if you happen to unintentionally say my name remotely in proximity of them. But whatever.]

[slightlyoffchilt]

Have I not dominion over you already? That's what employment entails -- you and your 401k plan are dependent upon my say-so.

[Chilton set down the notebook, finally walking over to examine Abduxel's handiwork in close proximity.]

Raina won't like the house detail, and you know she won't. We might have to compromise there. Why can't I carry around a compact mirror? Wouldn't that have the same effect?

[abduxel]

[He's just laughing away about Chilton having dominion over him, and doesn't answer directly.

But when he asks about a compact mirror, he barks a Hah!, and looks at him incredulously.]

A compact mirror?

[He looks down at himself illustratively.]

You think I'd fit? [His demeanor, previously irritated, had shifted almost entirely into the realm of amused. A little capricious, maybe, or easily distracted.] Look, we'll hide a floor-length mirror in a closet, or something, then, but you'll have to yell to it if you need me from another room. For what it's worth, I'd advise telling her such that she can make use of it, too.

[slightlyoffchilt]

I'd consider you fairly svelte, Mr. Lin. Let's not be too hard on your frame.

[Delivered rather dryly.]

I mean more for the sake of communication -- these devices we've been given aren't necessarily the more foolproof of options, wouldn't you agree? I wouldn't trust the Network with our breed of secrets.

As for your transport, well. It would be better in my study, if anything.

[abduxel]

Dr. Chilton. [Faux-admonishing, he turns to the doctor.] Have you been checking me out?

Anyway, yes. We can speak through a little mirror. Of course, then I'll really know what your arguments are about, when you drop my name during.

Do you have a compact handy? Or are you going to write my sigil yourself?

[slightlyoffchilt]

I was more concerned with flattering you. You respond well to flattery, don't you?

[A remark made upon sly lips.]

I don't have a compact mirror on hand, no. I'll have to mimic your drawing -- with blood, I suppose. I'm sure that won't raise eyebrows.

[abduxel]

[He raises an eyebrow.] You know, your flattering words are going to start ringing hollow sooner or later, Dr. Chilton. Best take full advantage of it for now, and tell me all the ways that I'm attractive.


[He goes on:] In any case, people will just think you're carrying it around for Raina. Don't let anyone use it for their makeup. [He laughs a little.]

[slightlyoffchilt]

Your mouth is constantly moving. That has an appeal.

[Dry, dry words.]

I assure you, I have no intention of employing something cosmetic. Rest assured that you will be its sole benefactor.

[abduxel]

[He scoffs, an incredulous laugh at that backhanded comment.]

I suppose that depends where it's moving, doesn't it, Frederick?

[He winks.]