- 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]

[The look of rather satisfied indulgence would tell perceptive Chilton all he needed to know: Abduxel very well knew what he was doing, and, more than that, it was a test. It was a demonic quality of his, really, that knack for getting people to agree to corner themselves, and then taking advantage.

But he won't push too far right now. Like Chilton, he's wrapped himself in some social necessities. Get too invasive and Chilton will retract back into his shell in self-defence. Once bitten, twice shy.]

Well, Frederick, then it's no wonder we get along so well.

[But have your reward for good behaviour: Abduxel elaborates on his answer.]

Dorian didn't really challenge me, but he and I understood each other. Indulged each other. I suppose he does that with Tobias, now. But it's not often I feel understood.

[Maybe it would help if he didn't constantly lie and talk in circles. But he isn't self-aware enough to say that.]

[slightlyoffchilt]

And you want to be understood, at least on some level. You want to be admired for your talents, and your sacrifice. [Chilton offered a smile, perhaps somewhat relieved that he needn't delve deeper into his own preferences.] Like you said -- no wonder we get along so well.

And this new one? Elsa. She's more up to your speed, is she? You don't appear to disregard her as a mere plaything, at any rate.

[Which might have been remarkable in of itself, at least according to Chilton's professional opinion.]

You've kept her from us.

[abduxel]

Why, because you relate, or because you admire me?

[Talking about himself is simultaneously satisfying and uncomfortable. His sacrifice. He chooses to avoid and side-step that particular wording choice. God, does he ever hate to think about it too much, and yet how he can't help but dwell on it constantly. He shifts his posture a little as the discussion moves to Elsa and he smiles like a man with a secret - but then, what else is new?

With purposefully over-acted faux-levity,]

Oh, have I? I thought you knew all about her. Well, you're right, she's far from a plaything - well, unless we're still talking about sex. She's hardly new, though; I think I first slept with her before I slept with Dorian...

[He trails off, visibly thinking, because he honestly can't remember if that's true.]

[slightlyoffchilt]

I meant more in relation, but I won't deny that you have admirable qualities.

[As Abduxel waxes on Elsa, Chilton lifts his chin to better examine the demon's face while musing. While the demon's itinerary of sexual partners proved amusing, Chilton couldn't help but dwell on what had already been said: she's far from a plaything. Was Elsa, then, setting the standard for the mutual respect that Abduxel craved?]

Is she loyal to you?

[abduxel]

Loyal?

We're both sleeping with other people, too, if that's what you mean. Or I assume she is; after all, she had her own affairs with Dorian before he settled down.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Not sexually loyal -- I know you value the variant fidelity above anything that might discourage promiscuity. Is she loyal to your health? Your bodily safety?

[A beat follows, before he summons the courage.]

What does she think of Lucifer?

[abduxel]

[He looks at Chilton for a long moment with a very slowly increasing, subtle smile before he shrugs, not even trying to be convincing or subtle in his deflection:] Oh, I don't know. She's a mystery. Women, am I right? Why don't you ask her yourself?

[slightlyoffchilt]

I highly doubt she would appreciate my sudden inquiry, without context or inclusion. Unless -- is this your tactic for securing a threesome?

One must always keep multiple angles in mind when dealing with some people.

[abduxel]

"Some people." [He repeats the statement with a little laugh.] This isn't my tactic for anything. Just a suggestion, if you're so curious whether she has my back.

[slightlyoffchilt]

In all honesty, I'm more interested in your estimation of her fidelity. I take it she doesn't hold the same opinion of Lucifer as you do? Or surely I would have heard her name sooner.

[abduxel]

She and Lucifer occupy very separate parts of my life.

But if you have to know, it's in her best interests to preserve my well-being.

[slightlyoffchilt]

It's in her best interests -- beyond losing a clearly virile bedroom friend?

[abduxel]

[That makes him smile wide, and he ignores the direct question.] What do you know about my virility, Dr. Chilton? You've dissuaded me from really showing you. How can you be sure?

[slightlyoffchilt]

I know a psychological tactic when I see one, Abduxel. [He spoke it as if chiding, but quite clearly Chilton wasn't about to back it up with any scolding.] One is free to make professional estimations, when one is in my position.

[abduxel]

Maybe we should try some different positions, then, Doc.

[He looks up at the clock meaningfully, as the hour is up - maybe even has been for a little while, if Chilton is the sort to let that happen.]

Why don't you give me a call if you think of some?

[slightlyoffchilt]

I don't have to give you a call, Abduxel. You work for me.

[Chilton stood, folding the open file that contained his notes on the demon patient.]

Consider my employment something of an invisible leash.

[abduxel]

A leash? I didn't know you were so kinky. [He grins and winks as he stands from his seat, straightening out his suit.]

Until next time, Frederick.

[slightlyoffchilt]

[Chilton rolled his eyes at Abduxel's comment, as if it hadn't been designed to provoke that very reaction. He offered Abduxel a wave, concluding with:]

Until then, yes.