Well, some of them don't seem to appreciate this place.
[Or maybe Francis' experiences were a bit worse than normal, enough that he thought of this piece of Hell as a refuge. Either way, he was rather attached to it, and there's a soft sigh as the man draws him close. His fingers curling against him on reflex, that way Francis always clung to touch, devoured every shred of affection.
But his lips curl into a soft smile at the reassurance. The words matter, after all. Knowing that this place is safe for the foreseeable future, that Spike, or someone like him, can't take this place away from Francis no matter what they do. They'll rebuild now. Maybe they'll have to rebuild again later. That, he can handle. ]
Thank you. I'm trying my best. It'll be better after the repairs are further along, I think.
It shows. I can tell, even if some of them don't pay attention.
[He means it, too. Something genuine to his voice as he leans into him. When it comes to affection he absolutely is vulnerable to it, and he generally doesn't even bother hiding it. He likes touch, likes being touched, that feeling of warmth on his skin.]
You're probably right. [He almost turns away then, but then there's an after thought, a pause of hesitation.]
But-- [He starts to say something and then pauses, like he knows he'll regret asking, but can't quite help himself. He doesn't bother with any of the defenses he might have with someone else.] Dodger isn't going to be in trouble, is he?
[He'd deserve it, of course, but Fran doesn't want to see him hurt if he can help it. If Dodger didn't punish himself on such a continuous basis it might be easier to ignore. Or if he wasn't falling in love with him.]
[Francis nods slowly. It's- good enough. He knows that Dodger is prone to making bad choices, so it's not even like he could blame Lucifer for it. But also, the fact that Spike is getting punished for it soothes some portion of his irritation with everything that had happened and how it made him feel.
He shakes his head, sighs a little in honest agreement.]
It was definitely a wasted opportunity when you gave him quite a unique chance. Not how I would have used it. But Spike and I have rather different goals, I think.
[Fran would never have made that sort of deal just as an excuse for petty destruction in the first place, of course. Had no interest in needing a way to ruin things for other people just because he couldn't stand the idea of playing along. It was childish, really.]
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[Or maybe Francis' experiences were a bit worse than normal, enough that he thought of this piece of Hell as a refuge. Either way, he was rather attached to it, and there's a soft sigh as the man draws him close. His fingers curling against him on reflex, that way Francis always clung to touch, devoured every shred of affection.
But his lips curl into a soft smile at the reassurance. The words matter, after all. Knowing that this place is safe for the foreseeable future, that Spike, or someone like him, can't take this place away from Francis no matter what they do. They'll rebuild now. Maybe they'll have to rebuild again later. That, he can handle. ]
Thank you. I'm trying my best. It'll be better after the repairs are further along, I think.
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[Francis seems rather pliable with affection, honestly. Something Lucifer files away as the younger man smiles up at him.]
You should rest for now. You seem like you've been worrying yourself to death after all.
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[He means it, too. Something genuine to his voice as he leans into him. When it comes to affection he absolutely is vulnerable to it, and he generally doesn't even bother hiding it. He likes touch, likes being touched, that feeling of warmth on his skin.]
You're probably right. [He almost turns away then, but then there's an after thought, a pause of hesitation.]
But-- [He starts to say something and then pauses, like he knows he'll regret asking, but can't quite help himself. He doesn't bother with any of the defenses he might have with someone else.] Dodger isn't going to be in trouble, is he?
[He'd deserve it, of course, but Fran doesn't want to see him hurt if he can help it. If Dodger didn't punish himself on such a continuous basis it might be easier to ignore. Or if he wasn't falling in love with him.]
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[His expression turns to a bit of a sneer.]
Can you imagine? Being the king of Hell for a day and choosing to destroy your home than learn anything from it?
[It's frustrating, if he's honest.]
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He shakes his head, sighs a little in honest agreement.]
It was definitely a wasted opportunity when you gave him quite a unique chance. Not how I would have used it. But Spike and I have rather different goals, I think.
[Fran would never have made that sort of deal just as an excuse for petty destruction in the first place, of course. Had no interest in needing a way to ruin things for other people just because he couldn't stand the idea of playing along. It was childish, really.]
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[He seems to be a bit more relaxed, at the very least. Lucifer tilts his head curiously.]
You don't have to worry any longer. You'll be under my care either way.