invicto | open post.

[ Finn does note that brief, fleeting look of surprise. Perhaps he just gave James some ammunition, but the comment was honest and the look he got in response was worth it.

It's also amusing, Finn thinks as he drapes his cloak across the back of a chair, that James doesn't even try to hide what he'd been thinking. Of course, lying about it would have been ridiculous since it was so obvious, but the boldness of the way he speaks about it brings a tiny smile to Finn's face. The question even manages a quiet laugh.

The demand for information is nothing short of cute. ]

I think the better question is, where were you going to go?

[ Finn falls into a chair, turning to face James and prop his feet on the desk, dragging over a glass bottle of something brown towards himself. ]

It'd be a difficult journey to get back to your Empire, if they even want you back by this point. [ They seem just as ruthless as the Sith. Finn would be surprised if they wanted to kill him for desertion or treason or some perceived nonsense. Unless he brings back useful information or something.

But Finn doesn't seem to be worried about all that. ] Or were you going to try to look for me? [ Jab jab jab. ]

[ There hardly seems to be any point to lying. There's no reason why he'd be trying to make his way into the hangar, at least no reason outside of wanting to escape, and he knows Finn's not stupid. He'd just know James was being an ass for the sake of it.

Which yeah, it'd also track for him, but anyway. ]

What does it matter to you?

[ He could very well just fly to his death, crash and burn on a planet somewhere. Or force his way back on board the Enterprise and murder that piece of shit Vulcan traitor to claim his ship back. That's how things go, in the Empire.

He scoffs at the last remark, eyes rolling and arms crossed, ignoring the red marks around his pale wrists. ]

Don't flatter yourself. I have better things to think about than what you're up to.

[ Lies, but you know. Whatever. ]

[ Finn can sense there are untruths in there but he's not sure where they are. His teasing about James getting attached to him has been just that, teasing. James can get so riled up from his jabs and sometimes he'll even jab back. Hard.

Finn enjoys it, if he were completely honest. Though, he tries not to be. ]

Which is why you asked what I was up to, right?

[ He opens the bottle and pours himself a few fingers worth, still surprised James hasn't tried to poison him yet or something. Likely knows Finn would sense the danger in some form. ]

But, you are my prisoner, you know. I'd be a bad jailer if I didn't keep you imprisoned. Or, in case of your escape, at least manage to recapture you... It matters.

[ Finn's not going to let him fly to his death, that's for certain. He sips at his drink and points at Jim's wrists. His neck is marked, too, and Finn's pretty sure there are bruises speckled all over him. ]

Does it hurt?

[ Well, Finn's got at least some honesty out of him, which is already more than most people could say. It may be for his own personal advantage that James has decided on that, but it's nevertheless the case. Doesn't mean he'll be honest or open all the time or about every little thing. ]

Ah, I see. So what does that mean, are you going to lock me up on one of your cells? Get a cage in here? Tie me down to your bed?

[ Not all the options are equally unpleasant, for what it's worth. James still sounds dismissive when he presents them, unafraid that Finn could easily go with one just for the hell of it. ]

No. I've had worse.

[ He chews on the inside of his cheek, uncrossing his arms and approaching Finn, walking around the desk as he gestures to the bottle. ]

Are you sharing that?

[ Now there's an idea. ]

If you ask nicely.

[ Locking him in a cell would be boring. It might teach him a lesson if he were in there for a week or so, but Finn would miss him. And a cage? Well, James would really hate that, it's the truth, but Finn's pretty sure that having the perception of freedom pisses him off more. And that last one-

Well, that depends on James' thoughts on the matter, how he'd view it. Finn's not about using that sort of thing as a punishment. He's also not about rewarding bad behavior.

When James asks about the bottle, Finn seriously considers telling him no, drinking it in front of him. But, if James liked it, there would be less of a chance he'd try to poison and ruin it or throw it against a wall or something. It's clear enough that Finn considers the question, though. After all, rewarding bad behavior.

Eventually, he shrugs and motions towards the other glass. ]

Help yourself.

Only when I let you, though. I'm not coming back to you drunk one day.

[ That'll be a headache. ]

[ James rolls his eyes. Apparently asking nicely is completely out of the question, if that reaction is anything to go by. James doesn't ask for a damn thing in his life, much less so in a sexual context where it might land him in a position of less power and control.

So really, Finn should appreciate how he has indeed asked instead of just reaching for the bottle, or stealing it from him while he's away. See, that's good behavior right there. Kind of. ]

You don't have to worry about that. I don't get drunk.

[ He certainly doesn't get drunk here, on an enemy ship, knowing that the slightest slip could mean very bad things happening to him. He doesn't get sloppy.

With permission given, he reaches across from Finn to grab a glass, filling it with a couple fingers of the drink, setting the bottle back down as he takes a first tentative sip. ]

[ Well, maybe James won't have to ask. Finn can find out what people want by other means. As far as he goes, he likes the idea better by the minute.

That aside, he should have figured that answer. James is smart, cunning, always looking for a weak point. Getting drunk will just expose himself further, and the other man is clearly not one to enjoy feeling vulnerable.

That's part of why Finn likes him. James isn't scared of him. Or, at least, he's very good at pretending he's not. ]

A popular ale from Corellia, a capital planet near the center of my galaxy. It's cheap, to be honest. I just like it for my own reasons.

[ His own sentimental reasons. He doesn't elaborate, though. Just drains the rest and looks back to his empty glass thoughtfully. ]

... If a prisoner killed three people on your ship in an escape attempt, what would you do?

[ James has heard plenty of stories about the Force, about these Sith Lords, so he knows Finn could easily get whatever he wanted from him. That changes nothing, for him. Being trapped here for the time being, he certainly won't give Finn the satisfaction of acting afraid towards him.

Not that he is afraid. If anything he's a little thrilled at the prospect of someone strong, worthy of his attention, in whatever capacity. Not that he'll admit to that either.

There's a slight frown on his face at the taste, but he hums and drinks it anyway. It's not the worst thing he's had, so there's that at least. ]

That would depend on whether or not I wanted something from them.

[ He looks at Finn expectantly, eyebrows raised, as though asking him if he wants anything from James. ]

[ Yeah, was expecting that frown. Wasn't really expecting that answer, though. Despite himself, it makes him smile again.

He takes his feet off the desk, turning in his chair again to face James on the other side of the desk. ]

And what do you have to offer me, Captain? I keep you around for the company, myself.

[ It's mostly true, to be honest. Jim doesn't have much value to them anymore, despite whoever he used to be. It's part of why he was given away as a gift.

He could have also been given as a test, though. Finn's master hasn't forgotten the kind nature he used to carry. Still sometimes carries. ]

[ He ponders Finn's answer for a moment, quiet and thoughtful. He doesn't answer the question, though; they both know James has nothing of value to offer the Order, any knowledge he has no doubt outdated at this point. It's the only reason why he's here now, alive, rather than cut down by the long reach of the Terran Empire. ]

Well, if they held no value to me... I would send them to the agonizing booth for a few days. Broadcast it to the whole ship so it would serve as warning. Then I would execute them as Imperial law dictates. No mercy.

[ It would only be a weakness, after all. ]

But things would change if I wanted something from them. I would have to ensure that I got what I wanted first. Assuming, of course, that 'something' was worth more than my officers' lives.

[ Not that he gives much worth to those to begin with, but still. ]

Agonizing booth.

[ Finn's lips curl into a sneer. Not because of the mental picture that invokes, but the name. He supposes it gets right to the point, though.

With a sigh, Finn lets the name go and glances around the room in thought. ]

Well, I am the law on this ship and I don't particularly want to kill you. Consider it mercy if you want, but you won't learn anything if you're dead. That, and I'd lose the company.

[ He leans back in his seat, watching James with a critical eye. Their banter is usually like this but something seems a little different this time. Maybe that's just because of that look of rare surprise on Jim's face earlier, but Finn would dare to say that James is trying to hint around at something.

It feels a bit like bait. Perhaps it's only meant to look that way, though. James is pretty proud, after all.

After a long moment... ] Maybe I will tie you to my bed. Not as boring as a cell, not as primitive as a cage, but should still help remind you how nice it is to have even some freedom.

[ Actually, tying him to his bed and just going to sleep would probably be a great way to really piss him off. It's like begging to be murdered in the middle of the night. ]

[ James shrugs. Well, they weren't going to call it a pleasure suite, that's for sure.

Anyway, he settles for being quiet, passive and listening for once. These discussions tend to turn more unpleasant, ending with James either getting pissed or ignoring Finn entirely. But not this time; something instead holding his interest, inviting his patience, curiosity winning out just this once.

And maybe something else, some sense of actual companionship, the foreign concept that anyone should even want his company. ]

Really, now? And is that all you'll do, just... leave me there while you go about your day?

[ He steps closer, glass still in hand, knee nudging at Finn's chair. ]

You could at least make the most of it. I'd never let a good opportunity like that go to waste. [ He leans against the edge of the desk, moving his leg to instead bump it against Finn's. ] Might just make it worth your while.

[ Called that one. Finn's smile comes back again, gaze laughing and calculating in equal parts. Though, he isn't entirely unaffected by the idea either. It does sound like a wonderful way to spend an evening. ]

Oh, I'm sure you would.

[ He lets his eyes sweep up and down Jim's body, slowly, obviously. ]

Sounds to me like you would enjoy that kind of thing, though. It'd piss you off more if I just left you there. Wouldn't it?

[ Maybe not, likely so. Whether that's because James didn't get to have the sex he might as well be begging for or the possible opportunity for Finn to let his guard down, who really knows? ]

[ James tips his head back slightly, letting out a long, thoughtful hum, both hands curling around the edge of Finn's desk. ]

Again— that boils down to what you want from me.

[ To have him around for company, yes, he got that part. But from here on out, what is he aiming for? If he's just looking to piss him off and anger him, then sure, just leaving him there would likely do it.

Then again he's got his own tricks up his sleeve, should Finn decide he's feeling like a taunting bastard. One way or the other, James will find a way to tempt him. ]

[ Finn doesn't doubt for a second that James' game of temptation would stop if he were refused now. A part of him kind of wants to see how far it'd go, too. Although, Finn also doesn't see any reason to deny himself. When James was handed over to him, he wasn't ignorant as to what kind of prisoner they expected him to be.

The only reason Finn didn't use him was because interest is an important part to him. Considering that's been mixed in now, though, for whatever reason...

Finn looks him up and down again, head tilting a bit before meeting his eyes. ]

I want you to say please.

[ Sure, he's on board with dragging him to bed now, but this is still supposed to be a punishment. And though his smile is mostly gone, his eyes are still full of amusement. He's waiting. ]

[ That... just gets an inscrutable stare from James. He'll do a lot for the sake of his own survival, and to gain some semblance of control over someone whom he's well aware is supposed to own him. He's dealt with enough slaves, seen many of them with their own masters, to know how to play this game.

But some lines are drawn harshly, and nothing Finn could do would possibly push him to step over them. ]

Then you may as well tie me up and leave me there.

[ That's one word that will never make it past his lips, he's sure of that much. ]

[ And that just gets another laugh from Finn. ]

That's too bad. I was starting to look forward to it.

[ He places his glass next to the bottle again and stands. James made sure not to leave much room between them, and Finn clearly doesn't getting into his space, practically rubbing against him. ]

You would have been pretty, tied up and begging for me. Come here.

[ His hand wraps around Jim's arm like a vice but at least he doesn't grab him around his wrist. The shackles, long since thought to be forgotten, fly into Finn's free hand while he steers James towards his bedroom. ]

[ It's not disappointment that he feels. Disappointment would have to involve some sort of expectation, a hope for something better, and James has learned not to rely on such things a long time ago.

Still, there is some kind of sting, a quietly burning hatred when Finn just grabs his arm and drags him towards the bed. It's pointless to fight it but he does so anyway, yanking his arm away from the grip. He knows he's going to end up shackled on that bed anyway, but he sure as fuck isn't going to play nice about it, and he won't let Finn push him around like he's some scared, helpless slave. ]

[ James did this to himself so getting upset about it is pointless. He's the one that suggested the idea, that refused to ask nicely. Not to mention, the one that committed three acts of murder against Finn's men.

And is there really anything to complain about? How many other high ranking prisoners of war are treated this well?

Like now, for instance, when it made more sense to truly punish him than whatever Finn's doing, especially after this behavior. It's a good thing Finn likes the fight. ]

Change your mind?

[ Finn steps in front of him, hand on his chest and gliding up to his neck. Does he mean the touch or is he making fun of him?

Regardless, James isn't supposed to enjoy every aspect of this. It is a punishment, after all. So Finn's hand finds the collar of his shirt and tugs him towards the bed again. ]

Come here. Or I'll make you.

[ James doesn't do nicely, that much shouldn't be a surprise to Finn. Maybe he offers resistance just to spite him, just to be difficult, or maybe he likes the idea of a rougher handling. Pushing at Finn's buttons and see which ones garner a reaction from him.

Either way, he seems almost pleased with himself for a flicker of a second when Finn's hand makes it to his neck. He goes still, defiant glare locked with Finn's, letting himself get pulled by his collar towards the bed.

Rather than letting Finn get him onto the mattress, he uses the momentum to push back against him, stepping closer in the process, hands fisting at Finn's perfectly smooth uniform. He grits his teeth, practically growling in Finn's face. ]

Make me.

[ Finn grows a smile again, one edging on dangerous. This is why he likes James. Because he doesn't do nicely, because he's not afraid, because he's always seeking a challenge to best. Even when he knows he's outmatched, when he knows deeply that he's going to lose, he'll fight back and raise hell just for the sake of doing so. Nothing about him is easy.

Besides, if James tried for nice and submissive by this point, it'd just garner suspicion.

Finn's hand tightens around his shirt collar, his own challenging glare shot right back. It's little trouble to pull the Force to him, to James, and use it to push. It's not as strong as it could be, of course, but it should be more than enough to twist James around and throw him on the bed.

Finn's quick to join in, straddling his hips and hand around his neck. At least he isn't squeezing. Just smiling like this is the height of fun. ]

[ Good, dangerous is what James is aiming for. He wouldn't want this any other way. Even with the glare he still aims at Finn, there's unmistakable excitement in his eyes, the impending thrill of the unknown, of what may happen with each push and shove he dares to make at Finn.

Because he knows, no matter how aggressive he may get, Finn could so easily subdue him in a fight; pin him down, do whatever he wanted. That thought alone is enough to send chills down his spine, almost anticipating for the worst.

He feels something stronger than physical force push him onto the bed, a grunt shoved out of him as he lands on his back there. His eyes fix on Finn again when he climbs on top of him, one hand wrapping around Finn's wrist, hold firm but not necessarily trying to tug away the hand that fits snugly around his neck. If anything, he tips his chin up a little more, as if daring Finn to keep going.

But he also doesn't stay still long enough for it. Propping his knees up, he attempts to flip them over, folder arm moving as well so it should rest across Finn's collarbone. That is, if Finn doesn't realize what he's doing and pin him down even harder in retaliation. ]

[ Finn realizes what he's doing. Expected it, really. James was never going to give in. But Finn doesn't stop him either. It wouldn't be fun if he won the fight that easily.

He lets himself get flipped with a grunt, arm pressing in near his neck. His hand around Jim's throat tightens, tight and uncaring. His other arm moves between them, going across Jim's chest while his hand grips his opposite shoulder as if to hold on to him, pushing against and pulling to all at once.

He doesn't want to use the Force here unless he has to, unless it's really to his advantage. He wants to give James a bit of a fight. ]

[ He is all too aware that the reason why he manages to flip them over is because Finn allows it to happen. A thought that stings and bruises his pride, but he ignores it, instead focusing on the pressing ache of the hand tight around his neck, drawing a shuddered sound from him.

Pointedly, he presses his hips down, rolls and grinds himself against Finn's groin, trying to push him to keep his legs open for him. One arm's propped up on the bed just so he can balance himself, while the other grabs Finn's thigh, giving it a hard squeeze, nails digging sharply enough to be felt through the fabric of his trousers. ]

[ It's enough to make Finn gasp, the grinding and hand on his thigh. If that couldn't prove he's enjoying this, James can likely feel his interest grinding back against him.

But it's plain enough what James is up to. Finn hooks his leg around his waist, as if he's giving in, and perhaps it's considered seeing as how he rolls his hips. But ultimately, Finn tries to use the leverage to flip them back over, get himself on top again. ]

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