Don't lead me to temptation. I already know the way.

Michael Ryland || 37 || Commoner || NSFW Blog|| Part of Blood and Rope RPG

[wild-clairebishop]

]Claire rolled her eyes.  “What’s so special about your home that makes you want to stay home instead of having a wild night on the town?  Unless … you have a crush on a neighbor?  Or roommate?”  She smirked, watching his face for any give away.  To tell the truth, she never really paid attention to Michael and didn’t know his type, but she would throw out guesses until she figure it out on her own instead of straight out asking him. 

[michaelxryland-blog]

Michael shook his head. “No no, Nothing like that. “He gave a self-deprecating smile. “It’s usually I’m tired, the drinks are cheaper and Bruce Willis is always available on my DVD player. Pretty much, It’s just easier to stay home most night instead of trying to throw myself out there.”

[slave-kyungwon-blog]

They laughed, the sound echoing and reflecting off the tiles in the bathroom. Kyung won hugged him back, locking their hands around him and burying their face in his torso. “You are very cute, Michael,” they giggled, looking up at him.

[michaelxryland-blog]

Michael chuckled at that. “I don’t too many people that call me cute, but thank you.” He smiled down at Ky, a hand going to their hair. “You ready to go back out there?”

[slave-kyungwon-blog]

The Violin Makes No Sound | Michael & Kyung won

[slave-kyungwon-blog]

They cried, leaning heavily against him. “He- he got hit by a car,” they sobbed. “On a rental… He saved a little girl―” More sobbing. Kyung won drew away to wipe their blotchy cheeks. “D-did you know he helped me learn to r-read English? Hollis was w-one of my first friends here.” He had made them feel safe in the House. His steady, strong presence, even after the tragedy of Gunner’s abandoment, had made Kyung won feel secure. 

[michaelxryland-blog]

Michael remained silent as Ky cried against him. HIs large arms wrapped around the other tightly,  as if that could be enough to take their pain away. Hit by a car? Sparks of recognition hit Michael hard. He had heard about the accident, but it was being handled by someone else and he had been buried in a heavy case to bother to find out the who and what. His callousness toward the situation burned right then, but he pushed that aside. “I did not know that,” he said. “I didn’t know him that well, but he sound like he was wonderful. How grand you got to know someone like that, Ky.” 

[slavejameswalsh-deactivated2017]

There was a reason why James had barely ever wandered from his routine. Changes overwhelmed him far worse than he could usually handle and going to that party the day (or was it longer?) before he’d woken at this place had been .. a challenge. He’d made it, but now? Now he regretted it. If he’d stayed inside his little apartment, would he still be here? Where was here anyway? Why was he wearing .. cuffs? Why couldn’t he get them off? 

Change was TERRIFYING. This place was terrifying. And there was nothing he could do for the moment than hope. So, he was curled up behind that bed, rocking back and forth a little as he prayed to be saved. The voice had him flinch and he shook his head even if she stranger couldn’t see. “N-no.”

[michaelxryland-blog]

Talk about stupid questions. Michael could see that the other wasn’t doing well. The guy must be new here and hadn’t had the time to think about what happened to him. Or maybe he had? That’s why he was shaking and rocking in his hiding spot. Michael bit his lip and tried to reposition himself, so that he was facing the other, making sure he was far enough back that he wouldn’t come off as a threat. 

“Hey. It’s okay,” he tried. He showed his hands, for a moment, letting the other see that he wasn’t armed, and smiled before reaching out a hand to him. “You wanna come out and talk about it?” 

[s-lockwood-blog]

“The best in the city? I’ll have to remember that.” Solara folded her hands on the table as their handshake ended. “Michael, it’s nice to meet you. I am, I got in a few days ago. Still trying to find my footing in this place.” Michael seemed to be a nice guy, he was easy to talk to. “I have to agree with you there. Though sometimes I like to indulge myself. How long have you been in the city?”

[michaelxryland-blog]

Michael gave an enthusiastic nod of his head as he sat back in his chair before lifting his coffee to his lips.  He held his cup in his hands as she spoke answering his question. “Don’t worry, you’ll find it soon enough. This place takes some getting used to but once you’re here long enough it grows on you.” He pursed his lips thinking. “Right now, nine months.” He paused to double check his memory. Had it been that long? “You know, it’s funny. I hadn’t realized that it had been that long.” 

[slavejameswalsh-deactivated2017]

James woke in a place he didn’t know, wearing clothes he’d never seen before and… where was he? Why was he here? He wasn’t dreaming, was he? He wished he was, but it felt far too real for that. 

Tentative steps were made towards the door of the room. There were beds here, but no other people. Where.. were they? He poked his head through and outside the room. Hm. He sneaked outside on light and careful steps, but spun around with a little whine when someone came his way. Back into that room he woke up in and with a quick leap, he was hiding behind one of the beds, curled up and holding his breath. 

Please go away, please go away. 

[michaelxryland-blog]

After the new about Hollis broke it seemed like the slave house broke into chaos. The slaves were upset and lashing out. The result was that the house called the police for extra help in quelling the mess. When Michael heard, he asked to be sent over, wanting to help and keep an eye on his fellow officers. He didn’t want anyone getting hurt over this. His captain didn’t like the idea but let him go,

While there Michael tried to make rounds, consoling those that needed it, asking everyone to calm down. It wasn’t the best thing, but if the slaves behaved then there was less of a chance that they would get hurt. He was walking through the living area of the House if it could be called that. He didn’t see too many around but the sound of movement caught his attention. He saw someone come out a room only to dart back inside as he approached. He followed them and looked around until he spotted them behind one of the beds. “Hey, are you alright?”

[rosaliexthorpe]

“Maybe because I hate gyms even more than I hate calories? Okay, no, that’s not true but still. I’d rather lay on the beach and get a nice tan than sweating in a sticky room with a broken air conditioner.” Rosalie returned and pursed her lips. In her case really any excuse was valid as long as it postponed any visit at the gym. She loved yoga, loved to jog and be active, but not if it involved being inside in a city that had more dry and sunny days than anything else. “You surely know how to make a girl feel special. Consider your secret safe with me.” she laughed and kissed his cheek before they waited for their food to be ready.

[michaelxryland-blog]

Michael nodded his head. “I’m not keen on the gym myself but,” he moved his hands like he weighing something. “Food, Gym... Food wins every time with me.” Really it was wonder he was in as good of shape as he was with everything he ate. He did spend a lot of time in the gym, lifting weights and doing cardio. He smiled when she kissed his cheek. "And that's why I decided to bring you here. You'll be discrete. After this, I might take you to this amazing bakery I found. Don't tell Noah, but their scones are better than the one's at the Grind."

[rosaliexthorpe]

“What’s not wrong with Ayna? She is a princess! She deserves a princess name! I wanted to call her Cat like the one from Breakfast at Tiffany’s but when I told the person at the shelter they almost refused to give her to me … People are weird.” she laughed, recalling how she would have fought tooth and nail to get that little kitten. “So, Snow White is approved?” she asked, watching him curiously as she held out the cat for him to take, but not quite close enough until she would get his okay on the name. “She totally looks like a Snow White!”

[michaelxryland-blog]

“Ayan could be a princess name!” Michale countered. He gave Rosie a look. “I don’t blame them. I would have done the same had you told me something like that. Poor kitty. I can see that I’m going to have to intervene a lot here.” He tried to look serious but started to smile. He sighed still smiling. “Snow white it is.” He took the cat from Rosie and cuddled it, scratching it on the head. “Aww, she’s a good kitty. Maybe too good for you.” He gave Rosie a wink as he grinned.

[michaelxryland-blog]

Friend’s Night Out || Michael and Rosie

[rosaliexthorpe]

“What’s worse than pink socks?” Rosalie asked as she looked at him suspiciously and with a hint of shock. She would have liked to claim that she was merely pretending, but seriously … there wasn’t much that was worse than pink socks. At least when it came to fashion faux pas. “I always knew you had a mean streak.” Rosalie laughed once he made his suggestion. The blonde, however, wanted to take it a bit further. “Maybe instead of asking so obviously we should pretend to be all posh and demand that he uses the good ketchup on those burgers or else we might as well go to Wendy’s.”

[michaelxryland-blog]

Michael leaned in all seriousness. “Pink hair,” he said before sitting back in his chair. “I pissed off my sister once and she got me back by offering to help my frost my hair. She dyed it pink and I had to go to school like that. The school yearbook even put in a full-color spread of the drama club because of it.” He cringed remembering. “I can hide pink socks. Pink hair, not so much.”  He grinned deviously. “Oh yes. That’s even better. We should also state that the buns better be toasted to perfection, or we’ll ask for the manager.”

[michaelxryland-blog]

A Little Something in Common || Michael && Rosalie

[rosaliexthorpe]

“I regret nothing.” Rosalie said, laughing a little when she watched him stick out his tongue at her. It was refreshing to just be goofing around like this, while knowing that Michael was also the kind of person with whom she could have serious conversations with as well. “This sounds like a challenge. Are you challenging me? Because in that case I strongly advice against it. I am always right, I always win.” she said with a chuckle.

“You know now that you mentioned it … all my plans require the presence of good looking detectives.” she laughed. Rosalie had nothing planned really, but she was spontaneous enough to be persuaded in case he would like to do something. Not that she couldn’t think of something to do herself, but her endeavors usually involved lots and lots of margaritas, something she wasn’t sure he was up to.

[michaelxryland-blog]

Michael grinned. “It might be. In fact, I’ll it is a challenge. Be careful, though. I look like a bumbling cop but I can be quite devious.” He sucked on his lips and nodded his head before busting out in laughter. Of course, Rosie might have him beat but he still liked a good game and not since his sister he meet a woman that would stand toe to toe with him. 

“Really? Do you keep a gaggle of them on standby? Just in case you need some arm candy?” He gave her a wink.” He looked out the window again thinking. “We should go to the beach,” he said suddenly. “Work on our tans? Maybe ogle other beach goers? Point out people in bad swimwear? What do you say?”

[mayaburke]

Maya joined in with his laughter, not minding to stop dancing for a bit. She would be here tomorrow, the day after and the day after that. She could spare a few minutes of sitting around. “Alright then, let’s find out!” she said with an amused grin before starting to head away from the dancing crowd and towards the section where the tables were located.

[michaelxryland-blog]

Michael gave a nod and turned toward the tables. The one he had been sitting at was taken by a couple but there was one next to it that looked unclaimed. He pointed to it and head over it, He took a seat, realizing how tired he was. When did he get so old that a little dancing wore him out? He smiled at Maya. “Thanks for joining me. There is nothing sadder than sitting in a nightclub alone. Can I buy you a drink?”

[wild-clairebishop]

Claire let out a dry chuckle and then followed his lead when the drinks arrived.  “That bad huh?  Maybe you need a wing man.”  She raised an eyebrow with a grin.  “If it gets me free drinks, I’m in.”

[michaelxryland-blog]

He chuckled at that. “I don’t know if a wingman would help me. It’s mostly I seem not to have time to meet people around the city and then when I do... I just tend to stay home. Although it would be worth a try. What’s a few drinks when I can get a date, right?”

[s-lockwood-blog]

“Should have known? Is it always this packed then? This is my first time here.” The man was handsome and Solara was happy she’d caught his eye. “I’m Solara Lockwood,” she said, holding her hand out to shake. Networking was something she was good at, when she wanted to be. It was half the reason she got where she did in her career so early on. “What are you drinking today?”

[michaelxryland-blog]

Michael smiled and nodded. “Yeah, it is. Of course, it’s some of the best coffee in the city.” He took her hand. “A pleasure Solara. Michael Ryland. So you’re new in the city? When did you get in?” The young lady across from him was charming and friendly. “Hmm? Of just a regular dark roast. I’m simple when it comes to my coffee. Besides I like to save the calories for the sweets,” he said with a grin.

[gideon-spencer]

“No man, I haven’t yet. Which direction is that one in?”

[michaelxryland-blog]

Michael pointed down the street. “If you go two blocks that way, make a left and then go another three blocks you’ll find it. It’s right next to a hobby shop so you can’t miss it.”  He smiled. “I found it when I had to get an A/C for my old place. This heat is awful and it seems like the city can’t keep units in stock. Anything else I can help with?”

[slave-kyungwon-blog]

The Violin Makes No Sound | Michael & Kyung won

[slave-kyungwon-blog]

Kyung won fell into his arms, tears flowing afresh as they finally got the comfort they so desperately sought. They wrapped their arms around him, fists clenching tightly in the back of his shirt. “H-H-Hollis,” they stammered through their sobs, “he’s-he’s dead!” Kyung won choked, burying their face deep in his shirt. Their body shook with the force of their anguish. Saying it out loud like this felt almost like hearing the news all over again. It was like a blow to their gut and left them gasping, crying.

[michaelxryland-blog]

Michael held Ky and listened as they sobbed openly against him. It was distressing to hear as he felt helpless against their tears. He heard the name leave their lips almost unintelligible but he was able to catch it and the next two words. Hollis was dead? Michael hadn’t heard. He wondered what happened. He paused processing this. He wasn’t sure how he felt about it. He had met Hollis and other than one awkward instance between them he like the guy. Of course, he would need to think about his own feeling about this later. Ky needed him. He held them close to him rocking them gently. “I’m sorry to hear that,” he said his voice soft, pressing a kiss to their hair. 

[slave-kyungwon-blog]

“Don’t be silly,” they said, very mildly offended. “You just did, um,” they blushed, “that for me. The least i can do is help you.” Kyung won covered his hand with theirs, and awkwardly helped him wipe himself clean. They smiled as they worked, simply happy and content to be here in this odd, private moment with him.

[michaelxryland-blog]

Michael blinked at Kyung won’s tone. “Alright,” he said smiling at them and understanding. He felt their hand over his and in the moment he felt surreal and completely taken with the young slave. Ky’s smile made his heart flutter and when they were done he finished tucking himself away and pulled them into a hug. 

[slave-kyungwon-blog]

The soft kiss made their knees tremble. “Th-thank you,” they sighed, dreamily, more than a bit spacey. Eyes fluttering, they squeaked when they realized the water from the paper towel was soaking Michael’s shirt through. “Oh! I’m so sorry!”

[michaelxryland-blog]

Michael smiled down at them, his eyes locked on their face adoringly. He hadn’t even noticed his shirt getting wet until they said something. “It’s alright,” he said. He took the damp paper towel from them. “I should take care of this myself,” he said giving them another kiss before starting to clean himslef off with it. “It wouldn’t be right to have you do it.”