I had managed to dissuade Levi from hosting a full ten-person inquisition in our living room, thankfully. He hadn't argued, rely conceded with a cryptic smile about finding a truly "remarkable" candidate who would be arriving shortly.
I was attempting to lose myself in the words of a neurodivergent author, finding a strange sort of solace in his descriptions of "masking." Suddenly, a violent thud reverberated through the house, making jump. Levi had landed a heavy binder on the coffee table, its length exceeding the distance from my elbow to my wrist.
"That, my dear Raphael," Levi announced, "is 'data' on my most formidable candidate. Before their arrival, I suggest you peruse it thoroughly."
"The fuck, Levi? You scared the shit out of !" I exclaid, my heart still hamring against my ribs. "But instead of burying myself in this… to, why don't you just tell ? What makes this particular candidate so 'formidable' in your esteed opinion?"
"Ah, Raphael, where is the fun in simply being told? Let us engage in a little intellectual exercise. A riddle, if you will." He paused for dramatic effect. "The data, Raphael. She has seven brothers."
That’s it? The data is this?
Alright, brain, work with this. Let's break it down.
So, a woman with seven brothers… She's likely accustod to a household dynamic dominated by males. That could an she's used to… roughhousing, playful aggression, maybe even navigating more serious conflicts and displays of dominance. Ergo, she might not be easily intimidated by Levi's physical presence or veiled threats. She's probably seen it all before.
Beyond the purely physical, let's consider the psychological angle. Growing up as the sole woman amongst seven brothers could have instilled a deep-seated need to prove herself, to carve out her own space and gain recognition. That suggests a strong competitive streak, a drive to excel and not be overshadowed. She's likely had to fight for attention, for her voice to be heard. Therefore, she probably sets a high bar for her own competence and possesses a relentless inner fuel for… striving, for pushing boundaries, for never backing down from a challenge, even one as bizarre as Levi.
“Okay, I think I have so coherent idea. She wouldn’t be scared of your displays of dominance and, she would always strive to achieve greater things, because of her competitive nature.”
"Precisely," Levi purred, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "A spirit forged in the crucible of sibling rivalry. Such individuals often possess a… tenacity that transcends re ambition. They are driven by sothing deeper."
Wow… a genuine sliver of praise. From Levi. Gods, Raphael, reel it in. No ti for another embarrassing descent into daddy-issue territory, not with a binder thicker than your foot sitting right here on the table. Focus.
“Levi… I think, reading this file is wrong for . Frankly, it looks like blackmail material. Instead adding guns to my belt, I would rather be naive in that table.”
"Interesting," Levi mused, a hint of amusent lacing his tone. "You find yourself feeling pity for a presidential candidate. A curious sentint. What precisely do you imagine that binder holds, Raphael? Salacious compromising photographs?”
He gestured towards the thick file with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Hardly. It contains the trajectory of her life. Her education, her professional background, web of her career and the individuals she has aligned herself with. The scope of her influence, both overt and subtle. Her philanthropic endeavors, the motivations behind them, and their actual impact. Although," he conceded, his voice softening slightly, "as I have said, the choice of whether to arm yourself with this knowledge ultimately remains yours, dear Raphael."
“I understand that you give this, knowledge, data or weapon or whatever you call it, possibly for my sake. But, it is not that I feel pity for this person, I would feel sha and guilt. But, tell her na and her work.”
"Are we not, in a way, offering her the most rigorous vetting process imaginable? One that transcends the superficiality of public appearances and delves into the very fabric of her being?"
He paused. "Your aversion to wielding information that could be perceived as… coercive is noted. Very well. Her na is Evelyn Reed. And her current occupation? She is a highly respected judge."
A judge. Soone steeped in the principles of law, possessing a sense of justice, and likely accustod to a certain level of societal standing and perhaps financial comfort.
"So," I asked, a wry smile playing on my lips, "what about the other two contenders? Are you planning on subjecting them to your charming hospitality as well, or will they be spared the living room interrogation?"
"The other two will also be individuals of considerable competence, rest assured," Levi replied, a hint of amusent in his voice. "However, their… evaluation will be conducted remotely. And make no mistake, Raphael," his gaze sharpened, "I will not be pulling any strings, nor will I offer any form of unfair support or guidance to Judge Reed. My aim is to observe, to discern, and to allow the most capable individual to… erge."
"So, you genuinely intend to remain impartial, even towards a candidate who might align more closely with your… unique worldview?" I asked, a flicker of surprise in my voice.
"Precisely," Levi affird, his gaze unwavering. "Favoring a candidate based on personal inclination or perceived alignnt would be a disservice to Ascaria. It breeds complacency, rewards diocrity, and ultimately fosters incompetence.”
"So," I summarized, piecing together his grand design, "your fundantal 'wish' is to find soone capable enough to shoulder the imnse responsibilities you currently bear alone. Now, about this dinner… How exactly do you want to act? Any… pointers for navigating this terrain?"
Levi's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Simply be yourself, Raphael. You see, the rather… dramatic differences in our approaches to, shall we say, human interaction, actually create a fascinating juxtaposition. On a more elentary level, one might even categorize it as 'good cop, bad cop.' It encourages a certain dynamic, evokes conversation. An individual who might be instinctively wary of my… directness, my perhaps unsettling intensity, will likely find your presence a reassuring contrast, soone they might feel more inclined to open up to."
"Okay, I can do 'reassuring,'" I conceded, a touch of apprehension lacing my tone. "Just try not to unleash the full force of your… unsettling intensity before I get a chance to offer my 'good cop' vibes and prevent a complete ltdown."
Levi's lips quirked in amusent. "Fear will not be her primary emotion, I suspect. Annoyance, perhaps. And there is a distinct possibility she will perceive my directness as… embodied toxic masculinity."
"You know, for soone so analytical, you can be remarkably oblivious to how you co across, Levi.”
“Tell then, dear. How I do co across?”
"Honestly? Sotis like you're waiting for everyone else to catch up to the brilliant conclusion you already reached three steps ago."
"Hm…" Levi tilted his head slightly, a flicker of genuine curiosity in his intense gaze. "So, you interpret my… efficiency of thought as a form of intimidation? A rather personal interpretation, wouldn't you agree? But let us consider this from a less… emotionally charged perspective, shall we? Reflect for a mont, Raphael. In your relatively short span of existence, how many individuals have you truly encountered who operate with this level of consistent analytical precision? This unwavering commitnt to observation? This relentless pursuit of logical clarity? I suspect the tally is rather low, perhaps even fewer than ten. Now, instead of focusing on your subjective feeling of being left behind, consider what that rarity truly signifies. Understand its implications, Raphael, within the context of your own limited, albeit valid, human experience."
"Are you genuinely asking to feel privileged to be in the presence of your superior intellect, even if it makes feel like I'm always a step behind? Because that's how it cos across."
"What a predictably self-centered and utterly tireso response, Raphael," Levi sighed, a hint of weary exasperation in his voice. "Everything, inevitably, circles back to your own perceived inadequacies, doesn't it? It appears we have reached yet another impasse, where you remain tethered to the chaotic confines of your illogical, ssy emotions, while I am endeavoring to engage you in a discourse that transcends such sentintal clutter. A discourse, I might add, that could prove rather illuminating, were you capable of detaching yourself from your own navel-gazing for a re mont."
Ouch. Okay, that stung. Self-centered? Tireso? Navel-gazing? He's really laying it on thick. But… is there a sliver of truth in there?
"Okay, Levi," I said, a weary but hopeful tone in my voice. "You feel lonely. And while I appreciate the… less abrasive explanation, maybe try framing it from a 'gentle' perspective next ti, alright?"
"Accept my apologies, Raphael," Levi replied, his gaze unwavering but lacking its usual sharp edge. "Truthfully, as I have attempted to convey, it is not rooted in a sense of intellectual superiority, but rather a fundantal difference in cognitive architecture. Which, the fact that I find myself reiterating this point, I assu signifies that the gap between our respective understandings remains… substantial."
"Yeah…" I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "It does. Reading one book about neurodivergency doesn't suddenly make an expert on the intricacies of your mind, Levi. But… for what it's worth, both you and I will try to bridge that gap, okay?"
"Surely," Levi agreed. "There is only one thing I earnestly wish from you in this endeavor, Raphael. Please, for the sake of Ascaria and the delicate balance we are attempting to achieve, instead of imdiately retreating into a perception of yourself as inadequate in these exchanges, take a step back. Attempt to view the situation from a larger perspective. If my base desire was rely to inflict verbal barbs, Raphael, I assure you, I possess far more… efficient and less ti-consuming thods than actively engaging you in an intellectual spar, however frustrating it may sotis be for both of us." He paused, a flicker of sothing almost vulnerable in his eyes. "Consider it… a testant to your potential, however stubbornly you may sotis resist acknowledging it."
Okay, deep breath, Raphael. He's actually… asking sothing of , not just dissecting . Larger perspective. Right. This isn't just about my bruised ego in a battle of wits. Try. Just… try.
…
Then ca the appointed evening. I donned an expensive suit, the fabric feeling slightly stiff after its ti in the closet. Levi, remarkably, had done the sa. It had been a considerable ti since I'd witnessed him so crisp and neat.
Our guest, Judge Evelyn Reed, arrived right on ti. Levi moved to open the door with an almost courtly grace.
"Welco, Your Honor," he greeted her, his tone smooth and carefully modulated.
"Good evening, Mr. Blake," she replied, her voice carrying a note of professional composure.
"Please," Levi insisted, a subtle undercurrent in his voice, "call Levi, Your Honor."
This tale has been pilfered from . If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
Now, if one were inclined towards naive interpretations, they might perceive this as humility. However, knowing Levi, it was a far more nuanced maneuver – a subtle probing, a quiet assertion that he operates beyond the need for formal titles. What a man, indeed.
Levi then escorted Judge Reed to the dining table. She offered a bright and genuinely warm smile.
Levi extended his hand towards , and I instinctively took it. "Your Honor," he said, his smile widening, a touch of possessiveness in his tone as he looked at , "allow to introduce my dear husband, Raphael."
Gods… Is that my cue now? Do I address her formally too?
Before I could stumble over a title, Evelyn's warm smile included . "Ah, Raphael, it's a pleasure to finally et you. Please, call Evelyn."
I offered her a relieved smile in return. "Evelyn," I echoed, the na feeling much more natural. "The pleasure is all mine."
After the initial, sowhat strained pleasantries, we settled around the dining table. A palpable tension hung in the air, thick enough to cut with a knife. Evelyn's gaze was sharp and direct, fixed on Levi with an assessing intensity, like a seasoned lawyer sizing up a witness.
"Levi," she began, her tone polite but with an undercurrent of directness that mirrored his own, "I understand you recently completed a two-month stay in a rehabilitation facility."
What a fucking opener.
He simply offered a nonchalant shrug. "That is a matter of public record, Your Honor. My protracted and well-docunted battle with addiction is practically common knowledge among the citizenry of Ascaria, is it not?"
"Transparency is comndable, Levi. However, vulnerability can also be perceived as… a potential weakness in a leader," Evelyn stated, a subtle edge to her voice.
God damn… she has absolutely no qualms about going straight for the jugular, does she?
A distinct smirk played on Levi's lips. I recognized that expression – she had taken the first bait, exactly as he'd anticipated.
"Leader, Your Honor?" Levi responded, his tone almost disarmingly casual. "I harbor no illusions of grandeur, no desire to wield the reins of power. That is precisely why I extended the invitation to you, to consider the position of presidential candidate. I am rely… a facilitator in this endeavor."
"So, you possess the acun to identify a suitable leader, the resources to vet them thoroughly, and the influence to convene such a gathering. Why not step into that leadership role yourself, then, Mr. Blake?" Evelyn pressed.
A subtle twitch played at the corner of Levi's lips, a fleeting hint of amusent. He had clearly anticipated this line of inquiry.
"Ah, but Your Honor," Levi responded, a theatrical flourish in his tone, "that would be dreadfully… pedestrian. I, after all, was instruntal in dismantling the archaic structure of monarchy in Ascaria. If I harbored any personal ambition for such a position, would I have so diligently dissolved the very foundations of nobility and championed the sowhat chaotic beauty of democracy?" He paused, a glint in his eyes. "My interests lie not in wielding the crown, but in shaping the ga."
"The chaos of democracy, as you call it, can be easily exploited by those with the foresight and resources to navigate it. A talent you clearly possess," Evelyn said, a hint of challenge in her tone.
Wow. She's not pulling any punches.
Levi offered a theatrical sigh. "How dreadfully tedious, Your Honor. If my base desire was rely to manipulate the intricacies of the democratic system and bend this nation to my will, it would be an endeavor far beneath my rather… expansive set of talents. I possess an ego of sufficient magnitude to aspire to sothing far grander than simply orchestrating a puppet democracy. The sheer lack of originality would be… insulting to my intellect."
Yeah, that is exactly what I thought. He really had this penchant for sowhat twisted sense of pride and justice.
"Forgive if I find it difficult to believe that soone of your… capabilities and history has entirely relinquished the desire for control, one way or another," Evelyn said, pressing her point ho.
Levi leaned back slightly, a picture of earnest sincerity. "I assure you, Your Honor, I am nothing more than a concerned citizen of Ascaria. As an individual who, through certain circumstances, has acquired a degree of influence on the political landscape, I am certain you observed the palpable power vacuum created during my recent two-month absence. My sole aspiration is to responsibly relinquish that unintended burden to a capable individual. This nascent democracy is still finding its footing, Your Honor. What this nation requires now is a unifying front, a steadfast beacon of hope to guide its future."
Levi is such a politician…
"While your stated desire to relinquish influence is… admirable, the thods you employ suggest a rather hands-on approach to the selection process. Almost as if you need to be certain the 'beacon' shines in a particular direction," Evelyn observed, leaving absolutely no room for misinterpretation.
Levi leaned forward slightly, his intensity returning. "That is the precise antithesis of my objective, Your Honor. I harbor no lust for personal power. What I seek in a presidential candidate is unwavering, relentless opposition to my influence. Soone with the intellectual fortitude and moral courage to stand up to , to challenge my decisions. Soone who would not devolve into a wling ss after a spirited, shall we say, 'discussion.' To be perfectly candid, I harbored no desire to reclaim my forr position within the governnt. However," his voice took on a serious edge, "the re month of my absence revealed the fragility of this nascent democracy, the sheer level of potential incompetence lurking beneath the surface. I need soone, a true leader, who would ensure that a single month's vacancy does not equate to a national collapse."
A faint, almost appreciative smile touched Levi's lips. "Your Honor," he replied, his voice smooth and even, "I am a man of few conventional pastis. However, intellectual sparring, the rigorous testing of ideas against a sharp and discerning mind, is one of my singular enjoynts. To witness anything less than the fire of conviction in your eyes, to not see a passionate defense of your beliefs, would be an insult to your very being. And that, Your Honor, that very spark of unwavering conviction, is precisely the quality this nation desperately needs in its leader."
"A 'spark of unwavering conviction' can easily beco a blinding fla, leading to dogma and inflexibility. I trust you seek a leader with both passion and pragmatism."
Damn. What a blow. She didn't even flinch.
Levi's smile widened ever so slightly, a hint of admiration flickering in his eyes. "An astute observation, Your Honor. Passion without direction is a wildfire, consuming all in its path. Pragmatism devoid of a guiding star is rely treading water, leading nowhere. The ideal leader, much like a skilled navigator, charts a course with both fervent belief in their destination and a keen, unwavering awareness of the treacherous currents."
"While a 'guiding star' is important, a leader must also be grounded in the realities of the present. How will you ensure this individual doesn't beco so fixated on the horizon that they ignore the imdiate needs of the ship and its crew?" Evelyn reiterated, clearly unimpressed by Levi's taphors and demanding tangible assurances.
I observed a distinct shift in Levi's deanor. The playful banter seed to recede, replaced by a raw, almost urgent intensity.
"Your Honor," Levi began, his voice losing its theatricality, becoming stark and direct, "my recent sobriety, unfortunately, has stripped away much of my patience for pretense. So, let us dispense with the elaborate dance, shall we? I birthed this democracy, with minimal assistance and considerable personal cost. Now, I implore you to ask yourself a fundantal question: do you honestly believe I would stand idly by and permit a president, any president, to steer this nation towards the brink of collapse once again? In such a scenario, do the niceties of 'thod' truly hold any weight? You and I, Your Honor, both know the answer is a resounding no. There is only one true north in such circumstances: justice, the preservation and stability of Ascaria. Forgive my abruptness, but let us cease the polite maneuvering. In all fairness to this fragile nation, Ascaria needs a leader, not another tyrannical shadow like the one I once cast."
Yeah, Levi's brand of "blunt honesty" is certainly… sothing. He even echoed my own thoughts, calling himself a 'tyrannical shadow.' It's almost… endearing, in a bizarre, Levi-esque way.
"You speak of blunt honesty, Mr. Blake. Very well. Isn't your insistence on finding a leader who can withstand your influence simply a veiled attempt to maintain control, albeit indirectly? A puppet strong enough to appear independent, but ultimately dancing to your tune?" Evelyn had stated, her accusation direct and unwavering.
Gods, she just outright accused him.
“Your Honor, you disappoint profoundly," Levi sighed, a weariness in his tone. "If my desire was for a re puppet, I assure you, the acquisition would have been swift and far less… conversational. The fact that I am engaging in this rather intense dialogue should indicate otherwise. Is that concept so fundantally impossible for you to grasp?”
"The very fact that you orchestrated this dinner and are so deeply invested in the outco suggests a level of control, direct or indirect," Evelyn countered, her logic relentless. "If you truly sought a completely independent leader, wouldn't a more organic process of ergence have been… more appropriate?"
My God… she has zero tolerance for bullshit. It's so fucking amazing to witness.
Levi's patience seed to fray, a sharp edge returning to his voice. “Then, Your Honor, you suffer from a fundantal inability to perceive the truth that lies before you. There is currently no individual within this nation who possesses my level of power, my sphere of influence, my intricate web of connections. Whether I embrace the title or not, I am, for better or worse, the de facto Saint of Ascaria. In such a landscape, a purely 'organic process' of leadership ergence is, at this juncture, an utter impossibility. If I must painstakingly lay out every single, self-evident truth for you to absorb, then perhaps I have indeed made a grave error in extending this invitation."
At the close of the evening, Evelyn set down her napkin with a rustle, a small sound that felt as final as a gavel's strike. She t Levi's gaze evenly, the last vestige of warmth gone from her eyes. “I remain unconvinced that you can truly relinquish power, Mr. Blake. But I will consider your words.”
“That is all I ask,” Levi said, his voice smooth.
She shook his hand firmly, a gesture of respect. She offered a polite, but distant nod and departed without haste, her asured footsteps echoing faintly in the silence of the hallway. The mont she was gone, a low hum of tension seed to drain from the air, leaving a strange, heavy quiet in its wake.
...
"Co," I murmured, patting the mattress beside . "Let's just cuddle."
He hesitated for a fleeting second, but then he slowly laid down beside . His body was intensely warm against my back as he wrapped his arms around , pulling closer until there was barely any space left between us.
"Do you agree with her, Raphael?" he asked, his voice flat.
"W-what?" I mumbled, still feeling the lingering adrenaline.
"Should I allow an entirely organic election to happen? It would be the… democratic ideal, wouldn't it? But it will inevitably take longer, and it would make building the economy so much more… cumberso."
I sighed. "It's a huge decision. But I also genuinely believe you were being honest back there, you know, when you said you didn't need a puppet. And about the election…" I paused, thinking. "Countries shouldn't be planning just for the next six months, Levi. They need to think long-term, five years, ten years down the line. I have faith in you. With so… 'heated discussions,' you'll find a way forward that works for Ascaria."
"Hm… 'Heated discussions' with , I wonder who would be brave enough to volunteer for that," he rumbled, a hint of his earlier amusent returning.
"I know you're trying to suppress your inner villain," I said, nudging him playfully, "but you were actually… almost nice to her, even when you were being brutally honest."
He tightened his hold around , his breath warm against my hair. "If it were entirely up to , I would make this entire country bow down at your feet. But," he sighed softly, "you simply won't let ."
He absolutely would.
"I know you would," I murmured, a wry smile playing on my lips. "In a purely hypothetical, 'what if' scenario, right? It almost sounds… romantic, in a distinctly Levi-esque, world-domination kind of way. But no," I nestled closer, my fingers tracing a line along his arm, "I don't want an entire country bowing down to . You already do that quite thoroughly, don't you?"
He snuggled closer, inhaling the scent of my hair. "Of course, I do. But, my dear Raphael," he murmured, "my proposal wasn't solely driven by my… 'villainous' tendencies. It's simply what you deserve."
My God. I am grateful for my ability to say "no" to him. That autocratic Duke persona, keeps surfacing whenever he talks about .
"I… appreciate your conviction, Levi. Truly," I said. "But it's not what I want. And it's not as if I could physically stop you if you truly desired it. Deep down, you also know that I wouldn't want that kind of power, so you don't pursue it. Just… buy a flower, Levi."
"You wound , Raphael," he replied, his tone dramatically mournful. "You know I am a penniless man, utterly bereft of worldly possessions."
This again. He absolutely revels in this ridiculous charade, like a chicken in a particularly comfortable barn.
"Shut up, Levi," I sighed, a small smile playing on my lips. "Let's just sleep."
"Speaking of worldly possessions," Levi murmured into my hair, "you never actually went to a lawyer, did you?"
"Hm…" I mumbled, already drifting on the edges of sleep. "No."
"Ah, my dear Raphael," he continued, a strange note of sothing I couldn't quite decipher in his tone. "So, all this ti, your only inco, your sole financial support, was coming from the mountains? What an honorable man you are."
"What… Levi…" I began to ask, a sliver of unease cutting through my drowsiness, but the pull of sleep was too strong. My eyelids grew heavy, and the question remained unfinished, lost in the encroaching darkness.
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