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[ oh it is a good kiss, long and deep and filled with all the things they do not say, the things they do not need to say, the things hades struggles to say. hythlodaeus has ever been the more sentimental one in speech, but hades is just as loyal, just as devoted and loving, even if he prefers to show it and say it in different ways. hades is a rough individual, surly even on his best days, and so while he had always been wholly respected and loved by their peoples, he was a very private man, with very few friends. peers, yes, colleagues, many, and even some adoring fans. but friends?
hades reserves his love for a select few, which is why hythlodaeus has always striven to be worthy of it, to earn his place at hades' side. even still he is not sure he deserves it, he always will feel lesser, but these kisses.. these kisses make it all worth it. hythlodaeus hums a soft sound between them when their lips part, his tongue tasting hades' mouth, his eyes closed, hands resting against his lover's chest, thumbs tracing the ridge of his collarbone.
there is no rush. they have all the time in the world, now. ]
I suppose I shall.
[ he says, and though his eyes are still wet and red he is smiling warmly, resting his head on the pillow beside them to better keep looking into hades' handsome face, into the features he fell in love with so very, very long ago. gently, he brushes the damp hair from hades' forehead, all the while leaning his head into the gentle thread of his partner's fingers through his own hair. he's always loved a good head scratch. ]
Though I think perhaps at least a shower may be in order. And a change of sheets.
[ with his grin curling coyly, hythlodaeus swipes a finger through the mess on his belly. they're positively filthy. ]
hades reserves his love for a select few, which is why hythlodaeus has always striven to be worthy of it, to earn his place at hades' side. even still he is not sure he deserves it, he always will feel lesser, but these kisses.. these kisses make it all worth it. hythlodaeus hums a soft sound between them when their lips part, his tongue tasting hades' mouth, his eyes closed, hands resting against his lover's chest, thumbs tracing the ridge of his collarbone.
there is no rush. they have all the time in the world, now. ]
I suppose I shall.
[ he says, and though his eyes are still wet and red he is smiling warmly, resting his head on the pillow beside them to better keep looking into hades' handsome face, into the features he fell in love with so very, very long ago. gently, he brushes the damp hair from hades' forehead, all the while leaning his head into the gentle thread of his partner's fingers through his own hair. he's always loved a good head scratch. ]
Though I think perhaps at least a shower may be in order. And a change of sheets.
[ with his grin curling coyly, hythlodaeus swipes a finger through the mess on his belly. they're positively filthy. ]
[Her eyelids lower to half-mast as he presses his lips to her palm, the kiss of color to his cheeks bright even among the flush of exertion. She imagines she looks much the same— she certainly feels warmed from head to toe, every inch of her edging towards pleasantly numb in the wake of their joining. She gently reaches to trace a finger along the curve of that coy smile before she drops her hand to rest at his waist, giving his hip an affectionate squeeze.]
I think I rather like this capacity.
[Which, perhaps, brings her several steps closer to deciding what she wants. 'Getting to know him better' is still certainly a part of it, but it's plain enough that there is a spark that could easily grow to more, especially with the way that adoring gaze of his makes her stomach twist itself into a pleasant knot.
If it bothers either of them that she isn't Azem, it no longer shows, though she imagines those are bittersweet feelings that he won't be able to dismiss so easily— and he shouldn't.]
I could... easily get used to that.
['Hey, I like you a lot.']
I think I rather like this capacity.
[Which, perhaps, brings her several steps closer to deciding what she wants. 'Getting to know him better' is still certainly a part of it, but it's plain enough that there is a spark that could easily grow to more, especially with the way that adoring gaze of his makes her stomach twist itself into a pleasant knot.
If it bothers either of them that she isn't Azem, it no longer shows, though she imagines those are bittersweet feelings that he won't be able to dismiss so easily— and he shouldn't.]
I could... easily get used to that.
['Hey, I like you a lot.']
[He shifts just enough to allow his partner to comfortably settle against the pillow, though Hades' own hold on him remains, warm and steadfast. He has ever been appreciative of Hythlodaeus' ability to fully understand his meaning, even when he cannot bring himself to say the words aloud— a problem he does not have anywhere near as often as he would have others believe, but now, when what is in his heart is so heavy and bittersweet, perhaps it is best that some of it remains unspoken in the interest of sparing them both more tears. It is hard enough, seeing his love's eyes rimmed with red as they are now.
He lets out a low chuckle as his fingers lazily trail along the curve of Hythlodaeus' ear, his gaze shifting downwards to where he remains painted with his own essence. Ah... yes.
They ought to do something about that.]
Permissible, I suppose. You'll need assistance, I presume?
[He's not really asking. He'll be there alongside him, regardless.]
Coffee, as well, once that's through. I insist.
[He cannot roll around in bed all day on an empty stomach, sir.]
He lets out a low chuckle as his fingers lazily trail along the curve of Hythlodaeus' ear, his gaze shifting downwards to where he remains painted with his own essence. Ah... yes.
They ought to do something about that.]
Permissible, I suppose. You'll need assistance, I presume?
[He's not really asking. He'll be there alongside him, regardless.]
Coffee, as well, once that's through. I insist.
[He cannot roll around in bed all day on an empty stomach, sir.]
[ another light laugh tumbles out beside a rough exhale, as he still catches his breath. ]
I think I rather like it as well.
[ how can he complain, when they have just made love in a way so wonderfully heartbreaking, so tenderly sweet that he feels entirely wrung out from head to toe, physically and emotionally both. she has scoured him entirely clean.
but at last he dips his head, kissing her brow, her soft, rounded nose, her sweet, full lips, before at last he is collapsing more fully beside her, one arm flung 'round her middle, the scent of sex and sweat hanging heavy and enticing in the air. his brow furrows while his fingers trace idle patterns on her belly. ]
I will admit I am still.. torn. I see so much of her in you, and the last thing I ever want to do is take advantage of your goodwill, and yet..
[ and yet he loved every moment of this. they both did. ]
I think I rather like it as well.
[ how can he complain, when they have just made love in a way so wonderfully heartbreaking, so tenderly sweet that he feels entirely wrung out from head to toe, physically and emotionally both. she has scoured him entirely clean.
but at last he dips his head, kissing her brow, her soft, rounded nose, her sweet, full lips, before at last he is collapsing more fully beside her, one arm flung 'round her middle, the scent of sex and sweat hanging heavy and enticing in the air. his brow furrows while his fingers trace idle patterns on her belly. ]
I will admit I am still.. torn. I see so much of her in you, and the last thing I ever want to do is take advantage of your goodwill, and yet..
[ and yet he loved every moment of this. they both did. ]
[ because he is a filthy little ho, hythlodaeus suckles his fingertip clean, maintaining eye contact with hades all the while, naturally, before his smile curves coyly. his heart may still ache and his eyes may still burn, the joy and sorrow may indeed continue to come in waves, but for now he is feeling better. warmer. bittersweet. ]
Oh yes. I'll likely need help walking, after all.
[ he says, before leaning in to place one last sweet and lingering kiss on hades' lips, and at last pulling back to sit up and swing his legs over the floor.
.. he definitely winces. yeah. yeah, his ass sure hurts. ]
Coffee is also quite doable.
Oh yes. I'll likely need help walking, after all.
[ he says, before leaning in to place one last sweet and lingering kiss on hades' lips, and at last pulling back to sit up and swing his legs over the floor.
.. he definitely winces. yeah. yeah, his ass sure hurts. ]
Coffee is also quite doable.
['Unpredictable' is certainly right. Good-natured and often level-headed, but still full of surprises, if she thinks a particular whim might bring about something worth their while.]
A purbol seedling would be able to fit.
[She's not necessarily arguing for that to happen, but it does fit the criteria... mostly.
'Safely' might be a tough sell.]
Maybe we'll find something else that might be looking to see the sights beyond the Steppe. Halgai are very cute.
A purbol seedling would be able to fit.
[She's not necessarily arguing for that to happen, but it does fit the criteria... mostly.
'Safely' might be a tough sell.]
Maybe we'll find something else that might be looking to see the sights beyond the Steppe. Halgai are very cute.
[She cannot help but close her eyes as he leaves a trail of soft kisses in his wake, leaning into him when he reaches her lips and ensuring that one lingers for a few moments before he seeks to collapse. She allows him to pull away just long enough to settle beside her, immediately inching herself closer and rolling onto her side to face him, feeling goosebumps raise as his finger lightly drags against her abdomen.
She realizes that it's worth asking herself if this is the time to talk about such things— they would, very likely, be far more reasonable come morning, although her heart tells her that may not actually be in their favor, that they might talk themselves out of something they could both truly benefit from in the interest of remaining cautious.
She frowns, just briefly, before leaning in to press a soft kiss against the corner of his mouth, surprisingly chaste compared to all they had just done, but no less heartfelt for it. She encircles his waist with one arm, maintaining as many points of contact as she can, her toes lightly brushing against his ankle as she pulls herself flush against him.]
It isn't taking advantage of my goodwill if I want it. I only...
[It sounds so conceited to even think that she could ever even attempt to live up to the standards set by who had come before, and in the end, she wouldn't want to, anyway. She is herself, and going forward, that is the only person she intends to be.]
I would hate to hurt or disappoint you.
She realizes that it's worth asking herself if this is the time to talk about such things— they would, very likely, be far more reasonable come morning, although her heart tells her that may not actually be in their favor, that they might talk themselves out of something they could both truly benefit from in the interest of remaining cautious.
She frowns, just briefly, before leaning in to press a soft kiss against the corner of his mouth, surprisingly chaste compared to all they had just done, but no less heartfelt for it. She encircles his waist with one arm, maintaining as many points of contact as she can, her toes lightly brushing against his ankle as she pulls herself flush against him.]
It isn't taking advantage of my goodwill if I want it. I only...
[It sounds so conceited to even think that she could ever even attempt to live up to the standards set by who had come before, and in the end, she wouldn't want to, anyway. She is herself, and going forward, that is the only person she intends to be.]
I would hate to hurt or disappoint you.
[Even here, in the warmth of the afterglow, Hades feels a jolt of vigor run through him as he watches that little display with intent— a shower and a change of sheets are indeed much-needed, but the momentary heat in his gaze is indication enough that he'll not need much convincing when it comes to an encore later in the day. Perhaps one that will be a bit kinder to Hythlodaeus' physical well-being, depending. The day is still quite young.
He lifts his chin to lean into that kiss, unwilling to let the opportunity pass him by for even a moment, and his hand trails along Hythlodaeus' arm to fall against his waist as he sits up, a fleeting frown of concern pulling at his lips and knitting his brows together before he quickly schools his expression into something more neutral and props himself up to sit beside him, swinging his own legs over the side of the bed and securing an arm around his middle.
There is, of course, a great deal of satisfaction to be had in watching Hythlodaeus struggle after such a coupling, and with that momentary concern having passed, he cannot help but let his mouth curl into a faint smile of satisfaction.]
Here.
[Lean on him.]
He lifts his chin to lean into that kiss, unwilling to let the opportunity pass him by for even a moment, and his hand trails along Hythlodaeus' arm to fall against his waist as he sits up, a fleeting frown of concern pulling at his lips and knitting his brows together before he quickly schools his expression into something more neutral and props himself up to sit beside him, swinging his own legs over the side of the bed and securing an arm around his middle.
There is, of course, a great deal of satisfaction to be had in watching Hythlodaeus struggle after such a coupling, and with that momentary concern having passed, he cannot help but let his mouth curl into a faint smile of satisfaction.]
Here.
[Lean on him.]
[ the two of them are something of a mess, aren't they? a little too passive for their own good. or if not passive.. accommodating. obliging. they care about one another's feelings a great deal - and their own feelings as well, if he is honest. neither of them wants to hurt the other, and neither wishes to be hurt.
yet hythlodaeus finds that he has.. no regrets. getting to know amri has been a pleasure and a privilege, and he thinks, perhaps, that this coming together was inevitable.
she snuggles in close, and hythlodaeus only curls closer to her, touching their brows together, his heavy eyelids falling closed. ]
Don't worry about me. I am a big boy.
[ he jests, through an easy smile, his hand now sliding up and down the small of her back since she turns, his fingertips counting the knobs of her spine again, and again. ]
I think we will manage to muddle through this.
yet hythlodaeus finds that he has.. no regrets. getting to know amri has been a pleasure and a privilege, and he thinks, perhaps, that this coming together was inevitable.
she snuggles in close, and hythlodaeus only curls closer to her, touching their brows together, his heavy eyelids falling closed. ]
Don't worry about me. I am a big boy.
[ he jests, through an easy smile, his hand now sliding up and down the small of her back since she turns, his fingertips counting the knobs of her spine again, and again. ]
I think we will manage to muddle through this.
[ despite the ache left behind from their enthusiastic fucking, hythlodaeus will absolutely yield to an encore. he always has, and he always will. kinder will, perhaps, be better, but whether he will accept that or not remains to be seen.. hades can always heal him, after all.
he could heal him right now, if he wanted to, but hythlodaeus knows quite well that hades is absolutely thriving on his pain right now. it is his just reward for giving hythlodaeus exactly what he asked for, and he can certainly not deny his lover his reward. besides, tender aftercare is an important facet of very rough sex, of which hythlodaeus is quite fond.
so he chuckles, and leans himself into hades side as they climb to their feet and oof, his hips ache and his legs feel like jelly, perhaps leaning on him is, in fact, a good idea. a breathless laugh escapes him. ]
No doubt you are very pleased with yourself right now. I am thoroughly ruined.
he could heal him right now, if he wanted to, but hythlodaeus knows quite well that hades is absolutely thriving on his pain right now. it is his just reward for giving hythlodaeus exactly what he asked for, and he can certainly not deny his lover his reward. besides, tender aftercare is an important facet of very rough sex, of which hythlodaeus is quite fond.
so he chuckles, and leans himself into hades side as they climb to their feet and oof, his hips ache and his legs feel like jelly, perhaps leaning on him is, in fact, a good idea. a breathless laugh escapes him. ]
No doubt you are very pleased with yourself right now. I am thoroughly ruined.
[His response draws a genuine laugh from her, her own eyes sliding closed at the warm press of their brows, threading a few stray locks of hair that had come loose from his braid through her fingers and letting them slip through as her lips pull into a warm and easy smile of her own.
When he puts it so simply, who is she to argue?]
I think you'll find I worry quite a lot, regardless.
[But there's a note of humor in her voice all the same; she's self-aware enough to know where worry is and isn't warranted, and it is so very easy to believe him when his fingertips are moving so carefully along the length of her spine. She gives a contented sigh, draping her leg so that it hooks gently behind his knee, ensuring they remain close.]
But I'm interested in muddling, if you are.
[As if he hadn't already made that quite clear.]
When he puts it so simply, who is she to argue?]
I think you'll find I worry quite a lot, regardless.
[But there's a note of humor in her voice all the same; she's self-aware enough to know where worry is and isn't warranted, and it is so very easy to believe him when his fingertips are moving so carefully along the length of her spine. She gives a contented sigh, draping her leg so that it hooks gently behind his knee, ensuring they remain close.]
But I'm interested in muddling, if you are.
[As if he hadn't already made that quite clear.]
[Forays such as this require a measure of pre-departure education, so much like "purbol", Erenville is aware of "halgai", what they look like and how the species generally acts as a matter of course.]
You may ask one, but I'll not have anything releasing surprise spells in my pack, thank you.
[Since it would be rather inhumane to put a creature like that in his pack in the first place, she should be able to tell how serious he is about it.
The road ahead of them is opening from close, cliff-shadowed path to something that feels vast even at this distance. Erenville takes a quick breath; he can smell the wind in the grass, the fertile dust and open sky.]
You may ask one, but I'll not have anything releasing surprise spells in my pack, thank you.
[Since it would be rather inhumane to put a creature like that in his pack in the first place, she should be able to tell how serious he is about it.
The road ahead of them is opening from close, cliff-shadowed path to something that feels vast even at this distance. Erenville takes a quick breath; he can smell the wind in the grass, the fertile dust and open sky.]
If I pretended to feel otherwise, you would see right through it.
[That self-satisfied smile of his pulls slightly to one side even as he secures his hold around Hythlodaeus' waist, reaching to take his wrist and guide his partner's arm over his shoulders. Pleased as he may be with the result of his hard work, he's not about to let his lover stumble his way to the shower all on his own, or risk his legs collapsing beneath him in the process.
Healing will, undoubtedly, play a part in their aftercare, but the deep sense of satisfaction as well as intimacy provided by the more 'practical' approaches cannot and should not be replaced.]
I am certainly just as pleased as you are, getting your way as you did.
[As he always does. Steadily, he helps to guide his partner towards the small washroom their lodgings had come equipped with, careful to go slowly as he monitors the unsteadiness of Hythlodaeus' progress.]
I'll admit, it almost seems a shame to clean you up after a display like that.
[That self-satisfied smile of his pulls slightly to one side even as he secures his hold around Hythlodaeus' waist, reaching to take his wrist and guide his partner's arm over his shoulders. Pleased as he may be with the result of his hard work, he's not about to let his lover stumble his way to the shower all on his own, or risk his legs collapsing beneath him in the process.
Healing will, undoubtedly, play a part in their aftercare, but the deep sense of satisfaction as well as intimacy provided by the more 'practical' approaches cannot and should not be replaced.]
I am certainly just as pleased as you are, getting your way as you did.
[As he always does. Steadily, he helps to guide his partner towards the small washroom their lodgings had come equipped with, careful to go slowly as he monitors the unsteadiness of Hythlodaeus' progress.]
I'll admit, it almost seems a shame to clean you up after a display like that.
Perhaps I will— we'll just have to see what they have to say on the matter.
[She doesn't remember seeing anything like them down in Labyrinthos, but even so, the suggestion is more of a tease than not— they are here for a specific purpose, and as fun as it may be to play at bringing wild creatures back with them without rhyme or reason, in truth, she's no gleaner.
Her pace slows a bit as they approach the pass into the Steppe, and even from where they stand:]
It smells like I remember.
[She smiles, closing her eyes for a brief moment before she gently seizes his wrist and proceeds to pick up speed until she's at a brisk walk.]
Come on!
[She doesn't remember seeing anything like them down in Labyrinthos, but even so, the suggestion is more of a tease than not— they are here for a specific purpose, and as fun as it may be to play at bringing wild creatures back with them without rhyme or reason, in truth, she's no gleaner.
Her pace slows a bit as they approach the pass into the Steppe, and even from where they stand:]
It smells like I remember.
[She smiles, closing her eyes for a brief moment before she gently seizes his wrist and proceeds to pick up speed until she's at a brisk walk.]
Come on!
[ much as he is enjoying looking into her face, hythlodaeus is quite exhausted, and so he soon rolls onto his side beside her, his hand dropping to smooth over the thigh that hooks over his. she is so easy to touch, to hold, achingly familiar in a way that makes his heart constrict in both pleasure and pain. how they will untangle this great knot between their hearts remains to be seen, but untangle it they must. he has been given this lifetime, this great gift, and he means to use it properly.
moments like this, moments of blissful peace.. oh, how he has missed them, despite how his heart still wavers. but they will, in fact, muddle through it all. ]
I am very interested.
[ closing his eyes, he touches his brow to hers, and sighs. ]
We will manage, in time.
moments like this, moments of blissful peace.. oh, how he has missed them, despite how his heart still wavers. but they will, in fact, muddle through it all. ]
I am very interested.
[ closing his eyes, he touches his brow to hers, and sighs. ]
We will manage, in time.
[ it is certainly a little more difficult to walk than hythlodaeus would have expected - it's been.. a long time, after all, since they made love with such gusto. still, there's something very satisfying about the ache that lingers in his hips and legs, evidence of their passions.
he chuckles, leaning in to start the water once they reach the washroom, testing the heat on his fingers. ]
Well, you are more than welcome to make a mess of me again, whenever you like. You know I am always amenable.
[ he's teasing, but also.. that libido, yo. straightening, he nuzzles his nose and mouth along hades' jaw, doting and sweet. ]
We've all day and all night, after all. And tomorrow. And the day next.
he chuckles, leaning in to start the water once they reach the washroom, testing the heat on his fingers. ]
Well, you are more than welcome to make a mess of me again, whenever you like. You know I am always amenable.
[ he's teasing, but also.. that libido, yo. straightening, he nuzzles his nose and mouth along hades' jaw, doting and sweet. ]
We've all day and all night, after all. And tomorrow. And the day next.
[He lets out a low, dry chuckle, turning the strong line of his jaw into that nuzzle before he bends to press a kiss against Hythlodaeus' forehead. Reaching out to test the heat of the water for himself, he gently urges Hythlodaeus to step forward into the spray with a hand at the small of his back, encouraging.]
That you most certainly are.
[He has not forgotten. Given the opportunity, Hythlodaeus would never allow him to do so, but even after thousands of years apart, there is much he remembers as though it has been only days. There were times when he had often cursed his own memory and the pain it brought with it, but this particular memory offers him the opportunity to smile at his partner's teasing, and he is grateful for that.
Once he has the opportunity, he steps smoothly into the shower behind him, pressing against his back and leaning in to press a soothing kiss against Hythlodaeus' jaw, followed by his neck, careful and attentive. They certainly do have plenty of time ahead of them, and for once, time no longer seems a dreadful and unending thing, but an opportunity.]
No doubt we'll find a way to fill those hours together.
[He begins to carefully undo what little remains of Hythlodaeus' braid— they'd made quite a mess of his hair, honestly.]
Not too hot?
That you most certainly are.
[He has not forgotten. Given the opportunity, Hythlodaeus would never allow him to do so, but even after thousands of years apart, there is much he remembers as though it has been only days. There were times when he had often cursed his own memory and the pain it brought with it, but this particular memory offers him the opportunity to smile at his partner's teasing, and he is grateful for that.
Once he has the opportunity, he steps smoothly into the shower behind him, pressing against his back and leaning in to press a soothing kiss against Hythlodaeus' jaw, followed by his neck, careful and attentive. They certainly do have plenty of time ahead of them, and for once, time no longer seems a dreadful and unending thing, but an opportunity.]
No doubt we'll find a way to fill those hours together.
[He begins to carefully undo what little remains of Hythlodaeus' braid— they'd made quite a mess of his hair, honestly.]
Not too hot?
[It is only fair that she let him rest— he had been flagging even before she had brought him here to the Annex, given how busy their evening had been out and about in the city, and she has no doubt that what they had allowed to happen here had only served to bring him to the very brink of exhaustion.
She presses a soft kiss against the end of his nose, another at the corner of his lips before stretching out from the waist up, her own eyelids lowering once more as he brings his brow to touch hers, limbs otherwise remaining entangled. She reaches, briefly, to grab hold of the blanket they have left neglected until now, pulling it up over the both of them before letting an arm encircle his waist, settling into a comfortable embrace.]
We do have that, don't we.
[She lets out an exhale of her own, half-chuckling as her eyes close fully.]
Enough so that we can talk further once we've both slept, if we so choose.
[Or they could just do more of this and say it serves a similar purpose. She's quite flexible, on that front.]
She presses a soft kiss against the end of his nose, another at the corner of his lips before stretching out from the waist up, her own eyelids lowering once more as he brings his brow to touch hers, limbs otherwise remaining entangled. She reaches, briefly, to grab hold of the blanket they have left neglected until now, pulling it up over the both of them before letting an arm encircle his waist, settling into a comfortable embrace.]
We do have that, don't we.
[She lets out an exhale of her own, half-chuckling as her eyes close fully.]
Enough so that we can talk further once we've both slept, if we so choose.
[Or they could just do more of this and say it serves a similar purpose. She's quite flexible, on that front.]
[ for all hythlodaeus loves a good, rough fucking, he enjoys the sweet aftercare just as much, and especially after so very long, being touched by hades so tenderly.. it feels so perfect, and hythlodaeus finds he is leaning into it like a man starved. all those years on the moon, untouched and wandering, lost, dulled, had taken their toll, and like as not it will be a long time before he can bear to be apart from hades for too long, before he isn't drinking in every touched as if deathly parched.
so when hades steps into the shower behind him and presses near, hythlodaeus allows nearly all of his weight to sink back into hades' arms, his violet eyes fluttering closed when his lover peppers sweet kisses to his jaw and neck, where he is already so tender and sensitive. hythlodaeus shivers and hums, a smile curving his mouth, while hades attends to his braid. or what is left of it. ]
No. It's perfect.
[ he purrs, low and soft and fond, his chest constricting with sweet warmth. they have fallen back into this with such ease, as if no time has passed at all, as if everything is exactly as it was.
deeply inhaling the steaming air, hythlodaeus lifts his hands to card his fingers through his own hair once the braid is unwound, shaking it free until it tumbles wildly around his shoulders. a mess, indeed.. ]
so when hades steps into the shower behind him and presses near, hythlodaeus allows nearly all of his weight to sink back into hades' arms, his violet eyes fluttering closed when his lover peppers sweet kisses to his jaw and neck, where he is already so tender and sensitive. hythlodaeus shivers and hums, a smile curving his mouth, while hades attends to his braid. or what is left of it. ]
No. It's perfect.
[ he purrs, low and soft and fond, his chest constricting with sweet warmth. they have fallen back into this with such ease, as if no time has passed at all, as if everything is exactly as it was.
deeply inhaling the steaming air, hythlodaeus lifts his hands to card his fingers through his own hair once the braid is unwound, shaking it free until it tumbles wildly around his shoulders. a mess, indeed.. ]
[ much as he would love to stay awake, to keep looking into her face and enjoying the warmth of her body, it has been a long day and an even longer night, and lovemaking has a way of taking it out of you. but it also has a way of bringing the sweetest rest, and hythlodaeus is sure that he shall sleep quite well tonight.
her hand at his back earns a soft, warm sound between them, the corners of his mouth upturning in a gentle smile. ]
Loathe as I am to sleep, I think you are right.
[ he can already feel a yawn coming on. the blankets come up, and hythlodaeus slips both arms around amri's middle, languid and comfortable as they settle heavily against the sheets. ]
In the morning, then.
her hand at his back earns a soft, warm sound between them, the corners of his mouth upturning in a gentle smile. ]
Loathe as I am to sleep, I think you are right.
[ he can already feel a yawn coming on. the blankets come up, and hythlodaeus slips both arms around amri's middle, languid and comfortable as they settle heavily against the sheets. ]
In the morning, then.
[Even after so very long apart— an impossible stretch of years, even by their people's standards— it is startlingly easy to fall back into old practices, for the pieces to fit perfectly into place as they ought. With his lover's hair undone, Hades gently places a hand against his shoulder and presses another kiss to the top of his head before nudging it forward, an arm remaining firm around his middle so that Hythlodaeus can easily continue to lean back against him— that shiver, that purr, had hardly gone unnoticed, but Hades has ever been known for his own unfailing focus.]
Dip under. I'll wash it for you.
[He'll walk him through as much as he needs, though Hythlodaeus is, of course, a grown man capable of showering himself. That's not the point, and as much as he, too, could do with a thorough clean-up, his attention is wholly on his partner— and will remain so until they are through.]
Hand against the wall, or you're like to topple over.
Dip under. I'll wash it for you.
[He'll walk him through as much as he needs, though Hythlodaeus is, of course, a grown man capable of showering himself. That's not the point, and as much as he, too, could do with a thorough clean-up, his attention is wholly on his partner— and will remain so until they are through.]
Hand against the wall, or you're like to topple over.
In the morning, then.
[Her smile pulls a bit wider as she echoes him, her own eyelids remaining heavy, and though she feels the threat of a yawn beginning to creep up on her, she never quite manages to let it escape. Instead, settled comfortably against him, sleep comes quickly— a first since she can't possibly remember when. It has been a long, long while since she has well and truly rested, but along with the relative peace of the present days, their combined efforts have worn her out in full. Sleep descends, and she welcomes it.
It is unusually late in the morning when she opens her eyes once more, judging by the angle of the sun filtering in through the window to her room at the Annex, and it takes her a few moments to regain herself, to put the pieces of her present state together. She stretches, reaching up with one hand to rub the sleep from her eyes, one after the other, and her shoulder gently bumps against her companion's chest in the process, still rising and falling softly with the even breath of sleep.
She smiles to herself, recalling the way they had left things off the night before, and rather than slip out of bed to search for clothes, she burrows just a bit further beneath the blankets, studying his lovely face for several moments before reaching out to lightly touch her fingertips to the soft curve of his lips, followed by the line of his jaw. Though not surprised that he'd stayed, the feeling of waking up beside someone is decidedly novel.
Cautious, she lifts her head and leans over to press a kiss against his impossibly soft lips, then carefully lays back against the pillow. If he's not ready to stir, she won't bother him unnecessarily, in this, she couldn't quite help herself.]
Good morning.
[Her smile pulls a bit wider as she echoes him, her own eyelids remaining heavy, and though she feels the threat of a yawn beginning to creep up on her, she never quite manages to let it escape. Instead, settled comfortably against him, sleep comes quickly— a first since she can't possibly remember when. It has been a long, long while since she has well and truly rested, but along with the relative peace of the present days, their combined efforts have worn her out in full. Sleep descends, and she welcomes it.
It is unusually late in the morning when she opens her eyes once more, judging by the angle of the sun filtering in through the window to her room at the Annex, and it takes her a few moments to regain herself, to put the pieces of her present state together. She stretches, reaching up with one hand to rub the sleep from her eyes, one after the other, and her shoulder gently bumps against her companion's chest in the process, still rising and falling softly with the even breath of sleep.
She smiles to herself, recalling the way they had left things off the night before, and rather than slip out of bed to search for clothes, she burrows just a bit further beneath the blankets, studying his lovely face for several moments before reaching out to lightly touch her fingertips to the soft curve of his lips, followed by the line of his jaw. Though not surprised that he'd stayed, the feeling of waking up beside someone is decidedly novel.
Cautious, she lifts her head and leans over to press a kiss against his impossibly soft lips, then carefully lays back against the pillow. If he's not ready to stir, she won't bother him unnecessarily, in this, she couldn't quite help herself.]
Good morning.
Edited 2022-01-11 07:42 (UTC)
[ for the moment hythlodaeus is happy to be led by the nose, for that is the nature of their aftercare, their sweet affections after a brutal, satisfying sessions. and so he does as asked, dipping beneath the spray of the warm water and running his fingers through his hair to dampen it.
when was the last time hades washed his hair for him?
hythlodaeus remembers quite clearly, in fact. their last night together. the world was falling apart around them, the star dying, and hythlodaeus was to give himself up, to make the greatest sacrifice possible in offering himself to zodiark to save their home, and what would remain of their people. azem had gone, turned their back on the entire unsavory operation, for which.. hythlodaeus could not entirely blame them, yet it left he and hades alone, bereft, and so they had spent the night wrapped up in one another, seeking pleasure and comfort and warmth while they still could.
before now, before these new days, it was like as not the last time that either of them was truly happy. ]
You needn't fuss.
[ he says gently, though he smiles and balances himself against the wall nonetheless, for his legs are still quite unsteady beneath him. ]
when was the last time hades washed his hair for him?
hythlodaeus remembers quite clearly, in fact. their last night together. the world was falling apart around them, the star dying, and hythlodaeus was to give himself up, to make the greatest sacrifice possible in offering himself to zodiark to save their home, and what would remain of their people. azem had gone, turned their back on the entire unsavory operation, for which.. hythlodaeus could not entirely blame them, yet it left he and hades alone, bereft, and so they had spent the night wrapped up in one another, seeking pleasure and comfort and warmth while they still could.
before now, before these new days, it was like as not the last time that either of them was truly happy. ]
You needn't fuss.
[ he says gently, though he smiles and balances himself against the wall nonetheless, for his legs are still quite unsteady beneath him. ]
[ hythlodaeus sleeps deeply, and fully through the night, which is a great feat, really, for he has ever been a light sleeper and prone to waking. yet the previous day's exhaustion followed by he and amri's, uh, antics had tired him to the core, and they slept deep and true, tangled beneath the warm blankets.
yet he cannot sleep through the touch of her fingers, the drag of them gently across his skin, and hythlodaeus' eyes flicker open, bleary and unfocused. it takes him a moment to take in the scene, the late morning light slanting beneath the curtains, the lingering smell of sex and skin, and.. amri beside him, warm and real and smiling.
he cannot help but smile in return. ]
.. good morning.
[ stretching his long legs beneath the covers, he sighs and rolls onto his back, rubbing at his eyes with his knuckles. ]
I trust you slept as well as I did.
yet he cannot sleep through the touch of her fingers, the drag of them gently across his skin, and hythlodaeus' eyes flicker open, bleary and unfocused. it takes him a moment to take in the scene, the late morning light slanting beneath the curtains, the lingering smell of sex and skin, and.. amri beside him, warm and real and smiling.
he cannot help but smile in return. ]
.. good morning.
[ stretching his long legs beneath the covers, he sighs and rolls onto his back, rubbing at his eyes with his knuckles. ]
I trust you slept as well as I did.
[Needn't fuss. Tch.]
Have I ever done otherwise?
[Certainly not as long as they were together. He, too, remember the last time they were able to share moments like this, the memory itself constricting tightly around his heart as he closes his eyes to will it away, to remain in the past where it belongs. It was a raw memory, one that had stayed with him ever since, bittersweet and heartwrenching. It had been a night of desperately trying to comfort one another, as well as saying goodbye— a farewell they had been so certain would be final.
He doesn't want to think about that any longer.
Instead, he bows his head to press a kiss to the nape of Hythlodaeus' neck before he begins to work his fingers through his hair, tips gentle against his scalp in sharp contrast to how rough they had been with one another only a few short minutes before, gathering all that long, lavender hair in hand to carefully pull it to one side before reaching for one of the small bottles perched on the small shelf beneath the showerhead.]
You needn't pretend you don't enjoy this.
[Your smile gives you away, Hythlodaeus, though it was never a particularly well-kept secret.]
Have I ever done otherwise?
[Certainly not as long as they were together. He, too, remember the last time they were able to share moments like this, the memory itself constricting tightly around his heart as he closes his eyes to will it away, to remain in the past where it belongs. It was a raw memory, one that had stayed with him ever since, bittersweet and heartwrenching. It had been a night of desperately trying to comfort one another, as well as saying goodbye— a farewell they had been so certain would be final.
He doesn't want to think about that any longer.
Instead, he bows his head to press a kiss to the nape of Hythlodaeus' neck before he begins to work his fingers through his hair, tips gentle against his scalp in sharp contrast to how rough they had been with one another only a few short minutes before, gathering all that long, lavender hair in hand to carefully pull it to one side before reaching for one of the small bottles perched on the small shelf beneath the showerhead.]
You needn't pretend you don't enjoy this.
[Your smile gives you away, Hythlodaeus, though it was never a particularly well-kept secret.]
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