( He hears her heels get closer and before he knows it, his face is between her hands. He instinctively slides both arms around her waist to inch her closer. While they're both single and aching, he'll hold onto her as long as she allows. He presses his chin between the curve of fabric on her breasts, offering a smug smile.
She's a sturdy force in his life, pulling him down when his mind starts getting lost in the cold. Her endearments could have the power to solve his self-inflicted war. )
I can't make him my experiment subject, so I'll have to explore another way and no, no one's allowed in my ass. Not even you, sorry.
( He sighs after letting go of some of the humor, then tilts his head so he can positively blind himself between her chest. His arms tighten around her because yes, he is afraid. He's afraid of leaving a scar on Kaveh's heart, and he's afraid of trusting him. He mumbles words against her plumpness as his nose still wedges between her cleavage. )
He already confessed. It's a real mess. Even if he was a woman, Navia, I live underwater. It's a non-negotiable. He already knows that, too and he doesn't belong down there. I don't belong up here. The math is simple.
( He lifts his gaze up again. ) He went through my phone. Our messages, specifically.
[ Wriothesley's smug smile is met with a roll of Navia's eyes— it's a playful expression, something fond and affectionate. Her fingers run through his hair as she listens to the words he mumbles into her breasts.
She understands, she thinks. It isn't just about him being a man. Wriothesley is troubled by the distance between them, the difficulties his job presents. He's caught in the need to figure out his feelings while also wanting not to hurt the person for whom he holds them. And— ]
Mm. [ The Duke said before that his privacy was invaded. He didn't say that their privacy was invaded. There's no hiding the small frown that forms on her face at the thought. She doesn't like the thought of someone other than Wriothesley seeing those images, those videos, those words... She certainly doesn't like the fact that someone actively sought them out... But she's trying her best to be helpful, not to judge things that have already happened. Her perspective here is extremely limited. And if she's honest...
Her fingers trace the scar under his eye, down his cheek, across his lips. ]
Monsieur, have we not all made mistakes when our emotion overpowers our logic? [ She knows she certainly has. But this isn't about her. Instead, she offers: ] Such as rejecting a gentleman and then being upset when his attentions are found to be directed towards another?
( Her touch is so awe-inspiring, coaxing his eyes shut as he relaxes against them. It's not often he can drop most of his guards entirely and let himself go in the arms of another. Even his arms loosen around her as he soaks her pampering warmth across his scars. One would only need to get this close to realize his eyebrows also have hairless fissure-like markings from previous fights.
Then it all crashes with her tactfully, and rightfully, pointing out his mistakes. Lids flutter open in brief confusion only because: damn, did she really have to stop caressing him?
He thought the lectures were over for the day. )
We had sorted out my slip-up previously. I ran into them in a bar by accident. I honestly didn't think he'd stick around the city much longer to begin with. Alas, he already apologized about seeing our messages, too, and I told myself I'd forgive him, but I'm not sure if I can trust him easily again.
[ Navia has known him long enough that she understands the look he offers her, and she chuckles sweetly, resuming the gentle touches over his face and hair and ears, even his neck, as she talks. ]
Forgiveness and trust are different things. You're allowed to take the time to rebuild your trust more gradually even after deciding to forgive him. If his apology was genuine, he'll understand that.
[ As for why he's choosing to stay around the city when he technically has no purpose for being here... well, Navia can guess why. ]
But you have to remember that trust needs to go both ways. In my case, even if things go the way I want them to... it will take me a while to trust her, after she's gone back and forth on it for so long. If he's as fragile as you say— [ and if Navia is right that Wriothesley isn't quite as opaque as he believes himself to be ] —then he might also have some rebuilding to do. If you decide that you want to pursue this, you might find that you need to be patient too.
[ Her thumb strokes over the scarring in his eyebrows, and she lowers her face until it's even with his. ]
Which I suppose brings it back to that same question all over again. You keep telling me all the reasons it won't work... but if you truly didn't want it to work, we wouldn't be having this conversation in the first place.
( It’s impossible not to feel a sudden heat on his neck when she touches his scars. They hardly get attention for one reason or another, so it’s almost stranger having someone care after them.
He sighs, turning his head on his cheek to rest against her chest. )
I’m patient, I just don’t think I can put up with immaturity.
Have you tried telling her how her back and forth makes you feel? Maybe she’ll consider making a real decision then.
( He has never been one to demand his needs besides basic rights. He watches the door across the room and closes his eyes again. With everything so beautifully quiet, he can listen to her heartbeat. He’d hate knowing he’s bringing Kaveh the same pain she’s experiencing.
Facing up again, he easily finds his lips to lock with hers— probably not her intention but it’s not like he can help himself. He pulls away with a smile. )
[ She hums into the kiss— not quite what she expected from him, but certainly nothing she will protest— and then leans back with a slow smile when he pulls back to look up at her. ]
In the grand scheme of things, no. But if you tell me, you'll be speaking it aloud— that's what's important.
[ Her fingers card back through his hair, sapphire eyes soft and affectionate as they search his face. ]
You don't have to allow for immaturity on anyone's part. [ She doesn't elaborate on what she means— she figures that he'll know, or at the very least, that it will give him something to think about more seriously. ] Have patience, but also have boundaries. Right?
[ As for her own situation... Navia wrinkles her nose. ]
She knows that I don't like it, but I haven't told her the full extent of it. I'd prefer not to pressure her. But... let's focus on you right now. Okay?
Enough about me. ( He takes her wrists into his hands despite the delicate caressing still melting him to a pulp. Logic and emotion don’t always coexist at the same time, and he knows his wants are borderline selfish— logic ends up washing them away.
It’s counterproductive chasing after a man who’s not even from Fontaine and here on borrowed time, having a full life elsewhere just as Wriothesley lives his own.
He stands from the chair and starts taking off the clasps on his boots. He’ll be damned if he doesn’t take advantage of napping in a soft hotel bed like this. )
[ His words are not directed at her, and yet they send a flutter down her spine. It is perhaps the most decisive thing she's ever heard Wriothesley say in all the time she's known him. She watches as he unclasps his boots, and she slides her own off her feet before she reaches for him, arms circling his hips and pulling him closer to her. Her chin rests against his abdomen and she looks up at him, smile on her lips. ]
Then tell him that.
[ A pause, as her eyes twinkle. He's not the only one thinking about the advantage they have right now. And besides— they're both still single, for now. ]
( He doesn’t answer this time and simply looks down at her once she retains him. It’s a compelling sight, her eyes have always bright dreams flashing in them. Where there’s no sun she truly does light up a room. )
We have plenty of time.
( It can be daunting letting go of their routine, or the comfort she provides. Emotionally and physically. Her comment brings a waning smile from him. Just like many other times, it encompasses more than one thing. So now’s the time to turn the tables on her. )
[ It would be easy for her to refuse to answer, to give him a taste of his own medicine in that way: ]
Oh..? What do I want? Isn't it obvious~?
[ And she reaches up to grab his tie, drawing him with her as she leans back against the bed, a sigh as her spine finds the comfort of the mattress. The smile on her lips is a teasing, a touch of amused silliness around the edges while she lets the words sink in, while she waits just long enough that he might think she's serious— only then does he reach to card his hair back again, shaking her head. ]
I know. That's not what you mean.
[ Navia sighs, lets her head fall heavily against the mattress. ]
( Did he outright refuse her? No, he did cave in because he’s soft for her. When he closes his eyes he can almost taste how close they are to truly being emotionally capable for each other. It’s as easy as letting their hearts catch up to their own beats.
He joins her easily, towering on top of her frame propped up on his elbows. Though he soon allows for his weight to befall on hers and sink the mattress even more. He lifts his chin between her breasts because of course he does. )
She shakes her head. Her situation is a little different to his, after all. ] But I can't force her to accept me, either. She knows how I feel— she has to work out how she feels. And... mm, it's complicated for us, too. In ways I can't exactly explain.
[ Not without essentially telling him who she is, at least.
Navia sighs, and her hand drifts down, skimming the side of his face and then falling to his shoulder. ]
I don't like feeling this way, but I don't have much of a choice. You do, and you know that.
[ Ugh. On one hand, she's glad they had this conversation. Wriothesley needed her help, and she was able to give it. It's just that in the wake of it... ]
Hey, cheer up. ( If this conversation became an active thorn because of her situation, he can’t help but wonder if Kaveh has anyone to also talk like this about the things Wriothesley has put him through. It’s not easy for anybody, much less alone. )
She’ll come around with her own answer when she’s ready and so will I. But don’t make yourself wait forever. Whatever forever means to you.
[ She raises her brows— and then laughs, her arms moving to circle firm around his shoulders. ]
Monsieur, you told me your answer already. Don't you try to walk back on it now.
[ But she's not going to belabor the point, either. She's pushed him pretty far today— she knows this already. And so instead she tugs at him once more, hoping to pull him up into a kiss this time.
She can't exactly promise she won't keep waiting. Not when she's already been in love for so long. But she offers him a small smile, a nod, all the same. ]
My answer is the same, but I didn’t make promises.
( With that, he turns his head against her chest and lets his smile disappear. The scent on her clothes and her skin is always enough to transcend his thoughts. His vulnerability has left him mentally drained, combined with the sugars and tea from earlier and it’s no surprise he passes out on her. )
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sempiternals2023-11-16 11:24 pm
no subject
She's a sturdy force in his life, pulling him down when his mind starts getting lost in the cold. Her endearments could have the power to solve his self-inflicted war. )
I can't make him my experiment subject, so I'll have to explore another way and no, no one's allowed in my ass. Not even you, sorry.
( He sighs after letting go of some of the humor, then tilts his head so he can positively blind himself between her chest. His arms tighten around her because yes, he is afraid. He's afraid of leaving a scar on Kaveh's heart, and he's afraid of trusting him. He mumbles words against her plumpness as his nose still wedges between her cleavage. )
He already confessed. It's a real mess. Even if he was a woman, Navia, I live underwater. It's a non-negotiable. He already knows that, too and he doesn't belong down there. I don't belong up here. The math is simple.
( He lifts his gaze up again. ) He went through my phone. Our messages, specifically.
no subject
She understands, she thinks. It isn't just about him being a man. Wriothesley is troubled by the distance between them, the difficulties his job presents. He's caught in the need to figure out his feelings while also wanting not to hurt the person for whom he holds them. And— ]
Mm. [ The Duke said before that his privacy was invaded. He didn't say that their privacy was invaded. There's no hiding the small frown that forms on her face at the thought. She doesn't like the thought of someone other than Wriothesley seeing those images, those videos, those words... She certainly doesn't like the fact that someone actively sought them out... But she's trying her best to be helpful, not to judge things that have already happened. Her perspective here is extremely limited. And if she's honest...
Her fingers trace the scar under his eye, down his cheek, across his lips. ]
Monsieur, have we not all made mistakes when our emotion overpowers our logic? [ She knows she certainly has. But this isn't about her. Instead, she offers: ] Such as rejecting a gentleman and then being upset when his attentions are found to be directed towards another?
no subject
Then it all crashes with her tactfully, and rightfully, pointing out his mistakes. Lids flutter open in brief confusion only because: damn, did she really have to stop caressing him?
He thought the lectures were over for the day. )
We had sorted out my slip-up previously. I ran into them in a bar by accident. I honestly didn't think he'd stick around the city much longer to begin with. Alas, he already apologized about seeing our messages, too, and I told myself I'd forgive him, but I'm not sure if I can trust him easily again.
no subject
Forgiveness and trust are different things. You're allowed to take the time to rebuild your trust more gradually even after deciding to forgive him. If his apology was genuine, he'll understand that.
[ As for why he's choosing to stay around the city when he technically has no purpose for being here... well, Navia can guess why. ]
But you have to remember that trust needs to go both ways. In my case, even if things go the way I want them to... it will take me a while to trust her, after she's gone back and forth on it for so long. If he's as fragile as you say— [ and if Navia is right that Wriothesley isn't quite as opaque as he believes himself to be ] —then he might also have some rebuilding to do. If you decide that you want to pursue this, you might find that you need to be patient too.
[ Her thumb strokes over the scarring in his eyebrows, and she lowers her face until it's even with his. ]
Which I suppose brings it back to that same question all over again. You keep telling me all the reasons it won't work... but if you truly didn't want it to work, we wouldn't be having this conversation in the first place.
[ A gentle purse of her lips against his. ]
Tell me honestly, Wriothesley. What do you want?
no subject
He sighs, turning his head on his cheek to rest against her chest. )
I’m patient, I just don’t think I can put up with immaturity.
Have you tried telling her how her back and forth makes you feel? Maybe she’ll consider making a real decision then.
( He has never been one to demand his needs besides basic rights. He watches the door across the room and closes his eyes again. With everything so beautifully quiet, he can listen to her heartbeat. He’d hate knowing he’s bringing Kaveh the same pain she’s experiencing.
Facing up again, he easily finds his lips to lock with hers— probably not her intention but it’s not like he can help himself. He pulls away with a smile. )
Does it make a difference if I tell you?
no subject
In the grand scheme of things, no. But if you tell me, you'll be speaking it aloud— that's what's important.
[ Her fingers card back through his hair, sapphire eyes soft and affectionate as they search his face. ]
You don't have to allow for immaturity on anyone's part. [ She doesn't elaborate on what she means— she figures that he'll know, or at the very least, that it will give him something to think about more seriously. ] Have patience, but also have boundaries. Right?
[ As for her own situation... Navia wrinkles her nose. ]
She knows that I don't like it, but I haven't told her the full extent of it. I'd prefer not to pressure her. But... let's focus on you right now. Okay?
no subject
( He takes her wrists into his hands despite the delicate caressing still melting him to a pulp. Logic and emotion don’t always coexist at the same time, and he knows his wants are borderline selfish— logic ends up washing them away.
It’s counterproductive chasing after a man who’s not even from Fontaine and here on borrowed time, having a full life elsewhere just as Wriothesley lives his own.
He stands from the chair and starts taking off the clasps on his boots. He’ll be damned if he doesn’t take advantage of napping in a soft hotel bed like this. )
I want him for myself, Navia.
no subject
Then tell him that.
[ A pause, as her eyes twinkle. He's not the only one thinking about the advantage they have right now. And besides— they're both still single, for now. ]
After, anyway.
no subject
We have plenty of time.
( It can be daunting letting go of their routine, or the comfort she provides. Emotionally and physically. Her comment brings a waning smile from him. Just like many other times, it encompasses more than one thing. So now’s the time to turn the tables on her. )
And what do you want?
no subject
Oh..? What do I want? Isn't it obvious~?
[ And she reaches up to grab his tie, drawing him with her as she leans back against the bed, a sigh as her spine finds the comfort of the mattress. The smile on her lips is a teasing, a touch of amused silliness around the edges while she lets the words sink in, while she waits just long enough that he might think she's serious— only then does he reach to card his hair back again, shaking her head. ]
I know. That's not what you mean.
[ Navia sighs, lets her head fall heavily against the mattress. ]
I want her for myself, too.
no subject
He joins her easily, towering on top of her frame propped up on his elbows. Though he soon allows for his weight to befall on hers and sink the mattress even more. He lifts his chin between her breasts because of course he does. )
Then tell her that.
( See, Navia? It’s not that easy. )
no subject
But...
She shakes her head. Her situation is a little different to his, after all. ] But I can't force her to accept me, either. She knows how I feel— she has to work out how she feels. And... mm, it's complicated for us, too. In ways I can't exactly explain.
[ Not without essentially telling him who she is, at least.
Navia sighs, and her hand drifts down, skimming the side of his face and then falling to his shoulder. ]
I don't like feeling this way, but I don't have much of a choice. You do, and you know that.
[ Ugh. On one hand, she's glad they had this conversation. Wriothesley needed her help, and she was able to give it. It's just that in the wake of it... ]
I'll be okay, handsome. Whatever happens.
no subject
( If this conversation became an active thorn because of her situation, he can’t help but wonder if Kaveh has anyone to also talk like this about the things Wriothesley has put him through. It’s not easy for anybody, much less alone. )
She’ll come around with her own answer when she’s ready and so will I. But don’t make yourself wait forever. Whatever forever means to you.
no subject
Monsieur, you told me your answer already. Don't you try to walk back on it now.
[ But she's not going to belabor the point, either. She's pushed him pretty far today— she knows this already. And so instead she tugs at him once more, hoping to pull him up into a kiss this time.
She can't exactly promise she won't keep waiting. Not when she's already been in love for so long. But she offers him a small smile, a nod, all the same. ]
I'll try my best. Okay?
no subject
( With that, he turns his head against her chest and lets his smile disappear. The scent on her clothes and her skin is always enough to transcend his thoughts. His vulnerability has left him mentally drained, combined with the sugars and tea from earlier and it’s no surprise he passes out on her. )