sempiternals | How could your heart be stolen by a human?

Mm. Good.

[ It's not a promise. Kaveh knows it's not a promise. He can't and won't allow himself to believe in a promise where none has been made. The only truth guaranteed to him here is that Wriothesley enjoyed fucking him, and intends to fuck him again. The architect knows as well as any other person that sex and love are two different things. There's no cause for him to believe in something that isn't necessarily there.

So he's not asking for anything with his comment, not really.

But will it break his heart when Wriothesley inevitably tells him it's just sex? Of course, even if he promises himself right now that it won't. Such is the difficulty of being in love with a man who's only halfway invested— at least in Kaveh's mind. And that's where the desperation comes in, unplanned by the blonde but existent in his actions because it offers the truth of his feelings. ]

Whatever other surprises you have planned too.

[ He chuckles, nuzzles his nose against the other man's. ]

I'm open to all of them.

( There is something more between them than lust. Lust is what he shares with Navia when they both need one another to release stress. He should update her with the news, anyway. Perhaps he and Kaveh aren't anything definitive or exclusive, but Wriothesley knows now: he's not interested to fuck anybody else and that will be his secret to carry.

His loyalty is thicker than the blood between these bricks.

If this were just sex, Wriothesley wouldn't be laying next to him basking, enjoying the company, or taking care of him. )

Do I still have to sleep on the floor?

[ There's a moment of silence as Kaveh processes the question, and then the blonde laughs, bright and warm, his concerns chased away by the amusement. ]

Only if I'm joining you, [ he whispers, and slips a hand around the back of Wriothesley's neck, tugging him into a firm kiss. His mouth tastes of the salt from their sweat, but Kaveh hardly minds, his tongue tracing along the seam of his lips, his teeth nipping at the plush skin. ] Though I don't think the floor would be all that comfortable to sleep on.

[ With another laugh, Kaveh shifts, his mouth following the trail of scars down Wriothesley's neck, soft presses of his lips into the skin for every few inches that he moves. Of course, it's none of his business, but he's curious, wonders if the other will tell him more someday— ]

Mm.. is this okay?

( He's sure by now they've kissed enough to make up for all these months they've known each other. Kaveh takes the liberty to sling his arm around his neck and Wriothesley happily grabs a handful of ass. )

I have to agree. Even a mattress doesn't hold so well directly on the floor.

( Without the gauze around his neck, his scars do feel naked and their existence becomes a focus when Kaveh's lips trace over them. It's not that he's uncomfortable by it, but more like they never get much affection. The idea of someone gravitating towards them is foreign, and the touch is certainly new to him. He's glad Kaveh isn't repulsed by them, at least. )

It's alright.

( Today is not that day. Not unless he wants to see Kaveh run out the door. Not because of the action itself but because Wriothesley stands by his decisions. He ends up lifting Kaveh's chin to face him again, contradictory perhaps, but he actually invites another kiss between them instead. He presses against him hip-to-hip, enjoying the heat and softness of their cocks grinding against one another as a result. It's nothing intentional or sexually charged, there's no way Wriothesley can get hard anytime soon. )

Let's get cleaned up. I don't know about you, but I'm starving.

Good. [ It's mumbled contentedly into Wriothesley's skin as he continues to work his way over the scars, smiling lazily into each kiss— though before he can travel much further, his face is cupped and tugged up to meet the other's gaze, the other's mouth, his hips rolling casually against that soft warmth, the sensation making him shiver in pleasure despite him being physically unable to get aroused again just yet.

Mentally, though it's a whole other story. Even as the Duke suggests they clean up so they can eat— and Kaveh is hungry— his brain is a few steps ahead, already imagining what they could possibly get up to after the fact—

Or later, he decides when he goes to climb out of the bed and finds himself wincing, belated revenge from his body for being so willing to take the other man without properly stretching himself out first. ]

Nn. So we bathe, fix up my dressings, get food, and I'm gonna need some painkillers. [ He offers the other a reproachful glance, although he's far from angry or upset by what has just taken place. ] Next time, fingers first.

Oh— Sorry. Fingers, got it.

( He can’t say his experience with women and anal is the same. An ass is an ass, but now he begins to wonder if he hurt them, too, or if it’s Kaveh’s personal preference.

He admires his body at full length, following him out of the bed. He immediately goes to check his phone on his desk, ass fully on display and cock proudly hanging. )

I’ll have someone bring me new sheets.

( The text is sent off and now he’s fully Kaveh’s again.

He doesn’t bother with a bath this time, it’s too time consuming. A good rinse with soap is all they need, besides it would be dangerous soaking Kaveh’s wound in a bath when it’s still too fresh. )

Did I hurt you?

[ The first thing Wriothesley does when they get out of bed is go to his phone, and the immediate thought that freezes Kaveh's blood is one of that girl, and it's just another reminder that he's fallen into the same trap as before, allowing himself to give in to this man whom he loves, who doesn't love him. He knows it can't just be a physical thing, that the Duke wouldn't do that to him after their encounter in the ship, but at the very least it's not what he craves from the other.

And it's not like they've even talked about anything past the physical, so...

If it is her, he has no right, does he?

It doesn't stop the twisting ugliness in his stomach though, and Kaveh forces a smile as they move into the bathroom, shaking his head, working to undo the dressings so that they'll be able to clean and re-dress them. In the dim light, the cuts look nastier than they did before, somehow, but Kaveh knows that's because they're healing. Tighnari has told him more than once that a little red is a good thing, even if he struggles even now to believe it. ]

Not really. I'm a little achy, but I think that's a combination of a few things. [ Like, for example, the man's sheer girth, or the fact that Wriothesley fucks hard, something that Kaveh's not really used to. ] But if we'd taken the time to stretch me out first, I think it would've helped.

[ Even as he says it, even as the other man helps to clean his chest, all he can see in his mind are pretty blonde ringlets and curious sapphire eyes. ]

Maybe next time we can take it a bit easier, and... talk about some of that stuff.

( Whoever is texting Wriothesley responds in record time speed, putting everything together on their end for him to be greeted by fresh sheets at his door as soon as he's done here.

The shower is much needed to relax all the intensity off of his body, sore and exhausted from all the vigorous thrusting. Wrapped up with a towel, he sits on another chair in the bathroom to help clean Kaveh's wound. Hair dripping still, he glances to and from his eyes to his chest. The vivid redness doesn't bother him, and he's tender around the edges as he cleans off any dead flesh in its healing process. )

I should have asked you first, so forgive me. Part of me thought you'd change your mind somewhere along the way and I rushed through the motions. I'm not so entirely innocent, but practice makes perfect, no?

[ Standing there after the shower as Wriothesley helps to clean up his wounds, Kaveh watches him in silence, trying to chase the haunting thoughts from his mind. He knows it's stupid for him to be thinking about that girl, to be so painfully jealous when he's just gotten what he's wanted for so long—

(except it's not that, is it? And perhaps therein lies the whole of the problem)

—but then the older man says something that silences his brain for a few moments, making carmine eyes widen in shock.

He reaches out, fingers finding the sharp line of Wriothesley's jaw, stroking over the roughness of the skin where stubble has only just begun to form. ]

You thought I'd change my mind? [ His hand lowers to move the Duke's out of the way, Kaveh deciding in the moment they can worry about his wound later and for now reaching to draw the other closer to him instead. Standing as he is to the other's sitting, he has to lean down, but he smiles fondly, pursing his lips against Wriothesley's in a chaste kiss. ]

I never changed my mind while you were trying to make me change it. What makes you think I'd change it now?

[ He pulls back, and for a moment his lips move to form the words, to remind the other man that he's in love with him— but an image of blonde curls and sweet blue eyes stops him, and he falters in the words, leaving them unsaid as he stands properly again so the other can resume cleaning.

He's already going to get hurt from this, no matter how much he pretends he won't. So why add eventual humiliation to the mix too? ]

( Kaveh's fingers stroking the rasp of stubble reminds him to shave later. Funny how life seems to escape when so much lives in his mind, from his day-to-day responsibilities to the situation with Mael.

He keeps his hands rested on his knees, glancing up at Kaveh as their lips meet. He doesn't get the chance to kiss back because even now, he hardly expects the kisses to come so suddenly. )

You always take me by surprise, I suppose.

( Most of the time, it's in a good way. Wriothesley offers a tired smile, standing up with him so he can get the ointment for the wound. This is something he normally uses for himself whenever he gets hurt in the Fortress. It works wonders. Only a small amount is needed at the edge of the wound before lining the cotton layer and then the gauze to stick around his torso. )

The sheets should be at the door, so you stay here and I'll grab us some food, too.

( He's unsure where this odd tension is rising from. Does Kaveh regret it? Wriothesley dabs his thumb over his cheekbone, mulling over the scrutiny of his thoughts before he leaves for the bedroom so he can get dressed. His phone is left sitting on his desk with the last message on his notifications reading: New sheets in ten minutes, Your Grace.

He licks on his belt and adjusts his tie, calling out to Kaveh from the doorframe. )

See you soon.

[ He calls back to the other when he leaves and steps out of the bathroom shortly after, looking around the room as he realizes he didn't think to ask for any of his clothes. He doesn't even notice Wriothesley's phone on the desk at first, going instead to his own and keying in a quick message to the other man— and laughing in bitter frustration when it chimes from across the room.

Clearly, Lord Kusanali is testing his honesty: the itch is already under his skin, wanting to see what the message the other man sent might say. He's jealous and afraid, painfully so, more so than ever now that he's experienced what it's like to be with him—

But on the other hand... the fact the Duke left the phone in here with him shows that his trust for Kaveh is coming back, and the blonde doesn't want to fuck that up when he's only just regained it.

Also, there's the issue of clothing. He feels ridiculous, standing dwarfed in this massive room, pale and lithe and bandaged up, naked as the day he was born. His clothes from yesterday are covered in his blood, and probably reek of panic sweat besides...

After a moment, he crosses the room to the wardrobe.

By the time Wriothesley comes back into the room, he'll find Kaveh sitting on the unmade bed wearing clothing entirely sniped from his wardrobe— a pair of boxers and a long-sleeved shirt, both slightly too large for his skinny figure— and fiddling with his phone in his hands, his eyes rimmed in red. ]

( "Good morning, Your Grace." He hears the same phrase from everybody who walks past him on his way to the cafeteria. Two deluxe boxes are ordered. He tackles everything he needs to within the timeframe it takes for them to be ready and steaming.

Such as meeting up with the receptionist. Curious eyes from inmates gaze upon him as if he truly were the god of this underworld. Perhaps some people simply know what kind of man should be granted full respect. Death changes people, and only those who are familiar with it might recognize the vacancy left in his eyes when he lost his childhood to the truth.

"Mael Kraus, that's it. Please submit his documents and files to the deceased folder. I'll take care of the rest."

Nobody dares to question him, so the receptionist simply nods and does as told, shuffling through all of the Mael records.

"Thanks for the food," he tips with his credit coupons out of courtesy for the quick delivery on such short notice and starts heading back to the office. He never realizes his jacket is lighter when he's back in the office and certain memories pour back. However, those plagued with trust issues will always place doubt on others.

He gathers the bag with fresh sheets and walks back down the spiral of stairs. Past the small office where his staff sometimes works, and further into the familiar and homey section leading to his bedroom. )

Sorry, that took a while. Food should still be pretty hot, though-

( His voice cuts off when he sees Kaveh on his bed. He's not sure why he likes seeing him wearing his clothes, but he does. He'd fuck him in them. Then all thoughts scatter when he gets closer and realizes there's an issue. )

What's wrong?

[ He shouldn't be this upset. There's no discernable reason for him to be this upset. Wriothesley asked if he could kiss him, it turned into the two of them fucking, and now Kaveh has gone and anxiously piled all his existing feelings into the basket where he told himself over and over again as it was happening that he should not, could not, would not. His heart aches with something it has no right to ache with, and what should be a nice, relaxing morning-afternoon-evening (what time even is it) between them has turned into his anxiety rearing its head and making him want to run.

He doesn't cry, but he's teetering embarrassingly close to the edge of it when the Duke makes it back to his room, and Kaveh, ever one to bury his frustrations and aches in domestic tasks, practically jumps up as the other man approaches, taking the bag from his hands so that he can set about remaking the bed.

But he freezes like a prey animal caught in lights when the question is asked, and his grip on the bag tightens, and Kaveh's eyes squeeze shut because

because he wants to do better, and doing better means making himself vulnerable, and—

He takes a deep breath. ]

Your phone's over on your desk. I didn't look at it. But I thought about it. I haven't stopped... I— it's stupid, but when we got out of bed, you sent a text message and all I've been able to think about since is..

[ Kaveh grits his teeth, pressing a hand against his forehead. The words are surprisingly slow to come, caught behind anxiety as they are. ]

I keep thinking about your friend. The pretty— the beautiful blonde girl. It's stupid, and I'm being jealous where I have no right to be at all but...

( Wriothesley is a superb listener, and when the words begin pouring like a waterfall, he knows not to interrupt. Frankly, he's impressed Kaveh managed to keep all his tension festering inside him the entire time since he sent that silly text. He can only feel bad, realizing how it must have seemed to the other even if anyone in their right mind wouldn't do something like it. He sets the sheets on the desk so he can get closer to him.

He takes the bag of food and also places it next to the sheets so it's just the two of them. )

So that's what you were thinking about all along. You should have spoken sooner. What kind of man do you take me for? Seriously, Kaveh.

You don't have anything to be feeling jealous about. The text I sent was to my staff so they could prepare the new sheets for me. Why on earth would I be texting her when I have you here with me? Now that would be a player move.

I told you it was stupid.

[ The words are muttered, and once Wriothesley sets down the sheets and the food, he steps forward into the other, arms winding around his waist and head pressing onto his shoulder. He's grateful, he realizes, that the Duke doesn't seem to have taken offense despite what he's practically accusing him of doing— of being— and he sighs softly, eyes closing as he breathes in that grounding, calming scent he likes so much. ]

You didn't have to tell me what the text was. I know it's none of my business. And even if you were texting her, I— I mean you're allowed to do that too. I know that.. I know you don't do exclusivity, and I slept with you knowing that, so...

[ He pulls back again, making a frustrated face up at the other man, shaking his head. ]

Everything I'm saying is coming out wrong. I don't want you to think— I'm not trying to pressure you or anything, apparently I'm just really fucking bad with words right now.

( If he doesn't tell him about the text, Kaveh might still take all these thoughts well into his nightmares and the subject will simply resurface. Besides, Wriothesley doesn't mind giving him a sense of reassurance when he's obviously about to enter a state of panic.

He should have seen this coming, though. The one thing he did try to avoid: exclusivity.
Picking his words wisely now is more of a chess game than anything else. The wrong statement might ruin everything they have now, but if Wriothesley is going to be honest with himself...

He wraps his arms around him as they stand by his desk, but it's not enough to stop the trainwreck developing in front of his eyes. )

Let's sit down and eat before the food gets cold. I also got you the painkillers. We can discuss all this after you've calmed down. I promise.

[ Kaveh nods into Wriothesley's chest as the other wraps his arms around him, holding him around the waist for a few long moments as that voice, the same as that scent, serves to calm him, help him breathe again through the panic— through the part of him that was terrified that even just opening his mouth to these truths would be enough to send the other man running from him.

(And how could he blame him, if it did? Kaveh's messed up beyond what anyone should have to deal with, isn't he? Let alone someone who never wanted commitment in the first place...)

He takes a small breath, pulls back with a weak smile and nods. ]

Okay. Thanks. For getting food, and for the painkillers. And sorry for stealing your clothes. I realized I didn't have anything to wear that wasn't all bloodied.

( Wriothesley might have been running already if this conversation took place any other time, not that it makes it any better after fucking him. He caresses his shoulders before slipping away from his embrace. He feels, in a way, responsible for giving in to his desires. He pulls out one of the chairs for him so the two can have a seat side by side on his desk.

The deluxe meal practically glimmers light and the best scents into the room. His stomach begs loudly as he unwraps their utensils, sliding Kaveh his pair. )

Don't you worry. They look pretty dashing on you.

( He glances at him while he breaks off a piece of garlic bread, devouring a bite with two full cheeks. In just two minutes, Wriothesley practically inhales down the lamb chops, bread, and vegetables, wiping his mouth neatly after like it's nothing. It's the longest two minutes of his life as he tries to think of a way to get Kaveh to feel better. )

So, the Navia situation. I'm not going to be fucking her, but she is a longtime friend and I will be in constant contact with her. That won't change. I'm saying this so you don't get worked up when you see her visiting me for whatever reason. Sometimes our logistics cross and we end up having to work together, too.

Other than that, I do feel pressured. But if it makes you feel any good, I don't want to fuck anybody else.

[ Kaveh is a slower eater, although there's something about the way Wriothesley practically hamsters his food that makes the younger man smile. If he ate that fast he'd end up with a stomach-ache, but to the older it seems like no problem at all, and he's left to stare in something part-admiration, part-amusement. It's enough to distract him momentarily from the nastier of the feelings coiling in his gut, at least for the two minutes before the Duke starts to answer Kaveh's concerns.

He chews his food in silence as the other man talks. Navia. She even has a pretty name, he thinks. And he can understand that she's important to him— he would never ask Wriothesley to end a friendship for his sake, even if the thought of them working together makes his stomach flip.

What's worse, though, is what the Duke says next. Kaveh closes his eyes, and sighs. ]

I'm sorry. I really.. I'm really not trying to make you feel that way— it's the opposite. Honestly. I wasn't lying when I said what I did. I made the choice to sleep with you knowing that you don't want anything more than that. My... head— [ his heart, really ] —it just sometimes gets in the way of that.

[ He takes a moment to breathe, eats a mouthful or two of his food. ]

I guess I'm saying that... it does make me feel good, when you say that. But. If you decide you do wanna fuck someone else too, I understand that too. I just... that stuff I told you, about my parents— I get scared of getting left behind. That's why I get so... you know.

( Little sleep on top of fucking Kaveh for the first time did make him ravenous, to say the least. After seeing those messages with Navia, he can't blame Kaveh for simply shutting off his feelings regarding her. However, that was also a situation he imposed on himself as confessed, and it's a matter of learning to live with such information. )

Where else would I go? You know where to find me.

( Yes, he's trying to make light of the situation. He understands how Kaveh's trauma comes into play but that is his issue to learn to work through. Wriothesley's responsibility only goes so far, and he's also putting effort into it. He lets Kaveh know about his texts, he tells him his intentions and what he should expect just to meet him halfway. Sure, there's plenty of homework for the two of them to work on, but it's better than square one.

But the position they're in now, Kaveh is going to dig and dig and dig until he forgets what the sky above looks like. )

You're more than just a hole to me if that wasn't clear before.

[ At first, he smiles a little at the joke— and then Wriothesley keeps talking, and he just about chokes on a mouthful of food, coughing and spluttering until he finally manages to get it down— and then he stares, embarrassment written red over his cheeks and mortification in his gaze.

Did the other man really just say— ]

As... as glad as I am to hear that, you should seriously find a better way of saying it. Archons.

[ He knows Wriothesley can be crass, but this was a great deal more so than anything else he's encountered from the man so far. It takes him a few moments to recover enough to start putting more food in his mouth, thinking the words over— well, their meaning, at any rate. ]

I know that, and I'm trying to remember it even when I feel bad. It's... it's a process. [ One hand reaches across, squeezing the other's forearm before returning to his food. ] You'll be patient with me, right?

( He'll choke on food and not his cock? For shame. Wriothesley pats him over the expanse of his back, caressing and rubbing until he's somewhat recovered. Kaveh's a mess, more than he would ever expect from someone as professional and intelligent as him. There is some endearment in that fact, even if proves to be a challenge on its own. That's why he feels a smile creep on his lips and a defeated sigh to accompany it. )

Sorry, didn't mean to make you choke.

( Double meaning there. Distant in his own gutter. )

You've been patient with me, it's only fair that I'm patient back. I'm trying, at least, even if I can't exactly understand you despite knowing all that I do.

Are you feeling better?

[ He can hear the implication in Wriothesley's voice, and nudges him, rolling his eyes once he's recovered enough to do so. He'd return it, but it's not really the right time to do so when the other is answering him, asking if he's feeling better. So instead, Kaveh nods, takes a mouthful of his food and swallows, taking his time to listen and think over what the other man has said before he responds. ]

I know you are. And I'm really grateful for it. I know I'm not the easiest person sometimes.

[ He reaches out, squeezes the other's forearm again, and then pulls his hand back to play across the other's, continuing to eat with one hand.

(Seriously, how did the warden eat his own food so quickly?!) ]

I'm feeling better. [ A pause, as a smile creeps up over his lips. ] But I would ask that next time you make me choke, it's for a more appealing reason.

( He can't help a soft, airy laugh as he's given a well deserved nudge. He takes well to silent scolding more than anything. He rests his elbow on the table, resting cheek against a fist while he watches Kaveh work on his food. It can only be described as idle adoration, so close and yet so far and not even Wriothesley knows it. )

Oh, I'll make sure of it. I'm glad you're better. I have some old blueprints laying around if you wanted to compare the older ones with any new renovations. Not much else we can do here besides talk or sleep.

( Or fuck, whenever he's actually in the mood for it again. Surely the next time won't have a difficult follow up conversation. . . Right? )

I'll go make some tea while you finish that.

All of that sounds good.

[ Drink, blueprints, talk, sleep— all of the above. Kaveh smiles as Wriothesley goes to brew tea for the two of them, quietly working his way through the rest of his meal. When the other comes back, the rest of the afternoon and evening is set, with time spent over the blueprints, curled up lazily in bed dozing, drinking tea, talking about anything that comes to mind—

Like that, the rest of his first day kept personally guarded by the Duke comes to a close; when Kaveh falls asleep, it's in his arms, legs tangled together and only after a series of lazy, contented kisses. ]

Good night, Wriothesley.

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