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

[ He laughs as his ass is palmed in a single hand, as his lover playfully jiggles his cheeks, and then leans his forehead against his chin, listening to what he has to say— and admittedly laughing a little to himself as he feels it move against his head whenever the other talks. ]

I've got my ears pierced, remember?

[ There's no bravado in his statement, just honesty. Perhaps naïvely, he isn't particularly worried about getting a needle through such a sensitive point. With all the times he's hurt himself— sometimes nearly managed to kill himself— in ruins or the desert or even here in the Fortress, he's sure the pain can't be too bad. His ears certainly weren't, anyway.

Still, he's not about to complain about the way he's tugged into Wriothesley's hold, cocks pressed together and ass backed into the glass shower wall — at least until the other slaps it in the next moment, making Kaveh laugh—

(but also to wonder what it might be like for Wriothesley to do that for real, leaving his fingerprints on the skin)

—and then he's able to lean back and watch in appreciation as the other man steps out of the shower, drying himself and dressing. ]

You know you're really hot, right?

[ It's an idle, playful comment as he follows the other out of the shower and reaches for a towel to dry himself off. ]

So do I.

( He says cheeky as if trying to mirror the obvious— leaving the unforgiving reality under wraps. He has this prediction that Kaveh, being the overly dramatic he is, will not take well to a needle jabbing a sensitive area.

Slapping his ass and holding him tight when they fuck only leaves temporary marks— this permanency is somewhat satisfying to think about, being the one leaving Kaveh’s body forever altered. He smirks at him as he’s buttoning up his shirt. )

No one has ever been that honest with me to my face. Coming from the Archon of beauty himself, I could blush.
Have you ever met a mirror?

[ ...Yeah, that show of bravado probably won't get him very far, not when Wriothesley knows the difference between getting his ears pierced and his cock. But in truth, he's not really thinking about it, just assuring himself he can handle it and moving on from the concerns. So he rolls his eyes with a laugh, an expression that softens into something sweet when the other keeps talking. ]

The Archon of beauty, huh? Does that make me a god?

[ A pause, then, as Kaveh thoughtfully wraps arms around Wriothesley's waist, trying not to interfere too much with the fact that the other is getting dressed, but also wanting to touch him, to tease just a little. ]

Doesn't that mean you should be worshiping me?

( He doesn’t have to explicitly say how much courage it took going through with his piercings. In the end it was worth seeing people’s expressions when they got on their knees.

He smiles while Kaveh laughs, savoring the sound between the walls and his arms easily around him. He’ll fix his tie after he’s done with him. )

You might as well be. Aren’t gods responsible for the creation of legends? I believe you already left plenty of awe-inspiring monuments for years to come.

( Teasing is a two way street, Kaveh. He keeps peering down at him with no intention on budging, waiting for Kaveh to fold. )

As your first believer, how would you like me to worship you? On my knees?

[ Fold he does, but perhaps not in the way Wriothesley expects; his arms tighten around the older man and his face presses into his shoulder, a breath on Kaveh's lips as he's forced to ground himself. It's momentary, but there's a softness in his face when he does step back, even as he tries to bring that teasing mood back with his next smile. ]

I'm certainly not opposed to that. Although I have to say that I'm not opposed to any other method of worship you might have in store, too. You said it yourself— you're my first believer. I'm not used to being worshiped—

[ He falls silent after that, eyes darting away. For all he tries to keep the mood light, his mind wants to focus on those words, drag him back down again, remind him he's not worthy of it—

He takes a shaky breath, manages another smile. ]

This is a silly game, isn't it?

( It’s the opposite of the impression he was trying to draw out, and in a way feels uncertain if perhaps his words were at fault. The softness in Kaveh’s features and struggle to keep the mood afloat are obvious to him, he’s just unsure how to bridge the gap. It’s an entire 180, and then a 360 when it comes with Kaveh. )

Everything takes practice, no?

( Just because Kaveh has gone through and explained all his traumas doesn’t mean Wriothesley can immediately learn how to handle him. If he pushes more, he might bring Kaveh to an edge he’s not prepared for. )

It’s alright. Come on, we have to get the materials for the piercings. I don’t know about you but I’m starving, too.

[ He's relieved when Wriothesley changes the topic, managing a tired smile in the other's direction as he hugs him tighter for just a moment before letting him go with a nod. The other may not know how to handle his traumas, but he at least knows how to move him gracefully through a situation so that he's not so stressed anymore.

He noses a kiss into his cheek and then smiles. ]

Me too. Food, and.. materials.

[ A pause, as he thinks about a few things the other has said. ]

Which nipple am I doing? Or am I doing both?

( He can't deny some sense of disappointment in not continuing their little flirty chatter, but he follows his own advice: practice makes perfect. It's up to Kaveh to unlearn behaviors and Wriothesley to give him the space. What follows will make up for the lost moment and a smile of his own accompanies Kaveh's after he returns a small peck. )

You could start with one to see how you feel about it. All bodies react differently to these things.

( Perhaps someday, Kaveh will let Wriothesley on his knees, worshipping everything about him. He adjusts his tie and heads into the room to put on his boots. )

Hopefully, you don't mind me piercing them myself.

( New to all these feelings, he realizes he wouldn't want someone seeing him so vulnerable or touching him in fairly intimate parts, even if there is nothing to it. )

[ Kaveh's brows raise. He trusts Wriothesley, completely, but he has to admit he never thought of his boyfriend as being the one to pierce him. However, far from being a concern, though, the idea is...

He bites his lower lip. ]

No, I— if you're comfortable, I like that idea more than someone else doing it. It feels like—

[ He falls silent for a moment or two, a hint of pink appearing on his cheeks, nudging against the other as he follows him into the other room. ]

It feels like you putting your claim on me, [ he continues after a moment, and despite the fact that Wriothesley has admitted his feelings for Kaveh too, despite the fact Kaveh has planned a home for them that the warden has seen, there's a moment of worry that the older man will think his thoughts are just too much. But he powers on regardless: ] More than when you bite me or slap my ass.

( For a second, he wonders if this is the reality of holding a relationship. If this intensity in his heart fueling his need to forever mark him as his own is normal. If this is what he has been missing out on all these years, chasing fleeting lust and nothing else.

He blinks for a moment, processing the echo of Kaveh's voice and wishes against the metal walls, assuring him of their wishes aligning so perfectly. Where Wriothesley's silence falls, Kaveh stands on the pedestal and speaks for him and these are moments he can lean on when he's not sure where to go himself. Perhaps Kaveh really is a type of god. )

Then I would love to claim you this time, too.

[ Wriothesley's words make Kaveh smile, and he leans up to press a soft kiss to his lips. He's not sure why the other is blinking at him, whether he echoed his thoughts or just said something to shock him, but it makes him happy nonetheless, seeing the warden momentarily frozen under the power of his words. ]

Good.

[ He nuzzles his face into the side of Wriothesley's neck before he straightens up again. ]

Why don't you go and procure the materials we need? I can go to the cafeteria to get breakfast for us. I'm sure you've already told Wolsey not to give me those horrible random dishes, right? Or do I have to drop your name and say we're eating together?

( He smiles against his kiss, leaving his gaze to linger on him and his hands over his hips. It's easy getting lost in his eyes sometimes, even after all the time they've spent together. He goes over to put on his boots, keeping a smile on his face. )

Nah, you'll have to mention my name and tell him a special password.

The password is "butter nuts." Or you can tell him about us, I'm not sure if he knows.

I'll go get the materials in the meantime. It shouldn't take too long.

[ He's about to laugh and tease Wriothesley about "butter nuts" as a password when the other man continues on to mention that Kaveh can just tell Wolsey about them, if he likes. The comment makes his cheeks flush with warmth, and he bites his lip, looking away for a moment as he smiles. He wasn't expecting it— with as long as it's taken them to get this far, he imagined in his own mind that the warden would want to keep them secret for a little longer.

So he smiles a little more broadly, and kisses the other man on the cheek before he heads out— and he absolutely tells Wolsey, whose surprise and happiness both seem completely genuine— and when he heads back it's with a bag laden down with four separate boxes: one with chicken kiev, fries and salad; one with Wriothesley's favorite barbecue ribs; and two each with a slice of cake that Wolsey insists on them taking in the name of celebration.

By the time he gets back to Wriothesley's room some thirty minutes later, he's beaming from ear to ear, and, being the first of them to arrive, takes some time to clear the warden's desk (putting paperwork to be done neatly elsewhere for now) and spreading a cloth over it, adorning it with a lantern or two. No candelabras, but close enough. Then, knowing the other will be back shortly and the food isn't at a risk of going cold, he unpacks their meals onto the table too, the two slices of cake in the middle arranged in a rough, geometric heart. ]

( The Fortress works in extreme ways whenever gossip is involved. A simple declaration made to Wolsey is caught by other cafeteria staff and other inmates, and made into something far greater than what it is. They're not just together, and it does come as some surprise that Wriothesley is with a man, to begin with, but respect isn't lost because of it. If anything, there are some Gardes left disappointed knowing the Duke himself is not up for grabs. Rumors eventually evolve into "when will they announce the wedding?" Yes, the Fortress gossip works very hard, and Wriothesley is already receiving curious glances by the time he's walking back to his office.

He waves at Wolsey, who waves back and then gives him a thumbs up. Ah, Kaveh told him. He wears a smile the entire way back, closing the office door before descending to the stairway leading to his private quarters. The punch of flavor lingering in the room makes his mouth water. Did he get the ribs? )

Wow, looks like you didn't hold back, and you even got cake?

( Extra cake because Kaveh's ass is always enough. Wriothesley puts down the box of materials on the bed. It's best not to mix sterile metals and first aid necessities with the food. He drags an extra chair on the perpendicular side of the table. He gives Kaveh a knowing, smiling glance. )

You look like you're in a good mood.

[ Wriothesley re-enters the room shortly after Kaveh is done setting up, and the blonde looks up from his efforts with a bright smile, moving to press a kiss to the corner of his mouth as he drags up that extra chair; only then does he move to sit in the other, in front of his own dish. ]

I told Wolsey the password— [ to which he looked faintly puzzled, but Kaveh barely remembers that, excited as he was to tell him the rest ] —and then explained that we're together now, and he insisted on me taking some of the cake he had made up to celebrate. So we had dinner and dessert, so I figured I oughta make it look like a proper date, right?

[ As for his mood? Well, of course he's in a good mood. He hasn't stopped smiling since the words left his mouth in front of Wolsey. They're together, officially, someone else knows about it— ]

Of course I am. [ A quick, sweet smile, before he indicates Wriothesley's plate. ] I got you your ribs.

( The set up is truly admirable but it is the mood in the air that almost makes him forget he’s in his same old room, with nothing else as interesting as Kaveh chatting him up and explaining everything.

He sits in front of his ribs, giving Kaveh’s meal a glance with a smile. )

Ah, so you told him.
I’m glad the password worked.

( Perhaps someday, years from now, Wriothesley will actually tell Kaveh how much bullshit that password is. He cuts into his ribs, giving them a full taste. The umami and sweetness on the sauce makes his tongue explode with everything he needed. )

I figured it’s best if someone knows about us. We’ll see what the gossip is like in a few days. Kind of him to offer cake.

The ribs are amazing, want to try?

[ For a few moments, Kaveh forgets to actually eat; he's too busy watching Wriothesley do so, enjoying the blissful look on the other's face as he tucks into the ribs.

He's at his most handsome in the little moments like this, Kaveh thinks, and admittedly he's so focused on just admiring him that he misses most of what the other says about the gossip, and only remembers to tune fully back in when he offers the younger a taste of the ribs. ]

If they taste half as good as you make them look, then they must be amazing. Yes, please.

( It takes a few minutes to realize Kaveh’s gaze on him, and maybe Wriothesley purposely savors the meat slowly. He bares his teeth and takes deeper bites as if he were tasting more than just meat. He likes this feeling of Kaveh fetching the food for them.

He slices across one of the chops, scooping up some sauce and lifting the fork up for Kaveh. His tongue slides over his bottom lip for the aftertaste of it. )

Open wide, then.

[ He is watching, and he enjoys the show Wriothesley puts on for him. It's nice to see his boyfriend savoring the food, enjoying his meal to the fullest. Kaveh can't help but think he'd like to cook for him some day. He's not half bad at cooking, after all, and it would be nice to see the other appreciate some of his hard-cooked meals like this.

(Although he thinks he's very much lacking in Wolsey's talent, so it might not be that easy...)

He leans across when the warden lifts the fork for him, mouth opening obediently to allow the other to feed him a morsel of the meal. ]

( He's been eating cafeteria food all his life, sometimes he forgets the true taste of properly home-made meals. Kaveh will impress him no matter what he cooks up in the future.

He slides the bite of food in his mouth, slow and easy, and lets him have at it before he continues working on his other chop. )

Mm? How do you like it?
I rarely end up making anything in the cafeteria, but I do have a secret sauce recipe I like making sometimes. I'll make ya some another day.

When I don't have as much time, I just make beef tartare. It's a hit or miss for people, though.

[ Kaveh smiles his answer to Wriothesley as he chews, waiting until he's finished swallowing to talk— ] It's delicious. [ —and then only smiling more brightly at the idea of the other man making his secret recipe for him. He's halfway to thinking about teasing— a nudge, a question: how much tea is in it? —but the warden is already moving on, and the blonde nods

and then pulls a face.

(A miss for him, it seems.) ]

Mm... it's not my kind of thing. But I could probably learn to make it for you. I enjoy cooking. I think I'm pretty decent, too, I just... [ He pulls a Face. ] Sometimes I get a little too focused on the presentation. I've been known to serve things colder than they should be.

Haha.

( What, Kaveh doesn’t like eating something raw and beefy huh? Not to worry. Wriothesley finishes up the lamb chops, scooping any veggie leftover to smear around the sauce before he sets the plate to the side.

He’s been eager to try the celebratory cake. )

No beef tartare for you, more for me. I can teach you how to make it. It depends on the freshness of the cut of course, so I don’t always have it. Topping it up with a raw quail egg also gives it a certain type of creaminess I really enjoy. Very full of protein and perfect for the times I do boxing. It’s also served cold, sooo, nothing to worry about there.
I’m sure you can make anything look pretty. In a place like this? A creative eye like yours is always a novelty.

( Even those long lost, wild ideas about making a colorful garden to give some life to the Fortress still is something he likes to admire about him. )

[ Kaveh is tucking back into his own meal now that he's taken a bite of Wriothesley's, but he can't help watching the other as he continues to eat and to talk, listening to his instructions on how the meal is made.

(He's already imagining forming a fortress of raw beef with rivulets of egg yolk running through it.)

Kaveh is distracted from his thoughts, though, as Wriothesley reaches for his cake and at the same time says something so lovely, yet so casual. He bites his lip, shaking his head. ]

Oh, no.

[ The words are spoken in good humor, a smile on his face as he looks up at the other man again. ]

I don't think I'm going to survive you, Wriothesley.

( A fortress of raw beef sounds like a delight, even if it might be way too heavy for the stomach. Wriothesley will devour it all if it means putting a smile on Kaveh’s face.

He slides the plate with the cake, preparing the area around for it, like cleaning up any accidental mess of sauce with a napkin and taking out a different, smaller fork for the occasion. He shows it less than Kaveh, but knowing this comes as Wolsey’s blessing for them is indeed altering his brain chemistry. He never gets to celebrate anything. )

Oh? You’d better stay alive through this one, I still need to poke holes in your nipples.

Well, your nipple.
One first, right?

[ Noticing finally that Wriothesley is reaching for the cake, Kaveh is quick to finish his own food so that he can join him in enjoying it, cleaning up and then picking up his own smaller fork, waiting for the other man to eat first.

In response to the question, he pauses. Despite the conversation they had just before, he can't help but feel tempted... ]

What if we did both after all? I know you said wait and see how my body reacts, but... [ He shrugs. ] I dunno, I guess I'm feeling kind of confident about it.

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