philancer | Inbox: Abraxas

[ Noted about the records, he thinks, though curiosity as to what they are doesn't end there. It can wait since Sylvain's just asking for it with that next part, really, so without further ado he tips his head back a bit for a well practiced and extremely fake yawn so that it's not completely in the other's face. But close enough. ]

You caught me. It took about a day and a half to put this dress on so it'll probably take that long to take it back off. We'll both need a nap by then.

[ It did no such thing - plus whatever struggle there was to get it on had been entirely Claude's fault due to a temporary lack of common sense, so logically the removal process will go smoother. That's also not completely the response he expected and the longer he thinks about it, the more a thread of doubt begins to creep in despite his best efforts to keep it away. Maybe he'd misread something somewhere along the way. He won't let that show on his face though, instead raising an eyebrow to return the teasing that's clear on the other man's face. ]

Or if that's your way of saying you're tired, then 'no thanks' is always an option. Sounds awfully boring for me, though.

Don’t worry. [ Sylvain’s voice is teasingly deadpan now. ] I happen to be an expert at removing dresses. I’ve got you covered.

[ Still there’s the faintest twitch at the corner of his lips, like he’s fighting back a smirk. He pushes to his feet, however, before holding out a hand to help Claude up as well. ]

And no. Tired is the absolute last thing I am right now. [ He pauses, trying to gauge how much to say, before shrugging and deciding on trying honesty again. It seemed to be working alarmingly well for him tonight. ] I just didn’t want to assume how far you were comfortable going beyond kissing.

[ That he can laugh at, both because of the statement and the utter dryness with which it's said. ]

Alright, point taken. Maybe I should've said your outfit instead since I think it has considerably more layers.

[ Maybe; Claude didn't pay that much attention to the finer details of what he was putting on. That or any other clothing issues don't actually matter to him as he takes Sylvain's hand to get up and doesn't let go afterwards. But he does pause to run that next statement through his head a couple of times while they walk, because while he's sorely tempted to tease Sylvain about this - it still says something, Claude thinks, that the assumption wasn't made. He wouldn't have cared either way in the sense of taking offense, and yet. ]

So showing off these boots several times over wasn't direct enough, was it. [ Claude's trying to smother a grin without much success even if it's the maximum amount of teasing he's allowing himself. For now. ] Don't worry, I have ways of fixing that. But they still have to wait for a hotel room, so good thing we're headed there.

I happen to be almost as skilled at taking off men’s clothing as well. [ This time he is smirking playfully, since that was just a ridiculous statement in general.

Claude doesn’t release his hand and he finds he doesn’t mind that at all as they make their way back up the jetty towards the beach. Their fingers remain entwined, shoulders occasionally bumping as they walk together.

But he sees that grin anyway, Claude, and he just laughs softly, purposefully nudging into Claude’s side this time as they hit the boardwalk once more and he turns them back in the direction of town - and the inn awaiting them.]

Look, I don’t even need to make assumptions to know you’re the world’s biggest tease. And considering it’s me saying that, that’s really impressive. You’ve been tossing innuendo at me since the first night you found me here and I’m pretty sure you weren’t actually ready to tumble into bed with me all the way back there.

[ That's another point in Sylvain's favor - not that Claude's going to say as much in favor of a tsk as though he's somehow been offended by the implication (accurate statement) of teasing (a thing he was very much doing). Claude shifts his mouth to one side like he's thinking, possibly, if it wasn't for it being an attempt to hide yet another smile. ]

Maybe I was just waiting for you to be as fully skilled at taking off men's clothing in the meantime. Or, more accurately, [ definitely more accurately, ] I was trying to figure out if you were planning on killing me or not. Well, at first, since even I can't pretend that part lasted for more than a month or so.

[ Saying it nonchalantly makes that truth more palatable, right? Probably not, but he's not planning on giving Sylvain too much time to dwell on it with the inn drawing ever closer. Not when there's something better to add to that, too. ]

Nocwich had something to do with in there, too. And if we're reaching that far back to point things out, then might I also remind you I'm pretty sure I've mentioned I like when the odds of something are in my favor. Playing them certainly worked out well for this.

[ His steps stumble in an uncharacteristic moment of clumsiness, and were it not for their fingers still entwined and the fact that Claude was still walking, he might have stopped right there on the boardwalk to gape at him in shock. ]

Wait, you thought I was gonna kill you?! [ He is so… very confused right now. ] For a whole month?!

…Man. I really need to rethink my flirting technique with you entirely, don’t I?

[ Sylvain's surprise practically shifts the air between them even before that false step telegraphs it through their linked hands. It's expected. Here's where he should respond with a shrug and play it off as something else. In on the joke, like it is one. Instead there's a long moment - too long of a moment - where Claude says nothing and continues to look at Sylvain sidelong in silence. Cynicism and skepticism certainly are difficult habits to shake and they come to the forefront again momentarily.

He could just laugh. It'd take all of a second to do it, ready as that reaction among all the others always is. But they've been trying at honesty here and there, and Claude's not ready to undo that. All of that is a series of quick calculations shifting one factor here and another there before he finally says, ] Let's just say it wouldn't be the first time someone wanted me to put my guard down for their own reasons.

[ Claude's smiling while he says this as he looks back ahead of them again, but that smile doesn't extend anywhere past its edges. That's all the explanation Sylvain gets. ]

[ But Sylvain tugs him back, holding tight to his hand, his other arm snaking around Claude’s waist as he glances down at him with a slight frown. He searches Claude’s face, the moonlight casting long shadows across his features.

There’s so much layered in those words, but again, he’s not sure how much of it -if any - is safe to prod at. But he can guess. He knows too much not to be able to piece together some idea of what Claude’s referring to. Which is infuriating, honestly, and he wishes he knew who it was so he could return the favor with a blade through their cowardly guts.

Lifting his hand, he slides his fingers along Claude’s jaw this time. Struggling with his own emotions, but pushing it aside for now. The fact that Claude hadn’t laughed this off was telling enough in itself. ]

I guess I can’t blame you, in that case. Although usually when I get accused of having my own motives, it’s often for far more scandalous reasons.

[ He wishes he could give Claude promises to reassure him, but despite everything, he’s not sure how much weight his word actually holds. Besides, when it comes to loyalty, he’s always thought actions spoke louder anyway. Promises were all too easily broken. ]

For what it’s worth, I’m far more likely to pester you with terrible innuendo about weapons than actually using one on you. [ Not wanting to completely ruin the mood, he lets his hand drop away from Claude’s cheek as he gets them walking again. ] Then again, between your shaft and my spear, the possibilities there are conveniently endless.

[ It's the pull back that makes Claude think, mistake even if the expression on his face doesn't change from something pleasant. As a result he's looking at Sylvain without realizing seeing the other, already planning five steps ahead for something to say to brush it off when whatever reaction it'll be is just another version of whatever else he's already heard when mentioning some smaller piece of this rather than this particular secret he's chosen to trust Sylvain with.

Except that reaction never comes, and when a hand that's quickly becoming familiar finds his face Claude has to blink Sylvain back into focus after all. Whatever he was going to say about it obviously being some reference to the war only is forgotten when he registers the look on the other's face. It's not what he expected; in fact, it seems almost like understanding if he looks close enough.

Guess I can't blame you, Sylvain says, rather than what most people would do: be upset they were even tangentially accused of something nefarious or upset over being grouped in with those who're capable of it. Claude's not going to ask about that either even though he could. The opportunity to do so is right there. Sylvain doesn't question him more about what he meant so he follows that lead, but not without feeling like he's been handed something valuable. Something he'll hoard away to think about for a while, something that feels like a gift.

Aside from terrible not quite puns - this, at least, is something far more familiar and easy to slip back into with a predictable groan and roll of his eyes to wash that prior conversation away. At least his smile this time around is less of an act. ]

Please tell me you aren't about to put one of the collapsible swords in your pockets in hopes I'll ask if there's something in there or if you're just happy to see me. Don't think I won't kick you out of bed for that particularly terrible innuendo if it's on your list of them.

Pretty sure you have to get me into your bed before you can kick me out of it.

[ It's easy enough, to slip back into old teasing habits. Lighthearted banter. As if something deep and dark hadn't just been shared and acknowledged between them. Old wounds that may never completely heal over. He's not surprised to find Claude has them, too. Maybe he'd recognized that in him from the start.

But he'll deal with the implications of that at another time. Tonight's not the right time for that. And with the inn coming into sight ahead of, windows brightly lit from within, it has him tugging Claude along with him again, like an overeager child. ]

And no, that wasn't what I had in mind at all, but considering it would annoy you that much, I may have to reconsider it on principle.

That's the whole point of where we're headed now, isn't it? C'mon, Gautier, keep up.

[ As if there's anything to chide over - as if Sylvain's actually somehow forgotten despite being the one pulling him along to their destination (and as if there's any resistance on his part, which there isn't). It's more fun to play up something that feels inevitable what with how every path they've been on for months now led here like they were meant to in the end. ]

Unless you're implying you won't be kicked out of my bed at any point. In which case - I'll take that into consideration depending on how tonight goes.

[ With a smirk over one shoulder just because as they reach the inn's front doors and Claude grabs the nearest handle to pull it open for them to lead both through. Or, well, maybe one of them. ]

Gentlemen first, since you're being one despite that I never claimed I would be myself.

I'm always a gentleman, thanks.

[ That's such a lie that it's impressive he manages it with a mostly straight face as he precedes Claude into the quiet lobby beyond the front doors. It's growing late, so he bypasses any of the workers here and tugs Claude immediately towards the stairs that leads up to their room on the third floor. He might have splurged on it, getting them a comfortable one with a balcony that overlooks the sea. If they were going to make a Trip of this, might as well make it memorable. ]

And I don't plan on getting myself kicked out of your bed. Does that count?

[ That just gets a snort of laughter from him since even if Sylvain's keeping it together, Claude's too entertained to pretend like there's any other reaction he's going to have. Not that any of it matters to him anyway, what with how manners and etiquette from Fodlan's tight grip on how things should be done matter here. All of that's left behind.

Speaking of pretending: he is going to do just that while they walk up the stairs, using the ascension to look like he's very seriously contemplating this with the appropriate amount of time needed. Even if there's a good chance Sylvain's rather familiar with this particular antic of his by now, what with how often it's used, but. Once they make it upstairs and while Sylvain handles the door, that's the perfect time to shrug. ]

I suppose it could count for something. That'll have to remain to be seen, don't you think?

[ Circular answer time: everyone's favorite. There is actually a point he's going to make in there, probably, but when the door opens it's replaced by Claude raising his eyebrows. Maybe earlier hadn't been the only thing planned for if this is anything to go by, and after a glance at the bed he approaches the doors leading to the balcony to peer out them curiously while making no move to actually go back outside. ]

Interesting you decided to forego this view for the one from the harbor. Or, [ with great deliberation as Claude turns in place to lean his back against the door and without bothering to hide his smirk, ] maybe you have a better view in mind.

I'm pretty sure you've already been providing that all evening.

[ Claude's comment is countered easily and with a cheeky grin as he playfully gives the other man's form - still clad in the bet of the evening - a pointed once-over. He nudges the door shut behind him, leaving them in the quiet privacy of the room, and takes a few steps towards him where he waits at the balcony doors. ]

But I could have you thinking my reputation was all just idle gossip now. Besides. If I want to coerce you into a second date, I wanted to make a good impression. I seem to recall you being way out of my league, after all.

[ That hadn't had anything to do with it, actually. He'd just thought Claude would like the view from the jetty. It's also the reason he'd picked this room at the inn, as well. He'd wanted it to be... special. ]

No, this, [ as he lifts one hand to wave it along his body in the exact path Sylvain's eyes had just traced, just to emphasize he'd noticed that and each and every other gaze like it, ] is just one view of many. And when I say 'many' I mean think of all the possibilities.

[ For a second he almost says aim higher, but that aligns a little too closely with the rest of what Sylvain's said and for that Claude needs a little more time to parse through whether it was supposed to be a compliment with an edge where the blade of it's something Sylvain's using on himself or if it simply sounded like it.

But. Now's not the time for that when the room's door is properly closed and Sylvain, despite dragging up his reputation once more, seems to be contemplating walking this way. And really - even as someone prone to overthinking anything and everything - Claude thinks that won't do. ]

If you need some help narrowing it down, let's start with this: you can either get on the bed, or you can sit here. [ Said paired with a gesture of his hand to each place in question, the latter being an oversized armchair in the nearest room corner with a nice view of the sea outside, not that he plans on either of them enjoying it for that right now. Maybe later. ] Your choice.

[ Sylvain's eyebrow arches upwards as his feet stop, giving him a moment to debate those possibilities. And while the chair looks plenty comfy...

He moves to sink down on the edge of the bed closest to Claude, leaning back to prop himself up on his hands as he grins at the other man. ] Figure I'd save future!me the delay of moving here eventually anyway. More possibilities over here. Although the chair does sound like fun. Maybe we can try that one out later.

More possibilities on the bed, huh. Don't write the chair off so easily even with a 'later' thrown in there.

[ Teasing aside, that's all Claude needs to push off from where he'd been leaning against the balcony doors, smirk still as present as it has been through this exchange. Easy then to step forward himself, to use his hands to part Sylvain's knees if needed so he can stand between them.

And here might be where a pithy comment would fit or be expected, but instead Claude places both hands on Sylvain's jaw again to tilt his head up to kiss him as he leans down. Sight's not needed for this next part as he trails fingertips down Sylvain's neck towards his chest to remove his overcoat in one practiced motion to set it aside on some other part of the bed.

Next is the vest, ready as he is to get his hands beneath it despite undoing the buttons in no particular hurry one by one. Until the last one which seems to be sturdier than the rest for whatever reason and he breaks the barely started kiss to frown down at the particularly troublesome button. If it wasn't such a nice outfit - or someone's besides his own - he'd be tempted to sacrifice it to a fate of being sewn back on later. On second thought: anticipation works both ways. Making Sylvain suffer some of his clothes for a while longer isn't the worst idea.

To the belt buckle it is, though Claude lets his one rest there without any particular intent. Yet. The other hand goes to the back of Sylvain's head to tangle in his hair for a light tug in case his attention had wandered. ]

Your turn to share something, by the way.

Maybe I’m just building more anticipation for the ‘later’.

[ His grin is still cheeky, but then Claude is crossing the room towards him and he sits up a little straighter. Legs spread to accommodate Claude moving in between them and his hands slide up over his hips to rest at his waist as those clever fingers tip his head back for another kiss.

There’s no resistance in him, only a soft sound muffled against Claude’s lips as he chases them. And then the other man sets about stripping him out of his jacket and vest - or mostly, and he can’t help but grin a little impishly when one of the buttons proves uncooperative.

He doesn’t have time to laugh, however, because Claude’s hand shifts down over his belt instead and he gives a stuttered inhale, faint shiver slipping down his spine. One that repeats itself a moment later at the feel of fingers tangling in his hair, tugging. It has his eyes darkening a shade as he looks up at the man leaning over him.

Don’t worry, Claude, you have every bit of his attention right now. Although if you were expecting a clever retort to that response, he’ll end up disappointing you, caught off guard by the statement that didn’t match the rest of what he was currently paying attention to. ]

Huh?

[ Sturdy hands coming to rest on his waist as certainly appreciated. That skip in the other's breath is very interesting, far more so than whatever avenue Claude was about to proceed down though when it seems like Sylvain doesn't follow it either - for whatever reason, since Claude can't say he truly cares in light of this - but he allows himself another smirk all the same rather than the chuckle that's threatening to slip out instead. ]

Not paying attention, are we? Hm. [ That's not the case and Claude knows it, apparent as it is that Sylvain's gaze is entirely focused on him. ] Don't worry, I can help with that.

[ No more belt as a resting place for now as he moves to set it on Sylvain's knee in another temporary measure. Now to clarify that prompt a little bit more. ]

I think you've already told on yourself about imagining this what with bringing up bending me over this or that at dinner. [ Because Claude certainly hadn't forgotten that either, and just to make his point he slides that hand on Sylvain's knee slowly along the inside of his thigh heading north. ] That's what I meant about sharing, considering I know that can't be all you've pictured.

[ More of a guess than a 'know' but if Sylvain's paying attention: Claude's telling on himself in terms of imagining things as well. ]

Oh, don't worry, I'm paying very close attention.

[ Claude's hand sliding up his thigh really doesn't make it any easier to get out anything coherent, but he manages it. Faint smirk lingering on his lips, his own hands shift, one sliding forward from his hips to rest against the outside of Claude's thigh, just below his hips. Where there just happens to be nothing between his palm and warm skin as he slides it up higher, under the blue fabric of the skirt.

It was only fair, after all, considering where Claude's hand was sliding. ]

You know that, huh? [ Amusement colors his voice as his thumb slides against warm skin he can't see, letting his hand slip back to playfully tug Claude a little closer. ] Not saying you're wrong, but since when did you pick up mindreading?

[ He's pictured a lot, Claude. Hazards of you having spent months being a terrible tease. Fortunately, he has a very vivid imagination. ]

Of course you are.

[ Even if Sylvain somehow wasn't - Claude's not going to offer a chance for anything but complete attention. Of course, there's an obvious destination at the end of his hand's path. Which is also why Claude, in a different and likely equally predictable move, veers off the course at the last minute to trace the seam of where Sylvain's thigh meets his hip back along the outside of it after deciding fabric in the way won't do.

He's pulled a bit closer which gets another smirk from Claude before he leans in to steal an intentionally short kiss to cover up taking another step forward of his own. That hand of Sylvain's on the move is distracting, but not enough to throw him off from his mission yet. All the better for Claude to tug that offending and still mostly unbuttoned vest up enough to slip a couple fingertips beneath Sylvain's waistband to conveniently brush what little amount of skin is there.

Not enough for his liking since he'd rather the shirt wasn't in the way, but he can be patient. His hand once in red hair drops to the back of the other's neck to study him while sliding his fingertips along the inside of the waistband, and this time the belt buckle gets undone. ]

Who says it's mindreading when we've already been over what you can learn from watching someone? And trust me, I already know I'm right. [ The closure to the pants goes next and now with extra room to work, Claude slips his hand inside but no further and waits with his hand now resting on Sylvain's lower stomach. ] Might as well spit out whatever it is since you might like what you're rewarded with.

[ His stomach sucks in a little on an inhale as Claude's fingers tease against warm flesh but his dark eyes never leave Claude's face, a hint of a smirk still lingering on his lips. His hand slows, but only because it's slid around the back of Claude's thigh and rests there for a moment, heated and steady and out of sight. Teasing in the same way Claude's own fingers are - with the anticipation of what next? ]

You want me to start listing things now? We might be here a while... [ You shouldn't be shocked he has an entire list, either. ] At the moment, I want your hand to move a little lower. And for you to lean back down here so I can kiss you again.

Implying that we aren't going to be here for a while anyway, I see.

[ There's a hum from him after that like he's actually disappointed or anywhere close to it since Sylvain's good as confirmed something else without him even having to ask. It's hardly a standoff that they're in with hands paused on each other, but Claude's well aware he could draw this out more.

The temptation to teach Sylvain to be a lot more specific in what he asks is certainly there given that 'a little' could mean a lot of different things and not just the obvious implication. Maybe he'll save that for later since for now he slips his hand down as requested to wrap his fingers around the base of Sylvain's cock in compliance but no further - yet - while leaning in with a smirk. ]

Better?

I hope we’re here for a very long time, but there are better things to be doing with our mouths.

[ Starting with kissing, at the very least. Even if that gets interrupted by the very audible inhale as warm fingers curl around the base of his half-hard cock. Hazards of Claude being a tease all night and his own anticipation getting the better of him. ]

It’ll do for a start.

[ He knows Claude means to keep dragging this out, so instead, his hands slide up to cup against the other man’s ass - one atop the skirt while the other is very much still beneath it. A short yank, meant to drag the leaning man the rest of the way between his legs and against him as his own thighs tighten slightly to trap him there. Freeing the hand on the outside of the skirt, he lifts it to thread fingers through dark hair… and then not so gently tug Claude the rest of the way down for that kiss.

It’s less soft and gentle this time. Now there’s a hint of demand, of impatience, as teeth scrape lightly against Claude’s lip as he delves deeper. That smirk really is going to drive him crazy before the night’s out. ]

[ That inhale is gratifying in more ways than one but particularly how it undermines Sylvain's attempt at sounding casual about it being a start, or how Claude hears it as that anyway. It seems less so when he's yanked forward in a way which just makes his smirk grow wider, too content with that reaction of insistent hands and strong thighs around him. A start indeed and far from a bad one. ]

If you've been this hard for a while already, I think I'll just have to do something about that eventually.

[ It's probably for the best the decision he can't keep running his mouth is made for him. There's a pleased hum that escapes him though it ends up muffled against Sylvain's mouth on his and slipped into a kiss he much prefers. Being treated politely is nice and all, but the teeth against his lips as a warning, an invitation, maybe both, are much nice. He'll take it as an invitation, leaning forward more to meet Sylvain with just as much demand and enthusiasm as he pushes the kiss deeper yet.

And as for his hand: he'd meant that, and they've reached 'eventually' when a delay was more of a suggestion than any reality. At first he'd kept it still but now Claude moves it in an unhurried stroke along the length of Sylvain's cock to let the other harden in his grasp. He'll take his time, less to tease (for now) than to let Sylvain enjoy the sensation if he does, and the return stroke from tip to base is just as slow in anticipation of more attention to come. ]

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