philancer | Inbox: Abraxas

[ 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. ]

Eventually, huh?

[ There's a wry note to his tone as he murmurs the words against Claude's lips, unwilling to break away from the kiss. He keeps him held close as he kisses him, tongue pressing in to taste and explore. It's rougher than before, than when they were in public. A little wilder, a little less controlled. The impatience is still lurking underneath, along with the curiosity, the need to explore every inch of him, to learn him.

The hand sliding against his cock has his breath stuttering again, skin sensitive beneath the heated touch, although he resists the urge to buck up into it, chasing the delicious friction of it. Instead, he shifts a leg and a moment later, he slides it in between Claude's legs and tugs the other man down to straddle his thigh. It spreads Claude's own legs enough for him to slip that hand beneath the skirt around to tease fingertips in over the line of his hip and down to the inside of his thigh, questing upwards from there. Exploring by touch alone, wandering up until he found what he was seeking in turn, with the intent to tease Claude in the same way. ]

[ A grin's there and gone in a second after Sylvain speaks, the longest it's allowed before he's drawn in for another kiss. Something he doesn't mind at all since Sylvain is a good kisser, Claude's quickly discovered, or more like an excellent one.

And while he hadn't planned on taking a seat on Sylvain's lap quite yet, Claude puts up no resistance to being pulled down. Something his back will thank him for rather than continuing to lean, as fun as it had been to keep a distance for the purpose of teasing. Convenient that his hand's still on the back of Sylvain's neck since as much as he'd like to wind his fingers right back red hair, he'll forego it now to run his fingers down the side of it, along a collarbone, and then to take hold of the tie still helpfully in reach. ]

Is eventually not specific enough for you?

[ With another slow stroke of Sylvain's cock to make sure all of that focus is still on him as he trails a thumb across the head in what Claude knows isn't nearly enough. Before he can commit to something more, Sylvain's hand finds him and now it's time for his own breath to hitch. The benefit of wearing a voluminous skirt is that it'd hidden all of those noises from Sylvain had gone straight to his cock, but there's no concealing how hard he is now. And one of them might've exercised some restraint, but Claude doesn't bother as he shifts his hips to find more of Sylvain's touch with no hesitation while pulling away from the kiss again. ]

Maybe if you'd - [ pause to swallow back whatever noise Sylvain nearly dragged out of him - ] asked me about my plans for you are, you would've liked that answer better.

[ Sylvain hums, but its hard to tell if that’s in consideration for Claude’s words or in pleased surprise to have found him already hard and ready under his skirt. Feeling the other man press more firmly into that touch, shifting in against him, has his lips quirking up, pleased, as he finally breaks the kiss. But only to trail his lips back along a stubbled jaw, occasionally nipping at the warm flesh beneath his mouth.

He slips the fabric of Claude’s smallclothes out of the way to stroke fingers along the underside of his cock. Not missing the way his own breath hitches in response, or that his words stutter over what he’d been about to say. Although he’s disappointed you didn’t let him hear that noise, Claude. He’s going to have to make sure to drag the next one out of you.

Still, by the time Claude gets that sentence out, Sylvain’s lips are already curving into a smirk once more. An echoing stroke of his fingers as they curl about the base, a slight twist of his wrist to tease with further friction. ]

Oh, you must have had some very entertaining plans indeed. Now I’m curious. [ Shifting his thigh slightly to rub up against Claude from beneath him, he continues to stroke him slowly, watching his face. ] What have you been plotting, Claude?

I dunno why you're talking about my plans in the past tense when I'm not. They haven't changed unless you're asking because your deepest desire is to only come once.

[ This feels important to mention even if there's a chance Sylvain hadn't meant that quite as literally as Claude's taken it. They are, after all, doing their best to distract each other. Why not add as many layers as possible to it?

The touch he's offered isn't enough even if it's fair payback for the languidly slow pace at which he's been stroking Sylvain. As much as he'd like to shift again to follow the contact Sylvain gives him, Claude wills himself to stay in place though the fingers he curls into the other man's shirt likely give something away. That'd be too much of a reaction even if he looks down at the other man with eyes half-lidded after leaning back to catch his gaze, though that contemplation's reserved entirely for Sylvain as he pauses with his hand halfway up the other's length. ]

I could always make you guess what they are since you're the one who mentioned there being so many possibilities for the bed. Maybe I'll even let you try whatever it is if you guess correctly.

[ While he's pretending to give Sylvain time to think it over, Claude resumes moving his hand and this time at a faster pace - but also with a far looser grasp so at least half of those touches are too light for anything other than letting Sylvain know the proximity of where his hand is. Or could be. ]

Oh, I think between the two of us, we can come up with way more ideas than that.

[ His thumb traces over and around the head of Claude's cock, adding to the stimulation as he strokes him steadily. Taking in that half-lidded gaze with a curve of lips, the way Claude keeps himself from moving, just as Sylvain had earlier. But as Claude goes on to prompt for him spilling more of those possibilities, he gives a low, husky laugh and shifts once more.

But this time it's a twist of his torso as he brings Claude with him, toppling the other man sideways onto the mattress until he can reverse their positions. Claude on his back on the bed with Sylvain leaning over him, one knee presses to the mattress between his thighs. And the skirt of the damned dress riding up to show even more skin. Although his hand never moves away, distracting all in its own as he smirks down at the other man. ]

If you're still thinking this much, I'm clearly doing something wrong. [ His gaze is already flitting down the sight now splayed out before him in appreciation. And maybe calculation on where to start. ]

[ He'd been toying with tipping them back further onto the mattress, what with it seeming like all the space around them going to waste being a shame, but Sylvain beats him to it. The second the other twists he's already following with a grin that grows a little wider since the sight of Sylvain over him is certainly a nice one.

One eyebrow's arched at the mention of thinking this much but before Claude can make some comment about now which one of them is lost in contemplation given how he can practically see those calculations written across Sylvain's face. But then, there's always something else first with how that gaze is trailing over him. ]

There'd be a much better view if you got me out of this dress like you'd promised.

[ Promised in the loosest sense of the term, that is, and not that he's going to really give Sylvain a chance to think about it. He might be somewhat pinned in place - not that he minds that at all - but with enough room still free, Claude wraps a leg around Sylvain's waist to pull him closer. One hand goes into the other's hair to keep him there and he brings the other to join Sylvain's, except now he wraps it around both of their cocks for a faster pace than before. All followed by rocking his hips up for even more friction which gets a noise in the back of his throat while watching Sylvain's face. ]

Think I'd rather have you on your back at some point. Or on your hands and knees.

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