philancer | Inbox: Golden Peacock

[This message is sent around 8:30 in the morning the day they planned to get tea.]

Good morning. I just wanted to let you know that I ended up showing up to the tea house a little early. So I am here if you are available a bit early.

I look forward to meeting you in person and try out some of their options here.

-Loki

[ Sylvain does answer the text - partially because he’s still figuring out how this watch thing works, being a completely foreign concept to him and partly because, well.

He’s really not a morning person. At all.

But he does wander into the tea shop about five to ten minutes later, showing he actually had been almost ready to go, he might have just hurried through his morning routine a little faster than intended.

He’s still yawning, too, looking a little ruffled from sleep, although his hair can look pretty tousled normally.

He glances around, trying to find someone that looked like the image that had come with the messages of the person he’d been conversing with. At least he hoped that’s what he looked like? Maybe they should have come up with a code word or something.

Spotting a head of dark hair, he heads in the man’s direction, hoping he’d found the right person. ]

Loki?

[Loki isn’t sure if he’s a morning person or not. He just doesn’t particularly sleep with any consistent schedule. He does enjoy early hours though. Watching the sun rise with a nice cup of tea is always pleasant. It’s just that sometimes he’s not gone to bed yet and sometimes he’s just gotten up.

He takes a seat at a table that would allow for some privacy, but where he can still see the door and refrains from ordering until Sylvain arrives. The tea house has a wide variety of teas to choose from and he’s looking over the menu when the other man arrives.

As soon as he hears his name, he looks up and smiles, standing out of politeness.].

Sylvain? Well met. I already wish to thank you for telling me of this place. Their selection is quite impressive.

[ Sylvain’s enjoyed more than his fair share of sunrises before he’s slept before, but that tends to be a bad habit back in his realm. Or a consequence of being out on the town all night.

When the man rises to greet him, he smiles and inclines his head in greeting, a crooked smile slipping across his lips. ]

Oh, good. I got here and then realized I wasn’t sure how to find whoever I was supposed to be meeting. And you’re welcome, although that’s very good news to hear. Please, sit and be comfortable again. [ And he’ll move to do the same, sinking down across from where Loki had seated himself, reaching for one of the menus for this place. ] Did you spot anything to appeal to you? Or is it more trying to decide which to sample first?

[Loki is also no stranger to being up all night for pleasurable reasons. There were many a feast thrown at the palace that had him, Thor and Thor’s friends drinking well into the night. Those were often the best times to watch a sunrise.

The crooked smile he receives in return is rather charming, and the one on his own face softens slightly.]

Ah yes, I am afraid I have been doing a lot of guessing myself when meeting people here. You’d think I would get better and making sure people know who I am. [He shrugs at that though. He’s really just used to people knowing who he is.

Loki takes his seat again and waves over a server.]

I am going to start with their Earl Grey. It is my personal favourite and should be relatively easy to master. I figure if they can do that right, then there is a higher chance that the others will be good as well.

[ Sylvain’s actually enjoying not being infamous for a little while, so he’s offering no complaints about being unknown.

There is a flicker of confusion on his face when Loki lists off his favorite tea, because he has no idea who Earl Grey is meant to be, or what kind of tea it is. Then again, he doesn’t expect them to have Seiros tea, either. Albinean Berry and Almyran Pine are probably also out, considering their origins, but there might be something similar. ]

As long as they have a decent cup of Bergamot, I’ll be content.

[Loki isn’t sure yet if he likes not being famous now or not. Anonymity has its perks for sure, but being famous never really prevented Loki from doing what he wanted anyway. Though his reputation sometimes made things a bit harder.

There’s a brief moment where Sylvain’s confusion causes Loki to be a little confused himself. Though it quickly occurs to him that wherever Sylvain is from, they likely don’t have the same teas. Or perhaps they just go by different names. There are plenty of fine teas from Asgard, but one of the things that Loki thinks humans do well is their tea… unless you are in the United States. They have no tea game at all.]

I have not tried that one. What is its flavour profile?

[Yes, Loki is that kind of tea nerd.]

[ Considering Sylvain is from the Fodlan equivalent of the British Isles, they’re just as particular about their tea. But spotting what he wanted on the menu - they do have Bergamot! - he slides it across the table, fingertip tapping on the entry so Loki could see for himself, since he seemed to know a great deal about tea as well. ]

Here it is, this one.

[ Which, Loki will find, sounds an awful lot like Earl Grey. Because it is. Ironic, that. ]

[So Sylvain is from his world’s version of the British Isles and Loki sounds like he’s from there. What else might they almost have in common? Well, it would seem they have the same tastes in tea.

Loki looks down at the menu as Sylvain taps on the description of Bergamot and a small smile spreads across his face.]

I do believe we have ordered similar teas. Perhaps I shall order yours next to see if there is much of a difference at all.

[With that, Loki makes his order and lounges back in his seat.]

So, tell me more about yourself. What else do you like besides tea?

[ Sylvain does the same, crossing his arms atop the table when he’s finished and leaning on it comfortably. ]

Oh, I dunno, a lot of things. Reading, every now and then. I’ve a knack for chess and strategy games, when I’m bored. Horseback riding. I dabble a little at gardening, herbal lore, cooking. Sometimes helping out the healers when they need an extra hand.

[ He shrugs, as if that’s not a very wide variety of interests. He’s more of a jack of all trades than deeply passionate about one thing or another. ]

What about you?

Sounds like you like to keep yourself busy. I hope this place didn’t take you away from anything too important.

[It’s quite a hefty list, many of which Loki enjoys himself. Or things he had enjoyed before his life fell apart and was rebuilt again.]

I do enjoy a good game of chess as well and I used to help my mother out with her garden when I was younger. I enjoy reading and listening to music, especially of the orchestral variety. Otherwise, when I had time, I would work on my magic. I was often trying to improve or create something new.

I wonder if they allow for any of that sort of thing here or if they will turn every hobby we have into some sort of sex game.

[As much as Loki does enjoy sex, he thinks anything could be overdone.]

[ He gives a quiet snort of laughter, threading his fingers on the tabletop in front of him. ]

Ehh. Just a war I’ve been stuck in for the past half a decade or so. [ Not all that important at all. ] I still haven’t decided whether I should be annoyed like everyone else, or send them a thank you card and a gift basket.

[ He does look intrigued at the mention of magic, though, leaning forward again. ]. You’re a mage, then? Did you study a particular school of magic? Or doesn’t it work like that in your world?

Ah yes. War isn’t something I would wish to return to either. [In a way, Loki is fighting a war of his own back home, though it is not the standard kind of battle he is used to. There is very much a fight though.] I suppose it depends on if the war is necessary and if you are integral to the fight. Even still I would be tempted to go with the card and gift basket option.

[Sylvain’s reaction causes him to smile warmly.] I am a mage yes. And yes, people do tend to pick a specialty, though I have a natural ability in a number of areas, I tend to favour conjuration and illusions. So you have magic users in your world then? Not everyone here has seen it before.

[ Sylvain gives a quiet sigh and his gaze goes distant for a moment, a faint frown on his face. The war is… complicated. Also, since Edelgard and Hubert are here, he has no idea what that means for back home. Are they still even fighting? ]

I don’t think I’m integral to it, but as for the rest of it… I guess that depends on who you ask, really. The Empire seemed pretty intent on invading our country, but as the Empress and her second in command are currently here, I’m not exactly sure where that leaves everyone else. [ He shrugs, because it’s not like there’d be a lot he could do about it either way. ]

And yeah, we do. I haven’t studied a lot of it myself but I know some. Magic in my world is divided into studies of Faith and Reason. Faith is a lot of defensive, support, and healing magic, but it does employ some Light magic for offensive purposes. Reason is more elemental-based, and far more offensive and dangerous in nature.

[Loki thinks war is always complicated. It is something he was born into, something that changed his whole life. How different could things have been if Jotunheim and Asgard had never become foes? If his people had won? If Odin hadn’t found and taken him home? The possibilities were endless.]

I suppose that is true for any conflict. Though I can see how it would change a lot if the people responsible in part for that conflict are removed from the scenario. I would suppose it would depend on if they are from the same branch as you are, if it affects you specifically. Or if they are variants from another line. I do hope it means all is well in your homeland for as long as they are here. [Again, so many possibilities and more every second as more and more people make different decisions and branch off further and further… Loki shakes his head as if to clear it, returning his attention to the man across from him.]

I do not believe I have ever come across magic divided quite like that. Or rather, referred to in that way. I would have to say I would fall more into your Faith category, though I am able to use magic offensively as well, most of what I do is to trick my opponents so I can manipulate the situation. I don’t always use my magic when in direct battle.

So tell me, what kind of magic can you employ?

[ Sylvain blinks for a moment, confused, because he'd gotten lost about halfway through that answer. ]

...Branch? [ What are variants and a line of what? ] But thank you, I hope that as well.

[ At least the magic part he knows enough about to explain. Or at least bluff his way through it enough to make it seem that way. He wasn't a full-blown mage by any stretch of the imagination, although he had employed quite a bit of it when armored up as a dark knight on the battlefield. ]

I have a basic grasp of healing magic - mostly from necessity on the battlefield or helping my healer friends when they were short on hands or overwhelmed. But mostly I wielded a lot of elemental spells. Fire was my specialty, apparently I had an affinity for it. [ Which had surprised him as well as his professors. Then again, he'd always purposefully downplayed a lot about himself at the Academy. ]

Edited 2024-01-20 19:00 (UTC)

[Loki takes a deep breath and sighs. He might appear annoyed, but he’s not upset with Sylvain. He’s simply not used to having to explain himself so much. He really needs to come up with a simplistic and generic description of what he does just so he doesn’t keep running into this situation.]

I am sorry, please ignore me when I go on such rants. I get a little caught up in what I was taken away from and forget most are not aware of what I am talking about.

[He’s relieved when the conversation merely stays on magic use after that. Just to have someone that believes magic exists and has some working knowledge of it makes Loki happy right now.]

Elemental spells? I have some abilities concerning that. I do enjoy the usefulness of fire, but I actually have natural abilities with ice. It is less about my magical affinity and more about my physiology, but it works out about the same in results. Is there anything of yours you can show me? Or are they all meant for the battle field? [Loki wants to see something, but he also doesn’t think accidentally burning down the tea house is a great plan either. They have all the tea!]

[ If only Sylvain realized Fodlan and all it’s paths were just the sort of thing Loki would recognize. Not that he knows there’s different paths himself, of course, but that confusion is sure to come up eventually.

As for the magic…

He makes a face for a moment, contemplating what he can do. ]

The fire magic is too volatile for in here, unfortunately. A healing spell would be simple enough, though. Although you’d probably feel it more than see it.

[ But he stretches out his hand across the table anyway, palm up, waiting and letting Loki decide if he was alright with that or not. ]

[Perhaps one day this topic of conversation would come up for them again at a time when Loki is more willing to explain, though he doubts it will matter. It really is rather complicated and he doesn’t expect anyone to understand. Not that they need to.

Loki can’t help the slight look of disappointment when his initial thought proves correct. It would seem abilities concerning fire were dangerous no matter where you are from.] I suspected as much, but I thought I might ask anyway.

[As Sylvain holds out his hand, Loki doesn’t have to think twice. Of course he wants to feel it. He stretches out his hand in return and places it in Sylvain’s rather large one. He watches the other man’s face, trying to read him as he waits to see what happens next.]

[ Sylvain might actually find it pretty fascinating - if unfortunately too accurate, if those from his home start comparing notes and timelines anytime soon. They can table it for another day, perhaps.

But relieved he can at least show the man something - since flinging around fireballs and opening up lava rifts inside seemed to be a very bad idea, in his mind - he lets his fingers curl about Loki’s wrist as he closes his eyes to focus.

Reason magic, he’s found - especially the elemental branches - always seemed to react more strongly to surges of emotion, or adrenaline. At least when he was using it. Perhaps it was the chaotic nature of their composition or maybe he’d just spent more time calling on it on the battlefield rather than practicing it in a classroom setting. It always came stronger for him when tension was high.

Faith magic, on the other hand, always came easier when he could quiet his mind and calm his body. It didn’t come as naturally to him as his fire magic, but he’d honed it all the same. Mostly to help Mercedes or Annette triage the wounded after a battle. He couldn’t do much, but he could keep many alive long enough for a true healer to get to them and sometimes those extra minutes were just enough.

Now, though, he reaches for that well of power and coaxes it through his body and into the other man, using their shared contact as a connection point to funnel it through. His fire magic was often like loosing an arrow or heaving his spear, but Faith magic was more like tipping a cup just enough to let a trickle of much-needed water over the edge.

He’s not sure what it would feel like to Loki, but to him, it had always started as a warm rush of sensation beneath the surface, followed by a cool tingling in its wake. Since Loki isn’t actually wounded or ill right now, he doesn’t release it into the man with a specific direction in mind, so instead the magic will wash through him like a balm, easing whatever it finds in its path instead. ]

[There was a certainly level of anticipation running through Loki as Sylvain gripped his wrist. The warmth of his hand against Loki’s cool skin feels exaggerated in the moment, but also thoroughly pleasant. It’s been so long since he’s felt someone else’s magic, and he’s all sorts of excited about it. Even just recently he’s started to expand his own abilities, and really, with the TVA not allowing his powers for so long feeling any sort of magic, whether his own or someone else’s, gave him a shiver of joy.

At first, Loki keeps his eyes on Sylvain, watching as he clearly starts to call on his magic, examining his face for any sign of what it must be like for him. Loki wants to know everything, how his magic works, what it feels like for him, but then there’s a tingling, starting where their skin meets and Loki finds his eyes drifting down towards the hand at his wrist. It’s warm, warmer than Sylvain’s hand, but not unpleasant. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Soon, Loki can feel it running over his own body. He closes his eyes without realizing it, wholly entranced by the feeling as it meets with his own magic causing a calmness in his mind that Loki doesn’t believe he’s ever felt before. He’s always been rather chaotic, even if he presents as calm on the surface. He’s always been able to hide his true feelings. Well, almost always. Definitely when it comes to people who don’t know him, but he’s completely unable to contain the pure joy he feels right now. His whole body relaxes, slumping slightly as his breathing because deep and calm. It’s almost as if he’s asleep while fully aware of everything going on around them.

Loki has never experienced healing magic before, he has his own innate ability to heal rather quickly and even when he was injured, he never trusted anyone to do anything for him. Now he’s starting to see the error of his ways.]

[ It’s only when he begins to feel his magic trickling back to him that he releases the spell, relaxes the call on his magic and lets it flow back to rest within him once more.

He’d watched the way the other man seemed to relax beneath the wash of the spell - which was impressive, since Sylvain hadn’t actually realized he wasn’t relaxed until he saw the change wash over him.

And while he lets go of the spell, he doesn’t let go of the man’s hand for the moment, letting him savor whatever it is he’s experiencing for as long as he likes. He’s just relieved it worked so well, apparently. ]

[As the magic begins to retreat, Loki starts to become more attentive. He never lost consciousness or anything, but now he feels as if he’s just awoken from a wonderfully deep sleep. His eyes blink open and he smiles across at Sylvain.]

I think that might be something that is handy for people who have trouble sleeping. It was quite pleasant and relaxing.

[Like having a massage or soaking in a hot tub, but even better. Loki places a hand over Sylvain’s where it meets his wrist and smiles.]

Thank you for showing me that.

Huh, I’ve never really tried it with insomnia before.

[ He gives a thoughtful hum at that, making note of it, even as he gives the man’s hand a light squeeze and offers him a playful wink. ]

You certainly seem more relaxed now, at least. You’re welcome. I’m glad it helped, whether it needed to or not. I wasn’t sure it would even work, outside of my world, but hey, nothing exploded or burst into flame, so it looks like we’re all still safe.

[ …he’s teasing. Probably. ]

I can see how that might have been missed, if you are used to using it during battle. I find that sleep is the last thing people are worried about during war.

[Of course, it is something that people direly need during such times, but he also knows well that it isn’t something that people think of when worried about further attacks.]

You know, I did not think I needed it, but I do believe I was wrong about that.

[Loki huffs out a small laugh.] That is almost a shame. I wonder what the fire code is for a place like this? Do you think if the hotels was destroyed by fire, they would let us all go?

[Now it’s Loki’s turn to be mostly joking. He knows it’s not worth the possible loss of life, but the idea of getting out of here by any means necessary is one that crosses his mind fairly regularly.]

Anyway, thank you. It really did help. I have not felt this relaxed in… well in a very long time. I would like to repay you somehow, if you wish. Is there anything you need?

Unlikely. But it’s a thought if things here get more dire than they currently are. We could probably try and use it out in the jungle, as long as we were careful not to ignite any of the plantlife?

[ It was still indoors, but barely, with all those huge trees and multiple levels and… he honestly doesn’t know how things like that work in here, but it’s worth a try if Loki really is that interested? Worse comes to worse there are creeks and waterfalls aplenty in there, if something did ignite?

But he waves off that offer with a friendly smile, shaking his head. ] It really was no trouble. And it’s good to know it works here, I suppose, so you’ve already helped me in return. I’m just glad it helped.

It’s nice, to be able to use magic for more than just battle, and the wounds wrought from it…

Yes, I suppose caution is the name of the game with these things. [Even if it was a rather new one for Loki to be playing. Really, this place is lucky they grabbed him from the time the did. Not all that long ago he would’ve been more than willing to burn this place to the ground if he thought it would get him out of here.]

You know, if you wanted to test your fire abilities here, I have abilities with ice. I am sure I could put out anything you manage to set alight. Though I still think you are right. If it is something you are tempted to try, we should find a place that is less likely to cause a lot of damage. We wouldn’t want to incur the wrath of our captors.

[Loki smiles at that and relaxes back in his seat. He’s actually having quite a pleasant time, even if he hadn’t just been made to relax.]

Well then, you are quite welcome. We should do this again sometime. I mean, you do not need to use your powers on me every time, but I am enjoying myself even beyond that.

[after helping sylvain ~~struggle~~ through a few back-and-forth messages on the watch, they've eventually solidified a time and place to meet up. as decided, the cloud dwelling garden is probably their best bet; the place will be (mostly) quiet and they won't have to worry about being coerced into doing anything they don't currently want to. (unless, of course, one of them ends up getting too close to an aphrodisiac flower—) which, sizhui's actually keeping in the back of his mind as a reminder, thanks to jin guangyao's warning before.

some things really don't ever change, it seems.

dressed in a blue pullover, black skinny-legged jeans and matching boots with three paper cups in his hands; one is chamomile, another is earl grey and the third is coffee, something he and sylvain had talked about trying before, so he figured why not give it a go now? he's waiting patiently outside the entrance to the garden, hoping the ever-growing crowd won't be too much when sylvain comes to find him.

sure, he could go sit on one of the benches nearby, but he imagines that would make him even less noticeable compared to his standing around while others are milling about. it's a little unsettling, how quickly people appear, and yet he pays them no mind, keeping a keen eye out for the single person he's expecting.]

[ He shows up a couple minutes late, looking a little tousled and out of breath, but he breaks into a grin when he spots someone matching the little image he’d figured out how to see on his watch. Which was still weird, despite the lessons he’d been getting on how to use the damn thing.

Hurrying in Sizhui’s direction, he lifts his hand in a wave of greeting as he approaches, jogging to close the distance. ]

Hey! [ He comes to a stop, resting his hands on his knees as he shoots the other young man a grin and takes a moment to catch his breath. ] Sorry if I kept you waiting. The, uh, elevator was apparently feeling frisky today and kept giving the other passengers ideas.

[ He grimaces, and then glances down to straighten his tshirt - no erotic or graphic logo today, at least, just a plain dark grey. Clearly someone had been trying to get handsy, however, and he’s looking a little rumpled. ]

[it isn't wholly surprising that sylvain is late. not because that's what sizhui expects, but because he can imagine how one might get swept up in the crowd— or groped by the elevator and its inhabitants at the time, apparently.

sizhui would've ordinarily waved back if his hands weren't full, but for what it's worth, he does brighten and politely incline his head in greeting.] Hello! [when sylvain stops, his head tips sideways, considering his ruffled state, his eyebrows lifting in surprise at the remark.] It's okay, you needn't worry about that. The... elevator, you said? [and its passengers, of course, that's not nearly as shocking; people will take whatever they can get, it seems.

oh-so-carefully, he tucks the cups into the crook of one arm and steps closer, outstretching the freed hand to help sylvain straighten his shirt.] You weren't injured or anything, were you?

Nah, I’m fine.

[ He’s chuckling as he says it, putting his clothes to rights again. ]

They just got handsy, is all. Granted, I’m pretty sure they’d been getting handsy before they stumbled into the elevator together and then the pictures on the walls decided to give them ideas. [ He makes a face, his expression rueful as he shakes his head.

And then he holds out a hand when he realizes how much Sizhui is juggling. ]

Can I help you with some of those?

Mm... [the doubtful noise trails off, his expression wrinkling and his lips momentarily pinching. people getting handsy doesn't sound like a ‘fine’ situation, but sizhui forgoes complaining, figuring he can take sylvain at face-value, and if there was actually a problem, he would've said so.]

As long as you're sure. It still sounds like an unfortunate moment to be caught up in, regardless, but. [he can't help smiling at sylvain's look and, as much as he'd like to cover it, his hands are full, so there's no possible way he can do that.

however, when the other male offers to take some of the cups off his hands, he nods.] Absolutely, thank you. [then he offers the earl grey cup first, looking far more pleased.] I was told this is the same as bergamot tea. The other two are chamomile and coffee, which I thought we could try together.

[ Sylvain accepts the cup with a pleased look, taking it and sniffing at it curiously. It certainly smells like his favorite tea, so apparently someone here knew what they were doing.

Although his expression brightens at the mention of the coffee, curious and intrigued by this drink so many seem to favor here. ] Ahh, right! So it’s to be an experiment day, is it? At least if it tastes terrible, we have tea to chase it away with, I suppose.

[ He offers Sizhui a wink before inclining his head. ] There’s a little gazebo over this way, by one of the ponds. We can go see if it’s empty, if you wanted to sit for a bit?

[ Clearly someone’s been spending enough time up here to become familiar with what is where. ]

[that, in turn, has sizhui perking further. the idea that he might've found sylvain's favorite tea is delightful and, if earl grey is the same, he'll be filing it away for later to remember to bring to the other man whenever they see each other.

sizhui giggles,] I hope that's okay? And yes, that's exactly what I was considering when gathering all of the drinks. We will just have to brace ourselves if it's as strong as we've been told. Oh! [a pause as he glances down at his pocket, though he's quick to upturn again.] They did give me sugar and, uhm, containers of cream to try it with too? It must be profoundly bitter if they're prepared with those.

[while the wink has the tips of his ears pinkening, he head-bobs again, glad to know someone else has visited the garden perhaps just as often as he has, if not more.]

That sounds like a great idea to me.

Some people like those in their tea, too. [ He’s not one of them, but some of his friends are. ] But I’ve heard coffee can be an acquired taste, so I suppose we shall soon see?

[ That just makes him all the more curious, honestly.

He turns to lead the way towards the gazebo he’d mentioned - an action that means he unfortunately misses the way Sizhui flushes slightly - but he’s relieved to find the enclosure empty and this corner of the gardens quiet for the moment. The pond beside it is quiet, water spilling softly over rocks and a dozen brightly colored koi swimming in its shallow depths.

Sinking down on one of the cushioned benches within the gazebo, he pats the seat beside his in invitation. ]

So is chamomile one of your favorites?

Oh? [huh, he never really thought about that before. most times, if he puts anything in his tea, it's maybe a little sugar or honey and a handful of fresh fruit, but the idea of cream... well, he'll have to try that one of these days!] We shall.

[having been able to expand his palate, sizhui's hoping the coffee won't be as bitter as he's been told, but after some of his adventures with spices and sourness, he won't hold his breath or else he'd probably turn blue.

he follows close beside sylvain, taking in the scenery, looking specifically for any new things they might have added in the day or so he hasn't been in. it doesn't seem like it? or at least not from first glances, but not only that, he's also immediately distracted by the sounds of the pond and the sights of the koi fish flipping their fins about in the water. as much as he'd like to get closer, he has company, and it'd be rude to get caught up in playing with the fish. (right now, anyway—)

so, he sits at sylvain's side on the bench, carefully setting the coffee cup between his knees and holding his tea with both hands for warmth.] It is! Jasmine is my absolute favorite, though, and I do like a good mint tea.

Do you have others you like just as much as that one?

Seiros tea. It’s pretty common back where I come from, but since I’m not sure anyone knows who Seiros is outside of Fodlan, I’m not sure that’ll do me much good here.

[ He chuckles as he sinks down across from Sizhui, making himself comfortable. ]

It’s a black tea, though, with a bit of a nutty flavor. Don’t actually know if it was a favorite of Seiros or someone just decided to make it popular by naming it after her, but either way, it’s pretty good.

We have mint teas back home - quite a few, actually. I don’t think I’ve ever tried Jasmine tea before, though. I know of the flowers - we had some in the greenhouse in the Academy, I think, but they’re not native to Fodlan, either. Brigid, maybe? [ He scratches his head, trying to remember if Dedue or Ashe or Annie had ever said. ]

[record scratch—] Fodlan? Hmmm... that name sounds familiar. [yes, actually, he's almost certain he's heard the name a few times in passing back where he just came from. if sylvain was from there, maybe he would know dimitri? definitely a question he'll hang on to for now, but that makes him quite curious.]

Either way, it does sound delicious! We'll have to see if there's a way to get our hands on some so I can try it with you. [if sylvain would like to, that is.]

It's a bit of a comfort tea for me, as my father would give it to me when I wasn't feeling well. Most Jasmine teas are made with a green tea base and the flowers are added, so if you've had a green tea, you're already halfway to trying Jasmine! [a beat to take a sip of his tea while he considers, his fingertips lightly tapping against the cup.] Well, if there's ever a time where you get plants from your home, perhaps we could cultivate them together?

[ Please feel free to break his brain at any time.

As it is, he just nods slightly, wondering if Sizhui’s bumped into some of the others here from home. ] There’s a couple of us here from Fodlan, at least that I’ve found so far. Lorenz, and Hubert and Edelgard, though we come from different places within it, of course. So far I’m the only one from Faerghus.

[ Leaning forward, he braces his forearms atop his knees and offers the other man a faint crooked smile, enjoying the story behind the tea. No wonder he was fond of it. ] I have had green teas before, so I think I can imagine it, at least. Maybe we’ll be able to find Jasmine here in the gardens. I know I’ve spotted quite a few plants that I recognized while wandering through. Although far more that I didn’t.

[oh, poor sylvain's brain is certainly going to at least crack when sizhui mentions he's actually heard all these names in passing. he'll feel bad about it, initially, but hey, it's not his fault he's been through so many world-hopping shenanigans!

it is convenient that some of them are here, though. that would make it easy to brush off and agree that yes, he has met them here, even if he'd be lying and that's not something he would do.] I see, [he says simply, glancing down at his cup, lips rolling together. no, not yet. he'll give it just a minute to let their conversation push a little further before he decides to drop all this information on sylvain.

instead, he flashes a smile in return, thumbs across the rim of his cup then,] Perhaps we will! I recognized a few plants as well myself, so it wouldn't be surprising to find others, or to see them add new things. If they don't, I wonder if we would be allowed to grow things...

[ Unaware of anything else troubling Sizhui’s thoughts right now, he can only give a thoughtful hum as he glances around the garden, curious as well. ]

I don’t see why not. They don’t seem all that inclined to keep us from indulging in whatever we want. Granted, I think they intend that to be more aimed for their game, but that’s not to say we can’t have hobbies outside of sex all day every day. No one could maintain that anyway.

I bet if you just started showing up and doing it for fun, no one would say anything. Acting like you’re right where you’re supposed to be and know exactly what you’re doing might get you some odd looks, but I bet no one thinks to tell you you can’t. Or if you do, it’s probably better to ask for forgiveness than permission in this place anyway…

[which is fine, he would much prefer keeping his problems (mostly) to himself rather than bothering someone else with them, but he will eventually circle back around to it once he's found the proper moment to interject again.]

Gosh, I sure hope they don't expect that from us! Even if I wanted to, with a high enough drive and nearly no refractory period, I don't think I could keep up every day and all day. [he snickers, sneaking another quick drink of his tea afterward before continuing,] I don't want to say it would get monotonous but... [well, that's the word that comes to mind when considering it.]

No, they probably wouldn't. In fact, I'd imagine some of the people might like the help, given how large this garden is. Better to ask for forgiveness than permission, though, you say... [sizhui lets that remark trail off, an enthusiastic grin overtaking his expression as he removes the coffee from where it sits, moves to stand, sets the cup aside then he steps down onto the little grassy patch around the gazebo they're seated in. after kneeling, he reaches with his free hand and presses it palm down, a soft blueish-green glow emanating from beneath it, and once he lifts his hand, a pretty daisy sprouts from the spot of dirt he'd just touched.]

It would definitely become monotonous. Even with all the... additions they give us for fun on the side. And that would be a shame.

[ He's chuckling as he takes a sip of his own tea, expression brightening at the familiar flavor of bergamot on his tongue. It's pretty good, too. This place continues to impress with their attention to detail and quality.

But he watches quietly, savoring his drink, while Sizhui gets up and steps down to the grass to crouch there a moment. When there's a faint glow of magic, he straightens up, leaning forward to watch with sudden curiosity. And then there's a vibrant red flower sprouting upwards, not one he recognizes but it's pretty. And that had definitely been a type of magic he'd never seen before, which just makes him all the more intrigued. ]

That's... is that something you could always do?

[initially, sizhui doesn't say anything, he just giggles, blushes and raises his free hand to cover his face. it would be a shame, truly, but he's not sure he could agree aloud without turning beet-red. still, he does give a faint nod to show his agreement before redirecting again.

any other time, he'd leave the flower to grow and flourish on its own, to maybe spread across the grass with more flora, though he plucks this one from its spot, taps the remaining tiny bit of stalk with his littlest finger to let another, smaller daisy take its place, then he shifts upright and moves back over to where sylvain is. he sits back down, still smiling as he offers the other man the flower, his head shaking.]

No, it's an ability I gained on another world, alongside some other... transformative powers.

[ Sylvain’s reaching for the flower before Sizhui says that next part and the movement falters halfway as he blinks across at him. ]

Wait. You’ve been to different universes before this place took you?

Mmhmm, [is the only answer he gives at first, his expression creasing briefly before he decides there's no reason in beating around the bush anymore.]

Which, ah, brings me back to what we were talking about before: Fodlan. I know of it because I met some people from there back on one of these worlds. A man named Dimitri and another named Byleth.

[ It's enough to render Sylvain speechless for a moment - which is, actually, quite the achievement, good job Sizhui.

He opens his mouth a moment before closing it again, trying to think up a response to that. ]

You... you've met Dimitri and the Professor? How... is that even possible?

[ Was that where the Professor had been all that time she was missing? But Dimitri, he'd been imprisoned, hadn't he? And he'd never mentioned anything about another world...

Granted, he hadn't been the most sharing person since they'd all been reunited, unless it had to do with bloodthirsty vengeance. ]

[while he isn't fully aware of how great that is, he's still surprised he was able to make someone speechless by saying something he felt would be simple. reconsidering, however, it makes sense that sylvain is shocked. how often is it that an individual just casually says, ‘oh, yeah, i know that place where you live and some of the people you know?’

it makes him feel a little sheepish, somewhat embarrassed that he'd mentioned anything at all, and he ducks his head, shoulders pressing against his ears as he twirls the pretty red daisy between his thumb and forefinger.]

Wild things can happen when you world-hop, [is the only response he can manage. how else does he explain it, really? he imagines he's met a lot of folks that others around here know, too, but. will he ever be confident enough to tell anyone else? (maybe.)

funnily(?) enough, the dimitri he knew was quite calm and collected, at least until they broke into a haunted-ass mansion to murder monsters and save anyone trapped inside.]

So you… world-hopped to Fodlan? Or somewhere else?

[ Nope. Sorry. None of this makes any sense. You might have broken his brain a little. ]

[whoops??? well, that wasn't his intention, but it's completely fair and valid, given what he's saying is pretty baffling.]

Somewhere else. A place called ‘Amani’, where people were taken from their homeworlds and put into a simulation. [pause, a moment for him to consider, then he asks,] Has anyone told you what that means? [just in case, that way he isn't leaving sylvain floundering for an answer about that, too.]

[ He cocks his head to the side, considering that there might be more than one meaning, in that case. ]

Something like a test run? A mock battle, or just a scenario?

[ That was as close a description he could come up with, unsure if that's what Sizhui meant. ]

So... you're telling me Dimitri and Byleth were also taken to this... simulation? On another world? How long ago was this?

[sizhui hums, lifts the daisy and taps his cheek with it, trying to figure out how to explain while using what sylvain knows.]

A test run or just a scenario could work; the scenario being, for example, a world that isn't real. It's made up and inside your head, but you're living it like you would exist in this aforementioned world. Like you're test-running it. [does... that make sense? not exactly, but he can work with it for now.]

Yes, they were there, alongside others from different worlds. [a moment's hesitation as he considers, the flower lowers again and his expression creases faintly.] I coexisted with them in Amani for a year and a half.

A year and a…

[ Yup. You broke him again. He’s trying to do math in his head, ]

I don’t understand. They were both missing for a time, but…

[ Five years, in fact, give or take. But he feels like that’s something one of them would have mentioned. ]

[sylvain and his literal mathlady.gif moment.]

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause you distress. [or so it seems? maybe he shouldn't have mentioned anything at all or he simply could've kept it to himself if he knew it was going to cause . . . this.]

Missing, though? From your homeworld, you mean?

[ He hates math, be impressed he stopped to ponder at all.

He waves off the distressed comment with a gesture of his hand, however, because that’s not quite right. ]

Confusion, more like it. And yeah, they were both missing for a span of time at the beginning of the war back home. Technically, everyone thought they were dead, but that turned out to be untrue, fortunately. But it seems odd that they never mentioned something like… that.

[ Maybe they thought no one would believe them? Which, okay most people thought Dimitri insane already and the Professor had always been a bit eccentric, but… ]

[oh! well then, he'll have to keep that in mind if there ever comes a time where he can congratulate him properly.

despite the way his shoulders relax, sizhui bows his head in understanding.] Confused is at least slightly better than distressed. [normally, he'd add a laugh at the end of that, but listening to sylvain talk about war, one where dimitri and byleth were actually both missing for some time . . . ] To tell you the truth, I'm still trying to figure out how it works, but... I think time stops when you're taken from your world? And then it restarts once you've returned. [there's really no other way to explain why he's been gone this long and hasn't seen anyone he knows for a whole year-and-a-half until arriving at the resort.

it does, however, make sense that people would think them crazy if they started talking about world-hopping; sizhui feels it most times when he describes it, but people seem to take it in stride (even if sylvain was confused).]

Edited (shhh don't look, belatedly fixing a typo smh) 2024-02-17 07:34 (UTC)

[ He’d never heard of anything like that but it makes him wonder… ]

Do you think that holds true for here, too?

[ His brow furrows with a frown as he considers that option, because if that were still true here, that meant he’d still have to go back to…

Shit. He didn’t want to think about that. ]

It could. There are places in the hallways where you can get lost for days at a time, yet it seems shorter as you're living it. Or vice-versa.

If we're lucky, time won't have changed at all from the moment we were taken from. [unless, of course, that's the opposite of what sylvain wants and he will hope for that instead— once he's given confirmation, at least.

for now, sizhui considers sylvain's expression, breathes a sigh then turns and offers him the daisy with a small smile.] Perhaps we should talk about something else for a little bit?

[ He makes a face at that, because he actually doesn’t know what’s worse - being returned to that very same morning and having to face that battlefield anyway… or coming back afterwards and having to deal with the inevitable aftermath.

Neither option is a good one, in his opinion, which is why he’s been trying not to think about it too much.

So he latches onto that out with a relieved smile, reaching out to take the flower with a soft huff of laughter. ] Yeah, that’s probably a better idea. And our drinks are likely getting cold. Should we return to them?

Or if it's unlucky, I hope you're returned to a time where it would be more [pause] convenient? Ah, no, that isn't quite the word... [look at him, immediately trying to fix his mistake again. whatever he says, though, it seems like the situation is just sort of dire for sylvain, no matter the context.

however, he doesn't apologize again, surprisingly. he nods in agreement toward the other man's suggestion, lets the flower be taken then idly gestures with the same hand.]

You're right, we should, we wouldn't want them to need to be reheated. [another moment's hesitation and he adds,] And we still need to try the coffee! [he's definitely still excited for that, too.]

[ He chuckles and doesn’t offer that he’s not sure there is a convenient time for him to return to.

Honestly, the less he has to think about home while here the better, he thinks.

So he just claps a hand on Sizhui’s shoulder and guides him back to the little pavilion and their waiting drinks. ]

Come on, let’s give it a try before it gets cold. I think some people prefer it that way, from what I’ve heard, but I think they brew it differently, as well. They seem to do that with tea here, too.

[ he sounds a little baffled by that. Why would anyone want to drink tea gone cold? ]

[which is fine, sizhui would much rather they move on and he stops digging the hole even deeper; it would do him well to remember that not everyone's homeworld is a place where things are hunky-dory, after all.

even better if sylvain doesn't want to think about it, either.

the hand comes down on his shoulder, he casts it a glance then upturns to the other man again, letting a small smile come across his face.] Cold coffee? Hmmm. [see, he's heard of iced tea before and has tried it, but still finds hot tea far superior in that case. iced coffee, though, may be a different story depending on how it's brewed.] I take it you haven't had iced tea, then? It's usually rather sweet but it's not the worst thing I've tasted.

[ Sylvain just makes a face at that, to show his very biased opinion on the entire matter. ]

It sounds rather gross, if I’m honest, but apparently it’s a favorite of some. [ Dear Goddess, why? ] But I’ll probably try it out at some point, just to say I have.

[ Taking a seat once more, he reaches for the cup of coffee, relieved to find it still softly steaming. It smells… strong. And different. But good, he thinks. Although it’s not like he has a frame of reference here to compare it to. They definitely did not have this back in Faerghus. But the same could be said of a lot of things. ]

Shall we try it plain or would you rather add some of their cream or sugar?

[he can't help laughing lightly, a hand raising to cover it, his head shaking afterward before he lowers it again.] Hey, to each their own! I definitely prefer my tea hot as well, however.

[sizhui moves to take the spot beside him, plucking up his cup and taking a quick sip, which proves a little too fast but he swallows anyhow, ignoring the faint heat in his mouth. he sets that cup aside again, reaching into his pocket to remove the sugars and creams the barista had given him, the latter of which he sets up neatly side-by-side, then he sets the sugar packets on top of those.]

Let's try it plain first and if it's too much... we could add some of these to it.

Good idea. Do you want to go first?

[ He plucks up the cup and offers it to Sizhui with a crooked smile.

Although it’s hard to tell if that was polite manners or if he’s still wary of the drink itself. ]

Sure, I can do that.

[said without any hesitation, like he's not even the slightest bit worried it might taste terrible and he'll want to spit it right back out— but he wouldn't do that. (or not with someone he's only just met, anyway?)

after taking the cup, he carefully removes the lid, takes a long whiff of it and huffs. it sure smells nice, and yet... sizhui blows on it first, takes a quick sip then lowers the cup again, his expression sort of blank, initially, but then it creases in aversion. while it takes all his will to swallow, he manages, handing the cup back to sylvain shortly thereafter.] It is. Very strong.

[ Sylvain watches him take a sip, waiting patiently for the verdict. But the expression that flares across Sizhui's face has him hooting in laughter as he reaches out for the cup, mirth dancing in amber eyes. ]

Oh, that's not a good face, that doesn't bode well.

[ Still he sniffs at it again, because it does smell good, but he's a little more braced for it than Sizhui'd been. Taking a slow sip, he savors it for a moment before swallowing it down. While he doesn't grimace quite as badly as his companion, his nose does wrinkle a little. ]

I can see how that could be an acquired taste - sort of like some liquors - but I definitely think it could use something to soften it. Should we try the cream or the sugar or both?

[ He's not writing it off just yet. He could see how the bold flavor had potential. It was just a little... too bold at the moment. ]

[at least sylvain can get a laugh out of it, something that makes sizhui smile faintly in kind. he can imagine how silly his face looked there for a minute, but in his defense, it really is a strong drink. smells far better than it tastes, too.

he doesn't say anything immediately, waiting for sylvain to get a taste before he decides to judge too harshly; it's not the worst thing he's drank, let's be real, he's had some strange things throughout his world-hopping adventures, but this one is pretty low on the rung of things he'd willingly try again (for now).]

Ah, yes, that's a great comparison. [especially because he's actually had some liquors and they are also definitely ranked low.

sizhui plucks up the sugar packets, offering a couple out to sylvain.] Perhaps these first? It's just sugar, so we can kind of get an idea of what it might taste like with that and then decide if it needs to be, ah, less bold.

Are you available?

I can be. What's up? Did you need something?

I'm.. mm.

I want you. Badly. And I have an idea, if you're amenable.

[ Well, that escalated quickly. ]

Okay? I'm willing to try most things. Do you want to come here or should I go to you?

...Although down here's not all that comfortable, so we might want to go with option b.

[ sorry, friend. tighnari spent a little too much time on plants and not enough time on sex, so his suit may or may not have activated a little bit, here. ]

Neither. Can you meet me at Mating Season?

[ Huh. That's... unexpected. ]

I'm on my way.

[ Luckily it's not a long jaunt from his rooms down below to where Mating Season is located, and he shows up a few minutes later, looking confused and a little concerned as he steps inside. ]

Tighnari?

[ tighnari is pacing back and forth outside the entrance of the area, his arms crossed tightly over his middle, his tail lashing back and forth. his skin feels itchy, too hot, tight over his bones, and it's clear that he's agitated.

when sylvain arrives, tighnari glances up toward him then exhales hard. ]

It's my suit.

[ he says simply, since that should explain it well enough. ]

I thought maybe you'd like to.. try something with me, in the pods.

[ Considering he’d seen what Wriothesley had gone through when his suit had activated, it does give him a pretty good idea. Even if he doubted they’d do it in the same way twice.

Still, he hurries to Tighnari’s side, already nodding before he finishes the whole sentence. Although then he remembers the pods and falters for a moment, taking a deep breath. ]

The closed ones?

[ He doesn’t know if there’s others or not. He’ll do it, if that’s what Tighnari needs. Maybe if he goes in there with something to focus on, it will be easier… ]

[ sylvain hurries toward him, and tighnari can't help but smile; it's sweet of him to be concerned. but soon enough it's tighnari who's looking concerned, his brow tightening. ]

I think so. Are there open ones?

[ he notices that falter, and the way sylvain's breath catches. ]

We don't have to, if you're not comfortable.

[ Sylvain’s quick to shake his head, lips quirking ruefully as he comes to a halt in front of Tighnari. ]

It’ll be okay. What did you want to try?

[ Focusing on something had made it easier, when he’d been trapped in there with others during the mingles. And if Tighnari’s suit was acting up, he was clearly in need of something. ]

Well, there was a specific scenario I wanted to try..

[ he looks slightly sheepish about it, but only slightly. tighnari isn't particularly ashamed of himself when it comes to his desires and kinks, after all. but he's far more concerned with sylvain right now. unfolding his arms, he sets one hand at the other man's elbow. ]

.. are you sure?

[ Chuckling, he takes a step closer, bringing himself into Tighnari’s personal space, unless he takes a step back. ]

The fact that it’s apparently made you tongue-tied over it just has me even more intrigued now. Yes, Tighnari, I’m sure. What’s this scenario of yours?

[ he does not take a step back. tighnari's lips press into a thin line, but sylvain is being insistent, so.. tighnari nods. ]

Let's get in, it'll be easier just to show you.

[ another squeeze to sylvain's elbow, and tighnari turns to head into mating season, preparing the pod they'll be using. ]

[ He follows along, and if he falls unusually quiet… well, maybe he’s just mentally preparing himself. He’s sure once they get in there and Tighnari gets… whatever this is started, it’ll be distracting enough to keep him from worrying about his own discomfort in tight, closed spaces.

The pod Tighnari leads him to isn’t one of the very tight intimacy ones they’d been nudged into at the mingle, however. This one seems slightly more spacious, if… strange on the inside. It’s like nothing he’s ever seen before and he doesn’t even get the chance to question what’s actually happening here before Tighnari does something and…

The whole world changes. Literally.

They’re not in a pod anymore, but in the middle of a vibrant, lush sort of jungle, the likes of which Sylvain has only read about in books. It makes the contained, indoor one on the floors above look like a tiny garden in comparison. The colors, the scents… it’s new and a little overwhelming an everything feels so huge.

Which is, of course, when he realizes his perspective is a little off from normal and he glances down…

Only to realize he’s standing on four red-furred paws instead of two very human ones.

The startled noise he makes also isn’t the one he expected to come out of his throat and, surprised and disoriented - especially because his center of gravity is suddenly shifted - he ends up falling back onto his haunches as he stares down at this new and different body in surprise.

What in Seiros’ name…?! ]

[ it smells.. like home.

the scent in the air is thick and heady, smelling of loamy earth and broad wet leaves, of stone and grasses and large fragrant flowers, of warm wind through adhigama leaves. instantly, tighnari's chest constricts with fondness. gods, he misses this..

.. but right, he's not alone. tighnari turns just as sylvain topples back, and he barks a light laugh in response. while sylvain is a red fox, tighnari is smaller, a dark green fennec with teal points, his large ears swiveling toward the fallen fox. tighnari walks past him, light on his paws, tail brushing beneath sylvain's chin, and like as not sylvain will catch it as he passes - the thick, sweet aroma of heat. ]

Come and claim your prize.

[ he purrs, then immediately darts off between the trees. ]

[ That confusion wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon, although the fact that Tighnari - he’s pretty sure that’s Tighnari, but he is definitely not a rabbit, he’s some sort of tiny fox with huge ears Sylvain has never heard of or seen before - the fact that he speaks at least answers one unasked question.

Before he can open his mouth to ask the next, that tail brushes under his chin, fur soft and teasing against his own. Which is when that scent hits him.

Sylvain's experienced several of the casino’s perfumes and serums and other things by this point. Most of them he considers fun and playful and doesn’t mind their effects much at all. But this scent, although he doesn’t know what to call it, hits him differently. It stirs something in him, something primal and hungry, as if his human mind can’t process it, but this strange furred body he’s in knows exactly what it is. And he wants it, whatever it is.

He barely has time to register any of that before Tighnari’s tail gives another flick in his direction, teasing or maybe a challenge offered, and then darts off through the trees.

He’s giving chase before he even processes any of that, ears pricked forward and nose following that tantalizing scent which makes it hard to focus, to think. Which is probably for the best, because his body is working better when his human mind isn’t there to trip up over which foot goes where and when as he dashes off in pursuit.

Eventually, he gives up trying to make sense of this at all and just sinks into whatever’s happening. Whether it's magic or something else, he doesn’t know, but with that scent tantalizing him with every lungful of air he takes now as he pursues the other fox, it’s getting harder and harder to focus on the things he should be thinking about when all his mind wants to focus on is hunting down that scent. Make Tighnari stop fleeing and evading him as he tries to keep pace in the overgrown jungle he chases him through. Catching him and making him hold still, because maybe then any of this will make sense.

Or so some instinctual part of him seems convinced of, because chasing, catching the other fox quickly becomes to most prominent and then the only pressing thought in his mind. ]

Edited 2024-01-26 22:32 (UTC)

[ it's certainly something that's much easier to appreciate in this form, especially for sylvain. tighnari's sense of smell is always keen, but for sylvain this must all be very new, very different, but he knows that the scent will lead him the right way, that the deep, animal urge to chase what he wants will kick in, and everything will settle into place.

tighnari runs like the wind. his legs are shorter, but he's incredibly agile, and moreover, tighnari knows these woods like the back of his hand - this is his home, this entire forest is his backyard, his responsibility, every inch of it is ingrained in his memory.

so he bounds and leaps, pushing himself to the very edge in speed and maneuverability, hopping briskly over fallen logs, ducking around large stones, scrabbling up through layers of vines, all the while with sylvain hot on his heels. it's exciting. it's thrilling. tighnari's heart is pounding in his chest, his paws slamming the soft earth. he wants to stop, wants to be taken, pinned, mated deep and hard, but he wants to be caught, he needs sylvain to earn the right.

panting hard, tighnari rounds a bend, slipping into a grassy grove lit with dappled sunlight from above, vibrant mushrooms climbing the tree trunks. ]

[ This type of terrain is nothing like what Sylvain is used to, but his body and instincts seem to know what to do all the same. And while the smaller fox is far more nimble and agile - faster, even, as he scrambles through the thick overgrowth, using their surroundings to his advantage - Sylvain still manages to keep pace. Somehow. Even if he has to get inventive a few times when Tighnari pops through a space he’ll never be able to squeeze through himself.

A few times, he almost lost the trail, or had to divert around a tree or a rock when Tighnari chose a path he couldn’t follow. But that scent was like a siren’s call now, urging him on, faster. The whole scope of his world narrowing down to his pursuit. Even as, inch by inch, he closed the distance between them. Focused on his prey.

Something made all the easier when Tighnari finally broke free of the thick plant growth and slipped out into an open grassy grove. Here, Sylvain’s pace could finally eat up the space between them, putting them on more equal footing. His eyes are dark and intent in focus and he playfully snaps at Tighnari’s tail when it comes within range, leaping up and to the side. Herding the other fox away from the edge of this little glade and back towards the center, where he couldn’t use the jungle against him. If he could keep him in the open, he could catch him, so anytime Tighnari got too close to the trees again, Sylvain was there, cutting off his route and herding him back away again. ]

[ smart. sylvain is smart, herding him away from the trees like what, where tighnari clearly has the advantage. he's in trouble. excitement flashes through his body.

but still he tries to give sylvain a fight, trying to dart around and between his longer legs to escape into the brush, but he can't do that without getting too close, close enough that the larger fox could pounce on him. frustration begins to show in tighnari's body language as he weaves and dances, trying to get ahead of sylvain, but his agility won't help him now.

the only option he has is to sprint as fast as he can across the grove, toward the opposite hedge, lightning quick, but it leaves him wide open should sylvain react quickly and be able to close the gap.. ]

[ He sees his chance the moment Tighnari takes off for the far side of the grove. He knows if the smaller fox gets to the underbrush and overgrowth again, he'll have a much harder time of catching him like this - he doesn't expect Tighnari to make it easy for him, either.

So he takes off after him, body moving with a swift speed that makes their surroundings blur and then he lunges, airborn.

He feels something shift before they even collide. His body feeling heavier. Larger. But he doesn't have time to guess why, because they're tangled in the next moment, bodies tumbling and rolling together as he effectively tackles him. The thick grass softens it as they roll and the next thing he knows is he's in his human form once more - sort of - with Tighnari pinned beneath him. Their legs tangled, clothing nowhere in sight, and only the heated press of bodies between them now.

He rocks down against him as he smirks and then bends to nuzzle in against Tighnari's jaw. That scent is thick and sweet here and he drags in another lungful of it with a breathless groan. It makes his body hum and his head spin and all he wants to do is inhale more, maybe lick it from Tighnari's too-hot skin. ]

Caught you.

[ tighnari does his best to slip away from sylvain's pursuit, and he almost, almost makes it back to the brush.. but sylvain is on him, tackling him to the ground as they change, shifting back to their usual forms. well, mostly. sylvain still bears a few of the foxish features that tighnari carries all the time. they look handsome on him, tighnari thinks, but then he might be a little bit biased.

nevertheless, they tumble together, sylvain's body heavy over his own, and the scent of his heat surges, wrapping around them like a blanket, heady and thick. ]

So you did..

[ tighnari whispers, his breath coming quickly, tail thumping against the grass as he brushes their mouths together. his thighs part, snapping around sylvain's hips, and he rocks his own upward, his slick cunt dragging hot against sylvain's cock. ]

Now don't keep me waiting.

Oh, fuck…

[ Sylvain manages to hiss the curse out as he feels those legs wrap around him, and that scent thickens, making his head spin. He feels drunk off it, and yet only wants more as he bends to capture Tighnari’s lips in a rough, almost brutal kiss as his hips shift.

It takes him a moment, because they didn’t land at quite the right angle to make this seamless, but another rock of his hips has him finding that slick heat waiting for him, sliding against his cock and making him moan into that kiss. Another thrust, and he presses inside, hips snapping down to bury himself in tight, wet heat.

He’s not sure if he’s imagining it or not, but it feels like it makes that intoxicating scent even stronger, thicker, more alluring. Even if he doesn’t know how that’s possible, because with it filling his senses like this, all he wants to do is inhale it, wrap himself up in it, and in Tighnari’s too-hot little body beneath his. ]

[ gods, what a good, satisfying feeling it is to be caught, to be pinned. normally tighnari prefers something closer to their last encounter - being a little more in charge - but all his instincts are urging him to submit this time, to spread his thighs and allow it when sylvain's cock rubs hot between them. and it's quite impressive that sylvain is able to strike home without using his hands, his thick cock sinking deep in one smooth thrust.

tighnari gasps against sylvain's mouth, then exhales in a deep, aching moan, his walls clenching up tightly around the intrusion, pleasure rushing over his head in a wave. this is what he wanted. what he needed.

his fingers curl, and tighnari's short claws are soon sinking against sylvain's broad back, dragging, scratching deep red welts into his skin, leaving stripes behind. her bucks upward, heels digging into sylvain's lower back to keep him there, right where he wants him, filling him up to the brim with ease. giving in to his instincts is so very easy, so perfectly exquisite.. ]

[ He gives a quiet hiss as those sharp nails scrape their way down his back, and he knows he’s going to be sporting those for a few days. Not really minding, though, he still slides his hands up along Tighnari’s arms enough that he can catch him by the wrists, and then pin those in the soft grass above his head. It has him lifting up enough to reach, but that just makes the angle of his next thrust even deeper as he rocks into that tight, eager body beneath him. ]

Fuck, Tighnari, you’re so hot. Is this what you were craving? To be chased and caught and pinned?

Yes.. mm. This is what I wanted -

[ he arches, groaning low and rough as his nails hook into broad muscle, pressing hard, and he snaps his hips upward again and again as if he cannot get enough, grinding his clit hard against sylvain's abdomen. his slick is a mess between them, he's so damned wet that sylvain can barely stay inside. ]

Wanted you to.. prove it..

[ mm, he hums, and bites at sylvain's lower lip. ]

[ He keeps Tignari’s hands pinned for the moment with one hand, letting his other drop to grasp his hip. Holding him at just the right angle he needed him at, even if his nails bit reddened crescents into his skin as he held him there.

It meant he could fuck deeper, harder, and he did, his pace fast and brutal as he sunk deep. That scent was still thick around him, driving him mad, making him crave more and all he could think of was rutting deep into Tighnari’s eager body, filling him over and over again. Chasing that rush that drew a soft snarl of pleasure from his lips before he captured Tighnari’s lips in a demanding kiss. Loving the sting of the bite, even as he paid him back in kind. ]

Did I?

[ sure i totally remembered sylvain had his hands pinned oops -

a breathless laugh catches in tighnari's throat, and he squeezes his thighs around sylvain's hips as his lover pumps deep into him, filling him up with every thrust of his hips. gods, it feels so good, he can hardly stand it, and soon enough tighnari is writhing against the grass, his tail thumping and his ears folded back, every breath a sharp whine or a rough moan.

it's already so satisfying. already so good. he can feel every inch of sylvain's cock driving deep into his body and it's blissful, tighnari's mind is reeling, his body hot all over. he could do this all damned day and never tire of it. arching away from the grass, tighnari's wrists strain against sylvain's hold. ]

Yes, you did - fuck, don't stop -

Wasn’t planning on it.

[ His voice is strained and husky, even as he breaks away from that kiss to nip and bite his way down Tighnari’s throat, leaving red marks in his wake. His rhythm doesn’t falter - if anything, it speeds, his hips slapping in against too-hot flesh as he tries to bury himself deep in the other man’s body.

He aches and his head is still spinning with this instinctive sort of demand for more, even if he doesn’t know what that more entails. Doesn’t care, at the moment, because Tighnari feels so good beneath him and he wants to just lose himself in this pleasure entirely. In that maddening scent that still fills all his senses. ]

Fuck, you feel so good…

[ tighnari's chest is heaving, his heart pounding in his ears, every inch of his body on fire, tingling..

he won't last much longer, already he can feel his orgasm building, and he's wild with the need to be filled up to bursting, to be knotted and bred after their energizing chase. every thrust of sylvain's cock deep into his body feels exquisite, he's not sure that he's ever felt so good, so nice and full, the girth of him stretching tighnari's cunt so deliciously. ]

I'm close -

[ he whispers harshly, his chin tipping up to better expose his throat to sylvain's searching mouth. ]

[ Teeth latch onto that pale flesh as Tighnari bares his throat for him. There’s a soft, possessive growl that rumbles in his chest and the back of his throat as he bites down. He feels that heat grow more intense i response, hips snapping deep.

He’s close, too, and feeling the way Tighnari is shuddering so hot and wet around him, along with something instinctive in him reacting to that bared throat… His hips snap his cock deep as his orgasm hits him like a bolt of lightning.

It feels… different, though. Even more intense than usual, and his cock… the base of it feels like its swelling, but it happens so fast he doesn’t even have time to realize what’s happening before whatever that is presses inside the tight clench of Tighnari’s cunt and that just makes the other fox’s body feel even tighter around him.

Tensing with a hoarse cry, he feels that pleasure start to spill over him as his cock pulses hotly, spilling inside the other man’s body. He tries to keep rocking, keep moving, because his body is humming with sensation and he can’t seem to hold still. And that orgasm is still happening, longer and more drawn out than anything he’d ever felt. Far more intense as that swelling at the base of his cock grinds down against the walls clenched tight around him. ]

[ he can feel it moments before it happens, the swelling of sylvain's knot catching on his walls with every thrust, before at last it sinks in deep, deep enough that it almost feels like too much, like he'll be split in half by the force and girth of it. then comes the warm flood of fluid, sylvain's spend spilling inside of him in thick ropes, filling him up so perfectly, breeding him deep and thoroughly.

how can he possibly hold out after that?

writhing against the grass, tighnari's claws scratch hard at sylvain's back, leaving desperate red welts behind as he snaps his hips frantically upward, chasing the high that grows closer and closer until - ]

Ah - oh gods -

[ tighnari's vision whites, his tail thrashing as his legs coil around sylvain's middle, strong thighs squeezing tightly, heels digging hard into the small of his back. his cunt clenches hard, clamping tight as a gripping fist, milking his partner for every last drop. ]

[ Sylvain can only breath out a string of curses - maybe mingled with Tighnari’s name (or a choked off version of it) when the man somehow tightens even farther around him, clenching down so tightly that Sylvain swears he sees stars. Buried tight and caught there, he can only ride through it, his cock spilling in the most drawn-out orgasm he’s ever experienced, all of it more intense than he possibly could have imagined.

He loses track of time. It might have been moments or minutes or far longer, before is body slumps over Tighnari’s and he’s left panting raggedly for air against the other man’s throat. That scent is still thick here, but his head is spinning, body shuddering, and he can’t bring himself to care at the moment. He feels too good, even while Tighnari’s body still clenches all too tight around him. He still can’t move.

And he’s pretty sure he has a tail tangling with Tighnari’s, but that’s even weirder to think about so he’s trying not to. ]

Fuck. That was…

Mhmm..

[ tighnari can only agree. sylvain's weight folds over him, and he's quite a heavy beefcake of a man, but tighnari adjusts to hold him comfortably, both arms around sylvain's broad back, padded fingertips slipping across sweat-slicked skin as he pants hard, chest heaving.

it was spectacular, is what it was. tighnari's not sure he's ever come with such intensity before, it'll certainly be a hard record to break, and to be perfectly honest, tighnari still isn't entirely sated. he could go for another round or four before he's exhausted. slipping one hand into his lover's damp, scarlet hair, tighnari presses his mouth along sylvain's jaw, tasting the salt of his sweat as he drags his tongue along his ear. ]

Not finished already, are you..?

[ he whispers, while his cunt throbs, squeezing all around the knot inside of him. ]

[ Another choked off groan as he feels Tighnari clench tight around him. He shudders, his cock still twitching and pulsing hotly from where he’s trapped within the other man.

Fortunately, the VR pod seems to have activated some of his suit traits - not that he’s aware of that - so he’ll be able to keep up with the man in heat beneath him. But he does know that his body is still humming with hunger and need despite having just come. The need to stay buried inside the other man is still strong, even as he grinds his hips down, still anchored in place by his knot. ]

I don’t think so, no. But I… can’t move much? Was this… supposed to happen?

[ It’s hard to think still, with Tighnari’s scent still thick in the air around them, with the man’s tongue teasing against his skin and his body wrapped tight and squeezing around his cock. ]

[ tighnari can't help his soft and breathless laugh, nor the way he groans low and rough when sylvain's hips grind down again, pushing his knot even deeper. ]

Mm.. it's called a bulb, or a knot, something evident in canids. Along with some of my own structures, it keeps us.. tied together.

[ he could launch into an entire biology lesson on why and how canids tie together for mating, but somehow tighnari thinks that would ruin the mood. so instead he slips his hands into sylvain's hair and pulls him in for a deep, heated kiss, tongue curling into his mouth to taste him, to lock their mouths together just as their bodies are locked together.

humming softly, he crosses his ankles over sylvain's lower back to keep him there, though he hardly needs to, considering the way they're tied together. his thumbs rub gently at those soft, fluffy ears now sprouting from his ginger hair, and tighnari smiles. ]

Sorry. If it's too weird, we can stop.

[ His ears are surprisingly sensitive and the touch of those fingers send shivers of pleasure shuddering down his spine as he leans into it with a soft moan, eyes fluttering shut. It has his cock giving another heated pulse deep within the other man, still thick and hard despite his orgasm, and the knot still swollen at his base.

He knows how dogs mate - he’d been witness to the hunting hounds his father had always been so proud of. He’d just never expected to experience it personally.

But he manages a faint shake of his head, even as he kisses Tighnari back hungrily, moaning again softly against his lips as his tail flicks restlessly behind him. ]

It’s weird. But I don’t want it to stop. Feels good, too.

[ tighnari smiles against those kisses, his thumbs and fingers continuing to rub at those handsome red ears of his, enjoying the texture of the fur beneath his touch. he doesn't often get to enjoy these features in other people, after all - valuka shuna are few and far between, and as far as tighnari knows, he's the only one here at the resort at all.

so he'll take his time, tracing the triangular shape of them, rubbing the pink interiors even as he spreads his thighs wide and pushes upward, rocking against sylvain so that there's some movement between them. the knot keeps them tied, but they can still move a little bit, tighnari can enjoy the sensation of the tug of it at his entrance. ]

Mm.. it does.

[ he agrees, one hand remaining where it is, while the other smooths down sylvain's broad back to begin rubbing gently at the base of his tail. tighnari is sensitive there, so he's willing to bet that his lover will be, too. ]

[ Sylvain makes a sound that is half-moan and half-purr as Tighnari’s fingers stroke against his ears. As someone who’s always enjoyed the feeling of fingers in his hair, this is that times ten and his eyes go half-lidded in pleasure as he sinks down against the other man, boneless with pleasure.

Only to jolt and groan when he feels Tighnari shift beneath him, his body clenching down on that swollen, sensitive knot that still keeps them tied together. It feels intensely good, making his hips rock in automatic instinct, the need to grind down against the man beneath him, keep him filled and full a burning demand at the edge of his awareness.

And then those fingers drift down to tease against the base of his tail and he doesn't bother to bite back his surprised gasp as he shivers at the sensations. ]

Fuck! That…! Is it supposed to feel like that? [ is that what it feels like for Tighnari, too? He’s gonna have to take notes. For later. ]

[ sylvain sounds so good, moaning like that, and it makes tighnari grin sharply, his thighs tightening around his lover's hips, that knot tugging at his entrance, but still holding fast. when sylvain gasps like that, tighnari catches his lower lip in his fangs and tugs playfully, still rubbing circles at the base of his tail. ]

Mm.. sensitive, hmm?

[ he teases, winding one leg around one of sylvain's, while his tail thumps against the grass. ]

It's a very delicate place. It always feels nice to be touched there. Just don't overdo it.

[ gently, tighnari scratches at the spot where skin gives way to soft fur, a place that's always quite itchy if he doesn't keep properly moisturized. ]

[ He moans again, because everything feels overly sensitive right now. Intense. New. There’s so much stimulation assaulting his senses that it’s all blurring together into a haze of pleasure.

And with Tighnari’s body still clenched tight around him, every move he makes sends intense pleasure jolting along his cock, still caught so snug within his body. His hips grind down again as his mouth finds that spot he’d bit down against Tighnari’s throat. That place that delicious scent was still emanating from. He sucks on it, tongue laving the skin, as if trying to lick it directly from his skin, whatever it was that tantalized him so. ]

[ it certainly is quite a lot. tighnari understands. he feels it every day, of course, he's always sensitive in these ways. so he does what he can to soothe sylvain, running one hand up and down his back while the other slides into his hair again, rubbing gentle circles at the base of one soft, furred ear.

but the attention to his neck makes him purr, low and deep in his chest, and tighnari closes his eyes, tilting his head aside to offer more of his throat for sylvain's mouth. there's no harm in it. none of this is technically real, however realistic it does feel - he can leave all the marks and bites he wants. with a soft sigh, tighnari smiles, rolling his body upward. ]

I've got an idea, once your knot goes down..

Yeah?

[ He’s more than open to Ideas, any that Tighnari comes up with.

Although that makes him realize… ]

Uh. How long will that be, exactly?

It shouldn't be much longer. A minute or so, perhaps.

[ though, given that this is not reality, he wonders if perhaps it is something that sylvain could physically control - make it last longer or shorter.

also, fuck, i've definitely forgotten what tighnari's idea was WHOOPS ]

Are you feeling all right?

[ You might have to suggest that, Tighnari, because he has no idea what he’s doing right now. Or how he's doing it. This is a whole new weird frontier, okay.

As it is, he’s still wholly distracted with how intense this feels, how tight Tighnari is clamped down around him, where any movement - hell, even Tighnari breathing - can be felt along the length of his all-too-sensitive cock. Not to mention all those reactions and aftershocks of Tighnari’s own pleasure that rippled through him.

That question gets a hitched moan of a breath as he rests his forehead against. Tighnari’s shoulder, fingers curling against the other man’s hips, although even he’s not sure if it’s to hold him still or to try and shift more. ]

I’m feeling… a lot. [ Does that count? ] Fuck, I can feel everything, every move, every twitch. You’re so fucking tight, Tighnari.

[ gently pats sylvain.. it's gonna be okay buddy.

humming low and soft, tighnari smooths his hands up sylvain's back and down again in a way he hopes is soothing, his fingertips drawing slow, repetitive patterns against his skin. he does his best to keep still, tempting though it is to tighten up, to buck up against him to drive him wild - now is not the time for that, perhaps. another time, he'll tease sylvain out of his mind, when the man isn't getting used to all new physical features.

speaking of which - one hand slips up sylvain's nape, into his tousled scarlet hair, to begin rubbing at the base of one of his furred ears, thumb smoothing soft circles against the inside. ]

Just breathe. [ he says quietly, nudging their noses together. ] It will go down shortly.

[ He'd be okay being teased out of his mind. Just because it's a lot doesn't mean it doesn't feel fucking exquisite and he could so easily get lost in the heat and pleasure of it. He's already barely holding back on doing just that, grinding his hips in again to feel the way Tighnari's body is clenched about his cock.

Although he gets distracted, because Tighnari's fingers start tubbing at the base of his furred ears again and the redhead immediately goes limp and blissed out in pleasure, moaning softly as he tries not to flop completely on the other man. ]

Fuck. Making a mental note about how good this feels. Gonna use it against you later. When I can move again.

[ sylvain's reaction is just as he'd expected, and tighnari chuckles lightly under his breath, still rubbing that triangular ear as sylvain shudders limply above him. ]

Here. Turn over for me.

[ he says, pushing gently at sylvain's shoulders now. he'd flip the man himself, but while tighnari is much stronger than he looks, he's not quite that strong - sylvain is quite a large man. ]

[ In all manner of speaking. Although some things are much larger right now entirely because of Tighnari, but he politely doesn't point that out. Much.

He does roll over with a sound that's half-groan and half-laugh, though. Flopping over onto his back in the soft grass and feeling the way then shift in position has Tighnari's body sinking back down a little more onto his swollen knot, gravity "helping" out. His hips rock with a strangled noise, grinding up against the other man again as he settles there. Although he has to shift a bit to accommodate for a tail he's not sued to having back there yet. ]

Better?

[ One late evening, a message comes through. ]

Greetings, Sylvain. Let me preface this by saying that I may have something to check off the bucket list.

[ Well, it started as his bucket list, but it has sort of morphed into something that occasionally include Sylvain's. ]

Oh? Consider me intrigued. What are you plotting over there?

[ Reign mentally keysmashes as he practically hears Sylvain's teasing voice even through the Watch. ]

Urm, see... I've gotten myself in a pickle, and I've been feeling a little peckish in recent days.

[ Sylvain actually sits and blinks at that a moment, trying to interpret that without any context. ]

Okay…? Is that a good pickle or a bad one?

I think half and half? Neither, nor...?

[ Reign, that's not really explaining anything. ]

Could we meet? Preferably somewhere private. Actually, my place. Wouldn't want to walk around with this.

[ Also not specifying what "this" is, but he'll send Sylvain his suite location on the eight floor nonetheless. ]

[ He doesn’t miss that Reign’s not telling him what ‘this’ is. Hmm. Interesting. ]

I’ll be right up.

[ And he’s true to his word. It takes him a little to maneuver the upper floors. He hasn’t been up here a lot - only to visit Basch, really - but he finds the right place soon enough and raps his knuckles on the door, only to greet the vampire with a crooked grin when he opens the door. ]

So you missed me, huh?

[ Reign paces around his suite while waiting for Sylvain's arrival, and when he hears the knock on the door, is quick to open it. His cheeks instantly flush pink at the teasing greeting. ] M-maybe a tad.

[ The vampire waves for Sylvain to enter, stepping back to reveal a modest suite with artificial night views on the windows, then closes the door behind them. ]

So... my little pickle is this. [ Sylvain would have noticed by now that Reign is wearing a light green scarf around his neck, which he slowly removes to reveal a spades-studded leather collar in black. ] I've a key, but I'm not able to unlock it.

[ Still hasn't explain the peckish part yet... ]

[ ooc : similar to this but the studs are spades instead. ]

[ He doesn’t think he’ll ever get tired of making Reign blush like that.

He steps into the suite and takes a moment to glance around, sweeping the room with his eyes but his attention quickly comes back to fixate on the man he’s here to see.

When Reign tugs the scarf away, he steps closer, into the man’s personal space, and lifts a hand to trace along it curiously. ]

So you need help getting it off?

[ That’s not so unusual. He’s seen collars that do this here before. It’s how he and Basch had met, after all. ]

[ There's something about the fact the Sylvain's in his suite, his personal space both literally and figuratively, that had Reign feeling oddly comforted. It's not often that he invites anyone back to his place.

Sylvain's question gets a nod from him. ] Apparently it's supposed to be a birthday gift from the House. I'd totally forgotten about it until I opened the box a few days ago, and then it latched onto me.

[ That's pickle #1. He still needs to explain peckish pickle #2. ]

Alright.

[ He can accept that easily enough. he’d seen the collars in the store do the same thing when they’d first arrived. The ropes, as well.

He hasn’t figured out that that’s not, actually, the pickle.

But he wraps his arms around Reign’s waist as he tugs him closer against his chest and grins at him. ]

I can help with that. I’m a little flattered you called me, actually.

[ Reign easily lets himself be tugged closer, hands settling on Sylvain's chest as his cheeks flush darker. He chuckles softly, then tiptoes up slightly to steal a quick kiss from the redhead. ]

You did say to seek you out when I want to check an item off the bucket list. So... Do you remember what I said before about me not biting to drink? [ He rubs the back of his neck, looking sheepish and a tad uncertain. ]

[ He's more than happy to indulge that kiss, although the question that follows it is enough to give him pause. He blinks for a moment, recalling the conversation clearly, but as it had been something Reign hadn't looked comfortable talking about at the time, he hadn't pressed.

Now, though, he just winds his arms comfortably around the other man's waist and studies his face. Not missing that uncertainty. ]

I do.

[ Open-ended. Letting Reign take the time he needed to explain. ]

[ That Sylvain is willing to hear, his expression open and patient, is all that Reign needs. He drops his gaze briefly, slowly gathers his thoughts, then nods and looks back up. ] The vampires from my world usually bites to drink blood, which is what we need. That's the most common method in which we feed. Of course, there's the option of partaking from a glass, like I do.

[ Then he lowers his head, his blue eyes going slightly unfocussed, as if remembering something from his past. ] It's not pretty, and definitely painful for the... humans. [ A deep breath. ] It's terrifying, for me, the thought of biting someone.

[ His arms tighten snugly when he feels Reign shift uneasily and he leans in to rest his forehead against the other man's. ]

You don't like causing someone else pain?

[ He's guessing here. But it sounds like a pretty violent exchange, in Reign's description. Then again, everything he's learned about vampires makes them sound like predators, with humans as their prey. He supposes it's not much different than a cat catching a mouse. It just sucks to be the mouse. ]

[ He nods his head slightly, consequently nuzzling their foreheads together, which feels nice. Really nice. ]

There's always pain involved, regardless of how gentle one may be. But it's the... violence and cruelty in how they are fed on. [ Toyed with like an entertaining amusement before their deaths, though Reign bites back those words. ] And the fear in their gaze— [ Before death claims them. ] —scares me.

[ The vampire closes his eyes briefly, then pulls back to look Sylvain in the eyes. ] But I've this urge within me now, which coincides with what I can also check off my list, so to speak. Merely to bite and drink, nothing more! [ He quietens down, watching the redhead's expression carefully, wondering if he might frighten the man away with his request. ]

Edited 2024-05-05 07:17 (UTC)

[ That makes more sense, and Sylvain lets a hand lift to cup against the side of Reign's face, tipping his head back again so he can meet his gaze. There's not fear on his face - if anything, it's just bemused indulgence. ]

Just because they made it violent and cruel doesn't mean you have to, you know. I wouldn't expect you to, in fact. You don't strike me as the cruel sort. And I'm not afraid of you, Reign. Or of a little pain, although I admit as much as I might like a few lovebites in the heat of the moment, I think what you're talking about might be a little bit more than what I can take normally without flinching.

But, [ he adds that in before Reign thinks he's turning him down. He's definitely not. ] This place has made itself into the perfect opportunity for you to experiment with it, at least. There are more than enough options to help blur the line between pain and pleasure. If you don't think that will negatively effect on your... meal?

[ Reign easily leans into Sylvain's palm, nuzzling against the warmth, feeling himself relaxing and sighing in relief. He listens carefully to what the redhead says, and though he knows most people, including Sylvain, aren't afraid of him, Reign isn't certain that may be the case should the resort decides to mess with him and make the vampire lose control. It had come close to that...

He starts to deflate when he thought Sylvain isn't receptive to being bitten and drank from, then practically perks up at the "but", eyes bright and hopeful. ] Really? Truly?! And no, I don't think it'll affect my meals, or the way I consume it usually. At least I hope not. I know it can feel... pleasurable. [ Even if just drinking from the cut veins of those who volunteered to help him some months back. ]

There are a few places I could bite. [ The vampire's gaze instinctively drops to Sylvain's neck briefly before he could stop himself. ] What kind of options do you have in mind? You seem to have more ideas than I do.

[ He doesn't miss the way Reign's gaze drops, the way his pupils dilate in a hint of hunger, even if Sylvain can't guess which type of hunger that is at the moment. Maybe both?

But, deciding to tease him a little more, he bends his head slightly to the side, exposing his throat as he swallows, offering it to the vampire with a glint in his own amber eyes. ]

I know they've got a potion down in Naked Yolk we could use. I haven't used it myself before, but I've heard what it does. We could try that? Either down there, or send for a bottle for up here? I wonder if the apothecary does delivery, or room service?

[ Definitely both, which is a rarity for Reign, seeing as he's never thought or imagine himself biting another person. But here Sylvain is, tilting his head the slightest bit in an inviting manner, and Reign finds his breath catching, mouth parting, as his gaze drops back down to the other's neck. All he needs to do is lean in and—

Blue eyes flit back up to Sylvain, catching the look he gives Reign, and the vampire swallows heavily as he considers the man's words. Going down to Naked Yolk sounds like a great suggestion, and he still have his vouchers that meant they'll be given certain services that are usually not offered, or at a lower cost. ]

We could try ask them for a bottle to be brought up first, and if it's exclusive only to Naked Yolk, then we can head down there. [ Even then, Reign wonders if he has the patience for it, doing his very best to keep his eyes at Sylvain and not travel down to that delectable neck. So close, yet so far. He suck his lower lip into his mouth, doing his best not to get tempted just yet. ]

[ He can tell by the way Reign's eyes have lit up at the suggestion which one he's really interested. Which just has him laughing softly and tugging him towards the door. ]

Or we could save ourselves the time and effort and just head down there now. We can ask about it for next time, if that helps.

[ Will there be a next time? Who knows, but it's worth knowing, either way. ]

[ Reign really is that obvious, isn't he? Honestly, the vampire thinks that perhaps he needs to learn to be more subtle. But it's not too bad, right? Nonetheless, he easily lets Sylvain tug him towards the door, the destination obvious. ]

Oh, that make sense. Much easier than calling in, waiting, and then finding out that you still have to take that trip. [ He responds with a sheepish smile, closing the door behind them once they step out. Hopefully there will be a next time. Because if the potion prove useful or fun to utilise, then all the more for a future repeat. And if it's allowed to be brought out of the establishment for personal usage, all the better.

Regardless, at least now they're heading there. But even as they make the short distance to the elevator, Reign is already feeling jittery from his inner urge. So, to distract himself, he asks: ] Do you know what the potion does?

[ Stepping into the elevator, Sylvain hits the button for the floor they need before wrapping his arms around Reign once more and smiling down at him. ]

They have several to choose from down there, actually, but the one I was thinking of is one they use in some of the darker rooms of bdsm. Something that helps mix pain and pleasure. Probably pretty useful, for those who dabble in that sort of thing, but I don't see why we can't repurpose it for this. Especially since I don't mind a few lovebites in general.

[ Reign easily press himself against Sylvain when thick arms wrap around him, the vampire doing his very best to keep his eyes on the redhead's face rather than the other's neck. Focus, Reign, focus! ]

Oh, that's a very... handy potion to have. It'll definitely make things easier for those involved. [ He tilts his head at Sylvain, a small smile tugging on his lips even as he gives into his urge and let his gaze wander lower. ] Is there a particular spot you enjoy getting lovebites on?

I can't say I've ever narrowed it down to somewhere specific. Although I guess the neck is at least pretty safely a 'yes'.

[ He lets his fingers skim along Reign's jaw, not missing how his gaze keeps wandering. ]

Is there somewhere you're drawn to try?

[ At the touch of Sylvain's fingers at his jaw, Reign's gaze flits back up to the redhead, before returning to where he'd been staring moments before at the question. He swallows heavily before a sheepish look comes over his face. ]

I would be lying if I say I'm not drawn to this... [ He lifts a hand up, one finger tracing along a vein on Sylvain's neck and feeling the strong pulse right beneath the skin. Then he glances up, watching the other's expression closely. ] There are other places too. Such as the wrist, inner arm, or somewhere more— [ Intimate. ] —discreet.

[ That just has one eyebrow arching upwards in curiosity as his lips quirk into a faint smirk, watching the expressions that play out across the vampire’s face. ]

Oh? And what do vampires consider to be… “discreet”?

[ Please enlighten him, Reign. ]

[ Welp, he just walked himself right into that self-made trap. Why does he have to run his mouth and say things he shouldn't? Honestly, it's not anything embarrassing. But it certainly sounds lewd as Reign slips a hand down between their bodies. ]

Over here, where the femoral artery is. [ Fingers lightly dig into Sylvain's upper thigh near the groin as Reign gives the redhead a heated look. A pity said area is covered with a layer of clothing. ]

[ One eyebrow arches up at that admission before Sylvain chuckles and rocks forward into that touch. ]

Maybe we should try out a couple places then? See which one you like best?

[ The elevator door behind them dings open and he’s already guiding Reign out and down the hall towards the smoke lounge and the secret entrance to the Naked Yolk before he even finishes his suggestion. ]

If you don't mind multiple lovebites, that is. [ It seems Sylvain is just as eager as Reign is, letting himself be gently tugged along once the elevator doors open, heading straight for their intended location. ]

I promise not to bite your family jewels, accidental or otherwise. [ The vampire suddenly whispers to Sylvain with a grin as they stand at the reception counter of the Naked Yolk, waiting for the staff to get them a room. Reign also whips out his special voucher, making sure they'll be getting the best room with top notch services, which the staff is quick to comply with. ]

[ Sylvain blinks at that, unsure what is happening right now. ]

What is that? Should I be worried?

[ He doesn’t sound at all worried, even as one of the staff members hands over a key to them and directs them down one of the nearby halls to find the room number that matched the one etched into their key. Sylvain tugs Reign along by the hand, eager to find what their room will be like. ]

[ Reign merely keeps the grin on his face, though mentally he reminds himself to be extra careful should he end up having Sylvain's cock in his mouth while still under the influence of the collar. Even so, there's something to be said about keep the redhead a little on his toes. A glass bottle is slipped into Reign's hand before he gets tugged away by Sylvain towards their assigned room. He waits for Sylvain to unlock the door before stepping in, eyes widening as he takes in their surrounding.

Inside is an opulent room similar to the one Reign used when his suit wrecked havoc on him, though this is more lavishly decorated, with a large four-poster bed made of dark wood in the centre, and a floor-to-ceiling mirror along the length of a wall. There's even what appears to be a sex swing in one corner. ] My my, they really gave us one of the best rooms! [ Does he sound excited? Yeah, with sparkles in his eyes. ]

I haven't seen this one before, actually.

[ Sylvain circles it a little, taking everything in before turning back to Reign, tugging him by the hand towards the large bed. He offers a wink, even as he holds out his hand for the bottle, assuming that's what they'd need for this particular experiment. ]

Shall we get comfortable?

Me either. Makes me wonder how many rooms are there, or if they update the designs occasionally. [ Reign replies absent-mindedly as he too glances around, before his attention is pulled back to Sylvain.

An amused chuckle slips out as he passes the bottle to Sylvain, before pressing himself up against the redhead, looking up at him with a coy grin. ] How comfortable should we get, Master? Do you want your dear pet to undress you, for starters?

Probably a good idea.

[ Sylvain shoots him a bemused grin. Before he lets him, though, he eyes the bottle a moment, uncorking it and giving a curious sniff before shrugging and downing the liquid inside. It's cool and tingling as he swallows it, but it curls warmly the deeper it goes, making him blink in surprise. huh.

Setting the empty bottle aside, he spreads his arms for Reign to start, casting him a wink. ]

Okay. Let's get this started, shall we?

[ As Reign watches Sylvain down the entire content of the bottle, he wonders if there's a recommended amount. What if his Master drank too much? Then again, it is a small bottle, so it's probably sufficient for a session or two.

His attention back on the redhead, Reign chuckles softly before he bows and gets to work. ] Your wish is my command.

[ The vampire is quick but methodical in his movements, though the urge to get right down to some fun does cause him to fumble on a button of two. It doesn't help that the entire time, he steals the occasional chance to touch Sylvain's torso or arm, fingers sliding over warm skin, before removing said article of clothing. Sylvain's pants receive the same treatment, though not before Reign gives the redhead's length a few squeeze through the material.

Soon enough, Reign is down on one knee, glancing up at his Master and waiting for him to step out of his pants. All that is left is the underwear, but Reign waits to see whether Sylvain wants it removed as well. ] Everything, Master~?

[ Sylvain shoots him a faint smirk, down where he kneels before him. He had enjoyed those teasing touches, pleased that Reign was feeling brave enough to give them. He knows there's a lot about this that might have the vampire uncomfortable, so he's intent on making sure that gets replaced by the enjoyment of what they're sharing. ]

Why don't I leave that up to you, pet? What do you think? Am I going to need them off, with what you have planned? [ He arches an eyebrow with a mischievous grin, knowing that's a bit of a dare, but curious what Reign will do with that permission. ]

[ That has Reign humming thoughtfully as he leans in and nuzzles against Sylvain's thick cock through his underwear, languidly mouthing along the length. ] Mn... I would like this removed, Master, then have you sit on the bed so your pet can show you some much needed loving~

[ The vampire does have a plan or two, and just to give a hint of what he may do, he licks a strip up Sylvain's inner thigh. Then he hooks his fingers and begins to tug the other's underwear down, nice and slow, making sure to hold Sylvain's gaze as he does so. ]

[ He gives a soft groan, but clearly gives his permission as he helps Reign get him out of the last bit of clothing he'd had left. Naked now, he skinks back onto the bed, propping his weight back on hands braced behind him as he watches Reign with a dark gaze. ]

My pet can have whatever he desires.

[ As eager as Reign is, he still carefully folds Sylvain's underwear and place it along with the rest of the man's clothing, before returning to kneel before Sylvain. There's something to be said about the contrast between them, one fully clothed pet, and his exquisitely naked Master.

He shivers lightly at Sylvain's words, his own gaze turning heated. ] Thank you, Master. [ Comes the reverend tone as the vampire shifts closer to press soft lips to Sylvain's right knee, peppering licks and kisses up the man's inner thigh. His fangs occasionally scrapes, but never quite enough pressure to pierce. Yet. He stops right before reaching Sylvain's groin, before doing the same on the other thigh. ]

Edited 2024-08-05 16:33 (UTC)

[ Sylvain's cock twitches at those playful kisses, and the sharper scrape of fangs against his skin, goosebumps raising in his flesh the higher Reign moves. It's not long before he's starting to harden with interest, even without them doing more than this just yet. There's something to be said for anticipation.

He lets his fingers rake through Reign's hair, gentle and soothing, before gripping slightly, tipping his head back towards him. ]

How would you like to do this, pet? [ his lips quirk into a crooked smirk as dark eyes hold Reign's gaze. ] I want to make sure your first time is enjoyable.

Edited 2024-08-16 00:17 (UTC)

[ A small smile forms on Reign's lips at the reaction he elicits from Sylvain, leaning into the redhead's touch before he gasps softly at the grip in his hair. ]

Ngh... I... [ He lick his lips as his gaze darts from Sylvain's eyes, to the man's hardening length, down to a particular vein on the other's thigh, then back up once more. ] I want to pleasure you with my mouth and hands, but only climax with my bite as I drink from you.

[ Could he do it? Reign isn't sure if he's capable of bringing such heights to Sylvain, but he's willing to try. Besides, he's getting thirstier and more desperate, his throat parched with the need for blood. ]

[ Sylvain's gaze visibly darkens, pupils dilating in hunger at the mental image that comes with those words. he suppresses a shiver, cock twitching with interest as he offers the vampire a crooked smile. ]

Then let me feel your mouth and your hands, pet. I've missed having your lips around my cock. [ It hasn't even been that long, but he also enjoys making Reign flush slightly when he teases him about what they do. ]

[ And Reign does flush at the teasing, though his hunger overrides that tinge of embarrassment. ]

Then I best not keep my Master waiting. [ The vampire leans in and licks a swathe up the underside of Sylvain's cock with a grin, coating the thick length nicely with saliva before he begins to stroke him from base to tip. Nice and firm, with a twist at the head, while he lavish attention on the redhead's balls.

Reign tries to be as patient as he could, even as his body screams at him to turn his head and sink his fangs into that meaty thigh. Not yet. Not so soon.

Though that doesn't stop him from grazing his teeth against the sensitive parts of Sylvain. Skirting around danger is half the fun, no? ]

[ His breath leaves him in a soft groan as Reign's tongue teases up the underside of his cock, having him hardening further. he reaches out, threading his fingers in his pet's hair as Reign starts to stroke him. He holds still - barely - letting Reign set the pace, enjoying the slide of his fingers, the wet heat of his mouth.

The faint scrape of fangs, however, do succeed in finally drawing out a strained groan as he shudders, fully hard now. Eyes sliding shut as that sensation shivers through him. ]

That's my pretty pet.

[ Reign moans happily in return, pleased to have elicited such reactions out of Sylvain. There's something almost exhilarating in the knowledge that he holds such sway over his Master, despite the obvious difference in authority between them.

As such, the vampire doubles his efforts. Licking, sucking, gently nipping, doing everything he could to bring Sylvain as close to the edge as possible. At times, he would turn his head and kiss the skin where the thick vein is, sucking it hard enough to leave a mark.

He watches Sylvain's reaction carefully, trying to gauge how close his Master could be. ]

[ They've played together enough now that Reign's learned what Sylvain likes, so he has little trouble getting the responses he wants out of the redhead. Braced back on one hand behind him, the other still tangled in Reign's hair, he watches with dark, half-lidded eyes. Lips parted on quiet moans, growing more strained and breathless as Riegn pushes him farther and farther.

He holds himself back from rocking up to bury himself in that delicious wet heat - barely - but he shudders, body clenching with the effort as his head finally falls back on a louder, gasping moan as his cock twitches against a particularly teasing slide of Reign's tongue. ]

Close... [ he manages to gasp out, fingers tightening their grip as holds it back. A little longer. he wants to feel Reign's fangs in him when he comes. ]

[ Indeed Reign is now quite familiar with the way Sylvain responds to him, the quiet gasps and louder moans that indicate whether the redhead is close or not. Any other time, the vampire would have slowed down, drag the pleasure out and continue to tease his Master. He would even push buttons that will get him nicely punished for being a naughty pet.

But the collar is ramping up the effects of the Spade suits, and Reign could feel the urge rising within him.

He continues to stroke Sylvain, just enough to keep the edge at bay, as he returns to the vein where he'd left the hickey. A lick, a careful kiss, a teasing scrape of his fangs, and then he sinks it in like knife to butter. ]

[ There's the briefest moment of pain, of sharp discomfort as fangs sink into his skin, making him jolt a little. But the potion he'd taken before they'd started is instantly there to kick in, to twist the pain into something else, something more, something that shoots along his nerves like the sweetest of pleasures as his head falls back with a choked gasp.

Fingers curl in Reign's hair as he shudders, cock twitching and leaking against his stomach as he mutters a breathless curse that melts into a wanton, needy moan. ]

Oh, fuck!

[ Hearing the way Sylvain reacts has Reign trembling from neediness, and he has to momentarily close his eyes to compose himself. Though that barely works as it merely enhances the scent of blood in his nostrils. The first splash of blood on his tongue is as exquisite as he imagines, and though there's a strange emotion rising in him, Reign focuses on pleasuring his Master.

He groans lowly, the sound muffled, as he drinks deeply. Each gulp has Reign quickening his movements, tugging on Sylvain's cock faster. Then he does a particularly hard suck, enough that it'll probably bruise for a nice couple days.

Is Reign trying to leave his mark on Sylvain? Maaaaaybe? ]

[ This should hurt, some part of his brain acknowledges, but it’s distant and hazy as his head falls back, eyes closed, body wracked with the sensations. The feel of Reign’s hand around his cock, the burn of the potion in his veins, and the feeling of Reign’s fangs in his flesh. Each lap of his tongue or deep draw on his blood feels like his mouth is sucking on far more sensitive places, as if that pain/pleasure intermingled is sliding along every one of Sylvain’s nerves until he’s dizzy with it. His skin on fire as he struggles to hold still.

And then Reign sucks harder, leaving his mark in the redhead’s flesh, and Sylvain’s lost, body overloaded with sensations and pure need. His cock pulses in Reign’s grip as he comes with a breathless cry, fingers tightening their grip in the man’s hair as he shudders his way through an intense orgasm. ]

[ It's a tad unfortunate that, unlike some other kind of vampires, Reign's bite doesn't induce pleasure in those being bitten by him. Though they had to resort to the use of potions, Reign hopes that the effects are somewhat similar. Though judging from Sylvain's reaction thus far, his Master is enjoying it quite a lot.

He hears that breathless cry, the shudder coursing through Sylvain, and even the tight grip in Reign's hair is much welcomed. It earns a pleased moan from the vampire as he continues to drink, slower now, gentle sips to prolong the pleasure. His hand too moves in a more languid manner, milking his Master for all it's worth, stopping before it gets too much.

Soon enough, Reign pulls back after making sure the bleeding has stopped, though the puncture wound would remain for a while. When he lifts his head up with a pleased grin on his lips, it'll probably be quite a sight for Sylvain. Lips red with blood stains, some dripping down his chin and very likely dirtying the bedsheets as well. For a first time, Reign is quite the messy eater, though not for lack of trying.

Regardless, the vampire leans in and begins to lick some of the spent he could reach, starting off with Sylvain's cock. ] How was it, Master? Did it hurt too much? [ There's a niggling worry at the back of his mind, but Reign decides to focus on Sylvain first. ]

[ He’d leaned back on his free hand to brace himself as Reign finishes up, each sucking draw of blood sending shivers along his too-sensitive nerves. He was just skating along the edge of oversensitivity when the vampire pulls back at last.

Giving a quiet chuckle as he takes in Reign’s expression, he releases his grip on his hair, only to bring his hand to cup against Reign’s cheek, thumb catching a stray drop of blood and bringing it back to the man’s lips, letting him clean it from his skin if he wanted it. ]

No, it didn’t hurt, pet. I think it would have been intense either way, but the potion made sure it was all pleasure.

What about you? [ he adds on, letting his thumb brush over red-stained lips. ]

[ There's a certain kind of pleasure and pride in Reign to see what he could do to Sylvain, to witness those expressions on his Master's face. But oh, he really should be more careful while drinking, is what the vampire mentally scolds himself as he leans in and licks clean the redhead's thumb. No way is he going to waste it. ]

I'm relieved to hear that. I wasn't sure how painful it could get, if the potion may not be enough. At least now we know it works well.

[ Opening his mouth, Reign lets Sylvain's thumb slip in briefly, tongue swiping across the pad before he kisses it. ] You taste delicious, Master~ [ He replies with the tone of someone who has had a fulfilling meal, the hunger from the effects of the collar now somewhat waned as well.

Though now there remains a different kind of hunger, but he'll wait patiently upon his Master's next instructions. ]

It was more than enough. I can safely say I’ve never experienced anything like that. [ He chuckles, watching Reign lap the last drops of blood from his skin, letting his thumb brush over the man’s lips fondly. ] It was very intense.

[ he smiles at the vampire’s enthusiasm about his meal, but he reaches for Reign, tugging him up off his knees and guiding him in to straddle Sylvain’s lap instead. Arms sliding to twine about his waist as he draws him close. ]

Did you get enough, pet, or do you need more?

[ So long as Sylvain enjoyed the experience, Reign is willing to provide it again. Once a while, something special, whether because Sylvain wants it or the vampire has his cravings.

Which is why he's all smiles as he takes the hint from the redhead, climbing onto the bed and plopping himself comfortably on his Master's lap. Cool palms splay across the other's chest before Reign cross his arms and lay his chin atop it. ] Mmmn... I think I've enough for now. I no longer feel the strange urging. But... there's something else that requires some urgent attention.

[ Firstly, Reign is still fully dressed. Secondly, that "urgent" matter makes itself known quite prominently in the form of something hard pressed against Sylvain, especially with the sheepish look he's giving his Master. ]

[ Sylvain’s grin is quick and more than a little impish as he plays dumb a few moments longer. If only to get a reaction out of the vampire now straddling his lap. ]

Oh? And what is this urgent problem requiring my attention, pet?

[ Oh, his Master is being evil, evil, evil!!! Reign pouts at Sylvain's knowing look, even as he squirms and rubs his erection against the redhead. ]

This problem, Master. This pet requires Master's special attention.

[ The sight of that pout gets a warm laugh from him - he can’t help it, it’s pretty adorable. But Reign’s meaning is impossible to miss, of course, especially as he presses against him and Sylvain can feel exactly how aroused he is right now.

He turns them, toppling Reign onto his back atop the mattress as he leans over him, hands pressed to either side of his head as he grins down at him. His knee slides in between Reign’s thighs, pressing up against him as he pins him there. ]

Does he? Well, then. I don’t want my pet wanting for anything, after all. We should see to this problem of yours, hmm? [ He lets one hand slide down, pressing his palm over the outline of the vampire’s cock and stroking him through his clothing. ]

[ Reign's pulse skips a bit as Sylvain flips their position around, now flat on his back as he looks up at his Master. He swallows heavily at Sylvain's wicked grin, keening softly as he tries to grind up against his Master's knee. The pressure is barely enough, and as he feels Sylvain's warm palm finally where he wants it to be, the vampire can't help but moan. ]

Mmnh...! Y-yes, please, Master. Your pet can hardly wait. [ He reaches a hand down between them, placing it over Sylvain's as he rocks his clothed erection against both their hands while he writhes on the bed.

At first, Reign thought he had been patient enough, holding his arousal at bay while he pleasures Sylvain and drinks from him. But now that his Master is here to provide, Reign fears he would explode the moment Sylvain touches him directly. Already the front of his pants is moist from pre. How embarrassing, to have dirtied his clothes. It'll be a pain to wash later. ]

So hard for me already, pet. Is this because of the feeding?

[ He wonders it aloud, even as he strokes his hand over the shape of him beneath his clothes. Giving him heated friction without granting him flesh on flesh just yet.

He knows the bite had been pleasurable for him, thanks to the potion, but he wondered what it had done for Reign, besides sating his hunger. Thirst? Whichever. ]

I don't know... I-I have — ngh! — never fed directly from anyone before. At least not here. [ The vampire shivers at the stimulation to his erection. Exactly what he wants, yet not quite enough. ] You're the f-first person I've bitten. [ A huge step on Reign's part, considering that he'd drunk from cut wounds of guests who volunteered to feed him months prior.

As for his hunger, it is indeed satiated, as does his thirst. But his pleasure?

Reign cups Sylvain's cheek with his other hand, panting softly as he tries to find the words to convey his thoughts. ] It's because I'm feeding from you, Master.

Then I feel honored indeed.

[ His smile is warm as he presses a kiss to Reign's palm before sliding down his body, fingers unfastening his pants so he can draw out his cock. Kisses his way down Reign's stomach before he can swirl his tongue around the head of his cock, his eyes watching up the line of the vampire's body, to catch the reactions that play across his face. ]

Let me take care of you, pet.

[ Seeing the look Sylvain gives him has Reign's breath catching, touched by his Master's words. At times he wonders if he deserves the redhead, to have a Master like Sylvain caring for his needs, indulge and fulfil his bucket list of desires.

His muscles tense and clench wherever Sylvain's lips touch him, as if leaving a searing mark behind with every kiss on his cool skin. Then he feels the heat of Sylvain tongue on the cockhead, and Reign is certain he nearly see stars. ]

M-Master...! Yes, yes. Please. [ The expression on Reign's face is bare for Sylvain to drink in, lips parting and tongue peeking out, almost mimicking the redhead's movements to lick. His fingers end up in Sylvain's hair, half urging, half pleading, for the man to continue. ]

[ The expressions that flicker across Reign's face is all the encouragement he needs to keep going. Lips quirking into a pleased little smile, he takes the vampire's cock into wet heat. Taking his time, as his tongue laps against sensitive skin. Tasting, teasing, even as he sinks lower, taking him deeper with each deliberate bob of his head. His hands find Reign's hips, keeping him held to the bed, just because he knows how intense this can feel and he wants to control the pace of it.

Not that he stops. Or slows. Just takes Reign's cock deeper and deeper in increments, not even slowing when he feels the head of him nudge against the back of his throat. He only relaxes his jaw, swallows tight around the tip, before easing him deeper. Inti the tight restraint of his throat as he works his head around his cock, taking every inch of the other man into tight wet heat. ]

[ Perhaps because he'd just drank from Sylvain, perhaps it's the situation they're in, perhaps it's because Sylvain is the one sucking him off. Perhaps it's all of the above, that has Reign feeling extremely sensitive, much more than he usually does. It wouldn't be surprising if his Diamond suit aided in that sensation.

So as Reign watches his cock disappear inch by gradual inch into his Master's hot mouth, the vampire could only whine and whimper. The urge to buck into Sylvain's inviting orifice is very tempting, and his body nearly does that before his mind could put a stop to it, but Sylvain's firm grip holds him down. ] M-Master...!

[ His hands settle on the bed, fingers clenched into fists as he lets out a low moan. ] So g-good, Master. It feels... ah! Mmn... [ It's maddening, as if Sylvain is drawing his sanity out through his dick, leaving his mind a puddle of melted mess. ]

[ His chuckle is a warm vibration around the length in his mouth, as Sylvain takes him deeper. Pins his hips to the mattress, because he can feel Reign wanting to shift, to rock himself deeper. Knows the thrill of having that resistance to push against, when need throbs through your veins.

His tongue slides along the sensitive length, tracing along the vein on the underside, swirling around the swollen head. Lapping up the salty drops of liquid that bead there in response, before taking him deep once more. All the way to the root, the muscles of his throat working around him. Sylvain knows exactly what he's doing, and turns that considerable skill to building his lover's pleasure as high as possible. Wanting to watch him unravel beneath him. ]

[ Reign lets out a soft curse as Sylvain continues to pleasure him, tantalising teasing licks and tight suctions that Reign is certain he wouldn't last long. Especially when his Master has memorised every part of him, the sweet spots that gets him to arch his back beautifully, makes him cry out sweetly.

The vampire feels himself getting pushed closer and closer to the brink, like a string pulled taunt. Then it suddenly snaps, and Reign is unravelling with a startled gasp, his entire body trembling as his cock throbs and splashes hot cum down Sylvain's throat. He has come this intensely in a while, and he's taken off guard by how abrupt it is, his mind reeling as it begins to float in orgasmic bliss.

Give him a moment, yeah, Master? ]

[ He can have as long as he needs.

Sylvain lingers, swallowing every drop until the vampire's cock stops pulsing and spilling down his throat. Pulling off him slowly, he climbs back up the other man's body to stretch out beside him. Wrapping arms around Reign with a warm smile, he tugs him close, in against his chest as he gives him a few moments to come back down.

Pressing a gentle kiss to his brow, he smiles down at him. ]

Better?

[ Sylvain's chest, whether clothed or not, always gives Reign a sense of comfort as he snuggles against the redhead when tugged closer, making a soft sound of contentment as he gradually calms down from his high. ]

Mnhm. [ The vampire hums back with a lopsided smile of his own as glances up at Master. He cranes his neck just enough to press his lips to Sylvain's, tasting a bit of himself. ] Much better.

[ As he lies back down, Reign is reminded of the collar around his neck, and he huffs a tad, running his fingers along the leather. He'd nearly forgotten about that, and is now too blissed out to find the key to unlock it. ] This was an odd birthday present from the House, but having you fulfil my desire is the better gift.

[ Sylvain remembers, brushing his finger over the cool studs before adjusting their pose so Reign will hopefully be comfortable with it anyway. He can't help but smile, because he certainly has no complaints. ]

Trust me, I was happy to help. [ Grinning a little impishly, he bends his head to nip playfully at Reign's jaw. ] And if you're feeling peckish again, you don't have to be afraid to ask for this.

[ The minor adjustment does help, and Reign lets out a huff of a laugh at the playful nip.

Shifting slightly to tangle their legs together, Reign lets himself soak in Sylvain's body heat from head to toe. ] Thank you, Master. I'll be sure to ask. [ He replies, exhaling out a soft breath of contentment.

This is nice, staying like this with Sylvain. With his Master. A quiet moment. A moment where they can rest, and perhaps chat a bit. And also to fish out that key to unlock his collar. Later.

Yeah, later. ]

Sylvain, open up. I know you're in there, you brat.

[He folds his arms over his chest as he waits in front of Sylvain's door. This guy... He has half a mind to actually show just how submissive and breedable they can be instead.]

[ He's pretty sure he knows exactly how submissive and breedable you can be, Wriothesley. You haven't hidden it when they've played. Or shall they dabble at it again? He's more than happy to remind you.

But for now, the door swings open a moment later with a smirking redhead on the other side. he's dressed in only a pair of sleep pants, hair still damp from a recent shower.

And a completely unrepentant grin on his lips. ]

Come to beg?

[Wriothesley is dressed down to just sweats and t-shirt, opting to discard his usual clean image for the sake of comfort. Most of the bites and bruises he accumulated from March have long since healed, but the bandages on his neck linger just to make sure the bite on his neck stays clean and heals without issue.

He rolls his eyes a little and sticks his tongue out at the other. Ah, yes. Two grown adults acting like adults.] As if. You're gonna have to work for it if you want me to beg.

Wouldn't be the first time.

[ That retort would have been much sassier, but his gaze had narrowed in on those bandages. His brow furrows slightly as he glances from it to catch the man's gaze. ]

What happened?

[He opens his mouth to retort, but the question has him closing his mouth. A hand reaches to run fingers over the material of the bandages.]

My cat bit me a little harder than expected. [His cat. His cat who is not a cat, but they were cat boy during the time. That kind of cat. Yep.] I've been taking care of it and it's probably well healed, but I just don't want to chance infection or anything.

Sorry, I suppose I've been keeping to my room a lot. [He also has been sleeping in a different suite. His bed being in the state it has been for weeks now.]

Edited 2024-04-30 01:52 (UTC)

[ His gaze narrows suspiciously at that before he steps back and swings the door open wider. Noit that he has a lot of room, but enough that Wriothesley can come inside. ]

Get in here. [ That wasn't optional. And also, ] You don't have a cat. Try again.

[Oh. He's a little surprised by the reaction. It isn't a serious injury and Wriothesley is not one to skimp proper care over his injuries either. If it were more serious...

Ah, well, he's bad about showing weakness.

He sighs and steps into Sylvain's room, waiting until the door is closed before he talks.] We got a little too into the moment and they bit me a little harder than I thought he would. I offered it though, before you worry about it and they took care of me after.

[ A finger points to the bed, because he's not happy just accepting that right now. Not if Wriothesley is still wearing bandages. ]

Sit. Why didn't you go see one of the healers? Let me take a look at it. Someone actually bit you hard enough that you needed bandages?

[ A pause, as he actually stops and thinks about it for a moment. ] Was it a vampire?

[Why is he being treated like he's in trouble??? He did what he should do when he had an injury. A shake of his head.]

Because- [He pauses before sighing.] I didn't want someone I wasn't familiar with behind me. [He quickly moves from that particular statement as quickly as possible. The paranoia and distrust of others that still settled under his skin even as March becomes more and more of the past.] I made sure it wasn't infected and I dressed it regularly. I wasn't neglecting it.

[A shake of his head.] It wasn't a vampire.

Well, I'm not sure how you can get much more familiar with me than we already are.

[ Sylvain crosses his arms over his chest and gives Wriothesley a patient look.

Look, he can be just as stubborn as you, sir. And he's now blocking the door, too. ]

Will you please let me take a look at it? I may not be as good a healer as some, but I do typically know my way around wounds.

I wasn't in a good mental state that week. [And he can't say that he was any better after, but he doesn't want the other staring him down like this. How do you explain being so very used to licking your own wounds? Sigewinne was always there, but relying on himself had been so very ingrained in his heart too.] By the time things had settled, I had it for so long that I just let it heal naturally.

[He sighs and starts to unravel the bandages from his neck. The bite has mostly scabbed over and healing. It's a decent enough injury that it'll scar over, but it's far from serious.]

Why does it bother you?

I don't think any of us were. I'm assuming it happened during the rabbit hunts?

[ That seemed like a safe assumption, considering everything. Sylvain had never felt so hunted in his life. And that was saying a lot, actually. But clearly someone had gotten a little too carried away.

But Wriothesley was at least unwinding the bandages for him, so he moves to close the distance, still patient as the bite wound is revealed. It has scabbed over and looks like it's healing alright, but if this was already partially healed, he would have hated to see it fresh. And partially healed or not, it still looks painful. Enough that he gives a soft hiss of dismay as he looks it over, being careful not to touch. ]

Damn. I really hope you were being fucked out of your mind when that happened. That would have fucking hurt.

And what kind of question is that? It looks painful, Wri, of course I'm worried! Will you please let me heal it a little better? At least speed the process on more than it is...

Yes. I went to their room willingly though.

[It's good to emphasize that it wasn't against his will or anything. Well, it's probably obvious with how he isn't bothered by the state of his neck. Then again, Wriothesley can't see the damage done. He could only tend to it and make sure it was still clean, but he can't say what it might look to another person.

As far as pain goes though-] It stung, but I wouldn't say it was incredibly painful. [Maybe it's no surprise that Wriothesley's pain tolerance is just ridiculously high and his idea of what hurts and what doesn't probably shouldn't be trusted too much...] Though, fucked out of my mind is probably a good way to describe my state of mind at that time. [He is not going to mention to Sylvain about them screwing in Kizuna's closet because he made a nest out of their stuff and they were very horny about it.

Nope.

He will, instead, focus on...oh he doesn't like this either actually.

Wriothesley looks genuinely surprised at the response. It isn't that he doesn't think Sylvain cares, but it's throwing him for a loop that they're worried when he didn't see the injury as anything serious. Maybe a little intense for what was just supposed to be a bite in the midst of banging, but his life wasn't in danger or anything.

He opens his mouth to say something, doesn't, and closes it. Local French man learns that people care a lot about his wellbeing.] Ah. Sure. [A beat.] Is it that bad?

[Guy who is trying to logic why Sylvain is worried more than just because Wriothesley is injured. Idiot.]

If I'd suspected you didn't, we'd be having a very different conversation right now.

[ His fingers flick lightly at an earlobe before he bends closer to inspect it for a moment, hands hovering over the injury. ]

I'll do what I can, although there might still be a bit of a scar afterwards. And no, it's not that bad. It seems to be healing pretty well, actually. But if I can heal it the rest of the way, why in the Goddess's name would I let you just continue on in pain instead of healing it?

[ His tone is faintly exasperated as he calls on his faith magic, letting the healing spell wash over the other man like a warm caress, knitting his flesh back together as he speeds the body's natural healing on its way. ]

Hey! Do I seem that unreliable or something?

[He huffs a little with a bit of a sulk.]

It's not a big deal if it scars. I want it t-

[Hey. Actually. He should not say this out loud. He should keep this strictly between him, himself, and he. Yep. Let's move on from this. Sylvain doesn't need to know that at all.

It's just a scar. He has plenty. No need to be weird about it, right?]

[He clears his throat.] Of course, of course. Go ahead and heal it.

[Please don't call him out. He's behaving, see? He is being the best little patient he can be by sitting there obediently for you to heal it.]

[ Oh, he’s so calling you out right the fuck now.

His hands pause, lingering against the back of Wriothesley’s throat as he blinks at the back of his head for a moment. ]

…You want it to scar, huh?

[ A person only does that for the memories. Good, or bad. Although he’s having a hard time coming up with a good reason to want to remember someone trying to tear your throat out with their teeth. Mind-blowing sex or not. ]

[He can feel your stare boring into his head. Maybe he should have let himself get swallowed up by the Primordial Sea after all. He could save him the current embarrassment. He's shameless, but even he gets a little embarrassed here and there.]

Couldn't you have ignored that?

[Sometimes, you're so into a guy that you offer your neck to them and they want to claim you in a possessive and insane way. It's no big deal. No one would see the scar and know what it means except them.

And, well, Sylvain now.]

Nope!

[ Said with complete impish cheer as he tugs on a lock of dark hair before he bends back to his task to heal the man. ]

So why don't you tell me what happened so I don't jump to assumptions and go hunt down whoever hurt you and murder them. Since I think you wouldn't be happy about that. Just guessing.

[He huffs a little and maybe Sylvain can tell the man is pouting a little, even if they can't see his expression at the moment.]

Woah, hey! There's no need to go trying to murder him. Why would that even be your go to? [Kizuna is an empath, sure, but he's pretty sure they're an average guy otherwise. Please do not murder his boyfriend-to-be.] Look, it...things kind of gotten out of control.

[At least half of it was definitely his fault. Maybe more than half of it...] I...uhm, I stole all his clothes and sheets and moved them to his closet floor while he was getting me food and basically offered myself to him. [Like a damn animal in heat. This is so much more embarrassing to repeat out loud, he's learning very quickly.]

I offered my neck to him, so it's definitely on me and not on him. Even if I wasn't expecting him to bite so harshly, I definitely wasn't complaining. [Please, why did you make him explain this? How do you talk about making a nest in a guy's closet, having really possessive, feral sex, then getting marked like they're making a claim on you.

It really was quite the week.]

[ There’s a moment of absolute silence from behind him as Sylvain finishes the healing spell. And then Sylvain is choking on a laugh as Wriothesley’s words convey a mental picture that… well, he hadn’t really needed that visual, but thanks for it anyway. ]

So you were nesting, basically, and this was some possessive mark gone wrong. Am I basically getting that right?

[ That sounds so ridiculous, but with the weird instincts that had been running rampant through all that, it wasn’t the weirdest thing that had happened, he was certain. Not by a long shot.

Still, he grins and lightly jabs Wriothesley in the back of the shoulder. ] All better, I think. And you still have the mark there to brag about. When you stop being embarrassed about it, apparently.

[Silence has never been so heavy until you admit to nesting in someone’s closet and having horny sex where you’re pretty sure the guy fucking you wanted you pregnant.

Embarrassing.

Sylvain asked him to explain and he delivered!!! They can’t complain about it!]

Gone wrong is a stretch… [He’s pretty sure it was kind of intentional but… Archons it was easier to accept the moment when it was just Kizuna and himself mentally catching up what they done. It’s an entire different situation where he has no way to excuse the things they had done in the wake of telling it to someone else.

Next time, he’s walking into the Primordial Sea on his own volition.]

You’re enjoying this way too much, you know. This is why I didn’t want to talk about it.

It's not my fault you just turned such an adorable shade of red.

[ Sylvain's grin cannot get any wider right now. Probably. ]

I couldn't help myself.

[He doesn't need to see Sylvain's face to feel the way the other is grinning. When Sylvain admits his crush, Wriothesley is never going to let him hear the end of it in return. Bastard.]

You definitely can. You just don't want to. There's a difference and I know you know the difference. [He grumbles a little.] You get it out of your system?

Oh, for the next three minutes, at least. After that? No promises.

[ Yup. He's still grinning. ]

I'm just a little surprised, is all. I didn't think you'd be the sort who wanted to be... claimed. For want of a better word.

Bastard.

[Always said affectionately, even if it is also said in a terribly exasperated tone. But enough of that, he has to honestly consider Sylvain's words for a moment.]

I'm not. Not usually. [But he won't deny that he enjoyed that moment. Ignoring how he was horny out of his mind and it felt damn good, there was also a sense of-] It felt...safe. [And Sylvain probably has learned enough about Wriothesley that the man rarely felt safe. He could be comfortable and could find himself settled, but safe is not a word that the warden usually uses. Not when he has been plucked out from the Fortress into a place that has now taken Furina and Neuvillette away from him.]

[ It’s that purposeful choice of a word that has Sylvain’s amber gaze flying up to search his face again, his laughter melting away into the reality of that.

He doesn’t know what Wriothesley’s been through, back in his world, but there are habits, quirks, the other man has that he recognizes all too well. Shares, too, in some cases.

Sylvain knows just how rare and precious that feeling can be. <>Safe.

It’s one of the few things Wriothesley could have said that would have let the playful teasing finally fall away, because that was never something to be made light of. ]

Good. [ he says instead, his voice softening with understanding, reaching out as he squeezes Wriothesley’s shoulder instead. ] I’m glad you’ve found that here.

[Oh.

He's taken by surprise with the way the other seems to calm down on the teasing. The word 'safe' settled heavy in a way that Sylvain obviously understood. It isn't a word he thinks he would use very often. The Fortress is safe to him, but that's because he had rebuilt it to what it is now. His room was nestled away from the public and the only person who would easily have access to it would be Sigewinne. Sigewinne was safe, but that was because Sigewinne had been that gentle hand throughout his time in prison.

Safe was not a word that comes easy from a man who had safety torn from his hands by the adults he was supposed to see as loving parents. Safe was not the prison that had been owned by a corrupt hand that made everyday its own hell. Safe was not a word that he thinks of very often.

Kizuna though...Kizuna was someone who started to feel safe.

It isn't just Kizuna though, he thinks. His gaze softens.] For what it's worth, Sylvain. I can say that the word applies to you too. You've been ever present since day one. How can I forget Cherry from the changing rooms?

[ Sylvain knows exactly how rare 'safe' can be for some people. In his life back home, there had only been one person who had ever made him feel like that and she'd... been so far beyond his reach it was almost laughable.

Here... he's still trying not to think about who he would consider to be 'safe' here. This world is completely different than the life he'd known. The one he's still grateful to have left behind.

But to have Wriothesley turn around and confess that... it catches him completely offguard and for a long moment he just blinks at him, uncomprehending. But it's easier to latch onto that lighter comment than the depth of what that confession means in itself.

Which is why he gives a choked little laugh and tugs on a stray lock of dark hair. ]

I knew you only loved me for my lollipop.

[There is an obvious deflection in the way Sylvain replies. An avoidance to his words and latching onto the ones that meant far less. It isn't a rejection, but it was still an avoidance.

Wriothesley merely smiles and lets Sylvain do it too. If Sylvain wasn't ready to accept, or even reject his words, then he wasn't going to push it for the time being. He was patient and it would be a lie that he didn't understand to some extent. He might not know exactly what Sylvain went through these countless years, but he can see the way it has molded the man. He sees shards of reflection of himself in the other.

For the time being, he will let the other refuse to take the proverbial hand he had held out to them. The sting was oh so minor, since he already had an inkling of how the other felt.]

You should watch your words, sweetheart. Unless you want me to wax poetic about what else I like until you're red as a cherry. [That's a threat, sir.]

[ Sylvain lets his gaze drop, a hint of shame stinging him all the same. That he can't... he doesn't know what to do with those words Wriothesley had given him. Wasn't sure he believed them, for one, and if they were true... meant that Wriothesley's judgement of him was direly questionable at best.

He wasn't safe. Had never been safe. He was a disaster just waiting to happen. It was inevitable.

But he tries to laugh off that sting of regret, the ache of wishing he could have offered more than that. There's still something wistful in his tone, all the same, even if he's not fully aware of it. ]

I think you'll find I don't blush easily. Even with pretty flattery. [ Especially with pretty flattery. he's heard far too much of it, and all of it empty. ]

[Wriothesley let's it all slide. Patient and understanding. He had taken a step into something knowing that he would either be pushed out most likely. Things won't change overnight, but something has changed ever so slightly. An acknowledgment that they weren't just casual friends. He had dropped the ball in Sylvain's court for him to decide when he might want to deal with it. If at all.

Instead, he smiles, a hand reaching up to grasp Sylvain's chin. He tilts his head as he regards the other.]

When did I ever say it was flattery? I'd mean every single word. [And when has he lied to Sylvain? Other than silly blatant lies.] I'm not the type to say pretty words that I don't mean. Or is that the impression I give?

[ Sylvain has no fucking clue what to do with a ball like that, in his court or not.

He also has no idea how to not do something that wasn’t strictly casual. Not with as intimate as they were. There’d always been a distinct line, before he came here. The people he considered friends, the people he let see increments of the real him, and those he fucked. And no one ever crossed that line, from one to another, or back again. Mixing those two things spelled certain disaster and he already left enough of that in his wake.

He looks a little uncomfortable to be pinned in place by that look, by the fingers gripping his chin and holding him caught there. Especially with those words. ]

It’s not. [ he doesn’t want Wriothesley to think that, for even a moment. ] It’s just that I don’t think that would make for a very long conversation, is all.

[ The long in-depth conversations he’s usually subjected to are far more often full of his faults and failures instead. Those, most people could go on for days and days about. ]

Edited 2024-06-04 22:03 (UTC)

[He lets out a low hum before letting go of Sylvain's chin. Wriothesley smiles a little, his gaze warm.] Well, that is your opinion, but I feel like that I can think of plenty to say. If you wish to make it a conversation, I would be more than happy to relay my thoughts to you.

[He doesn't think Sylvain is ready to hear those things though. Wasn't ready to accept Wriothesley's words, even if Sylvain was sure to know him to be honest.

So he gives Sylvain the chance to move on from this conversation. At least for the time being.]

[ The face Sylvain makes, makes it pretty clear what his thoughts are on the matter of having any conversation focused on him for that long. That… sounds like a terrible idea, actually, and he latches onto the opportunity to change the topic as swiftly as he can. ]

I’m pretty sure you could think of plenty to say on just about any topic. But your efforts to distract me aren’t working so well, because I still have not forgotten what you’ve been getting up to.

[ A pointed look, even as he smirks faintly. ] So. Are you going to tell me who it is?

[ Are you regretting letting him change the topic yet? ]

[Don't worry, Sylvain. This won't be the last time it'll come up. Wriothesley knows Sylvain will avoid it, but there will be a time where they can't any longer. The same way that more and more of Wriothesley's vulnerabilities seem to slowly show themselves.

It's an inevitability.]

Hm? I think you expect too much of me. I have my interests and there's a lot I don't know. I don't think I can make conversation on everything.

[Wriothesley smiles.] No. [Well. What was Sylvain expecting? Maybe if Kizuna and him were actually seeing each other, but he wasn't about to go revealing an identity of someone that he might merely have an infatuation (it's not) on.]

You'll have to work harder on getting that kind of information out of me.

Are you inviting me to torture it out of you? We both know I can get very creative when I want to make you beg.

[ He’s smirking, but there’s no real threat in the words. If Wriothesley wants to keep hi secret for now, Sylvain won’t push him.

He is gonna be watching way more closely from now on though. ]

Look at the time, I should get going. I've already taken up so much of your time already. Sorry about that. [What an absolute little shit.

Silliness aside, Wriothesley obviously was not divulging that information for the time being. Probably just to protect Kizuna's identity. Not because he thinks Sylvain will do anything to them, but these kind of things are probably better to keep to himself for the time being. He doesn't know of Kizuna or himself will be here in the coming months nor can he say that anything will come of it.

The less information that floats around...the less real it feels. The more that he can sit with the information and figure out what he wants to do with it.]

[ He just snorts in amusement as he rolls his eyes at the dramatics. he really should have expected that. It's exactly what he would have done. ]

Fine. keep your secrets for now. But don't think I've given up on finding it out. It's not a vampire, is it? Although I feel like they'd be more skilled in biting in general...

[ Yes, he's judging Kizuna's biting skills. Guy's clearly gotta work on that. ]

If something actually happens, you'll probably be one of the first to know. Or maybe I'll wait for you to figure out who it is.

[He laughs though.] No, he's not a vampire. I feel like that would make this all too easy of figuring them out if he was. [Are there even other vampires around other than Reign???]

You really think the finesse of the bite was even in mind at the time? You gonna bite someone to prove you're better at claiming someone while completely horny out of your mind, Sylvain? [He snorts in response. This guy...]

[ He just arches an eyebrow and then gives Wriothesley a very pointed look.

He feels like the number of lovebites he'd left bruised and littering Wriothesley's body during their various bouts of near-frenzied sex spoke for themself. ]

... Was that a serious question? Now I'm worried for your memory as well as your throat.

Mm, there's a difference between biting me to remind me of what happened and what he wanted when he tore into my neck. [Unless Sylvain has been wanting to leave a claiming bite on him??? Is he suddenly being designated omega to everyone? He doesn't know how to feel about that.] Unless you wanted to do that too? Should I be concerned?

[He's teasing a little and carefully moving the conversation away from Kizuna specifically.] Well, if you heal it, I don't really mind.

You should always be concerned.

[ Sylvain just shoots him a playful smirk. ]

Actually, I’m pretty sure you were the one begging me to breed you, in one of those recent weeks, so I’m not even sure you would be opposed to the idea if I had wanted that.

[ After all, if the omega shoe fits… ]

[Wriothesley can't help but flush at that. Hey. He should not be held accountable to how he gets when his suit is going haywire.]

Hey, this isn't about what I wanted and you can't blame me for how I sometimes get when my suit is at its worse. [No, he definitely can be held responsibility for being a shameless slut.] Whether or not I would be opposed or not is besides the point!

[Something, something, he's an alpha.]

[ Yeah, you keep telling yourself that. ]

Why is that beside the point? Isn't that the entire point?

[ He's smirking as he tangles his fingers in Wriothesley's hair and playfully leans in until his mouth can murmur just against the curve of his ear, warm breath tickling his skin. ]

I'm going to have to remember this for the next time I have you begging me so sweetly.

It isn't!

[He is shoving you away, face flushed. You suck so much sometimes, Sylvain.]

What you're telling me is to never have sex with you again. [Because these two are so good at keeping their hands off each other, right?] Your ego might swell and pop at this rate and we can't be having that.

That's not what's swelling.

[ Sylvain just laughs and lets himself be pushed. But he drags Wriothesley back with him, flopping back on his bed. ]

And we both know that would never happen. You can't resist me, remember?

Horndog. Aren't I a patient right now? Or is this part of the treatment and hospitality?

[He snorts a little, letting himself be dragged into bed. He gently pinches the other, but Wriothesley can't help the smile on his lips nor the fondness in his gaze.] Are you sure it's not your ego? Those are pretty bold and conceited words you're spewing. What makes you so sure I'm wrapped around your finger?

You have seen what passes as “treatment” in this place’s clinic, right?

[ His voice is dry and amused. He’d had his cock hopped on faster there than he had even in the sex dungeon.

But he wraps his arms around Wriothesley, tucking him in against his chest and keeping him there for now. ]

And I’m so sure because I’ve felt you around my finger. Multiple fingers, even. And I recall how much you enjoyed it.

I've only gone to the clinic for medical supplies. I don't stick around. [Which is probably no surprise that Wriothesley had been taking care of his injuries on his own when the man seemed to not be seeking medical help if he could deal with it on his lonesome.

He doesn't expect the other to start cuddling him. Honestly, he had come here to give the other trouble for their words on the network, but he guesses he can just take the moment to cuddle. He is going to happily bury his face against Sylvain's chest.]

Pervert. Are you trying to rile me up right now? You can just ask for sex at this point instead of your raunchy words.

You like it when I get you riled up, too.

[ He snickers, because basically they do that at least once a day.

But he turns more serious a moment later, reaching up to tug lightly on a lock of Wriothelsey’s hair. ]

I want you to come to me if you get hurt, okay? Even if it’s just something little. Or something embarrassing. You know I won’t judge. [ A pause. ] No promises on the teasing, but definitely no judgement.

[He opens his mouth to make a retort, but the way the other's expression turns just a little more serious and how they grab his attention, makes him shut his mouth again and listen.

He digests the words carefully before finally sighing.]

I can't promise anything concrete. [Wriothesley wasn't about to make empty promises. He was an honest person and he knew what Sylvain was asking for and he knew how he was as a person.] It isn't about being judged it's just... you get used to how you handle things after so long. Habits die hard.

[He reaches out to gently thread his fingers with Sylvain.] I can't promise I'll come, but I'll try. That's the most I can offer.

Some habits are good to break.

[ Trust him, he is the king of bad habits. He would know.

He gives those fingers a squeeze in reassurance. ]

Trying is a good start. I just want you to remember you’re not alone here. You don’t have to handle it all on your own.

I don't need to hear that from you.

[He laughs a little. In the end, the two of them were similar in so many ways.]

What about you then? If you're going to say all these things, then you must know that it's mutual. I'm not a healer. Hell, I know my limits as a person, but you do know it's reciprocated in return, right? Will you also come to me if you ever need anything? [Whether Sylvain believes it or not, they've become so very important in Wriothesley's life.]

[ He stills for a moment, gaze darting away as he licks his lips.

Before letting his gaze come back to catch Wriothesley’s, a little self-conscious. ]

I already do.

[Wriothesley lets out a low hum and merely tucks himself closer against the redhead, a smile spreading across his lips.]

I'll try, Sylvain. Just don't expect anything to change right away. [Because he knows himself well enough. Even those who had known him for awhile struggled to get the man to let his guard down around them and let them help.]

Mm, I wasn't intending to take up the rest of your night, but now I don't wanna get up.

[ That gets a laugh from him as he presses a kiss to the top of the man’s head, squeezing his arms around him a little more snugly. ]

Then don’t.

[He relaxes against the other. He rarely innocently sleeps with others, but once in awhile isn't so bad.] You saying that means you're agreeing to be at the mercy of my cuddling. No take backs.

Pretty sure you were at the mercy of my cuddling first, so I think that should be my line.

[ he knows how cautious the other man is with this, so he can only smile as Wrio gets comfortable atop him, his hand soothing gently up and down the man's spine. ]

[The hand against his spine makes him sigh softly, eyes fluttering closed as he curls up against the other. Wriothesley was a cautious man, but more and more, he has been growing used to Sylvain's company.]

Hmm, I'll humour you this time around. I owe you for healing me. [He knows he doesn't actually owe Sylvain anything, but it's fun to make excuses.]

[ he would have protested that, but he can already feel Wriothesley relaxing against him, so doesn't wish to disturb him. he knows how rare it is for the other man to lower his guard like this, let himself actually rest in someone else's company. he's not going to take it for granted.

And soon, Sylvain is drifting off as well, falling into a deep, contented slumber, even if he ends up wrapped around the other man in his sleep.

When he starts to stir the next morning, its to feeling rested and warm. And then a shapely ass wriggles back more firmly against his very interested cock.

Well. That's one way to say good morning, he supposes.

He gives a quiet, breathless moan, shifting slightly, as if to pull away. But Wroithesley just... seems to push back against him more firmly in response. So. That hadn't worked. At all. ]

[Sleep is light, but the warmth of the other pressed against him is actually far more comforting than he realizes.

Sleep is light though, so he's awake before Sylvain, though he mostly dozes on and off. He basks in the lazy and comfortable morning until he feels the other shift. Whenever the other moves, he moves to stay close to the other. At least until he feels something hard pressed against his ass and a breathy moan against his ear.

Wriothesley huffs a little, though he still sounds a little groggy as he speaks.] Mm...you're too energetic for the morning, Sylvain.

[ There’s a huff of warm breath against his ear that’s almost a laugh a moment before teeth scrape down the outer shell of Wriothesley’s ear. ]

Says the person currently chasing my cock like it’s his favorite blankie.

[He shivers as he feels teeth against his ears and he can't help but rock his hips a little, feeling the other's erection rubbing against him.]

How crass. Do you always speak this crudely in the morning? [Not that it's stopping him from pressing up against Sylvain. At this point, it's obviously intentional.]

[ He’s pretty sure it had been intentional from the very start. Which is what has him biting down playfully against Wriothesley’s earlobe. ]

Usually, I don’t bother speaking at all. At least not before my morning tea. But I guess I’ll make an exception for you.

[Wow, it was not intentional from the beginning. It was intentional pretty quickly in though.

He groans at the sting and he finally turns around so they're face to face, tangling their legs together.] Mm, morning tea sounds good right now. I wouldn't mind a cup of tea. [Despite his words, he sneaks a hand down to palm at Sylvain's cock. The movements were languid, like he isn't in a rush to get up.

And he wasn't. Sleep still lingers in steel blue eyes as he looks at the other.]

[ Sylvain gives a sleepy groan of his own as those fingers stroke over his cock, hard beneath his boxers and his hips rock into that touch automatically as he wraps his arms around the other man and draws him closer. ]

Well, that’s not going to get us to tea any faster.

[Wriothesley's eyes flutter closed as he presses closer, grinding down against Sylvain's thigh. It's no surprise that the boxer was also hard.]

Do you want me to stop then? I can stop. [He won't. He was already slipping a hand into Sylvain's boxers so he can wrap fingers around the redhead's length so he can start stroking them without cloth in the way.] Tea isn't going ahhnywhere...

[ A husky groan as he slides his thigh between Wriothesley’s legs, pressing up against him, even as those clever fingers wrap warmly around his cock. He bucks into that touch, hardening further, even as he bends his head, lips finding Wriothesley's bare shoulder. Trails kisses along the warm flesh there. Lazy and languorous. ]

Don’t you dare.

[That makes him laugh. Of course he wasn't going to stop, but the warning is funny nonetheless. How could he stop anyways? The firm weight in his hand as he strokes the other, the sweet sounds Sylvain was making, the butterfly kisses against his skin, and the pleasure as he shamelessly humps Sylvain's leg. Pleasure rides up his spine everytime he presses his clothed cock against a muscled thigh, a soft moan escaping his lips as he ruts against the other.]

Mm, I won't. Don't worry. [He squeezes gently.] I'm rather fond of hearing you like this.

[ Another breathless moan as his head falls back against the pillow and his eyes flutter closed. His movements are slow, lazy and almost sluggish, but he tugs Wriothesley with him until the man is sprawled across his chest and he can drag him down for a slow, sensual kiss.

And props his knee up, so Wriothesley is now straddling his thigh more firmly. ]

The feeling is mutual, at least.

[He kisses back, a lazy slide of their lips together, shallow breaths as he rolls his hips as he does so. His erection is obvious in even his loose pants, the hardened length presses against the man's thigh as he slides up and down. It's languid in movements, taking his time with the pleasure.]

Hah...you feel good. [His hand stroking Sylvain's length is uncoordinated, the strokes uneven, but enjoying the feel of the hot, steady weight in his hand.]

Think that's my line.

[ It's different from their normal, this slow lazy pleasure. So often, they tend to be rougher, faster, harder. Granted, a lot of time their need is a hungrier thing than this slow simmer that flickers this morning. This is... softer.

But certainly not less, by any means.

His free hand tangles in Wriothesley's hair, carding fingers through the dark tousled hair as he lets the man grind against his thigh. His own hips buck slightly, trying to press up into the warm calloused touch teasing his length to hardness. Which Wriothesley is managing with little difficulty. ]

[Wriothesley drops his head, letting it hide in the crook of Sylvain's neck. His breath, instead of coming out in puffs of warm air, was actually quite cool against Sylvain's skin. He lets out a pleased sigh as Sylvain tangles fingers into his hair, enjoying the feel of them.

He continues to rock his hips, taking his time to rub his clothed erection against Sylvain's leg as he moves, his strokes going just as languidly.] Mm, hey, what do you want to get for breakfast? [Might as well talk about their morning routine while lazily getting off, right?]

[ Wriothesley. You expect him to be thinking right now?

Yeah, that's not happening. ]

Food.

[ That's a completely valid answer, thanks.

But deciding fair is fair, he slides a hand inward to slip inside Wriothesley's clothes to wrap around his cock as well, stroking him with the same slow, sensual languor. ]

[Wriothesley barks out laughter at that, a sound that quickly devolves into a wanton moan as Sylvain slips a hand passed the waistband of his clothes to stroke him. He happily ruts into Sylvain's hand with pleased sighs and sweet, little sounds in the back of his throat as he moves.]

Ah, very descriptive of you.

[He feels pleasure slowly build in his body. It's more like a gentle simmer than the hungry desperation he usually expects of sex. His hand slides up and down Sylvain's length as he rests his head under the man's chin.] Sweetheart.

I'm not sure which should be more ridiculous right now. That you're trying to have a conversation with me while your hand is on my cock, or the fact that you expect me to be coherent for it.

[ The words come out on a low, husky groan as he rocks against that warm grip, tucking Wriothesley in against him as he shifts along the length of his body. Enjoying the feel of him, the lazy simmer of pleasure instead of the raging, blinding demand they so often have. This... this is just as good, and something he indulges in far too little. He suspects the same can be said of Wriothesley. ]

Edited 2024-06-28 21:10 (UTC)

[A bark of laughter that devolves into a groan as he ruts against Sylvain's thigh and into their hand. Honestly, Wriothesley is barely coherent, still half asleep. He was just blabbing a bit while the two of them moved together.]

I thought we'd just have ah nice conversation while we wake up. [His voice is tinged with amusement as he feels the lazy build up of pleasure in the pit of his stomach. The way that, despite their languid movements, he was feeling that need to come grow and grow with every stroke of Sylvain's hand.

He leaves a few bites and sucks on the skin of Sylvain's neck and shoulder as he strokes the other, wanting to bring them closer to completion.] I'll probably forget this by the time I really wake up anyways. [A gentle chuckle, cool breath against the redhead's skin.]

Are you telling me you're actually still asleep right now?

[ Amusement is warm in his voice as he twists his hand slightly on the next stroke, swiping his thumb over the leaking tip of the man's cock, teasing sensitivity as he enjoys those groans and the way Wriothesley moves against him. ]

No, but I’m tempted to fall back asleep on you after this.

[Lazy mornings are just nice when you can really take your time to enjoy them like this.

A sharp inhale and a shameless moan as he rocks into Sylvain’s hand. His own hand starts to stroke the other little more roughly, inconsistent in their speed as he just jerks the redhead off. His other hand lazily traveling over exposed skin, appreciating Sylvain’s muscles body under his fingertips.]

Well. I am very talented at wearing you out, I guess.

[ There's a grin in his voice a moment before he moans, rocking up into that touch. The fingers not wrapped around Wriothesley's cock shift to tangle in his hair, tipping his head up so he can kiss him. It's a little lazy, a little sloppy, especially because he doesn't want to move a whole lot either, but they make it work. ]

Hah, fuck off. [As if Sylvain hadn't been at the mercy of Wriothesley's insatiable stamina.

He feels that slow build up of heat in the pit of his stomach and the growing tension travel through his body. Feels the growing pleasure mount towards a climax. He moans softly into Sylvain's mouth as he kisses back. It's languid in its movement as he drags his palm up and down Sylvain's length.] I'm getting close...

[ He's pretty sure they've both experienced that insatiable stamina from both of them on multiple occasions now.

His own cock is hard and leaking a little as Wriothesley pleasures him and he gives a sound that is somewhere between a hum and a moan as he keeps kissing the other man, pleasuring him with a matching rhythm. Wanting to ride this wave of pleasure with him. It's still lazy and unhurried and that makes it feel even better. ]

Mmm. Yeah.

[ ...He's a little distracted here, you fuck off. ]

[He laughs into the kiss. It's a little hoarse; sleep still trying to be shaken off as they continue to jerk each other off. Their lazy actions make it obvious that there's no real attempt for more than just that languid pleasure they're feeling.

It takes a few more lazy strokes before Wriothesley reaches his climax. He moans out Sylvain's name breathlessly as he spills his seed over Sylvain's hand.

He stills his hips, but his hand keeps stroking the other with jerky motions as he rides through his climax.]

[ The feeling of Wriothesley coming against him, spilling over his fingers, their stomachs, as they lay tangled together, has him moaning into that kiss, breathless and wanton.

And it only takes a few more strokes of the other man’s hand, his own hips rocking into that tight grip, before Sylvain is following him. Shuddering through his own orgasm with a low, breathless cry. ]

Fuck.

[He continues to stroke Sylvain through his orgasm, only slowly to a stop once the other had released every drop. He lays there basking in the afterglow or their lazy masturbation, not really wanting to move from where he's laying with Sylvain.

He sighs softly, gently nuzzling against the other.] I don't want to get up, actually.

[ Sylvain just rolls over, half-sprawling over where Wriothesley still lays in his bed, body still boneless and sated. Even moreso now, after an orgasm. ]

Good. Because we’re not.

[Well, guess he truly isn't getting out of this bed now that the redhead decided that he was something to sleep on. He laughs in response, letting his eyes flutter closed.] How about we try for brunch then?

[They will likely miss brunch hours, but that's besides the point.]

[ Wood creaks and splinters under the force of his hold. He's vaguely aware water is rushing in where he's damaged the integrity of the vessel. It doesn't occur to him to wonder if there are others onboard. He doesn't care. There is a storm, and the sailor he wants is in danger.

It's easy to stay balanced and attached, his thick tentacles gripping the hull. The sea is rough, though, and before he can reach him, the red-headed man is tossed into the waves.

The ship no longer matters. Basch tosses himself from the side, back into the general calm of the water. He's quick here, dodging debris, looking for that floating figure. There he is, legs, bobbing in the throes of a wave, balancing on some piece of driftwood.

Two tentacles encircle Sylvain's ankles, yanking him down into the water as another reaches to secure his chest. He pulls the man down against him, cradling his too-cold body as he fishes in the satchel at his waist for a small knot of seaweed. ]

Eat this [ he says, pressing it to Sylvain's mouth. The sounds are likely garbled, but the weed will give the human the ability to breathe beneath the waves and hear Basch more clearly. ]

[ It happens so fast it makes his head spin. The storm that had seemed to come up out of nowhere, waking him in his bunk as it tossed the vessel about on angry waves.

At least… he thinks that’s what happened. It’s all kind of a blur, actually, and he has the very real threat of trying not to drown in the meantime, desperately clinging to a piece of driftwood with waning strength as he’s battered by stormy waves.

And then something drags him under, something wrapped around his legs and pulling him down, down, deeper, as he struggles, chokes on water, not having had enough time to drag in a lungful of air. It infuses him with a sense of panic, this familiar feeling of drowning, of not being able to drag air into his lungs, even as a flash of lightning cuts across the sky somewhere far overhead.

But before his lungs can give out, something is shoved into his mouth, something salty and stringy. It tastes foul on his tongue, but his body isn’t working right. Or something pins his heavy limbs in place, he can’t actually tell. And whatever is pushed into is mouth is held there until he has no choice but to swallow.

The taste doesn’t get any better, but instead of choking for air, he’s suddenly choking on a mouthful of water, the pressure gone from his lungs as he hears what he thinks is a voice murmuring nearby.

But that’s impossible. Isn’t it? Is he already dead? ]

[ Another tentacle brushes Sylvain's hair back as Basch reaches out to cup his warm face. His body is warm, a want growing in him. He's dreamed of this for a long time, and this isn't how he'd meant it to happen, but he's glad it did, because his sunset-haired sailor would likely have perished if Basch had not been here to save him. ]

You can breathe now. You're safe.

[ Well, from the storm and the water anyway. Seeing him near-drowning like that made Basch's heart sick, but his lower regions stir, and his eyes rake over Sylvain's mouth, already wondering what it would look like with one of his sinuous limbs pressed down it. ]

[ Still dazed from the ship and the storm and the violent seas, there’s no resistance in him, no struggle. More confused than alarmed, he plinked at the face floating in the water in front of him. Speaking words he can both hear and understand.

Which… makes no sense. That should be impossible. Why isn’t he drowning? ]

I don’t… I don’t understand.

I saved you.

[ It’s gentle, but proud. ]

As long as I have you, nothing else will hurt you.

[ But he’s too distracted by that wide-eyed, bedraggled face, and as he speaks their lips get closer until they’re pressed together, slow and hungry. ]

[ The noise he makes into that kiss is more surprised than anything else. Something about this still feels... off. Like maybe he shouldn't be sinking into the strange warmth of it. Trying to lean in closer as those lips claim his, his own parting in silent invitation.

his head is still swimming and thoughts... are harder than they should be right now, so he doesn't bother. It's easier, to let himself sink into whatever fantasy is unfolding around him. There's a strange sense of trust so deeply seated in him that he feels no fear as this stranger wraps around him and kisses him breathless.

If anything, he craves more of it. ]

Edited 2024-06-17 04:47 (UTC)

[ Kisses him breathless, tongue invading the other's mouth, even as he feels arousal take his own body. It's different, like this, and his tentacles are what change, the suckers beginning to line with a secretion that will fan the other's hunger.

But they need skin for that, and begin to press down wet fabric, sliding down leg and arm hole, shredding useless clothing as they proceed. ]

[ The kiss certainly isn't making his head spin any less and his hands end up reaching for the man (man?), clinging to him just to have something solid under his hands. He moans into the kiss, low and husky. He feels... He doesn't know what they are, actually? Hands? Limbs? slide along his own body and he shivers at the feel of that, the warmth of them in the cool water, craving that heat. It feels... comforting, in its own way, which he doesn't stop to think about either.

And then he feels the fabric of his clothing pulled taut, and then give as it rips away. Dizzy and dazed as he is, he still manages to make a quiet noise of protest into that kiss keeping his mouth occupied. He feels like he should protest that, even if the thought is a brief one before it's chased away.

Chased away by the feeling of dozen's of tiny mouths latching slickly onto his skin, making his breath hitch, and then he gasps into the kiss as he squirms. ]

[ It's better than he imagined. He has full feeling in the tentacles, and it's maddening feeling so much of Sylvain under his grip.

Even if it tugs at his mind. How had he imagined this? How long? How did they meet? How--?

The sound of protest takes his attention. Some part of him feels like he ought to slow down, to check if this is alright, but some stronger heat flares, and instead he doubles down, other tentacles coming to help remove the fabric, tongue pressing deeper into Sylvain's mouth. That squirming is delicious. He wants more. Wants Sylvain hungry and senseless before he fills him. ]

[ Basch somehow manages to deepen the kiss even more, even if Sylvain has no idea how.

It feels like those mouths are everywhere. That would make more sense, if he realized his clothing were completely gone now, leaving him bared and naked in the tentacles' grip. But he's far too distracted by the sensation. Sucking, slick, sliding. His skin heats beneath those dozens of tiny mouths, and he distantly wonders if that's just because this man himself is so warm? Is it spreading to him? he shivers again, squirms some more, but even he can't tell if its away or towards or... maybe just to move. ]

Edited 2024-06-20 03:17 (UTC)

[ He wanted to wait until the other gasped and begged, but the more he reacts, the more impatient Basch becomes. His tentacles continue to shift, some holding Sylvain tigther, while others stroke his inner thigh or the soft skin of his neck.

One presses between the cleft of his ass, not pressing in yet, but Basch gives a shuddering moan, heat building in him as his own fluid builds in his appendage. ]

I've been dreaming about this for such a long time.

[ He catches Sylvain's face, wanting to see him, feel him, as that tentacle presses to his opening. He gives a shudder himself, liquid spilling from his tip to slicken his prey, his desire. ]

But you're always better than I imagine.

[ It feels like those touches, those mouths, are everywhere at once, and if he could think straight right now, he'd wonder how that was possible. he can't though, thinking so disjointed and so easily interrupted by the next wave of sensation as Basch explores somewhere new. Places he'd never thought of as sensitive before somehow heat and tingle and shiver beneath the slick slide of those limbs, the dozens of tiny mouths that suck redness into his skin beneath their relentless suction. he can only moan and gasp and writhe, completely caught and overwhelmed by the assault on his senses.

And then he feels one press up between his legs, rubbing against the cleft of his ass, its tip probing his entrance in a way that has his body arching with a choked whimper, finally breaking free from the kiss. His body tries to drag in a lungful of air, but of course there is none here, and it's a good thing Basch gave him the ability to breathe down here because he definitely would have just drowned himself.

The sensation shoots along his nerves like lightning, the limb teasing around the tight ring of muscle, it's surface somehow slicker than the water around them. His skin heats and he moans, eyes going half-lidded and unfocused, an expression caught between hunger and bliss on his face for Basch to drink in. ]

You've... dreamed? Of this?

[ That expression is perfect and he lets out a moan of his own, grip tightening on Sylvain's jaw even as he follows the arch of the other's back and neck. Heat races through him, and he wants to touch Sylvain with every inch of himself that he can, even as heat builds below his belly. He wants all of him, over and over, until the other is limp and dazed and clinging to him. ]

Ever since I saw you. I wanted it to be me.

[ He's unaware of the way the memory is blending with the fantasy, the sort of dream logic he doesn't question.

Even more unaware that his activated suit is driving him forward. That intruding tentacle pushes farther, slick and tapered, its cups teasing the inside of Sylvain even as it seeks out that sensitive bundle of nerves. His own eyelids flutter, a satisfied groan as he feels the tightness, the warmth. Another tentacle pulls at Sylvain's nipple, and the one on his thigh teases the underside of his balls. ]

I want to drown you in pleasure.

[ He's already doing that, driven to utter distraction as Sylvain writhes, held in place but squirming what little as he can as that tentacle presses into him, the tiny mouths now inside and teasing against his most sensitive places. He arches with a desperate cry as one latches onto his prostate, sending lightning sparks of blinding pleasure along his nerves. Making his cock jolt against his stomach, thickening further as the pleasure grows.

Wherever those slick, teasing surfaces touch, his skin grows heated, tingling with sensitivity, until it feels as if it is everywhere at once. All-encompassing, until he can focus on nothing else except for the grip of Basch's limbs holding him in place, seeking out his most sensitive places. He gasps raggedly for breath, lost to the pleasure and unable to focus on anything else. And still, it grows thicker, wrapping around him. Making him burn. ]

Please...!

[ His eyes drink in that ecstasy across his face, then down to the other's thickening cock, entranced and triumphant. Even as his own body shivers, feeling so much of Sylvain and also wanting more, more.

The tentacle already pressing inside him coils further, and at that beautiful gasping beg, another slides across his chin, wiggling between his lips and beginning to explore his mouth. Basch's eyelids flutter shut, hands clamping around the other's middle with the added sensation, pulling their torsos flush so he can grind that burning cock between them. There's a momentary desire to have it inside him, but it fades, his mind having to rearrange around the fantasy, that this body has no lower entrance.

But, he knows where he wants Sylvain to finish, after Basch has gotten to watch his tentacle crawl down the other's throat. He's going to fuck all of him at once. ]

Every inch of you is mine.

[ The tentacle inside of him somehow seems to thicken, moving deeper inside of him, stretching him open and leaving slick heat in its wake as it explores. Those tiny sucking mouths continue to torment and tease, and it feels the deeper that appendage moves, the thicker it gets, stretching him until muscles burn. Until his body trembles and shakes. Muscles are clenched tight around him as he gasps and writhes, to no avail. And there's that thick pressure, relentless now, sliding constantly against his prostate, with no relief.

Not that he wants any, not when it feels better than anything he can ever remember experiencing. He feels drunk on it already, and he hasn't even come.

Mouth open as he moans and gasps for breath, resistance doesn't even occur to him when he feels something prod at his spread lips and then press inside. Filling him from both ends. This one is slicked with that same strange substance and he feels it coat his lips, his tongue, making them heat and tingle as his flesh had done. It somehow tastes both spicy and sweet at the same time and he finds himself sucking on it hungrily, chasing the flavor. His tongue slides along it's length, exploring in return, feeling those tiny suctions here, too, and sucking back with a wanton moan vibrating around the length filling his mouth now. It sends a new surge of heat rushing through him, making his head spin, as if whatever now coated his tongue had a far more intoxicating effect here than it did where spread on his skin elsewhere.

Those husky words wash over him, striking a chord that has those muffled moans hitting an even more needy timbre now, something in him trembling at the force of that claim. How much he craved that right now. Wanting to feel Basch over every inch he can reach. It didn't matter if it was on his skin or pressing within him, he wanted all of it. Everywhere. ]

[ Gods it's so much better than he imagined. Sylvain doesn't just allow it, he invites it, his body writing so beautifully, his body taking Basch so wantingly. It's breathtaking, feeling that ass clench around him as Sylvain literally sucks against his other appendage. It's still not enough, and Basch squeezes him tighter, tentacles tugging Sylvain's legs farther apart, twisting his arms behind his back, tugging at his hair -- all a need to overstimulate, to overwhelm.

He's rewarded with those beautiful moans, the vibration shaking his entire body. He claims his prize, and the echoing agreement fans Basch's heat to an inferno, body swaying as his need for release only grows. He'd wanted to taste the other on his tongue, but now it's impossible to look away from that face as the ecstasy builds, and so it's his hand that goes to Sylvain's cock, stroking it slowly as yet another tentacle comes to wrap around balls and the lower shaft. ]

You will want no other's touch after I have had you.

[ His head is swimming too much right now to really parse that claim. Even if he might not even have refuted it otherwise, at the moment, it seemed right. Basch's touch was all-consuming, the most incredible and intense sensations he'd ever felt that even right now, he couldn't imagine ever wanting anything else. Not when this felt like everything.

Eyes dazed and half-lidded as he's filled, as he's fucked, there's still no resistance in his limbs as Basch maneuvers him into whatever position he wants him. Pliant and eager as his arms are bound behind his back, as his legs are pulled further apart and similarly bound in how they're wrapped up in hungry grasping tentacles. His hair is tugged, pulling his head back, and it allows for that tentacle in his mouth to slip deeper, pressing against the back of his throat, choking off the next moan that followed it.

His cock is achingly erect against his stomach, jolting and leaking as pleasure shivers through him, assaulted from so many sides he can't even tell it apart now. The water feels cool on his overheated skin and any movement around him has it caressing too-sensitive skin and making him writhe, making him tighten around the tentacles pressing into him from either end.

And then yet another wraps around the base of his cock, his balls, tighening in a suckin squeeze. he's lost track of how many that actually is now, how many places Basch grips him, touches him, restrains him, fills him. It's everywhere, and he aches. His hips try to buck up into the stroke of that hand, a desperate keen muffled around the tentacle filling his mouth, but with how he's bound and held, it's an impossible effort. But it does emphasize the helpless position he's being held in, how completely exposed and vulnerable he is to Basch's exploration, the teasing touches and press of all those limbs around him, inside him. And how he's so desperate for more. ]

[ Any pretense to drag this out is gone. He just wants, fiercely, and he's going to take. Sylvain struggling so pleasantly against him only drives that heat higher, and his tentacles slink tighter, tug further, tease deeper, searching for limits, searching for release.

Because Basch is flush from head to sensitive tips, entire body pulsing with want. He can feel the tension coiling in him, threatening to explode, his own breath ragged as he drinks in how beautiful Sylvain is, how drowned he looks choking on that tentacle even as tongue and ass clench around Basch, begging for more, how he feels the vibrations of Sylvain's moans everywhere.

Basch's hand wraps around that leaking cock, thumb teasing the head as he starts a relentless pace, everything pushing, pushing, wanting to break, wanting to explode, and he pulls Sylvain close to him in every way he can, pinching skin, straining muscles, penetrating deep, deep--

Basch cries out first, his spine arching as all eight of his appendages tighten and then spew of a sticky, salty substance that leaves him dizzy, heat blissfully wracking through him, eyes wide and hungry and sated as he knows this human has been forever marked as his, as his eyes continue to drink in the way the other's body takes so much of him, and his hand doesn't falter, wanting the release to be so all-consuming the other can only fall limply into his arms. ]

[ He’ll get his wish.

If only because it’s so much, so fast. He can feel that tension building, is vaguely aware of it in the back of his mind, even as he’s lost to the building heat, the need, the desperate hunger. Those fingers around his cock have a garbled scream vibrating around the tentacle deep in his throat now, the sound raw and muffled as his body arches, the stimulation too much…

And then Basch is spilling with a cry and that seed pours into each of his holes. Deep inside him with a thick, pulsing heat that almost makes his stomach cramp with how full and fast he’s filled. It spills down his throat too, and he swallows desperately, trying to take every drop, even when some part of him knows that it’s too much. That thick sweetness on his tongue even more intoxicating now as it pours inside of him from both ends.

And the rest, it splashes and coats his skin, despite the fact that they’re underwater. it has no effect and Sylvain feels the tingling heat of it as it coats his limbs, his chest, his stomach. It drips down onto his cock, making the skin there even more sensitive, just like the slickness earlier had.

It’s too much. Oversensitive and overstimulated, he can only tremble as his body bucks, arches… and then spills messily over Basch’s fingers, cock pulsing with the force of his orgasm as he spills and spills. His cries are muffled around the tentacle still in his throat and his entire body shakes with the force of his pleasure.

Only to, yes, go limp in the other man’s grip in the aftermath, utterly spent and dazed and breathless. Too wrung out by the intensity of his pleasure to even be able to focus on anything beyond that. Nothing else was important, and his body all but hummed from the pleasure, trembling still as his cock still jolted with the aftershocks of that pleasure. ]

[ Sylvain is even more beautiful, desperate and cresting over his edge. Maybe it's too much. Maybe he's killed this human, and that would be terrible, but is it really such an awful way to go? They are so fragile.

Seeing him covered in Basch's seed, though, drives him wild, even with his own body falling into languid satisfaction, and he rubs the other with fanned heat, his hand sped by his own slick. It's hardly a moment before the other is arching, frozen and screaming around him and utterly, unfathomably perfect.

The tentacles retreat, caressing over him gently, guiding him into Basch's arms. For a moment he does worry the other has expired, like a rabbit so startled its heart burst. But no, he's just dazed, and its arms that anchor their warmth together, Basch murmuring nothings as he pushes Sylvain's hair from his face.

But something wasn't right. Time skipped, the ending of their encounter playing again -- and then it felt like he'd been holding Sylvain like this for hours. His brow furrowed, trying to grip the other harder, but his arms felt empty, and why was his cock hard?

He was suddenly aware of bright light, and heat on his skin. He clung to Sylvain, vulnerable and dazed in his arms, but it was no use.

Which was why the man's name was urgently on his lips when he came to, blinking into the too-bright sun. He scrabbled around, dizzy and disoriented, trying to clear his vision.

There was Sylvain, on the bench beside him, breathing and dry. A dream. It was a dream. A very...embarrassing and explicit dream.

Still, he can't help reaching out, a hand on the other's leg, yearning for the piece of that story that was cut off, the warm quiet nestling together, the protecting what was his when it was so dependent. Which reminded him that he was on the beach with a raging hard-on, but at least that Sylvain would probably laugh about. ]

[ Sylvain jolts awake a moment later at the feel of that hand on his leg. His eyes are wide and dark and his cock... no, he definitely spilled in his dreams, how embarrassing. He hasn't done that since he was a teenager. Except his body is still thrumming with heated pleasure, the echo of those touches, the desperation that had filled him.

Even as he jolts up on one elbow, skin flushed and eyes wide and dark, he can feel the way his pulse races, the way he's still out of breath.

He stares at Basch, lips parted in shock as his mind tries to wrap around what had just happened. ]

Holy shit.

[ Something is...off. He senses it before he can really focus, eyes raking over Sylvain in concern. Dark eyes, heavy breathing, wetness showing...His grip tightens momentarily, and without realizing what he's doing, he moves from his lounge chair to Sylvain's, a hand going to the other's forehead like he's feeling for a fever.

Even as he's flushing, because he's got a creeping suspicion he knows what the cause was. ]

Are you alright?

[ And that need to cradle the other, make sure he comes down safely and softly, hasn't dispersed. ]

[ He needs a moment to blink at the other man, disoriented from going from one scene to another, because it had felt so vivid, so real. His body still aches with it, in fact, almost as if it had been.

Then again, with how strange the magic in this place was, maybe it had been. Somehow.

He licks bitten lips and swallows before managing a nod, searching Basch's face with eyes that are still too dark, pupils dilated and blown wide. ]

I... yes? Are you?

[ Basch frowns, hands drifting to both stabilize the other and tuck him close, draping Sylvain's legs over his lap, entwining their bodies.

Which...he shouldn't do. Because Sylvain is going to have every right to reject him. Maybe that's why he's doing it. One last selfish caress, because gods it will hurt if the other man really does pull back. ]

I think I owe you an apology.

[ Sylvain just blinks at him again, confused. ]

What? Why?

[ Normally he might have been able to follow that jump, but his brains are still a little scrambled here and he's definitely navigating this conversation slower than usual. ]

[ His brow creases further, heart aching as he starts to worry that he's actually overdone it. It doesn't matter that he wasn't himself. ]

I...you had the same dream? With me, and a shipwreck, and...tentacles?

[ He's so red as he says it, still cradling Sylvain, trying not to tremble at the admission. ]

I think that was my fault. I -- it's something I've fantasized about. I had no idea it would manifest anywhere outside private thoughts.

[ And...he feels like he took advantage of Sylvain. That in the dream, he wanted to take advantage. That it felt so good scares him. ]

Edited 2024-07-12 01:53 (UTC)

[ Another slow blink. And then another.

And then, Sylvain just... gives a quiet snort of surprised laughter before giggling. ]

And just how long have you been fantasizing about this? It's been since the bathhouse, hasn't it?

[ That's....not the sound he's expecting. Or reaction. And while his fear is rapidly diminishing, so is his confidence. ]

I...yes? I'm sorry. I should have expected this place to capitalize on something like that, and I never asked your permission--

[ He buries his nose in Sylvain's hair like he could hide there. ]

[ This just has him giggle harder as he tangles his fingers in Basch's hair, letting him hide his face for a moment before he drags him back up to kiss him deeply.

His amber eyes are warm and dancing with both affection and laughter. ]

Basch. Darling. You never have to apologize for giving me one of the most intense orgasms of my life. You did not take advantage of me. Trust me, you did nothing to me I wasn't aching to have you do. I might not have come up with the idea, but in case you hadn't noticed, I didn't mind it in the least. Especially if it's you, love.

[ That last snippet of affection slips out without him even realizing he'd said it, so distracted by the surge of fond amusement as he tries to make Basch stop beating himself up over a perfectly delightful dream they'd both thoroughly enjoyed. ]

[ He's already reeling from the laughter and affection, anchored by the kiss more than anything. Then. That nickname -- a new one. Darling. Sylvain has been looser with them lately. Basch hadn't been sure at first if they had been teasing or some blanket flirting the other had picked up, but it's hard not to feel like they're for him with the other kissing him like that, laughing at him in a way that makes him feel oddly foolish and deeply safe all at once.

And his eyes are already widening at how thoroughly Sylvain is expressing liking Basch's ridiculous fantasy.

And then his heart skips, ears ringing as his lips part. He...did he hear that right? That's...not something he really ever expected to hear on Sylvain's lips, and the way the other is grinning at him, he's not...sure he knows he said it...

Frozen like a cornered hare, but only for a moment. The next he's surging against Sylvain, kissing him like he needs it to breathe, holding him like he had in the water, wishing for a moment he could hold him with all those extra appendages, feel all of him, keep him entirely entwined and safe and here, indefinitely. ]

[ He makes a sudden muffled sound of surprise when Basch all but flings himself at him once more, wrapped up around him in a way so reminiscent of the dream they’d just shared, Sylvain’s almost ready to pinch himself to make sure he’s really awake.

But it has him reassessing what he’d just said, unsure what had gotten him this vehement of a reaction. Surely it wasn’t just his easy acceptance of Basch’s unusual fantasy. But what else…?

He stills, realizing several seconds later what he’d said. For a moment, his mind freezes, spinning, as if it will spiral into a panic over ever confessing something like that.

But this is Basch. And if anyone would ever take that word and protect it rather than turn around and wield it as a weapon against him, it was the man wrapped around him, kissing him breathless.

Which is what has him relaxing back into that fond amusement again. But softer, this time. Almost tender, as he lifts his hands to cradle them to either side of Basch’s face. ]

[ Sylvain tenses, and Basch has no doubt the other is realizing what he's said. He doesn't ease his own affection, but he waits to react, feeling out if this is something that needs to be handled delicately.

It only takes the other a moment to relax in his hold, and when he does, there's a softness there Basch has sensed before, but that has never been so forward. It makes his heart swell.

And Sylvain is entirely right in his read. The only thoughts going through Basch are how deeply he wants to protect his sweet fox and the vulnerability he's entrusted Basch with, even if it's from Basch himself being too overbearing. Right now, though, he doesn't feel worried that that's an issue.

He pulls back just a little, nuzzling against the other as a hand gently traces through his hair, his turn to laugh. ]

You know, I slipped, on your birthday, and nearly called you that. I wasn't sure if it would be welcome, but I suppose per usual my worry was for naught.

[ He gives a quiet laugh at that, resting his forehead against Basch’s as he lets his eyes close again. ]

I dunno. There was probably a 50/50 chance of it either being fine, or prompting a complete freakout. [ his lips quirk in a rueful grin, looking a little sheepish. He knows himself too well. And the things that can cause him to start panicking, often over nothing. Or just too many past ghosts. ]

Usually when that word got invoked back home - or I suspected it was about to be - that was about the time I started looking around for the nearest door. Or window.

[ He had read it right then. But he wanted Sylvain to know he'd returned the sentiment, and to feel out how the other would react, and this was plenty good for him, especially with the other staying so close and open. ]

Shall I find you a door or window then? [ he teases, not missing the sheepishness in the admission. ]

To be clear, though, my feelings are meant as a gift, not a leash. You do not have to return them, nor do I expect anything different of you than we already have. I...suspect that was not the case in these past experiences.

[ He...does know something of words being used as ropes and subterfuge and obligation, even if he was typically caught on the earnest side of them. ]

[ He gives a quiet scoff, because Basch is more right than he knows. ]

A leash is pretty accurate, yeah. I was considered quite the catch. Or a challenge. Between my Crest and my title, if someone managed to snag me - or ensnare me - they’d be set for life. Some sought me in ambition, in desperation, or just for the challenge of it. It’s why I so rarely ever repeated a night with the same person. It was too dangerous in forming an attachment - from either end. I didn’t want to encourage it - never met anyone that really tempted me to want to encourage it.

[ his gaze flits up to meet Basch’s once more, though. Searching his face, and then pressing a kiss to the corner of his lips. ]

‘Til here, anyway. So no, no doors or windows needed. I know where they are. But for the first time… your feelings are mine. Not about my Crest or my position or my riches. That’s the biggest gift anyone’s ever given me in itself.

[ Basch clasps the other's face gently, eyes sad. ] I have always been miserable at grasping the importance of titles and rank [ he jests in full truth. ] Though I've certainly watched the pressures hurt many I've cared about. It is an isolating to carry.

[ But the way Sylvain searches him and finds what he's looking for softens Basch's expression, as do his words. It spreads warmth in him, and pride, and something else. Disbelief, acceptance. ]

I'm that much more honored you took a chance on seeing me again when we first met, little fox. And I have no interest in leashing you. I like exactly who you are, and I like seeing you happy, regardless if I am the cause.

[ It feels important to confirm that. He doesn't want this word to become a weight instead of the joy that it is. ]

You are, so often.

[ He smiles as he leans in to kiss the other man. Still feeling a little sheepish and self-conscious, especially speaking about topics like this. He still marveled that he'd grown so attached to Basch - and so quickly - that a conversation like this was even possible. ]

For all that this place has been a challenge, I can't bring myself to regret any of it. If only because I've met you. I never expected to find someone like you.

[ It’s his turn to feel sheepish and self-conscious, even if he smiles as he flushes. He doesn’t consider himself good with this sort of thing, but as in all things, he can offer the earnest truth. ]

That’s mutual. I had long resigned myself to only flings and being used, and feared this place was punishment for my failures at home. Now I think both are false. It is as you say. I cannot regret meeting you, and so I cannot believe this place is inherently bad or unlucky.

But — I still don’t think I expected you to feel the same. I am glad to be wrong.

Me, too.

[ He gives a quiet, self-deprecating laugh at that, even as his lips quirk in a rueful smile. ]

I’d long since resigned myself to the same. This… Finding anything beyond shallow temporary pleasures was not something I even let myself consider as possible. I’m glad to be wrong.

And you, [ he adds, with a playful nip to Basch’s lower lip. ] deserve no punishment anyway.

[ That gets a low chuckle from him, and a nip back. ]

Unless you're the one delivering my punishment.

[ Then his grin spreads, shaking his head. ] Did you really enjoy surrendering to me that thoroughly? I should not be surprised, with your birthday and the Naked Yolk before this, but I admit I still am. And that I like having you there, tentacles or no. [ Which he doesn't quite get out without turning red. ]

[ Sylvain just starts laughing again at the sight of that flush, leaning in to kiss him fondly. ]

Did you think I was faking it? I assure you, I was not. I can't say it's something I would have thought to suggest, but it was far more enjoyable with you than that time in the bathhouse.

[ He doesn't specify that it was Basch himself that made it better, but he also feels that's pretty clearly implied. ]

[ Sylvain's laugh pulls Basch's in turn. Or maybe it's just easy to laugh with how light he feels. He knows that this conversation -- both components of it -- could have gone much worse. ]

Not faking. Just...I didn't know how much was this place's influence.

[ He thinks now, very little.

And turns a darker shade of red, as he returns that fond kiss before admitting ] When it happened then, even in that haze, I was wishing it was me touching you. I suppose it grew from there. I -- feeling so much of you at once was certainly an experience I enjoyed.

[ And that image of ecstasy, while Sylvain clamped around every piece of him, would live dearly in his memory. ]

[ Sylvain just grins, leaning in and stealing another kiss. Just because he can. ]

I prefer it when it’s you touching me, too.

[ Three days has passed since their meeting. Sylvain had laid in Basch's lap a good long while after their coupling, letting the older man pet and stroke him to lulled submission. Eventually, Basch had extricated himself, making sure attendants took Sylvain to his own quarters, where he could bathe and eat and lounge and do just about anything other than leave the floor.

And then he had made himself scarce. Tended to business, ate out with friends, grinned at questions of his purchase but revealed nothing.

When he returns to the floor Sylvain is on, it's with no preamble, though he has told the attending staff to be scarce. He knows which wines have the affect of making Sylvain needy, should he need them. ]

Pet [ he calls, cheery ] Where have you gotten off to?

[ Sylvain has been going out of his mind.

He'd never been one to deal well with idleness well and now was no exception, especially since he found himself some pampered sort of prisoner with no real freedoms to speak of. He couldn't leave, he couldn't get word to anyone outside of this place. While the servants saw to his every need, his requests and attempts at conversation garnered no attention or response.

He felt like a ghost.

And there'd been no sight of the man who'd 'bought' him. Something he's irritatingly relieved about for the first two days, but the longer he's trapped here, the longer the isolation sets in, he begins to suspect that even that man's return would be better than being trapped and invisible.

Still when he hears that voice, he jolts in alarm, immediately bracing in wary caution, eyes fixed on the direction that voice had come. Just because he was relieved someone had remembered he existed didn't mean he was eager to come face to face with his owner again. ]

[ He passes casually down the hall, stopping at each doorway to glance in. He's not in a hurry. ]

Ah, there you are. [ Now that he has an audience, he'll strip off his gloves, draping against whatever chair or couch is nearby, eyes drinking Sylvain in. Tense. Strong and beautiful.

Some day, his pet will warm at the sight of his return. He looks forward to the game in getting there. ]

[ Sylvain has no intention of that being anytime soon. Something that's evident with the wary way he watches Basch come in and strip off his gloves. The startled look that crosses his face almost hints that he'd stripped off something far more scandalous, as is the wary step backwards he takes. ]

Where else would I be? You won't let me leave.

[ And he's definitely resentful over that fact. ]

I will when I'm certain getting you to return won't be a chore for me or a trauma for you [ he says cheerily. He doesn't miss that Sylvain flinches as his gloves coming off, nor that he takes a step back. But he doesn't attack, and doesn't tell him to go away either. ]

Are the quarters not to your liking? We can have more brought in for you. Just say the word.

I don't want more, I want to leave them!

[ His answer is vehement as his brows furrow and he glares at the other man. Maybe it was the fact that he was still trapped here, or that the man had just implied he was a 'chore'. He was already plenty traumatized, thanks. ]

I could take you with me.

[ He says it casually, examining a cuff of his sleeve. Sylvain would have to be leashed in some way, of course, at least until Basch was sure he wouldn't run. ]

It is not my goal to keep you prisoner indefinitely.

[ That doesn’t lessen his glare. In fact, he just scoffs at that claim. ]

Liar. You have no intention of letting me go. You’ve proven that.

[ It doesn’t occur to him that Basch might have other plans for him. But he’s right about one thing - Sylvain would definitely run if he had the opportunity. He hasn’t exactly softened in that desire in the days he’s been left alone here and bored out of his mind.

And he’d been very deliberately not thinking about the details of their first meeting, because that way lay madness and he refused to surrender like that again. ]

Ah, so you know we well now, do you? [ It's a cheery question, and he looks up this time, grinning. ] I suppose we did get close last time.

[ And watches for the reaction. He'd like to get Sylvain to warm up to him without the ease of substances, but it was a tall order, he knew. Still. He was curious if there was any want in the memory. ]

[ If there is any want, it's quickly stuffed down beneath a flush of awareness and a spark of fury in amber eyes.

His stubbornness isn't going to ease that swiftly, sorry, Basch. You did say his will was one of the things you admired, and that's certainly not wavering just yet. He's still too pissed at being held here to leave much room for much else.

Especially because being reminded of it just has him pissed all over again. ]

We did not!

Quite a spirited protest, if it simply wasn't true.

[ There's still a quirk to his lips. He does admire how stubborn Sylvain is. And doesn't regret this plot to keep the man safe and political machinations at bay. Even if he's enjoying this game a good deal more than the other man. ]

It seems we've gotten off on the wrong foot. Have a drink with me? We could play cards, or maybe you'd like to spar? Get some of that energy out?

[ He's still glaring, arms crossing stubbornly over his chest. He doesn't trust any of those offers, especially after how their first meeting had gone. ]

Why are you here? What do you want?

I want to spend time with my new pet. And seeing as time to adjust has not cooled him off, I think a walk would be an excellent activity.

[ Around Sylvain's neck, there's still the collar from their first day. Basch hasn't really made use of it, but it's laced with compulsion magic that has had three days to bond to its new wearer. ]

Go put on something sexy, then come back here so I can get you ready.

[ He watches, face placid but gaze curious, to see what Sylvain does with the new element of his being a pet. ]

[ He'd all but forgotten about the collar, actually. Oh, he's aware it's there, but ever since Basch had commanded him that he would leave it on, their last visit together, it... hadn't actually occurred to him to disobey, to fidget with it, to try and take it off just to spite the man. Which he would have, but it's also not occurring to him that that is weird, too.

But that's because he has had several days now for the magic to continue sinking into him. Wrapping around his mind without him even realizing it's subtly affecting him. And it is, has been working on creeping through the careful walls of his will, like a vine spreading over the entire surface and making it's own cracks towards what is hidden inside. Places for his new master's "suggestions" to find more fertile ground without him realizing how he is starting to bend for them. How much he will start to crave them, in fact.

The words are phrased as a command and he feels himself rising without even thinking to question it. Basch has been careful, up till now, to keep the conversation light and open-ended, not offering anything that would influence that magic, but these words are different. For a moment, it's like his mind blanks out, none of the expected resistance or stubbornness rising to the surface.

Instead, Basch will get a glimpse of what his pet will be like when he does have him fully trained, sort of. He has a long way to work before he gets there, but the magic of the collar will make that task infinitely easier, with much less mess.

In fact, Sylvain doesn't even wonder at that command - or why he's obeying it almost eagerly - until he's standing in front of his closet, bewildered by what the hell Basch would consider sexy and wondering why the hell he cares? But his hands quickly sort through the options on display, discarding most of them immediately. He remembers what Basch had dressed him in that first night and despite the fact that he's uncomfortable with the thought of being on display like that again, he reaches for a hanger that shows something similar, grumbling under his breath as he tugs it free.

It's a mix of tight fabric, clingy mesh, and outright sheer fabric that leaves very little to the imagination. Covers just enough to be decent, in fact, and not an inch more. He shudders as he slips into it, a glance at his reflection showing just how revealing it is. he tells himself that shudder comes from dread of whatever is to come, but the fact that he's half-aroused with anticipation says otherwise.

Still very grumpy about his outfit - but also still not questioning that he'd agreed so willingly in the first place - he comes back out to the sitting room where Basch waits for him. Clearly very self-conscious about what he's currently wearing - or not wearing, as it were. And maybe a little eager to see if he'd pleased the other man with his choice.

Not that he's thinking about that. At all. ]

[ While Sylvain is gone, Basch rises, going to an armoire of various toys and charms. He takes him time selecting, settling on a weighted chain to accent the glinting nipple rings he'd noticed last time -- his pet must like them stimulated, if that was a choice he made for himself.

And the stimulation will be tantalizing.

But this is training too, and so he selects an enchanted toy to fill him with, something to clench on, to feel constantly. And if Basch so wants to, he can use the attached charm to make it vibrate. Lastly, he'll put a ring on him, to collar him further, and to be clear Sylvain only comes for him. Some day, that won't need to be clarified. His pet will surrender, and it will be bliss.

He's laid his selections out and returned to a chair beside them when Sylvain returns. He raises a brow in appreciation. ]

Come here [ he purrs, holding his hands out. ] Oh, very good. You look absolutely tantalizing. I was not expecting the shortness of these. A preference of yours? No matter. All the better to show you off. Now -- let's finish getting you ready.

[ He reaches over for the chain first. ] What do you think of this?

[ He almost wants to turn around and flee back into the dressing room and not come back out. But Basch's words have his feet crossing the room to bring him to stand before him without him even thinking about it. Although his face is still twisted up in an expression of embarrassed shame and irritation that he's being put through this.

He's very much ignoring the flush spreading over his skin at the man's praise, determined to dismiss that as yet more shame and not a quiet pleasure at having pleased and satisfied the order he'd been given.

Instead, he busies himself eyeing the short chain suspiciously. ] Looks a little short to tie me back up. [ he really hopes that's not actually a leash, like the man had threatened... ]

Oh, don't feel shy, pretty. You did perfectly. [ There's a warm chuckle to his reassurance as he briefly cups his pet's face. He suspects, some day, Sylvain will revel in this. ]

It is too short to tie you up, and I would use something softer. Unless you have a preference for chains. [ He raises a brow, but doesn't push further. ] No, it's for these.

[ He delicately tugs a nipple ring from behind the mesh, intentionally letting some of the warmth of his fingers skate over skin, and attaches the chain, letting some of the weight uncoil as he skims for the second. Slow, deliberate, a smile on his face as his eyes glance up to see Sylvain's reaction. ]

[ Something in him squirms at the praise and his breath hitches as Basch cups his face in warm hands. That flush gets a little more noticeable now, but Sylvain refuses to meet the man's gaze, still stubbornly trying to ignore the physical reactions he keeps having.

Although it's much more difficult to ignore when fingers come to play with his sensitive nipple, the piercing that had been partially tucked away behind the mesh. The spaces are wide enough that the small hoop can be tugged out and he bites back a curse when Basch attaches the weighted chain to one end, making it tug and pull - not painful, but enough that it has a shudder slipping down his spine at the stimulation.

When the second one is clipped into place, a breathless whimper escapes him, despite his attempts to stifle that as well. His breath comes in soft, hitching pants for air, eyes dark as he tries to squirm away from those fingers, but it's too late. And the movement only has that chain swaying with the motion, tugging on both piercings as it shifts and sways.

Goddess. This is going to be torture. ]

[ Basch splays his hand across that warm torso, feeling the checkerboard of skin and fabric as he looks into Sylvan's flushed -- dare he even say shy -- face. ]

You are perfect [ he says warmly, before sliding a finger over the chain to tug just enough. ] And like this more than I imagined. Can't have you too wound up in public though, hmm? Undo your pants for me. And no, I won't be taking you now -- I won't until you beg me for it again.

[ He reaches to his table again, holding up the ring he's selected. It's nothing too flashy, but well made, a collar of its own sort. And a training device. He won't touch Sylvain -- not much, anyway -- without his permission, but Sylvain won't come until Basch allows it. ]

I’m not going to beg.

[ He tries to sneer the words, but that’s rather less convincing when his body jolts at the tug to the chain. And his hands obey the order without him even thinking about it, because he’s too busy glaring at Basch and trying to squirm away again to wonder why he’s even obeying that order in the first place.

His pants undone - revealing nothing beneath them, in fact, and Basch has access to his cock. It’s not hard yet, although it had been stirring with interest at the torment to his nipples. He eyes that ring with uncertain suspicion. ]

[ He flashes a cheery grin. ] That's what you said the last time. But if you don't, then we won't play today. That choice is always yours.

[ His gaze glances down and his gaze spreads at the choice to wear his pants bare. Mmmm. There's so much to work with with this one, and he will be even more of a joy when he's open to those interests. ]

Tell me if this hurts or causes any unpleasant pain today. [ Because that is not his goal. And then he takes Sylvain's cock in his hand, more procedural than anything, because he did promise not to touch without permission. But he suspects the warmth of it will be its own tease, and he works the ring up to the base. ]

I won't make you cum without you begging me, but you won't cum without my permission either. That's our arrangement.

[ He'd opened his mouth to come back with something sarcastic that would probably get him in trouble - his mouth was very good at that, after all - but then those warm calloused fingers wrap around his cock. And stroke. And whatever he'd been about to say gets choked off in a garbled curse that almost, almost melts into a moan. Eyes slam shut as his body responds, rocking into that touch without him even realizing it. Starting to harden.

It's enough that he hisses softly when he feels the first brush of cool metal against sensitive skin and his eyes fly open again as he stares down at Basch working the ring down the length of his cock. The vein along the underside pulses against the sensation, making his body jolt again, and he bites back a whimper as the man settles it snugly at the base of his arousal. ]

What are you doing?

[ His mind accepts that final order without question - even if normally that would have gotten a lot of attention. But it's an order the man had given him last time, too, and it's almost as if his brain just accepts the repetition of it without question, as if to concede that of course that is how it would be.

Even if he doesn't remember making that arrangement in the first place. Ever. ]

[ Ah, there's that hunger.

His own eyes darken, cock flaring semi-hard at the way Sylvain curses, entire body rocking toward Basch's touch. Truly, if there had been no attraction, he would never have pursued this further.

Even better that Sylvain hisses against the ring. He'll take it off, of course, when the other asks. ]

I've not intention of humiliating you while we're out, or giving anyone else any ideas of how pretty you are in the bedroom. You tell me when you want it off, and I'll bring you home and take care of you. Now, turn around. There's one more piece.

[ And gods if he doesn't look alluring flushed and curious and indignant and wanting. Basch doesn't quite push his luck, but he's tempted to cup that face, brush back that soft hair. ]

[ He might have gotten himself bitten if he’d tried. Sylvain’s irritation clearly wasn’t soothed by that explanation.

Even if he was turning around without argument, too distracted by his outrage at those words to consider why he was still going along with those commands. ]

You don’t call this humiliating?!?!

Edited 2024-09-17 00:16 (UTC)

And what's humiliating about it? You won't be leashed, you look divine, and you'll be freely walking the city with one of the most powerful men here. If anything, people will respect you more.

[ As he talks, he pulls the plug from the table, spreading lubricant on it before tugging down Sylvain's very short undergarment. He presses a finger to the other's opening, not particularly sexually, just enough to warn before he starts to work the tapered toy inside. ]

[ Considering how viscerally he’d reacted to the option of being leashed and led about town the last time Basch had brought it up, it’s no secret that he’s any less a fan of it now, still.

Still, he doubts ‘respect’ is a thing he’s going to get around here, considering Basch bought him and that he’s basically a glorified pet now.

He might have said something else, his mind busy focused on that and not paying attention to how Basch had tugged his pants a little further down, since they were still loose from being unfastened when Basch had pulled his cock out.

What he’s not expecting is to feel the cool slickness of a finger pressing at his entrance a moment later, making his body arch with a hissed gasp as his hands scrabble for the back of the nearest chair to keep from toppling over face first in surprise. At least he’s blaming it on surprise, and not the way his body shudders in remembered pleasure of last time. Everything Basch had done to him.

Everything he’d ended up begging for.

Every inch of him flushes in shame at the memory, his cock jolting against the snug restraint of the ring again and drawing another strained hiss from his lips.

And then he feels Basch start to work something into him, something thick and cool and slicked, like his finger had been, but wider still. His eyes go wide as his breath catches, body clamping down instinctively to try and keep it out. ]

D-don’t…!

[ Basch would happily point out how much better he treats his pet than is customary if he thought it would make any difference. It won't. Better to show Sylvain.

And he can't help a grin when Sylvain's body responds favorably to his touch. Sylvain may not trust him or his own desires yet, but it's clear they're there. They just need some training. ]

Sorry, love, but its customary for where we're going. You won't even notice it once it's in.

Unless you find yourself interested in me, and, well, then you only have to ask.

[ There's a gentleness, though, as he responds to Sylvain's resistance. Works it very slowly, other hand going to Sylvain's hip to stroke the skin there with his thumb, dipping down around the hip bone. Walking to line of as little sexual stimulation as possible while still conjuring the memory of how blissful and needy the other had been the last time. ]

[ Sylvain doesn’t know how he couldn’t notice it, with how it stretched him open, the flared base wide as Basch works it past the tight ring of muscle until it slips fully inside, all but the base of the plug, settling at his entrance, with the wider bulb now caught inside of him.

His breathing is coming in rapid pants, eyes wide as he grips the back of the chair to stay upright, and his body shudders, realizing that the toy isn’t going anywhere unless someone takes it out.

Oddly enough, it doesn’t occur to him to try.

His cock, fully hard now after that stimulation, the touches and stretching, Basch’s fingers making his body so vividly recall the pleasure he’d been given last time. The ring is still tight and snug about the base and he’s even more aware of its presence now than he’d been when Basch first slipped it on. ]

I won’t!

[ he’d meant that to sound defiant, but it falls short, with how strained and breathless his voice comes out as. ]

Edited 2024-09-18 02:34 (UTC)

[ Basch's cock stirs, eyes dark with wanting approval as Sylvain's whole form reacts, the other man clearly fighting his attraction and need. Tonight will be even more incredible, he wagers, when Sylvain finally gives in.

And gripping that chair makes Basch's imagination twist with fantasies of fucking him standing, or bent over the furniture. He doesn't bother trying to suppress his attraction. He'll let Sylvain see, let him think about it. ]

Then I won't take care of you tonight. As I said, it's entirely your choice.

[ He says it disinterestedly, but he lets his hand scoot lower, tracing his finger once along Sylvain's hardened cock, making sure they both know the effect this is having. And leans close enough, just for a moment, for Sylvain to feel the hardness of his own. ]

Do you want to put that away, or do you want me to do it?

[ Some part of him wonders if Sylvain would give in right here, if Basch stroked him a few more times, what with how breathless he already is. ]

[ He’s a moment away from bucking into that hand, chasing that heated friction, before those words sink in. Bring his focus back to reality. What is happening here, what Basch has been doing. What he’s let him do.

That flush is back, deeper this time, his skin feeling hot and prickly as he jerks away from Basch, almost tripping in his haste to get away from him. He scrambles to yank his pants up and closed again, glaring all the while. As if that will be enough to hide the evidence of what just happened.

It’s not. This outfit was specifically designed to hide nothing. Especially not how hard his cock was right now. Or the way it shifted the toy within him as he moved, making him hiss like an irate cat, as that flush continues to spread, a surge of shame mixed with arousal making him dizzy. ]

Get your hands off me!

[ There. That sounded slightly more convincing. (It didn’t, actually) And he’s still doing his damndest to ignore the way his skin itched for those hands to come back, to touch him again, to bring back that pleasure he’d so hastily yanked himself away from. ]

[ Basch holds his hands up in faux truce, grinning as he does. ]

I promise I'm quite finished.

[ Even if his eyes are drinking in how aroused and flushed Sylvain is, how beautiful every inch of him is in this outfit he's chosen. Oh, this will be a tease for Basch too, dreaming of playing with that outfit, or getting it off of him. Of all the wanting stares Sylvain is going to get, and the jealous looks thrown Basch's way.

How much of the night will Sylvain spend hard, he wonders, the thought only stoking his own erection, though one that isn't nearly as noticeable. ]

Shall we practice walking here first? It seems like it might be a bit of a challenge.

I don’t need to practice walking.

[ There’s a definite derisive scoff to his tone as he continues to glare at the other man. ]

I’ve been doing it since I was a toddler.

[ It hasn’t occurred to him that the toy currently lodged in his ass might affect that. Far more than he realizes. ]

[ He can't help the warm laugh that bubbles up in his throat. ]

Well, by all means then, let's depart.

[ He rises, holding the door open, offering Sylvain the cock of an eyebrow with his smile.

He suspects getting downstairs will take a few minutes. ]

[ Sylvain gets all of three steps before he realizes how much of a problem this is actually going to be. His steps falter, slow, but that smirk on the man’s lips has his stubborn defiance rearing its head once more.

He can do this.

He makes it down one whole stair step before changing his mind.

His teeth gritted beneath a clenched jaw as he shudders, body clenching tight as the toy shifts within him at the movement, he glares at Basch. ]

I can’t walk with this thing, you need to take it out.

[ Basch is entirely enraptured watching him, even if he trails behind to give Sylvain some space.

He laughs again, delighted at how sensitive the other is. ]

They told me you were stubborn, but you're giving up already? I thought you wanted to go outside.

[ He sincerely contemplates, for five whole seconds, planting his fist in the man’s face. Or maybe his crotch, considering he’s still a stair above him and laughing at him. Not that he thinks that would end well for him. But he’s tempted anyway. ]

I didn’t ask for your additions. You fucking try and walk around with one of these things!

I have [ he shrugs, the image of disinterest, but his focus is keenly on Sylvain. ] You figure it out. Or, I did. I thought you'd be a quicker study than me.

[ That… is enough to shock him into silence. At least for a moment.

Then he’s back to gritting his teeth again as that stubbornness he’s so known for rises up again and he turns back and focuses on getting down the stairs.

Basch continues to be correct. It takes him several minutes. And he’s flushed from a mixture of arousal, shame, and anger by the time he reaches the bottom. ]

[ The shock on his face is downright adorable. And Basch is not upset to give Sylvain that image of him, needy and filled.

And then, true to his reputation, the other silently fights his way down the stairs. Basch follows a few behind, partially not to crowd and partially for the excellent view. ]

There you are. Improving already [ he says cheerily, clapping the other man on the shoulder as he goes past down the hall, not missing how flushed and still aroused the other is. Not that his own has gone down much; Sylvain's too delectable like this. ]

[ He’s doing his damn best not to spare even a moment on that mental image, nope.

His fingers curled into fists, he stands there and tries to calm his breathing, tries to will his erection back down but his body isn’t listening to him. Again.

Basch’s words get an angry, wordless growl from him, a sideways glare following him down the hall. He stays there a moment, as if to stubbornly avoid the other man, but Basch had been right, he did want to go out. Needed to see anywhere outside those four walls he’d ben staring at for days now.

So he turns to follow him silently - albeit reluctantly.

The toy doesn’t make it any easier. Not even a single step. ]

[ If things go well, Basch will have a similar growl with his cock down Sylvain's throat later tonight. And if not, then soon.

He doesn't look back, but grins when he hears footsteps. He only stops when he reaches the door, holding it open for Sylvain. It's dusk outside, with a sea breeze in the air. Foot traffic is still heavy. ]

Stay close enough I can protect you if necessary [ he orders cheerily. ] Otherwise, you are free to wander.

[ Not that he thinks the other will be too keen to go quickly, what with that chain and plug. ]

We can do this regularly, you know.

[ Sylvain’s still glaring as he scoots past him, fleeing to the outside. What he’d been trying to do for days now. Except he doesn’t find what he expected. Not that he’d really known what to expect - he didn’t even know where he was, after all, except a long way from his home territory.

But spotting the port town, with vibrant buildings rising up around him. And the streets full. People dressed as Basch was, walking around freely.

And just as many, dressed as he was, following closely at their heels. No, following at the end of their leashes, he realized in growing horror. His mouth dropped open as wide eyes darted around, taking in everything around him. And already becoming aware of the curious - and hungry - gazes turning in his direction. ]

[ Basch dwindles his pace, attention on Sylvain. And a small smirk is back, watching the other's mouth fall open, eyes wide. Good boy. ]

I told you my intention was not to humiliate you.

[ And it wasn't. Nor was it to keep him entirely leashed, literally or otherwise. The fact was, Sylvain was going to end up on the market here -- if he wasn't killed first. Being in Basch's hands was absolutely the safest place for him. That they had chemistry was not Basch's fault. ]

You're unbound, so keep close enough I can defend you from unwanted advances. You are pretty enough people will try.

[ He starts walking again, relaxed but aware of their surroundings. No one is going to touch Sylvain on his watch, even if he acts calm. ]

Hungry? The street food is quite good, and there is no limit to my purse if there's something you desire.

[ He doesn't believe that first statement for an instant. Instead, he just modifies his understanding that apparently such humiliation was far more common here than it should be.

His eyes remain wide, a hint of shock in his expression as he unconsciously stays pressed close to the only familiar person in this strange place. He would hardly claim Basch was ‘safe’ by any stretch of the imagination - in his current thinking, anyway - but he was the only known in a much larger unknown than he realized he’d be facing when he stepped outside.

He thought he’d find a chance to escape, to flee, or better yet to turn the tables and maybe coax support or a rescue of some sort. Not… this. Not the realization that there would be no rescue, no help to be found outside those walls. The understanding that what Basch had brought him to was not only common, but expected.

And as he grew more and more aware of the hungry gazes watching his movements, taking note of the lack of a leash connecting him to Basch’s hand like every other pair they passed, he became more and more aware of the fact that insisting on coming out might have placed him in far more danger. Especially when some pause their movements, or even look as if they intend to follow, or approach.

His flinch has him running into Basch’s back, not realizing his pace had slowed as they passed a few street carts. ]

Try what?!

[ he intends that to sound more angry than it does, since his voice just sounds uneasy. He glares at someone nearby he stop to ogle him with an assessing gaze that makes his skin crawl. There’s a cold, cruel light in his gaze that Sylvain recognizes all too well and his breath catches, fingers curling into fists at his side. What he wears currently hides very little from that hungry gaze and he feels goosebumps shiver over his skin in dread. ]

[ Entirely common here. That was part of the plan, in the end. Being Basch's would spoil Sylvain for any of the political needs placed on his shoulders, and hopefully keep him hidden from political enemies. But he wasn't ready to reveal that piece.

It did, however, make Sylvain fairly anonymous here, and that he would remind the other over and over. He did not need to watch his back, at least not when it was clear who he belonged to.

Which, he thinks, they're making a step toward, but the way Sylvain doesn't even try to stray too far. Maybe not safe haven yet, but Basch is clearly climbing in familiarity. Good. It takes all his self-restraint not to chuckle as the other walks into him.

He does, however, follow Sylvain's gaze, meeting the eyes of the ogglers and briefly putting a heavy hand on Sylvain's shoulder in an acknowledgement of possession, encouraging them to move on. ]

To convince you to be theirs, for a night or longer. Some care for consent. Some will try to leash you into a contract, though any would be void, as mine has been submitted to central records. Still, sometimes these things take a little while to sort out. Do be careful taking food or drink from strangers, though.

[ At Basch’s explanation, Sylvain just leveled a glare on everyone around him - especially those that were paying him a little too much interest. The tension was still in every line of his posture - something Basch could probably feel when his hand fell to the small of Sylvain’s back, urging him on. And for once he doesn’t resist that urging, because coming out here like this suddenly didn’t seem like a good idea at all. ]

They wouldn’t actually…? How can anywhere get away with such atrocities as this?!

[ Just because the Kingdom had rules against such things, though, didn’t mean they held up everywhere. Something he knew, of course, but he’d never imagined that there would be somewhere like this. ]

Does your country not go to war, or force people, often young people, to marry against their will? Do other countries not have slaves or conscripts? It is the nature of the world to get away with atrocities.

[ But he watches carefully, not wanting to push too hard. It doesn't escape his notice that Sylvain doesn't flinch from his touch. ]

But there are also good men everywhere, and men who know how to enjoy the systems they are in. Do you see much misery on the faces here? People are well-fed, well-kept. They are safe. Is that so bad?

[ His fingers curl into fists at his side again. ]

That is not what safe looks like!

[ Not that he’s really an expert on that topic. He never has been. Still, the concept of someone being owned does not seem like anything that should be labeled as ‘safe’ in his mind. ]

Were you safe at home?

[ His voice is gentler than he means, and he knows he won't push it any farther, but it's also a conversation he needs Sylvain to have with himself, some day.

For now he continues to steer the other through the market toward a mansion down the way, smug about the looks of jealous and approval they are getting. ]

So long as you are in my care, I will keep you safe. And if you are worried about these leeches, say the word. I can place a leash on you, and no one will try anything. It's your choice though.

[ He opens his mouth to retort back, but he’s not sure he can answer that without lying, so Basch just gets glared at next instead.

Which is probably answer enough in itself.

Still, that offer gets a scoffed sneer as he diverts his gaze, trying to ignore the looks their getting, even thought he can feel every one of them. It makes his skin crawl, makes him want to find something to hide behind, where he can’t feel every inch of skin on display before their hungry eyes. ]

I don’t want your leash. You’re as much of a leech as they are.

[ No lie, and no denial of his lack of safety. So, there are seeds there. Good.

To the latter, he shrugs. ]

Then I will respect your decision.

[ He doesn't rise to the bait. Maybe it's true. Maybe it doesn't matter he puts these rules in place. If he hadn't thought the alternative to his purchase was even more dangerous, he wouldn't have done this to Sylvain, not without consent, but alas, things were what they were, and he had.

And he had deeply enjoyed coupling with the other man. When he was ready.

So he hums idly as they walk the rest of the day down the avenue, letting Sylvain just feel the energy of the port town. It's clear where they're going, a big three-story with streamers and a crowd outside. Basch calls a few things, and they're easily allowed to pass to the door. A name, a guest list, a nod, and then they're whisked inside, past an entry to a ballroom.

Where things are even more erotic. Those on leashes are dressed more daringly than Sylvain, and those who aren't throng others, some already, well, balls deep in in the night's activities. Basch leads them to a plush set of cushions against a wall, settling in and nodding at a waiter who offers a drink. ]

Since you've denied my leash, do you wish to sit on my lap? Or will you try your luck wandering?

[ He expects neither, and there's a small smile fighting his flat delivery. ]

[ He has no idea what the large building at the end of the street is, but as they get closer, it becomes pretty obvious that it’s a large gathering place of some sort. He can hear deep music even out here on the street and as he’s ushered inside…

He realizes that all those leashed “pets” they’d seen out on the street were tame compared to what was happening in here. In fact, if anything, Sylvain was now overdressed, which was just wrong on so many levels, especially since he’s certain he’d never worn so little out in public. While no one here was outright naked - at least not that he’d spotted yet - it was a near thing in some cases.

And the place had already descended into full-out debauchery before they’d even arrived. Or maybe the debauchery just always happened here, what did he know? His wide gaze drinks in the sight with a sense of stunned shock, taking in the scantily-clad dancers moving erotically on various stages, the pets at their master’s feet or on their laps - or quite a few kneeling between their legs, their hands or mouths quite obviously occupied. He even catches a few in the midst of sex, pets riding cocks or pinned against the nearest surface as they were fucked with abandon.

None of them seemed to object to it. All of them, in fact, looked as lost in the pleasure of it as those holding their leashes.

He could feel a stain of red creeping along his skin and he tries to avert his gaze… but there’s nowhere safe to avert it to. Every direction just seems to have a new level of scandalous debauchery happening.

He swallows thickly, telling himself he’s uncomfortable with this and ignoring the fact that his body remembers being touched like that, filled like that, and something in him is already stirring again at the memory. Cock twitching against the gripping restraint of the band around it, but still trying to thicken and harden more all the same.

Basch’s offer gets a new level of glare at the very suggestion, even if his fingers are twitching at his side, this entire place making him restless for reasons he doesn’t understand - beyond the obvious, or so he thinks. Certainly not that his blood is starting to heat, to react, to crave. ]

No! [ is his vehement objection instead. ]

[ He sees it on the other, the fascination, the interest, and the repulsion. He does his best not to chuckle. It wasn't like he'd been much different, the early days he'd found this place. Both the mansion and the port as a whole.

Sylvain was much more stubborn about resisting his desires, though. And it was something Basch found wildly attractive. That this man had not been broke was admirable, and something he would protect. Especially because he thinks a good deal of the vehemence is directed back at the man himself. Shame was a tricky monster. ]

Then sit beside me -- I will not touch you if you do not ask or initiate. You'll be close enough to me to be left alone, and we can enjoy the show, hmm? Your home country does not much encourage exploration of desires, if I remember correctly. What harm is there in only watching?

[ He hadn’t missed the fact that the air in the entire port had carried with it an unfamiliar scent - something exotic and just a little spicy, not what he would expect of somewhere so near the ocean. He didn’t know what it was, if it came from a nearby plant, or food, or perhaps from the incense that seemed to be so popular in this place.

But it seemed thicker in the air here, some part of his mind noted. It wasn’t a bad scent - it was quite pleasing, in fact, teasing against the senses, subtle but smokey. It lured one into relaxing without even realizing it, drawing deeper lungfuls of its strange exotic scent as an automatic reaction.

He’d noted it upon entering but quickly grew used to it, forgetting about it entirely in his distraction with the sights this place offered, even as he breathed it deep. Isn’t aware of the way it finally coaxes the tension in his body to loosen in increments as he reluctantly sinks down to sit beside Basch.

Isn’t aware of the way it settles into his blood, stirs it, encourages all of his body’s reactions to the sights and sounds surrounding them. Draws his eyes to linger on the pets scattered all over the interior, being enjoyed, being used, being pleasured. There is no shame in any of them, only open and wanton pleasure, enjoyment of their partners as they lose themselves in the heat of lust and need.

It has him shifting restlessly on the bench, fingers still curled into fists on his lap. He tries to adjust his position, not paying attention to how his cock is hardening once more, how his skin is flushing with arousal. Dark eyes are dilated and his breath starts coming a little more rapidly, a little more raggedly.

He’d meant to answer Basch, but he’s distracted from it before he can. Clearly there’s a great deal of harm in watching, but he’d already forgotten the question before he has time to realize that. And then he can’t seem to bring himself to stop. ]

[ Sylvain was even more beautiful when he relaxed. A state that would hopefully be more natural with time. He sips his drink for now, letting Sylvain settle, but his eyes are soon on his pet, a grin on his face as he watches the other shift and adjust, skin flushed and cock hardening, sees the way his gaze flits to other couples and groups.

When Sylvain is good and absorbed, he asks good-naturedly, ] Found a favorite? We can try anything you like, you know.

[ he jolts a little at Basch’s voice so close, having forgotten himself for long moments as he stared about the room, drawn into one scene after another, his gaze never able to settle in one place for too long before movement drew him on, elsewhere.

His eyes are still dazed and dark, lips parted as he wets them with the tip of his tongue, his breathing coming in soft, ragged pants now as he flushes. Tries to look away, but fails. Everywhere he looks, there’s another scene that somehow draws him in. Makes him squirm. Awakens hunger and curiosity as his body starts to crave what he sees. The touches, the mouths, the pleasure.

he shakes his head, but its impossible to tell if that’s in response to finding a favorite or Basch’s offer. Although the way his gaze continues to flit from one decadent scene to another, he hasn’t found any one sight to hold him, being too caught up in all of it.

The pet, bound and bent as he’s filled from behind and before, two lovers filling him from either end as they take their pleasure from his eager, hungry body. Another, on her knees, her master’s fingers latched tightly in her long hair as he moves her mouth around his cock, fucking deep into her mouth but the movements doing little to muffle the moans that Sylvain can hear from here. Another, bouncing on his master’s cock, another, a pair of pets latched onto their Mistress’ breasts as she reclines and plays between their legs.

All of it is acts so scandalous and debaucherous that most Faerghan sensibilities would have swooned in a pile of petticoats by now. He hadn’t, but he was visibly flushed red.

And his cock was growing harder by the minute, the visible evidence of his arousal impossible to ignore now. ]

[ Basch is not immune, not to the familiar scented air, and not to his own fantasies as he follows Sylvain's gaze here and there, own pupils dark and cock hardening at the welcome thoughts of he and Sylvain -- and maybe a third -- enacting these scenarios. He'd be happy with near anything, the real allure being that Sylvain suggest it. Ask for it. Trust him with it. Simply having him in his lap and stroking him would be pleasing enough, though he would like to make use of that chain.

He does remember, though, his own hesitance in his early days here. It's important not to rush. Still, a glance at Sylvain's very clearly hardening cock has a grin on his face, and when the other is clearly unable to respond or to look away, Basch resists the temptation to touch him, instead reclining his own head languidly and drawing his hand down and up the bulge of his own cock, sighing audibly, seeing if he can pull Sylvain's attention. ]

[ The sigh does, indeed, yank his attention away, drawing his gaze back to the man beside him. And then stuttering to a stop in shock as he watches the trail of that hand moving down, lower. Tracing over the visible outline of his arousal beneath those tight pants.

He swallows, his mouth gone dry, and his body clenches in remembrance, the feeling of that cock pushing into him, stretching him open around it. How Basch had drawn out every moment, every sensation. And even now, he can feel his cock jolt against the grip of the ring binding it, the warm metal pressing against that vein that pulsed with his need.

His breath hitches, the sound almost a whimper, and now he can’t seem to drag his eyes away from this scene. ]

[ Now he meets Sylvain's gaze, hungry and wanting, a slow smile on his lips. He sees tat swallow, the wideness of those eyes, the lock of that gaze. ]

Say the word and I'll give you anything you wish tonight, pet. And if you only want to watch, then I'll find someone else to put on my cock.

[ The sudden surge of jealousy, of possessiveness, takes him completely by surprise. Especially because he has no idea where it comes from - or why. He doesn’t want the man’s cock - or so he’s busy telling himself - but that doesn’t stop his jaw from clenching or his fingers curling into fists atop his lap at the thought of anyone else coming near right now.

Watching or not, he felt like he might be driven to violence if anyone else so much as looked at Basch’s cock right now. ]

[ he once again smothers a laugh, though this one is more in delight than humor. He sees the flash of something darker on Sylvain’s face, the way his hands clench. That isn’t the perfumed air; it’s entirely his pet’s feelings, just given room to breathe. Their attraction to one another is real and it’s a deeply rewarding game to tease it out.

He turns his gaze away, picking some couple at random, and unfastens his trousers, freeing his cock so Sylvain has a better view. As he touches his length, he lets out a low, wonton moan. ]

[ His breath hitches when Basch pulls his cock out, already fully erect. It definitely sounds more like a whimper this time.

He might have been more upset that Basch’s eyes were on some random couple rather than on Sylvain - that surge of jealousy wasn’t dimming just yet - but honestly his gaze was far too riveted on the motion of Basch’s fingers as he gives his cock a slow, teasing stroke.

Goddess. He wanted to feel those fingers around his own cock again. ]

[ That whimper is beautiful, and tells Basch he will be getting to have Sylvain tonight. That makes his grin widen, even as his hand languidly strokes back down his length, aware Sylvain's attention is now fixed there. ]

Shall I leave you here while I go get warmed up for the evening?

[ That question is enough to jolt him back to reality as he finally tears his gaze away from Basch’s cock to his smirking lips instead.

Except it’s a twinge of fear mingled with that possessiveness now. ]

I thought you said I was supposed to stay close.

[ he throws that out like an accusation, trying to sound defiant about it, but he really didn’t like the idea of Basch leaving him here while he sought his pleasure elsewhere.

Even if Sylvain didn’t want that for himself. Although that’s getting a little foggier in the heat of the club’s interior, that faint spicy scent teasing his senses. ]

[ Basch shrugs, nodding lazily, hand still slowly tracing his cock. He lets out a small, sighing want of a sound, just to tease a little further, show how close he is to standing. ]

Out there is more dangerous. Here, people will ask. But they will ask. You are tantalizing.

[ He watches Sylvain's face at the compliment. Has the other remembered he likes Basch's attention, or not yet? ]

Of course you can always come with me and watch.

[ The struggle is writ visibly on his face for a moment but his stubbornness is still stronger than his need to cave - despite that it’s wavering more and more by the moment. ]

I don’t want to watch.

[ As denials go, that wasn’t really convincing. And more petulant than anything else. It was also a lie - he had clearly been fine watching everyone a moment before - or even watching now, eyes still latched onto the movement of Basch’s hand wrapped around his cock. But also, with the way he still squirmed, it was clear that ‘watching’ wasn’t going to keep him occupied for long. ]

[ This time he lets his gaze fall clear on Sylvain, a pointed study from his face, down his front to that hardened cock, and back up. Because he hears the strain and the whine in the response, still stroking himself. He tilts his head slightly, a warm hunger there. ]

What do you want, pet?

[ It feels like that heat only grows under the weight of Basch’s gaze and he finds himself squirming restlessly again. That heat under his skin is growing, too, and some part of him already wants to give in and ask for more.

But that stubbornness, despite cracking from the heat, hasn’t caved yet. And he doesn’t even know what’s safe to ask for. Not yet, especially not here. Nothing was as it seemed, as he’d expected it to be. he thought going out would give him opportunities, a way of escape.

Instead, he was dressed in a way that showed off everything he wished to keep out of sight. His refusal of the leash had only put him a more precarious position. And anyone he might have asked for help had turned out to be an even bigger threat than the man who now owned him.

It felt like every choice he made just dug him deeper and deeper into this hole and nothing made sense anymore.

Especially when his own body kept craving the very last things he should want, with a growing hunger that was getting harder and harder to ignore. ]

I don’t want anything.

[ That was definitely a lie. And a petulant one, at that. ]

[ Basch's gaze again openly trails to Sylvain's hardening cock and shifting seat. His smirk is wider. ]

That would seem to be a lie.

[ He sighs, though, rising from their seat, hand still lazily on his own cock. If he stays here much longer, he's going to break his own rule and touch Sylvain first. ]

But you are entitled to deny yourself. I, however, will not be.

[ He turns toward the room, eyes searching, and nods at another pair, the pet on his knees at the owner's entrance, one hand on her breast. Teasing a man the way he's sure Sylvain wants to be feels like an effective way to put even more ideas in the man's head. ]

[ He jolts in surprise when Basch stands, watching the man gaze about the room before he settles on... something. Following the direction of his gaze, Sylvain spots the pair, the pet eagerly on his knees as he pleasures his mistress. Though he can’t hear the moans from here, he watches as her mouth opens to utter her pleasure, encourage her pet lapping at her with an eager tongue.

It has his eyes widening, a pulse of heat deep within him throbbing as he imagined his own mouth around Basch’s cock this time. Different from what they’d done before, but something in him suddenly craved it with such a fierceness he was dizzy with it.

Jumping to his feet, he staggers in his haste to stop Basch from leaving and ends up all but tripping into his back again, fingers coming to clutch at his shirt to keep him from moving away any further. ]

[ There's genuine surprise in his face when Sylvain crashes into his back. But the tug against his shirt is clear enough.

He turns back around, dislodging Sylvain's grip only so one hand can catch his waist and the other can cradle under his chin, hunger and softness both blooming on his face. He sees the want there, the fear and the hunger and, dare he say it, the budding of trust. ]

I won't leave if you don't want me to, pet. Not ever. [ His voice is low, soothing even. But he is aroused, and he can't help letting the hand at Sylvain's jaw trace down his neck and chest, tweaking the chain at his nipples. ]

[ his breath catches when Basch turns and draws him in, flush against him. HIs skin had been warm before, itching to be touched, but it flames up now at the answering heat of Basch’s body as he’s caught against him, that arm an anchor about his waist.

And then his other hand is sliding over Sylvain’s skin, from his jaw down over his throat and chest, only to pause and tug at the chain dangling from his piercings. The jolt of sharp sensation is enough to have his body arcing closer, pressed into Basch as his breath escapes him in a whimper. Eyes going dark and dilated at the sharp pleasure of that tug. The feeling of Basch pressed along the line of his body.

It wasn’t enough, and suddenly that stubbornness that left him aching didn’t feel worth the cost, either. Still, his voice comes out as only a breathy whimper as he surrenders to it. ]

Please…

[ He does his best not to moan openly, but this stubborn man clinging against him is enough to make him weak. The hand on his waist slides farther back, pressing them together. With how little Sylvain has on, it's likely he can feel the heat of Basch's cock against some of his skin.

He's so flushed, and so beautiful. It doesn't matter that he's the larger man; right now he's entirely curled in Basch's arms, surrendered to his steering and that's something he takes seriously. ]

I'm yours whenever you ask [ he murmurs, sliding his finger across the chain, listening to those lovely reactions. ] Do you want to give or receive?

I… I don’t…

[ He’s still very bad at voicing things like that. Or even making such decisions. He’s not far enough in just yet that thinking about such things won’t make him start to panic all over again.

Especially when Basch’s fingers are still teasing him, keeping him distracted, making it difficult to think. But part of him doesn’t want to think, either. ]

[ Ah. Basch finally understands his mistake, and where they keep getting stuck. He feels a bit foolish for overlooking it before, but no matter. He can correct. ]

How about you tell me to stop if something is too much? I will not press or question; that is always your choice.

[ He tugs lightly on the chain again, other hand still on Sylvain's wait, both bringing the other man closer so he can kiss hungrily against his mouth. Still, he remains vigilant for any sign this actually isn't welcome. ]

[ His breath hitches when those hands tug on the chain again, drawing him in closer. The jolt of sensation is enough to have him shuddering, his cock jerking against Basch’s hip as he’s drawn in and pressed flush against him.

And then the man’s mouth is on his and anything he might have responded is lost as he arches into the heat he offers. Lips parted and mouth hungry as he leans int that kiss, moan muffled against Basch’s lips as his fingers curl in the front of the man’s shirt now, clinging to him. ]

[ Basch groans in satisfaction as Sylvain's cock crushes agains him, the rest of his body following suit.

And again when the other kisses back so hungrily. Words aren't going to be the way they operate, then; that's fine. Basch is learning too. Being clung to like this, desperately kissed...he's going to get addicted. He's going to love prying this closed-off man open and then spoiling him rotten. And teasing him all the while.

What that does mean, though, is Basch is fully leading. Sylvain has made that clear by his inability to answer.

So, as he kisses the other, tongue pressing demandingly into mouth and teeth scraping lips -- he slowly turns them back to the bench, until he can lower himself back down. ]

You're going to be a good pet tonight then [ he murmurs between kisses, pulling the chain harder as his hand roves up the other's back. ] And please me with your mouth, and then when you're good an hot and dying for release, you'll sit in my lap and let me take care of you.

[ He's judging, too, if Sylvain is relaxed enough yet for this. ]

[ The kiss had been enough to prompt that simmering flame within him igniting into an inferno that was going to quickly rage out of control, the more Basch fanned the flames. The hard, demanding kiss has him going all but boneless against him as fingers stay curled in his shirt, his head spinning.

When Basch sinks back down to the bench, Sylvain would have followed him even without the tug to the chain dangling from his piercings - he didn’t want to give up the taste of Basch’s mouth yet. Although that sharp pull draws a cry from his reddening lips, breath coming in harsher pants now.

Basch’s words send a flush of heat surging through him, arousal mixed with that lingering hint of shame as his will crumbles completely. Because he craved that, even if he absolutely shouldn’t. It has him dropping to his knees in front of the other man - partially in response to that sharp tug and partially because… he was just that damn eager to do exactly what Basch described.

Relaxed wasn’t the right word just yet, but he was certainly hungry for what the man described. ]

[ Oh Sylvain was very gone, much more so than Basch had realized. He chuckles approvingly, stroking through the other's hair as he so eagerly sinks to his knees, skin flushed and sound sharp and wanting. ]

You fight so hard, little one. Isn't giving in sweeter, when there's always a prize waiting for you?

[ He doesn't expect an answer, but it's part of the slow shift he's aiming for. Even so, he spreads his legs wider so Sylvain can position more effectively, arching his pelvis forward to gently brush the head of his cock against the other's lips. ]

Gods I am weak to see myself in that pretty mouth of yours. I suspect it's talented in more ways than you've already shown me. And wearing what you thought I'd find attractive? Truly I am spoiled tonight.

[ Apparently, he’s easily distracted with kisses. Especially when arousal and need had already been throbbing in his veins, just waiting to be lured out, to be set free to take over completely. His eyes are dark and just a little bit dazed, but as Basch rocks his hips forward, bringing his cock closer to his lips, they part on instinct, as if he know exactly what to do.

Maybe he does. That’s all cloudy at the moment. Distant and unimportant. What’s more important is that growing need to taste him, to feel him press into his mouth. To drown out his thoughts once more, because giving in last time had been sweeter, but Basch didn’t have his stubbornness nearly so tamed yet.

So he doesn’t answer - doesn’t even pay the words themselves all that much attention just now. The tone of Basch’s voice in his ears is all the encouragement he needs as he leans forward to lap at the head of Basch’s cock with an eager tongue, tasting the salt on his skin and moaning wantonly with want for more. ]

[ Basch vaguely notes that verbal exchange is still too much for his pet, though he suspects his coaxing voice is still welcome.

He gasps openly, grip tightening reflexively as Sylvain so eagerly meets his head with his tongue. His moan vibrates through Basch, causing his hips to rock in response. ]

You are so good, pet [ he murmurs, remembering how well Sylvain responded to praise the last time. Right now, he doesn't think too hard on why, but it's something that hasn't been hard to piece together; his pet was not treated right in his prior life. ] You were worth acquiring at any price.

[ A truth he doubts Sylvain will believe for a very long time, but no harm in laying the ground work. ]

[ Maybe don’t remind him of that when his mouth is on your cock, Basch. Being owned is still something he’s not at all comfortable with yet. Despite the fact that it’s easy to ignore when his body is alight with need, when those fingers tighten in his hair, dragging another moan from his lips, just as the touch had the time before.

Combined with the praise Basch gives him, it’s easy to tune everything else out. Forget how angry and afraid he was with all this uncertainty, the loss of all control over… everything, really. Those thoughts are already drifting away, no longer holding any focus, not when Sylvain gives in to the hunger growing in him.

It had been since Basch had first shown up today, and every order, every tease, had only awakened it more. And what was left… well the faint spice in the air had muted that enough that it seemed unimportant now. Not when Basch’s words evoked a desire to be a good pet for him. His words, his praise, even his movements, deepening his hold on the other man. Letting it seep into him, just as his commands had earlier. Thickening, becoming more real, more prominent.

Combined with the magic in the collar and everything else being wound about him, Sylvain gave in easier this time - would continue to do so with repetition, even though he doesn’t realize it. In the moment? All that matters is the sound of pleasure in Basch’s praise, in the tone of his voice, and the way he guides Sylvain into giving him exactly what he wants of him. ]

[ On the contrary, Sylvain not even protesting the reminder tells him what he needs to know; desire is louder than his fear and shame and anger. Which is how Basch wishes it to be.

It relaxes him, too, that he doesn't need to be so careful managing Sylvain now. That he can enjoy it back. He hopes, eventually, they can be companions too, but now he will take this gladly. This is already going much better than he feared it might. ]

That's it. Indulge yourself. You've wanted this, hmm?

[ His fingers trail along that collar, tracing up Sylvain's jaw to brush the lips around his cock, before burying in his hair, tugging pleasantly. ]

How hard you're going to be, when it's your turn. I can't wait to hear you beg.

[ And, carefully, he rolls his hips again, seeing how Sylvain will take it, moaning openly at how good the other feels. ]

[ His eyes go dark and half-lidded at the feeling of fingers in his hair, on his skin and it coaxes that heat pulsing in him to deepen, until he all but goes pliant against Basch's legs, hands clasping onto his knees as he leans in closer.

The soft whimpers and moans Basch's touch draw from him are muffled, especially when the man rocks his hips, pressing in deeper and choking off the sounds. He fumbles a little, as if caught by surprise, but he adapts quickly, as if greedy for more.

He's already hard, despite his cock being untouched. That doesn't seem to matter, in the moment. Not with Basch's cock in his mouth, his hands on his skin, his soft praises crooned in his ears. The ring feels all too tight around the base now and he shifts, squirming on his knees. ]

[ Gods those sounds are so pretty. So is the knowledge once again that while the collar and air will fan arousal, they won't create attraction where there is none, not without more direct magic. Whatever this is, it lives somewhere in Sylvain. And it's deep.

He scratches gently against Sylvain's scalp before getting a firmer grip on the other's hair, preparing to guide them both. ]

It seems your mouth is full, little pet. So tap me twice for me to pause, and three times if you want me to withdraw. Tap me once if you agree and twice if you don't.

[ Sylvain had always been someone full of deep passions. But being who he was, those were rarely safe to allow out. Always controlled, always composed, the ideal representative of his family's house and good name. Even if he was not, had set that afire more than once in his lifetime but still, it had been ground deep in him, until it was more habit than choice.

That, too, was a long way right now. unimportant and forgotten - for this surely would have familiar disappointment and disgust flaring in his father's eyes, followed swiftly by that quick temper he'd so often been on the wrong end of. Ironic, when he was the one who had carved the ideals of control and composure into his son.

He's not aware of Basch's thoughts in this moment, though. Isn't aware of where the arousal, the want, comes from, only that it has, and it's deep and hungry and all-encompassing. He sinks deeper into it as those fingers scratch against his scalp, making him melt against the other man as he tries to take him deeper.

He almost ignores the words entirely, but there's an order in there, enough of one that the magic's grip draws him to it, directing his focus enough to give a single tap to Basch's thigh. Amber eyes flick up to meet the man's gaze, pupils dark and blown wide, and his tongue slides along the underside of the man's cock again, as if in impatience. ]

[ Basch was aware of the senior Gautier and his mercurial temper. Anyone who'd met him was. And he knew about the older brother, whose reputation was -- quite frankly -- worse than anyone here. He may not know all the details, but he suspected, with the way Sylvain absolutely melted into this role twice now, there was some deep relief and need to let go. To just indulge and be and not worry.

And it made his breath come heavier, being at once master and protector, pushing to spaces that were taboo and yet also somehow safe. Feeling entirely in control and yet necessary to be aware and careful. And he's absolutely weak to how deep the others hunger comes, a tidal wave after unshakeable restraint.

He hopes to not use the order magic someday soon, but right now he's glad for it, getting the part of consent he needs. So that when those eyes meet his, lost to want, Basch can drink them back just as greedily, a hand stroking along that perfect jaw as he breathes out. ]

Gods you are a perfect sight. Pleasure me, pet. Take what you want, fast or slow. Make me moan.

[ He's not sure he knows how to do that, but that doesn't seem to matter at the moment. Not when he's given permission - or perhaps ordered? There doesn't seem to be much of a difference at the moment, and not when he was aching for that anyway.

Even if he might deny it, were his mind not hazed over with heat and want, he does want this. Eagerly leans into the permission and order both, hungry as he takes Basch's cock deeper into wet heat. And whether or not Basch moans at the sensation, Sylvain certainly does, dark lashes sliding closed again over hazy eyes as he bends to the task. Head bobbing as Basch's cock presses against his tongue, deeper still, until he feels him pressed snug against the back of his throat, muscles working around him.

He has no idea how skilled he is at this - that part doesn't exactly coincide with his understanding in this setting - but it's there all the same. The eagerness and familiarity of the movements, of Basch's length pressing into his throat as he swallows around him. Hungry for more, and ever push just seems to fan that hunger higher. ]

[ His hand comes to stroke the other's cheek, moaning in turn. ]

Beautiful [ he murmurs. the sound. The sight. The want and surrender. And Basch is aware how skilled the other is, some strange mix of familiarity and delight. Like they were made for this, together. Like Sylvain wants him in a way neither of them fully grasps.

Well, he wants Sylvain too. Wants this shared indulgence.

He tangles fingers in Sylvain's hair, encouraging more than guiding; the other doesn't need much guidance. But it sends fresh heat through him, to keep the other locked onto him, encouraging a pace, holding him where he wants. One leg edges so his foot can brush the other's thigh, wanting all of him in an impossible way. ]

[ The hand anchored in his hair, guiding him where Basch wants him, holding him there, creates a depth to the surrender that sends him spiraling ever deeper into the man's hold. Will crumbling into fragments, forgotten and scattered. Control, resistance, denial - all of it seems pointless and silly. And a long way away.

The sounds he makes are muffled around the cock pressing deep into his mouth, into his throat, as muscles work to accommodate him, swallowing around him. It blocks his airway in short, choking swallows, but he relishes it, revels in it. His mind is blissfully blank and quiet - something he didn't even know was possible. It's a release and a freedom all it's own. To not be him, to be something else, something new. Pliable and molded by the man he leans into, by the steady guiding hand in his hair.

Basch's foot nudges against his thigh and he unconsciously spreads his legs a little wider for him in response, whimpering in need before the sound chokes off around the man's cock again. Skin flushed and trembling, eyes dark and hazy and unfocused. His bound cock jolts in its restraint - so close to that nudge but not close enough to touch, only be teased with the promise of it, when he aches to be touched with a desperation that leaves him breathless and dizzy. ]

[ something changed in sylvain. He could feel it, the surrender. The peace of it. He sighed, pleased, but frustrated. Little idiot; he could have this anytime he wanted. But it would take time to reach that.

For now, for today, this was good. More than good. He needed it to be. Needed sylvain to yearn for this. He’d just forgotten how much he’d be teaching himself to yearn, too. ]

Oh you are good at this. That’s it. Mmm you’re hungry for more aren’t you? Keep that up, good, yes—

[ he talks them both through it, hand tight and guiding, and he absolutely relishes how little time it takes to coax him to release, choking sylvain with his spend, moaning the others name in approval.

And wanting to kiss and pamper him, wanting to shout to the room how perfect his pet is.

Instead, he holds the other to him until he’s done trembling with aftershock, then tips that face to his. ]

I am going to free your phenomenal mouth, and you are going to tell me how you’d like to be pleased. That performance deserves a reward.

[ He struggles a little, when Basch pulls him deep, when his cock pulses against the narrow channel of his throat before spilling hotly into him. He almost chokes, but he manages to swallow it all, all the same.

Even then, Basch holds him in place by his grip on his hair, and there's still no resistance in him. Even if he should probably be horrified. Furious. Rebelling. All those urges are a distant thing, muffled and stuffed down where they can't break through the quiet haze that's wrapped around him. Silenced all his thoughts, all his fears and insecurities. All the other voices and their sharp words that so often circle around inside his head.

Right now? They don't matter. Only Basch's voice fills his ears, his thoughts, and there's something of a relief in that, even when there shouldn't be. But Basch has done nothing but murmur soft praises in his ears and there's some aching, desperate part of him that craves that even more than oxygen.

He's trembling too, but he doesn't try to pull away, merely rests there where Basch holds him in place, his own skin flushed and pulse pounding loudly in his ears. His cock still aching hard against the restraint of the ring that binds him, leaking in such a way that the fabric he wears is now wet with it, making him shift with a quiet whimper. ] ]

[ Basch doesn't rush him. Relishes the way the other trembles, his exotic flower so fragile in the changing winds. That whimper is worth every bit of patience its taken to get here.

Slowly he pulls back, still holding Sylvain's head in place, guiding it back. And when he drops out, his free hand comes to gently wipe saliva from the other's sex-swollen mouth. ]

You must be aching, pet. Do you want my hand or my mouth for being so perfect?

[ His face is flushed, so it's impossible to tell if that color darkens a shade at the words. He struggles to focus when Basch pulls him off his cock, the taste of him lingering on his tongue, and his tongue darts out at the press of that thumb without even thinking about it, an unconscious reaction, a lingering hunger for more.

Eyes hazy and dazed, he can only blink up at the man leaning over him, head still tipped backwards in an implacable grip. Body trembling as he gasps raggedly for air, feeling flushed and too-hot all over. Feverish as his mind tries to parse that question. He hasn't quite gone completely nonverbal - or at least remained sunken that low - but thinking is opening happening in fits and starts before getting derailed all over again by the cacophony of demands he doesn't even know how to begin to sort through. It's overwhelming. ]

I don't... I need... Please...

[ He's so beautiful, dazed and overwhelmed ad needy like this. They'll keep working on him being able to ask -- or even decide -- what he wants. ]

Come, into my lap, back to me.

[ It's an order, but his voice is gentle and coaxing. And he'd rather have use of his hands and mouth to make this as pleasurable as possible. ]

[ His movements are a little clumsy this time, his legs feeling shaky beneath him - as well as a little numb for having been kneeling a while. But he manages to crawl up into Basch's lap, straddling in a way that has him stretched open over him.

It shifts the toy within him again, rubbing it against sensitive nerves and making him shudder and cry out, breathless and needy. His cock, still bound and tucked away in the tight restraint of his clothing - as provocative as it is - strains against the ring, against the fabric, leaking copiously now, the fabric soaked around its head.

His hands fly to Basch's shoulders in an attempt to steady himself, clinging to him, even as his hips rock, as if trying to chase some sort of phantom friction, finding nothing. He grinds down against the man's thigh, but that only makes the need worse. ]

[ He was going to be nice, but he hadn't anticipated how the other would shudder and tremble, and certainly not the way the other would helplessly chase his own need. The way he chases even Basch's thumb. Good. He wants more of that. ]

Good. Take your desire [ he murmurs for Sylvain only, his hand going to stroke the other's cock through the fabric, almost cruelly gentle. His lips curl at the wetness there. And he can't resist his other hand going to tug that heavy chain again. Spent as he is, he still feels the twinge of heat in his core, wanting to feel Sylvain pleasure himself against his thigh, or to fill the other and leave him trembling like the last time. ]

Why do you resist it so? [ his fingers, still teasing, start to undo the fastening on his pants. ] I could have bounced you in my lap, had you come on my hand, put my fingers down your tongue and my hand on your cock, mouht on your neck, had every piece of you filled or cupped.

[ He'll do his best now, but not in a hurry. ]

[ Considering how vehemently the redhead had denied to do so much as even beg, the fact that he's here like this is a long way in itself. The stubbornness will no doubt be back - eventually - but right now there's no sign of it. A tease of the pet Basch has gained for himself once the walls come down and his defenses lay shattered and forgotten. A sight no one else has ever managed to see - one even Sylvain isn't aware he's revealing, too lost to consider just how vulnerable he is right now. Not that he had any choice in it, but that Basch had wagered on existing all the same.

A side that would come out more and more, with time, with coaxing affection, with unheard of trust the redhead has never before extended. Even now, with this only a spelled mimicry of it, cloaked in magic, he aches for that connection. The magic giving him a taste of something he hadn't even realized he was starved for. Basch's hands on his skin, those softly crooned praises. The heat that envelops him so deeply and thoroughly that it's easy to forget the cold, disdainful distance he's been trapped in for so long.

Of course he resisted it. It's terrifying in its own way, the hold this man already has over him. How easily he can bring those thick, defensive walls smashing down around him, opening up every want and need Sylvain has struggled for so long to keep hidden. How already, they're crumbling faster, easier, and not reforming as strong as they'd once been. Already, this man - and his magic - was creeping below the surface, opening him up while tightening his hold - his resistance barely even mattered at this point, more out of stubborn habit than anything.

Basch's hands on him have him arching into that touch with a whimpered cry. The tug on the chain sending sharp pleasure along his nerves as they pull his piercings taut. And the hand on his cock - Goddess, he needs more, but the brush of fingers through the nearly-sheer material is nowhere near firm enough.

While he would have fought and argued every single one of those options before the heat took hold, washed over him with relentless need, now they sounded like the best thing ever. Things he craved as much as breathing. He wanted nothing more to feel Basch's hands on him, in him. To have every part of him filled or cupped - just as teased. ]

Please...! [ he gasps out again, head falling back as another tug on his chains has him arching with a strained cry, one that chokes off into an almost-sob. ] Please. I'm sorry. I want that...!

[ Something changes in Basch's face, hardened and serious as he grips Sylvain's jaw. ]

I want to be very clear. I want your cries and your pleas and your beautiful begging-- [ He squeezes the other's cock, leaning in to kiss him hard, to give him a moment of all the stimulation he wants.

And then he draws back, fierce, a white-hot simmering underneath. At whatever has made Sylvain think this would appease. At himself for drawing it out. ]

I do not want your apologies. Ever.

[ This was not a punishment. This was not meant to shame or bully.

His hand makes it through the fastenings and he releases Sylvain's cock, wrapping his hand around the generous length and circling his thumb around the tip, wet and sticky despite the ring. ] There is nothing wrong with you. You do not disappoint me.

[ He kisses his jaw, holding his head in place, sucking hard. His hand slides down his shaft, over the ring, to knead at his sack, strong legs wrapping around the other's to hold him in place and give him something to push against.

He shifts the hand on his jaw, fingers on Sylvain's lips -- and invitation, if he wants them inside. ]

[ He stills when those fingers grasp his jaw, taking in the hardened expression with wide eyes. Something in him quailing at the sight, bracing for... what, he doesn't know, but he doubts it will be good.

And then Basch drags him down for a hard, bruising kiss, his hand squeezing tight around his cock in a way that has him crying out, the sound muffled into the kiss as his head spins.

He expects the words to fall like heavy blows - as they have always done. And at first they do. With his walls crumbled, he flinches, unable to hide the instinctive reaction, expecting the anger - or worse - to cut into that vulnerability. But while that white-hot simmers in Basch's eyes, in the firmness of his tone and grip, the words... are not what he expects. And the refusal to hear apologies... just has his eyes widening in confusion, latching onto the other man's face. Completely uncomprehending.

Even the praise just adds to his confusion - not that he has long to focus on that. Not when Basch's fingers find his cock, draw him out and begin to stroke. It drives the icy fear out of him once more as he whimpers into that kiss, his lips bruising, breath catching in his throat, and then the mouth moves to his jaw, sucks sharp, stinging redness into his skin and he shatters all over again as those hands work his cock, his balls. Making it impossible to think, impossible to be afraid, to worry.

He just wants. And when those fingers slide against his lips, there is nothing but eagerness as he parts them, sucks on the fingers hungrily as his hips rock into the stroke of that hand. Chasing it. ]

[ Sylvain flinches and recoils. It takes everything Basch has to keep from snarling. He’d had an idea but…that someone had done this to Sylvain, so deeply that it came out here, that he’d built defenses this high…

No one will hurt his pet again. Himself included.

He slides those fingers in, moaning prettily for Sylvain. He pulls the other back against him, flush and stable and warm, before he begins stroking his ringed cock in earnest, palm interrupted by the bite if it with each stroke. ]

You are beautiful and hungry and pliant and perfect, Sylvain. I will keep you spoiled and safe.

[ And then he’s sucking marks into his neck, hands still working, trusting the toys to do their job. Overstimulation is the goal, and then he will keep the other in his lap, dazed and relaxed, show everyone that this is his and off limits. ]

[ It's easy to get lost in it - maybe part of him wants to. To let the heat and the touch and the rush of euphoria chase everything else away for a little while. It's something he'd used many times, but he'd always been in control of it. It was something he couldn't afford to relinquish, after all.

But now? Now he has no choice, that control torn from his gasp and flung so far away it might as well not even have existed. Instead, there is only Basch's hands, his mouth. The stinging kisses to his throat, the fingers pressing against his tongue, back to his throat, demanding his utter surrender.

It's the hand stroking his cock, dragging whimpers and desperate cries from him as he rocks into it, chases that heated friction. Its the shift of the toy within him, rubbing against sensitive muscles that clench and shudder, aching to be filled, stretched, aching for more. The pleasure builds, but there's no outlet and he can only cling to the man he straddles and be carried along with it. ]

[ the game has passed, and now he focuses only on pleasure, hands and mouth working together. Sylvain is already so wound up, but the ring is keeping the build slow, so Basch intentionally increases the pace, the intensity. He can feel himself getting hard again, feeling Sylvain tremble and buck under his touch, hearing every moan and whimper. He presses down on his tongue, a reminder to both of them of where that mouth had just been, and the strokes of his hand become more urgent, stimulating his head as he sucks hard on the other’s neck.

His own hips begin to rock, half-hard cock pressing against Sylvain, breath raspy and wanting. Finally his mouth breaks away, knowing words can help push that last bit. ]

Look at you, beauty. Everyone else is. They’re so jealous of you, here on my lap being pampered, and of me getting to do it. You’ve managed these toys so well. I want to hear you crest. Come for me, pet, sing. Grip onto me like you’ll blow away if you don’t. Wear my mark to remind you how beautiful it was.

[ his lips are back, hard on his jaw, and he can tell from the desperate whines and please sylvain is close. ]

[ He is - the only thing holding him back now is the ring and the magic that winds through him, waiting on his master's permission for release - not that he's aware of that part, but his body is. Hanging there by a thread while the man plays him so expertly he can do nothing but obey.

Basch's words are the permission the magic was waiting for - what he was waiting for - and the keen that leaves his lips is wanton and needy and breathless. Muffled around the fingers still pressing against his tongue, Basch's name might slip free in between the whimpered pleas as his body rocks, then tenses, shuddering, as that pleasure crests within him. Spills as he arches into that touch, cock pulsing hotly as he jolts and shudders, swept away by the intensity of it. Especially when those lips and teeth leave even more redness in his flesh. And something in him thrills at being so claimed, so marked. ]

[ Basch isn't a saint; he moves his fingers at the feel of Sylvain's voice, grinning like a dog whose caught his prey when the other whimpers his name. All of this is a victory, the hot spend on his hand, the absolute convulsion of Sylvain's body, the utter surrender.

He works him through it, reveling in every sound and movement, and when the other starts to slump, he twists him in his lap, guiding his head to his shoulder, his arms up around his neck. He doesn't give a thought to the sticky spend between them, just cradles Sylvain to him, fingers still lightly stroking his softening cock while the others comb in his hair. ]

Good boy. Exactly what I wanted. And what you wanted.

[ He's so dizzy and caught up with the intensity of it that he's pliant in the other man's hands as he twists and maneuvers him right where he wants him. Whimpers, as those clever hands keep teasing his sensitive cock, making him jolt and tremble. His face ends up buried against Basch's throat, arms wrapping around him to cling to him as he shakes.

Still gasping for air when the stimulation doesn't end. It softens, and he all but melts into Basch's hands, but the movement - around his cock and in his hair - means that heat keeps simmering. The murmured praises in his ear only have him a moaning, twitching mess in Basch's lap.

But the words sink in all the same. Rouse a rush of pleasure at being a good boy. At pleasing his master. And the cracks widen a little further, a little deeper, as the acknowledgement of I wanted this sinks into his thoughts, tightening their grasp until he forgot that maybe that hadn't been entirely true. Or perhaps just a truth he hadn't been ready to face yet. ]

[ There isn't a modicum of protest in Sylvain, physically or vocally. Basch all but purrs even as he strokes the other, bringing him down, sheltering him. Down to a simmer, at least. He isn't done with him yet, made clear by his own cock slowly hardening under Sylvain's lap, a fact he's sure has the other growing needy again.

And now he can go for what he really wants. ]

How are you doing, pet? Too tired? I promised you one more thing in that fantasy you asked me for so prettily.

[ He turns Sylvain's face out to him, pressing their lips together slow and firm, tongue sweeping out to find the other's before he tugs on his lip, working his mouth with his own. His cock stirs at it, and he moans for Sylvain to feel. ]

I want to take that toy out of your ass-- [ another kiss ] and fill you properly instead. Make sure you can feel me when this dream of a night is over. Make sure everyone knows how thoroughly you are mine, so lead or not, you are safe.

[ Safe. He’s not actually sure he’s ever known what that feels like.

He shudders against Basch, lips parting into that kiss. Those moans sending little shivers through him, even if some part of him is surprised by it. By how much he wants what the man describes. The words paint a picture so vivid that it’s easy to imagine it, and the next natural step after that is of course, to crave it. To want something more than the shallow toy in his ass. To be claimed by the man who holds him so tenderly, praises and promises sweet in his ears.

Safety. He’s not sure he believes it’s real, but he wants it all the same. ]

Please. [ His voice is a breathless rasp against Basch’s lips as he clings to him. Rocks into the slide of that hand, then down onto the lengthening hardness he can feel caught beneath him. Grinds against it with aching want. ] I want that.

[ His please Basch will take all night. Especially when they come with that whole-body want. Sylvain squirming in his lap is not something he'll tired of quickly. ]

Good [ he says, closing the space between their lips again. And he just takes a moment to cradle and stroke the other, making good on the promise of safety, and safety to come. ]

Alright [ he murmurs ] Get these off for me. They're too tight for you to straddle me. [ there's a tease in the order, expecting the image will rile Sylvain up now rather than mortify him, but still curious if the other man will balk at half-disrobing in this place. But his point stands. Sylvain needs the added mobility. ]

[ The inclusion of that mental image is more than enough to drown out any other thoughts about it, about being so exposed in public. Then again, he's all but forgotten about that right now, turned as he is on Basch's lap, facing him in the little booth. The rest of the world might as well be a distant thing.

He pushes up on his knees, breath still coming in ragged little pants, eyes dark and locked on Basch. His hands fall away from Basch's shoulders to fumble with the fastenings on the side, the strange clothing actually having been a fortuitous choice when they can be removed like this instead of him even having to climb off of the man's lap.

He tugs the all-but-sheer fabric away, leaving him bared from the waist down, nothing left but the ring around the base of his cock and the toy still lodged in his ass. He shivers, self-conscious, even though he's only aware of Basch's gaze on him. But that's enough. ]

[ Basch watches with hunger and approval as Sylvain shifts, undoing the fastenings without ever leaving Basch's hold. Or his gaze. His fingers continue to stroke through the other's hair, murmuring quiet praises, meeting that eye contact with affection and approval. And when he gets the pants off, Basch makes a point to look over all of him in approval. ]

You are exactly my taste [ He says with a warm kiss, guiding Sylvain's arms back around his neck before his own hands venture down to caress Sylvain's back, his ass, then coax the toy out and toss it aside. Leaving the other empty, he begins to massage the backs of his thighs. ]

You'll have to get me hard again, pet.

[ He hisses out a surprised sound when Basch works the toy out of him, a sound that melts into a whine at the following emptiness the loss leaves him with. He... he doesn't like it, he's surprised to find. With as much as he wanted it in in the first place, now he only wants it back.

Or wants something more. Something that has his gaze dropping hungrily to Basch's half-hard cock once more, licking his lips in memory. ]

Should I...? [ he shifts back uncertainly, unsure what Basch wanted him to do, after he'd drawn his arms back to his neck. Was he meant to get back on his knees? ]

Oh sweet, eager thing. [ He chuckles, firming his grip on Sylvan. He is not relinquishing him any time soon, even if his cock hardens more at the offer. ]

No, I want you here with me. Kiss me. Grind if you feel so inclined. You make me plenty hard. [ Information he's happy to let slip now, with the state of Sylvain, with how his want is breaking through the fear and the hatred. ]

[ His hungry gaze darts from Basch's cock back up to his lips at these words. Not quite an order, but the mental image of it is enough all on its own to spur him into movement. All but crushing himself against the other man as he kisses him hungrily, whimpering against the man's lips as his hips rock down against him. Grinds his aching cock along Basch's own length in need. ]

[ Oh this is bliss. Basch doesn't have to calculate anything, just letting his body lead as he takes in Sylvain's eager kissing and grinding, giving it back just as hotly. His hands rove, fingers stroking skin and tugging at that chain and pinching ass, and his hips rock against the ones grinding down against him. It's hardly any time before he's gasping Sylvain's name, hard and ready against him. ]

Tell me what you want [ he purrs. ] Tell me exactly where you want to be.

[ he's already grasping around for the lubricant he knows is scattered throughout this place. ]

I want... [ he gasps out, head spinning with a mixture of arousal, heat, and need. It makes it hard to think, to get those words out, but Basch had told him to, and he finds himself complying, even if it's an even greater struggle to obey this order than it had been the other ones. ]

I want to feel you. Everywhere. You said... You said you'd fill me. You said I'd be safe.

You're such a good boy, [ he murmurs, stroking the other's cheek with a softer kiss. He can hear that struggle, and he knows now how often Sylvain is blank or limited on his orders to speak. This is progress. ] You will always be safe with me. I will gladly fulfill your wishes. I want to feel you too.

[ Not that he hasn't been. But now, he slips lube on his fingers, pressing them into Sylvain first, keeping him flush to him and their mouths together. The other is already loosened up from the toy, but he makes sure to be generous with both the lube and his touch, working one finger then a second to be pleasurable rather than teasing.

Then he reaches between them, slicking his cock. Wordlessly, he takes Sylvain's hips, guiding him so they can align, keeping his mouth the entire time. ]

[ The sound he makes when Basch's fingers slide into him is nothing short of obscene, muffled as it is into that kiss. his entire body clenches down around the press, shuddering at the sensation of it. He can't help but rock into it, chasing the sensation. The toy had loosened him and Basch's fingers only add to that and it feels wonderful, but he still wants more, needs him deeper.

But they're gone again, almost when he'd adjusted to it, and he whines at the loss, only to be guided closer, feeling the slick head of Basch's cock rub at his entrance. And then he's gasping out because that, that's what he needs and he struggles impatiently against the grip of Basch's hands, wanting to sink down on him, take all of him, caught up in the frenzy of heat and need that rages in him. ]

Easy [ he chuckles, using a good amount of his strength to keep Sylvain from sinking too quickly. The physical tension sends even more heat through him. Some day they’ll wrestle, or Basch will pin him to a wall or the edge of a table. But not today. ] I promised to keep you safe and cared for.

[ but as soon as Sylvain has taken him once, sunk all the way onto him, he lets up, gives into the fire in the other, ready to follow his lead. Never do his hands or mouth stop though. ]

[ Basch drags it out and it's like slow torture, the way the man lowers his body onto his cock. His body clenches tight around it, greedy, as he's stretched open, impaled on the man's length. It stretches him far more than the toy had, than his fingers had, and Sylvain whines at the feel of it. Too much and not enough all at the same time.

But finally, finally, he's buried to the hilt, Sylvain's body tight and clenching and shuddering around every thick inch of it, but by now, Sylvain is all but sobbing with his need. Fingers clinging to Basch's shoulders, the nails biting into his flesh as he grips him, trembling and shuddering. His cock is achingly hard, leaking against his stomach, and the need to move is blinding.

He's long since fallen into choked pleas and broken off begging, unable to drag in a full lungful of air. And even then, each delicious and broken noise Basch drags from his lips is occasionally lost into his own mouth, swallowed up by his hungry kisses.

When the hands finally release their grip on his hips, granting him freedom to move, for a moment, he stutters, as if he's forgotten what to do with that. but his body knows, his need taking over barely a heartbeat later, and then he's lifting up and rocking back down sharply, drawing up only to take him to the hilt once more with a sharp thrust of his hips that all but punches the breath from his lungs.

And should Basch let him, the pace he'd fall into would be just shy of frenzied, sharp and deep and needy, trying to take all of him he can, even as he keens and pleads for more. ]

[ Basch absolutely lets him. The minute he's sure Sylvain is ready, he grants control. Basch is not immune to how tightly the other has clenched against him, or the pleas and keens and eagerness he shows in wanting Basch.

The pace is incredible. Basch follows his own body's lead, keeping them both stable, roving his fingers and mouth over Sylvain, but mostly breathlessly keening back at how good the other feels and how triumphant he is at having gotten Sylvain to take what he wants. He whispers a string of praises between kisses, his hips rocking up to meet Sylvain's movements, occasionally tugging on the chain or slapping ass, but it Sylvain needs no encouragement.

Basch had had every intention of fucking Sylvain, but instead he's the one being fucked, and he is absolutely helpless to how attractive it is. He feels his orgasm building and pulls Sylvain tighter to him, yanking up his own shirt so he can feel that hot cock against his stomach, rasping the other's name and breathless encouragement.

He comes hard, dizziness shuddering through him. He clenches Sylvain with his whole body as he does, crying out against his mouth. He hasn't wanted anyone this much in so long, and feeling the full force of want Sylvain carries -- he will have eyes for no one else for a very long time. He's just as trapped by this arrangement as his pet, and he has absolutely no qualms with that. ]

[ Breathless and sweaty from his exertions, Sylvain rides his cock with a single-minded focus and determination, a hunger, that's all-consuming. it builds and builds and builds and he can only be carried along with it, the pleasure and need relentless as it throbs within him.

Basch's cock buried so deep, splitting him open each time he drops down on him. His own body, shuddering at the stimulation each time he grinds down against his prostate - keens and chases that feeling even more until he's panting, gasping for air.

Each of those touches, kisses, praises - no matter how soft or sensual or sharp - each one builds off the other until it feels as if every nerve hums with sensation. And when he feels Basch press up deeply into him and spill into him, his cock pulsing hotly against the tight clench of Sylvain's body, his own cock throbs with envy as he grinds down, shuddering, greedily taking every drop.

But some part of him teeters there on the cliff's edge., cock pulsing against the ring binding him, body primed for pleasure but unable to grasp it. he's so close, but something in him is held back and he keens and whines, shuddering as he rocks, desperate. ]

Please, please, Master, please...! [ he gasps out, the words a strained, breathless chant. ]

Come, my pet [ he coos, petting the other’s sweat stroked hair even as he prepares to hold him steady for what will inevitably be complete surrender and complete collapse. ] I will catch you.

[ and shelter him, and continue to bask in awe at how incredible this man is, and how hungry and beautiful he is. It’s clear no one has taken care of him, not in the ways that matter. Basch will fix that. And gods he’ll be weak to it. Dizziness still cascades through him, his limbs tired and languid. He can only imagine how drained Sylvain will be tomorrow, and he relishes it. ]

[ The words are all the permission - and command - he needs as his body arches, cock pulsing as he spills, hot and messy. A strained cry breaks free of his lips as he shudders, body tense. And then he does collapse, like a puppet with his strings cut, falling forward onto Basch's chest, face buried against his shoulder.

He drags in ragged gasps of air, the sound loud in his ears as his pulse pounds deafeningly. He's trembling from the force of it, the intensity of it, and it's all he can do to cling to Basch to keep himself anchored in the here and now.

His mind is blissfully blank and empty, his body heavy and sated in a way he's never felt. Contented, almost, which is something he's not sure he's known before just now. Whimpering softly as muscles twitch with the aftershocks of pleasure, he curls in as close as he can manage, soaking up the warmth of Basch against him. Needing it.

He hasn't even realized how his mind is already coming to equate the man with safety, with pleasure, with want. ]

[ Basch catches him as he deflates, pride and affection surging through him. It doesn't matter that the redhead is larger; Basch absolutely cradles him, tucking Sylvain's limbs more comfortably, guiding his head to rest snuggly, stroking his hair and murmuring in his ear while drawing gentle lines and circles on his back. He pays no mind to the mess between them, just to lulling the spent and sated man in his lap, enjoying the shivers of aftershocks while his cock is still firmly nestled in the other.

How beautiful and glorious he will be, when these games aren't needed, when he realizes how strong and safe he is. Even if Basch intends to have convinced him by then to stay, freely.

Eventually, as he softens, he'll shift to pull out, but he'll keep Sylvain held close long after. ]

Whatever you want tonight, it's yours [ he murmurs. ] I will see you home and to bed safely, so exhaust your desires and fantasies.

[ He gives a whimpering little groan and manages a huff of distracted laughter against Basch's throat. His skin is tingling and he's not sure if that's from the orgasm...

...Or from the magic shifting and changing and dropping around them, until he becomes aware of where they are. The fact that they're both naked and he's definitely made a mess all over Basch's stomach. Not that that's surprising, because that may have been one of the hottest things he'd ever experienced.

It rushes back - the VR room, their continued exploration of this fantasy story that had dropped on them almost accidentally the first time, but now?

It was unearthing and exploring things he would have never imagined. For both of them, he suspects.

But he's grinning, pressing a soft kiss to his lover's throat in a move that is all him and far less his more stubborn illusion counterpoint. ]

Maybe when I can feel my face again.

[ Basch is tingling too, though his definitely increases as the magic shifts around them -- and he starts to process what they'd done in the fantasy this time. What he'd done.

He doesn't get a chance to begin to spiral, because Sylvain is warm and heavy in his arms, and that soft affectionate kiss is so familiar to his body that it overrides his mind. That and the width of Sylvain's grin.

He nestles against the other protectively, drawing in deep, grounding breaths. ]

I take it that's not a point of concern?

Do I sound concerned?

[ He doesn’t. In fact there’s a soft chuckle in his voice as his arms tighten around his lover.

Feeling those deep breaths, though, he picks his head up so he can search Basch's face. A hand comes up, cupping warmly against his cheek as he tries to decipher his expression and what he’s feeling right now. ]

Alright, love?

[ He shakes his head, but there’s no distress in his expression. He holds Sylvain by the by the nape of his neck, bringing their foreheads together. ]

You must stop asking me that when I’m concerned for you. That was still all good then? Even with the coercion?

[ he grins as he rests his forehead against his lover’s, content to press close, that hand at the nape of his neck sending delicious shivers down his spine. His body is still humming with pleasure. ]

I’m not sure it actually counts as coercion when I was absolutely 100% into this before we even started. That’s why it’s a fantasy, love. [ Although he still expects Basch to worry, to fret over what they do as he comes to terms with it. Understandable. He had his own urges to deal with. Potentially considerably darker than what he’s used to, too. ]

I’m allowed to be concerned back, you know. Mostly because I could hear your brain starting to overheat. Yes, love. It was very, very good.

[ He lets Sylvain's touch and pleasure soothe him. It isn't hard when his own body is languid with the memory. But -- ]

Does it not cause you any struggle, what you want there, not knowing what we know here?

[ It's timid, earnest. That's the part he's still struggling with. But Sylvain reads hi so well, reassuring him where he needs, and he sighs, holding the other closer. ]

I don't understand what I did to deserve you. It -- was very, very good for me as well. [ oh he's red at that, the waves of shame barreling through him. But, maybe it's good, to talk through that. ] I like being right about what you'd like. I liked you surrendering. Especially because you'd resisted it.

[ That was what scared him. ]

It does, in the moment. But that struggle is gone, the moment I do know what I know here.

[ Which, in his mind, makes it a moot issue. But he slides his hand along Basch's shoulder, comforting and soothing. ]

I'm afraid your roguish self got what feels like a much younger and more naive version of me, than the one you're used to. At the very least, a much more stubborn version who's not so quick to trust or open up. So I'm sorry for the challenging predicament that's putting you in, but I have no regrets about the end results.

[ He can practically feel the heat that flushes through Basch, can feel the slight tension in him at that confession. He can guess at the shame and uncertainty there. It's what has his hands coming back up to cup at either side of his face, holding his gaze seriously. ]

Love, all of this is just more proof of how much you deserve me. [ Or better than him, really, but that's not going to get his point across here. ] From the very start, you've seen me. Seen past the bluffs, the masks. You truly wanted to see me. You... you have no idea how novel that is for me. Even in the illusion, you were not put off by my anger, by my prickly defense. If you had truly crossed any lines there, the scenario would have activated my safe word - that it did not should reassure you enough about how I felt about all of it.

Surrender... is not something I give easily. Or to just about anyone. You're one of the very few people, in all my life, that it always feels safe to do so with. [ A pause, before he shoots him a crooked grin. ] Even when I can't remember how much I love you, and let fear and my instinctive defenses try to keep you out.

[ He’s quiet as he listens, really listening and trying to hear what Sylvain is telling him. His brow furrows and he brushes Sylvain’s cheek in turn. ]

I’m sorry you had to live like that, but admittedly, it warms me provide some comfort and security to the part of you who was that scared and alone.

[ It’s still jarring, saying he’s providing comfort when he magically coerced a prisoner to want him. But Sylvain keeps talking and he presses his lips together, listening and nodding.

And his eyes grow wet hearing what it means to Sylvain, mixed with the relief that what he is in there — what he might be somewhere in himself — is still providing comfort and safe harbor, not damage.

And then Sylvain says those words, so casually and comfortably. Basch’s lips part, eyes widening slightly, mind overwhelmed with how much he’s trying to process.

He shakes his head, pulling Sylvain close again, kissing him tenderly on the head, the throat, the mouth. Reverent. Content. ]

Even…even in that scenario I want to protect you and destroy whoever has hurt you. I want to control you, but only to get that mind to shut off. I — I’m already in love with you there. Just like I was here, so quickly I didn’t realize.

[ its so much deeper now that it almost feels silly to use the same word, but it’s the same feeling. The seed of an emotion necessary for it to grow from sprout to the deep roots and ever growing branches they now have. ]

[ He wraps his arms warmly about his lover, tucking his face back against his throat once more with a soft, contented hum. ]

I know you do. Which is why I'm not afraid of it. I didn't even know I could turn my brain off like that. I tried everything, back in the day. Every vice, every trick, every substance. I could sometimes drink myself to that point but the hangover the next day rarely made it worth it.

And here you are, able to take me there with soft words and warm touches and incredible orgasms. This is definitely the better end of the deal.

[ Another kiss, pressed to the little hollow just under Basch's ear. ] I think it says something, that no matter the illusion or fantasy, no matter the challenge of it, we still find ourselves right back here. Like this.

[ A tear leaks down his face into Sylvain’s hair. He turns, breathing the other in deeply, holding him tight as he lets the emotion come. Thoughts he’s long had but never looked too squarely at for the enormity of them. ]

I thought it must have been a fluke, us getting together. Some miraculous ordering of events that couldn’t be replicated. Because — I spent so many years sure I was not meant for love. Not even for sustained lust really. That something beyond my understanding was fundamentally wrong, and anyone giving me affection was either mistaken or doing it out of charity. And that was alright. I had my duty and I cared about helping. I had beds to warm. I was … I was likely to die besides, and if I didn’t, then I would worry about domestic issues when I had a domicile to worry about.

But … this. This is what I’d always wanted, even if I didn’t know the details. That it’s replicable, that it’s always you… [ He squeezes Sylvain tightly, another tear joining the first, his voice strained. He’s not sure where he’s going. He just… ] I love you feels insufficient, but gods Sylvain, I love you. Somehow more every passing month.

I know.

[ His voice is soft and hoarse, but he knows Basch will hear him. he always hears him. His own arms tighten around the other man when he hears that emotion choke him up. Those softly murmured confessions. The ones that resonate with him so deeply, he aches with it.

How long had he spent thinking the exact same thing? That something in him was... broken. Wrong. Because he could never be more than a tool to those around him. An object to be manipulated or maneuvered, or just used to further their own ends. His wants or needs had never been important, just an inconsequential annoyance at best. And he'd resented everyone for it, even as he played their games with a sharp smile and quick wit. A forced shallow carelessness he wrapped around himself like a shield, so it would stop hurting so damn much whenever he accidentally exposed a vulnerability and immediately had it turned around against him.

Basch... Basch was everything he'd never let himself want, because wanting was too dangerous and Basch... he was the most dangerous weapon to Sylvain he could possibly imagine. But there was no one wielding him here, no one aiming him at Sylvain's weaknesses. And Basch himself would never turn a sharp edge to him - he'd proven that time and time again. ]

I know. [ He whispers the words again, because they're truer than Basch knows. he understands, and what's even more shocking, he knows Basch understands him.

There were no words to encompass that. ]

[ Maybe they aren’t so different from the simulation in the end. Basch knows what it means that Sylvain hears him, that he’s making words at all and not panicking at that show of love. Basch tenderly rearranges the other, tucking him closer into his hold and rocking him, fingers stroking soothingly as he kisses his hair. ]

I’m wildly proud of you, you know [ he murmurs, soaking in the warmth and softness of their skin pressed together, knowing it doesn’t matter when or where they are. This is safe. This is good. ] That after everything you’ve been through, you’re still willing to let yourself be loved. Here. There. Any time it’s presented, you turn toward it. That’s all you, brave heart.

I turn towards you.

[ he corrects him softly but firmly, splaying his fingers over the man’s heart. Feeling it beat beneath his palm. ]

You’re the one that’s made all the difference. You made it safe to reach for.

Edited 2024-12-12 03:34 (UTC)

[ He feels small, embarrassed, like he’s ventured somewhere he shouldn’t and gotten caught. He doesn’t push away Sylvain’s words though. It would be too much like rejection.

Instead, his hand comes to fold over the other’s, nodding slowly, taking steadying breaths. ]

You turn towards me [ He repeats in a whisper, like it’s some illicit secret, like he’s taking space he shouldn’t. But at least this time he’s aware that’s another life talking. What matters is what Sylvain thinks is true, and it’s so clear he believes this.

Basch finds his lips again, tender and sweet. ] and I’m proud of you, and grateful for your trust, love.

[ He can tell there’s something in the words that makes Basch… uncomfortable? Uncertain? Something he struggles with, at the very least, because he can all but feel the tension sing through him in response. But Basch pushes through it, too. Clasps his hand over his heart, turns to kiss him again and Sylvain meets him, slow and sensual and warm.

He debates on asking, debates on whether this is a moment he should push on it, but after a breath, he lets it go. Little steps at a time, he thinks, and they’ve already taken big ones today. Several, in fact, and he knows the strain that in itself can cause.

So he just kisses him back and stays wrapped around him, limbs tangled and body pressed close. ]

You’ve more than earned it. I still don’t know what I did to deserve yours in turn, but I’m grateful for it all the same.

[ The only reason Basch doesn't argue is because he knows what it feels like to not quite understand why he deserves this. He trusts Sylvain's conviction that he does because his own that Sylvain deserves it is so strong. That, and the memory of how much it hurt Sylvain when he doubted the other always looms to keep him from spiraling too far into low self worth. ]

It doesn't matter if you never understand; it's still yours [ he murmurs. ] Let's get dressed and go eat, and then I want you back in my bed to rest.

Mmmm. [ Sylvain hums contentedly, even though he's reluctant to move out of Basch's lap. They really do need to clean up, though - he is definitely very sticky. ]

That sounds like the perfect way to end the night.

Hey handsome - you want to help me figure out some birthday plans for someone extra special?

Birthday???

Yeah, Olivine's. It's in a couple days from now.

[ it's tomorrow irl but waves hand. ]

Edited 2024-10-03 02:25 (UTC)

What, really?

[ Shit. That's not a lot of time. ]

Did you have something in mind?

Well, I was thinking that maybe Olivine might get a kick out of the whole anonymity club - the Cloaca and Dagger place. If we coordinate just right, we can give him a hell of a surprise. Send him an invitation to meet us there and he'll have to find us. I think considering how well he knows the both of us, recognizing us even behind the disguises there should be very fun for him.

I'm sure we could come up with plenty to keep things interesting there. When do you want to meet?

If you want, we could meet up to talk more about it at the Early Bird? Grab some food to fuel some of our best ideas? I can wait there for you 💕

I'll find you.

[ that particular text gets a little heart reaction ]

Can't wait!!

[ of course sylvain can find him, seated comfortably at a cafe, legs stretched out under the table and leaned back into the seat. of course there's a spot for sylvain, which he nudges his bag over for him to sit. he looks as excited as ever, waiting eagerly. ]

You found me. Hi.

To be fair, you're a little hard to miss.

[ Sylvain gives him a playful wink as he slides in beside Eiden, scotting him over a little further to make room for himself. ]

So what are these genius ideas of yours?

Edited 2024-10-28 00:39 (UTC)

Is that a good or a bad thing?

[ teasing, he doesn't need him to answer it. sylvain settles in and eiden presses back up against him, not to move him, just to stay close in greeting, knee brushing his. sylvain always makes him feel warm. he turns to his coffee, as if this is a very normal conversation and says: ]

Anyways, have you ever heard of DP?

[ It's been long enough since they arrived that both their hair has gotten longer. Basch has never worn it this long; not with strict military protocols. Maybe that's why he's let it stay. It's a distancing from that past life and something he associates with this one.

Nami has started to teach him how to put small braids in it, both to keep the worst of it from his eyes and to look nicer. He may not be much for fashion, but he finds the ritual of doing it himself or receiving the hair care to be soothing. So, it's only a matter of time before he wants to share it with Sylvain.

He just...keeps getting nervous to bring it up. There's no real reason why, just and old sense that what he thinks would be nice may be awkward.

But, finally, one late morning that Sylvain has stayed over and the two are getting ready but with no real rush to be anywhere, Basch works up the courage. ]

I have something for you, and I won't be offended if it isn't something you want.

[ He goes and gets a simple wooden box with a flower carved on top -- something else he made -- and opens it to show Sylvain an assortment of wooden beads. Most are simple and round, but a few are small flattened medallions, one clearly bearing a fox. ]

I thought I could braid them into your hair. If you'd like.

[ Sylvain pauses in buttoning up his shirt, glancing over when Basch speaks up and arching an eyebrow at the ridiculous possibility of ever turning down a gift from the other man. Especially when he knows how much thought frequently goes into such a thing.

But he follows the man over all the same, peering over his shoulder and down into the box. He doesn’t understand what he’s looking at until Basch adds in that last part and then he’s blinking down at the beads. And then over at his lover. ]

You want to… braid my hair?

[ His own hair has certainly grown longer in his months here - it had been on the long side even before his arrival, what with the war and all, and he’s let it continue in his time here. It’s nowhere near as long as Felix’s just yet, but certainly long enough now that he’s occasionally drawn it back off his face in a bun at the back of his head, or fastened the sides back with a clip he’d gotten in one of the shops.

He hadn’t really considered this as an option, but he reaches down to pluck up the little fox medallion with a growing smile. ]

You know how to do that?

[ Yes, well, he feels like furniture is different from personal adornment, and Sylvain's initial reaction has him feeling a little shy, the repetition that Sylvain doesn't need to feel obligated hovering in his throat.

But that blinking look is not abnormal this early in the day, and it quickly turns to a grin. He feels tension leaving his shoulders as Sylvain picks up the little fox medallion; there's not convincing himself that isn't approval. ]

I've been learning.

[ He'd thought about making Sylvain a clip, too, but he wasn't sure if that had been a gift from someone and didn't want to overstep. ]

[ It hadn't been. He'd picked it up out of necessity, nothing more.

But he rests his chin on Basch's shoulder now with a hum and a soft grin. ]

I've never had braids before. Think I could pull it off?

[ He tried to imagine it, but it just ended up being some combination of the simple one Claude had sported, and Petra's various strands. ]

[ That gesture of warmth is clearer than any other assurance Sylvain could give that he's pleased with this. Basch chuckles, leaning his head back against the other's, glad he did this. ]

My opinion on fashion is hardly worthwhile, but -- yes, I do, and if we get them in and you don't like them, I will not be offended.

[ Basch had a better eye than he gave himself credit for, likely developed with his carving. And he'd had practice in his own hair, just adding a few for variety, or to pull back from his temples. ]

I want to see.

[ He sounds excited now, grin coming quick and easy in anticipation of something new. He reaches out, brushing his fingers through the beads and medallions in curiosity. Always tactile. But he doesn't select anything, letting that up to his lover. ]

Your fashion sense is better than you think, it's not your fault your wardrobe has Opinions. [ Not that he doesn't appreciate those efforts. Basch is a god in skin-tight pants. ] Pick what you think will look good.

[ There's something almost childlike about Sylvain's excitement. Not immature, just...excitement. Underscored by the way he dips his fingers in the beads but makes no effort to direct this process.

Knowing what he does of Sylvain's childhood, it makes Basch grin in return, bashful and pleased. It turns to a real flush at the compliment. ]

I'm not sure you've seen me choose any fashion [ he protests, but there's no bite to it. Maybe he isn't terrible at it. He hasn't lived a life where he's chosen clothing in so long, but he also hasn't been teased for how he keeps his hair or the things he finds beautiful. ]

Come sit. You'll be more comfortable. [ Box still in hand, he guides Sylvain to a largely unused plush chair and vanity. But it gives him somewhere to set the box, and there are hair supplies here. And he finds himself a little shy, a little reverent, turning Sylvain away fromt he mirror and lifting a comb to his beautiful red hair. This isn't something they've done before, and it feels preciously intimate.

He wants to ask what the other wants but bites it back. He's supposed to choose. So, hair combed, he starts to gently use his fingers to section out three small pieces at the temple. ]

[ Basch should be well aware by now how much Sylvain enjoys having his hair played with. So it should be no surprises that he makes a happy hum of contentment as his lover goes to work combing through thick locks, letting his eyes slide closed as he lets Basch work. ]

So what made you want to do this?

[ He is well aware, and his expression is soft and fond as Sylvain melts under his touch ]

I thought you'd enjoy the process, at least.

[ That one's easy to admit. ]

And...I thought it would be nice to make you something you could keep on your person.

[ One amber eye peeks open in warm amusement, peering up at him. ]

Our tattoo doesn't count?

[ gods it still makes his stomach flutter sometimes when they're this close and Sylvain looks at him like that. ]

I didn't make you that.

Teeeeechnically… [ He drawls out with a quirk of his lips. ] You dubbed me your little fox in the first place. So you’re completely responsible for it in all ways that matter.

Edited 2024-10-21 04:11 (UTC)

[ His fingers stay focused, reaching the end of the braid and reaching for the fox medallion bead, tying off the braid with a little band that doubles as a stopper to hold the bead in place. But he turns to kiss Sylvain's brow, smile warm. ]

One gift is enough then? I shouldn't do more?

Mmm. [ He gives a thoughtful little hum at that before shooting Basch an impish grin as he leans into that touch. ]. Not at all. I can be very greedy, after all.

[ Basch's fingers comb through Sylvain's hair again, pulling a second set of strands father back as he continues to work. It's soothing, like his woodworking, but pleasant being this close to Sylvain while he does. ]

I like spoiling you [ he admits. Privately, he thinks the other man deserves a good deal more of it, given the deficit he had. ]

I suppose that’s only fair to allow, when I like spoiling you so much in turn.

[ Just in case him taking every opportunity to do so had escaped Basch’s notice so far. ]

[ he's gotten better about noticing and not finding reasons to justify the behavior, but its still good for him to hear it, and how please Sylvain is to do it for him.

He gets to the bottom of the second braid, putting on a plain bead, and switches to the other side. But not without taking Sylvain's head in both hands and kissing the crown of his head. ]

You'd have spooked me off, you know, if you'd insisted on spoiling me without allowing me the effort.

[ That just gets another thoughtful hum as he considers that. ]

Would I have, though? I think I spooked you several times, actually, and yet you kept coming back for more.

[ He chuckles at that, shaking his head as his fingers move to the other side of Sylvain's head. ]

Maybe you're right. I do always come back when you spook me, and all the rules have been different with you.

[ Sylvain reaches out to brush his fingers against Basch’s chest, since he can’t really move much with Basch braiding his hair. ]

Well, that’s only fair, I think, since you’ve broken pretty much ever rule I’ve ever had and I’m finding I’m perfectly thrilled about it.

[ That constant need to touch is so familiar now, but it still makes him smile. ]

Good. I want to keep thrilling you.

[ Really, though, it makes his heart swell that Sylvain feels that way, given what he knows of the other. That Basch can be such a safe space for him brings him such joy.

He finishes the third braid and starts on the last. ]

[ He sits patiently while Basch works, his back to the mirror so he can’t see it yet, even if he struggles not to squirm with impatience. ]

How’s it look?

[ Truly that was a testament to Sylvain's trust in him, working to not squirm for something like this. He keeps his fingers working, even as he shakes his head in amusement. ]

You always look beautiful. I...like this though.

[ He'll finish the last one, placing the bead on it. And with one more kiss to Slyvain's forehead, guides the chair back around so he can see. ]

[ Sylvain lets himself be turned, leaning in to eye the small braids with fascination and delight. The beads click together when he moves his head, which is a little distracting, but only in the best way.

His grin widens as he meets Basch’s gaze in the reflection. ]

This would be considered exotic, back where I come from. The only people I’ve ever seen wear braids were those from beyond the natural borders of Fodlan.

[ Duscar were their own people with the own beliefs, for all the ties they’d held to Faerghus. Brigid and Sreng might as well be another world. There was still Claude, of course, but Goddess only knew which mysterious origin he’d popped out of before waltzing in to take his place as the Duke’s only heir. ]

I suppose it is exotic, given we learned it here. [ His smile is small, but his eyes are bright and teasing. ]

You would have been exotic on your own, with your hair, but Ivalice is so full of foreigners, I don't think people would have much minded. Other than to have heads turned.

[ It was odd to think of Sylvain there, because any way it could have happened, Basch likely would not have had reason to talk to him, let alone any of the rest. But -- Sylvain would have enjoyed much of it. ]

So you like them?

[ He reaches up to catch Basch's hand, tugging it back and closer, so he can press a kiss to his palm, His eyes are dark and warm with affection as he catches and holds the man's gaze in the mirror's reflection. ]

I love them.

[ A pause, because that doesn't feel quite right. Doesn't sound right. He doesn't let himself think about it, doesn't let himself freeze, or choke - as he so often does. Just lets the words spill out of him, when so often they get trapped behind a dam of guilt and shame and insecurity. ]

I love you.

[ his eyes go wide, a tingling heat whipping through him toe to crown. He’s never used that phrase again, not since Sylvain explained why he had a hard time with it. That it was something given both too freely and without sincerity, wasn’t a thing he wanted to use between them. That had been alright, more than alright, because he had no doubt about what he meant to Sylvain.

He also has no doubt how sincere it is now. And how right the other must feel, for it to slip out.

He laughs, joyous and bright and disbelieving, stepping around and pulling Sylvain’s face into his. There are hungry kisses — many, between them many days and nights — but this is an entirely different kind of demanding. Promising. Thanking. Loving. ]

Perhaps it is time for me to stop worrying how you will receive my gifts. I did not dream someone could be this pleased to be mine.

[ He laughs softly, a faint, self-conscious flush creeping up the back of his neck at Basch's reaction to the words.

He was trying not to think about it. That he'd said them. That he meant them. He didn't want to spoil the moment with a panic attack now of all times. But it was hard to think anyway, with Basch kissing him like that. ]

There's nothing I want more. Only to be yours.

[ he sees the hint of panic, hears the strain in Sylvain’s voice. So he just pulls him close, rocking him slightly, encouraging him to bury his face in Basch. ]

You have that always, brave heart. Just as you are.

[ This was a lovely moment, one he would cherish, but it didn’t need to change anything. The last thing he wanted was Sylvain to feel pressure, especially when this was meant to be a gift. ]

That has been true for quite awhile now.

[ He takes that invitation, burying his face against the curve of Basch's throat. The beads click together softly in his hair, the braids shifting with his movement. It feels strange, but he likes it. If only because it was something from Basch. A visible reminder.

Arms wrapping around his lover, he just presses close, soaking up that solid warmth and smiling against his throat. The panic is gone as quickly as it had come, the briefest flicker, easily banished. Far easier than it ever had been before. Basch seemed to have that effect. ]

You make it easier to feel brave.

[ feeling Sylvain settle so readily in his hold is its own gift. He recalls that first time, in that closed pod, still strangers, and yet.

Sylvain has always trusted him, and it's something he strives to always live up to. ]

I know the feeling.

[ He pulls back enough to slides his hands up Basch's arms, tipping his head back so he can meet his lover's gaze again. His amber eyes warm and dark with affection. ]

Thank you. For the beads and the braids. Although I have no idea how you did that so I'll probably have to come pester you to do it again in the future.

[ Such a hardship, putting up with him, he knows. ]

I could teach you, but -

[ He's smiling stupidly into the warmth of that gaze, into the glow of what's passed between them. He strokes Sylvain's hair back, fingers glancing over a braid. ]

I like doing them for you.

I'm terrible at paying attention anyways.

[ He replies, almost flippantly, a hint of impish teasing in his gaze, in the crooked quirk of his lips. ]

Sylvain, it's Kaveh
I was thinking about what you said that time before and
anyway, I don't suppose you're free?

[ Uh-oh. ]

I can be here in a few minutes.

What's happened?

Another person I care about is gone
I remembered what you and Olivine told me, so I'm
I'm trying to reach out instead of just hiding.

I'm in my suite.

[ Shit. ]

I'm on my way.

Okay. Thanks.

[ He's doing a little better by now than when he first reached out. Not wanting to burden any of his friends too much, he's asking for a little time with each of them, trying to take the advice both Olivine and Sylvain gave him in the past.

And so when he opens the door for the other man, there's no denying that he looks tired, but at the same time, he's far more put together than the last time this happened.

He offers Sylvain a smile, and steps aside so he can come in. ]

Thank you. I.. I'm really grateful you came.

[ He's still getting used to Kaveh's new rank, and it had taken him a little longer to get up here. But there's no hesitation in him when the other man opens the door and invites him inside.

He steps in, and nudges the door shut behind him one he's inside, only to turn and draw Kaveh in for a hug, winding his arms warmly around him as he does so. ]

Of course. How are you holding up?

[ There's no hesitation in the way he immediately steps forward and into that hug, sighing as his face presses into Sylvain's shoulder, just allowing himself this moment of rest and quiet as he gathers himself back together once again—something he's already had to do a few times today. It's never easy when someone leaves, especially when it's someone you love. Doing it once already hasn't made it any easier, either.

He sighs. ]

I'm alright. It's.... it's different, this time. So it's.. easier, but harder too. If that makes any sense.

[ They stayed late at the event, though mostly because Sylvain was weak and Basch was in no hurry to have the man out of his lap. They fucked a few more times -- hands, mouths, cock; it didn't matter. Whatever Sylvain wanted. Basch kept him close, focused on him, cradled in his lap and so clearly his.

When they finally left, both were on wobbly legs. Basch led Sylvain home slow and patient, and instead of depositing the man in his guest chambers, he took him back to his private room. This room was less lushly adorned than the rest of the house; simple, with furniture from a distant land. Basch leaned Sylvain against the bed, gently undressing him and proceeding to give him a sponge bath for the worst of the night's mess, then settling him into the soft linens. After stripping and doing the same for himself, he climbed in beside the exhausted, dazed beauty, arms guiding him back to his hold, fingers immediately seeking hair and skin to stroke.

He's exhausted too, and doesn't remember falling asleep, but he wakes up to soft warm light and his pet still curled against his chest, and he sighs in a contentment he'd forgotten could exist.

The other lords and pirates here had been pushing him to take a pet for so long. He couldn't have predicted one could end up like this. ]

[ The night had passed in a dizzying whirl of heat and hunger. At some point, it had all started to blur together, but through it all he was constantly aware of the warm strength of Basch's hands holding him close. The possessive - and protective - way he cradled him close. The pleasure he built, again and again, until Sylvain was suffused with it, body utterly sated and spent.

It hadn't even mattered that they were somewhere relatively public. That there could be - and probably were - eyes on them, greedily drinking in their movements. He'd forgotten all about that, because his entire focus, his entire world had narrowed down to Basch. The heat of his body, the slide of his hands, the hunger of his kiss. The feel of him buried so deep within Sylvain that he ached for it when the man finally withdrew, dressed him again, and then half-carried him home when his legs barely kept him upright.

He doesn't recognize the room he's taken to, but he doesn't really care about that. Exhausted and spent, the night's pleasures catching up to him, he's half-asleep the moment Basch pours him into his bed. He only stirs a little when he feels Basch crawl in beside him, draws him close, though he's quick to wrap around him, face buried against his throat as he all but clings to the man in his sleep, their legs tangled together. The hands that slide along his skin, through his hair, quickly lull him back into deep, quiet slumber.

It's quite possibly the best rest he's gotten in years. So much so that he's reluctant to wake, comfortable and warm and content as he is. His sleepy mind is still lost in a pleasurable haze as he wriggles closer, soaking up the warmth of the arms around him.

Although parts of him are certainly very aware of what - and who - he's pressed up against and wrapped around. Basch won't have to guess how happy part of Sylvain is to be waking up wrapped around his lover, after all the pleasure from the night before. ]

[ Pushing Sylvain farther today had not been his intent, but neither had bringing him back to his bed. This was progressing beautifully but also in ways past his machinations. Past his hopes, really.

That’s only deepened as, in the hazy half-awake of morning after, he feels Sylvain curling into him, making sounds of contentment.

And hunger. Basch almost laughs in delight, feeling that now familiar hard length against his leg. But this is too delicate, too sweet, too much progress to laugh. He pushed this man to trust him, and when those walls came down, the dam burst. He was so delicate, so tender. And the magic was mostly out of his system. Basch had been right; this man was hungry for this. It was fortunate he was also hungry for Basch.

So he lazily slides his hand down, warm fingers trailing up the others’ thigh, over his ass, then stroking a finger up his cock. ]

Good morning, sweet thing.

[ He’s not awake, not quite yet, so at best, Basch will get a sleepy, incomprehensible murmur before the redhead groans and stubbornly burrows deeper into the man’s hold. Not a morning person, not even here, he’s reluctant to leave the content, easy warmth slumbering in Basch’s arms had offered him.

And not awake enough to remember why he should be objecting to that.

So instead Basch gets to feel the pleased little shiver that slides through him at his touch, the huff of warm breath against his skin as the redhead squirms a little, cock twitching eagerly against the stroke of that finger.

Responding easily, naturally, when his mind isn’t awake enough to offer protest or reluctance. The magic might have faded, but his body more than remembers how good Basch had made him feel. ]

[ He just chuckles and caresses the other back, kissing his hair and cradling his head. He angles him gently, working his thigh between the other’s. Not pumping him, just giving him something to fold into, rock against.

He moves his hand down the base, circling it, letting the warmth envelop while his thumb strokes lightly. The other clasps his neck, and his lips work down toward his forehead. Slow,
Sensual touch.

And then he rolls them, so his weight is a blanket on the other, and his lips move to Sylvain’s brow, his cheekbone, just below his earlobe. Mapping him. Paying tribute to him. That no one has worshipped this man is a crime. ]

[ The cocoon of warmth and contentment only deepens and Sylvain’s more than happy to soak in it. Basch’s touches, his maneuvering, gets quiet, sleepy noises of either protest or pleasure from him, but the redhead still doesn’t stir completely awake.

His body does chase after those touches though. The heated friction of that thigh pressing in between his legs. That gets a soft, sleepy groan as he rocks against it, cock hardening further. Clumsily, his hands come up to cling to the other man’s shoulders, holding on to him. ]

[ Gods he's precious like this, sleepy and trusting. It makes him seem youthful, vulnerable. And Basch moans in pleasure of his own Sylvain rocks sleepily against his thigh, hands groping to wrap around him.

He keeps his voice a low murmur, leaning up to trace the marks from the night before with gentle fingers. ] Don't you look pretty all sleep-tossed and relaxed, covered in my marks. But I'm covered in yours too, aren't I?

[ His mouth returns to skin, lips and teeth gently exploring throat, shoulder, pecs. Nosing the warm flesh. Touching just to touch, even as his thigh stays firmly where the other can grind against it. Let this be a waking dream, a gentle reentry to the world of the waking. ]

[ It is a good dream, a heated haze creeping into his awareness. For a while, he thinks he is dreaming, or that perhaps he's still caught up in the deep grasp of heat from the night before. Instead of waking him, the movement of Basch's lips and hands on his skin just keep him floating there, reluctant to wake from this pleasant dream. As if afraid it will all vanish when he opens his eyes.

Maybe it will...

So he's reluctant to drift too far in that direction, wanting to stay here as long as he can. Caught up in heat and touch. In that surreal feeling of being cherished and safe.

He moans softly, a wordless plea for more, even as he shivers beneath the brush of that soft praise, skin flushing in quiet pleasure. ]

[ The warmth in Basch's chest isn't strictly arousal. The port island is better than the mainland life in many ways, but it isn't free of intrigue, politics, stress. Sex is both without strings here, and with a tangle of them he can't ever seem to sidestep; such is being high profile in a place like this.

Getting to take care of someone, and someone who needs it, is a fantasy that he's kept locked away for a long time, even from himself. This isn't the sort of place that can play to that, and certainly not when he's bought his pet against his will. Except, somehow, it is. And he aches for that ember to grow.

So he just enjoys it this morning. The way Sylvain moans, pleading wordlessly, the way he's so pliant and relaxed under Basch's touch. His nose traces down, across ribs, across abs, and he pulls his legs away so his mouth can nestle down against course hair and tender skin of inner thigh. He turns his head, kissing the base of Sylvain's cock, fingers trailing down his side. If last night was a frenzy, then this is a slow, easy smolder. ]

[ This... this is territory that not even Sylvain's dreams often drifted to. A sort of tenderness and doting that is utterly foreign to the redhead. Maybe that's part of why he's so reluctant to wake. Wanting to cling to this for as long as he can manage.

And then that decadent mouth moves down to his inner thigh and his breath catches, throat working around a much deeper, breathless moan as his fingers drop to tangle in Basch's hair, trying to tug him closer. Wanting to feel his mouth where he's already hard and aching. ]

[ To know he’s already turning this terrible luck into a dream would fill Basch to the brim. As it is, he chuckles warmly at the hand in his hair, the familiar want in that moan. The vibration of it undoubtedly rolls against Sylvain’s cock.

He’s still in no hurry though, running a knuckle gently up and down his length, planting kisses from base to head as his hand slips to palm his warm sack. His own cock is stirring, the want not easy to stoke but the knowledge that this is slow and that his own pleasure isn’t any real priority keeping it a slow build. Still, he shifts his position so the other can feel his hardness on his leg, free hand absently stroking his hip bone. If the other is overwhelmed by anything this morning, it should be by caresses and tenderness. ]

[ Something that is overwhelming, if only because the tenderness expressed is so foreign in its own way. His hips rock shallowly, no real urgency behind it, not when he's still drifting in such a pleasant haze. He's content to drift, to let his body react to Basch's touches, the press of his mouth. The pleasure that heats everywhere the other man makes contact.

He's still boneless and pliant, body utterly open and willing to whatever Basch wishes of him. Completely unguarded in his responses. Something that might inspire panic if he were awake. But for now, there's just the honesty of his pleasure and want. ]

[ Its the slow, gentle reactivity of those movements that have Basch weak and swelling with pleasure. Those are sure signs of trust and relaxation. He has no doubt Sylvain still thinks he’s sleeping, but he also has no doubt the joy and surrender and fatigue of last night are allowing him to.

Still slow, he slips his lips around the other’s head, savoring the size and warmth of him. He thought it would be a lot longer before he’d be welcomed to give this way. He runs his tongue along the other’s slit, humming lowly as he drags his knuckle down his shaft again, across his sack, down his thigh.

Gods he wanted this man. Like this. It was a fine treasure to work for. One they could both have a taste of today. ]

[ His head falls back against the pillow, lips parted on a ragged gasp. Throat working on a swallow as he shivers, cock twitching against the warm heat of Basch’s lips around him.

The man plays him effortlessly and there’s no resistance in him as he dances along after him. Mesmerized and lulled by the promise of that heat, and the safety it offers. The remembered pleasure that his body is already aching for. Craving.

He stirs a little closer to waking, if only because it feels so good even his subconscious has started reaching for it, for the man at the source of the heat and the hunger. ]

[ a part of him wants to devour the other, to hear more pretty gasps like last night, to fuck him in his bed and collapse again with him. But those are easier scenarios and he doesn’t want to waste this one. Or spoil it.

He works down slowly, retreating for every half centimeter he progresses, tongue laving around the other’s girth. One hand goes to gently squeeze the one in his hair, encouraging this contact and softness. The other holds his shaft where he wants it, thumb stroking reverently, still humming in pleasure and to stimulate.

It’s not long before his mouth is comfortably full. Sylvain is large. He relaxes his jaw further, breathing harder through his nose as he works himself further down the shaft, swallowing as it starts to press against the back of his throat. His own cock is hard now with want, with the danger of spooking the other, with the moan-worthy heat of having this pretty cock down his throat and knowing Sylvain will stir and see it eventually.

With the trust that’s budding here.

Finally he has the whole of him. He pauses there, breathing deeply, choking so slightly, enjoying his nose in the others hair and the undeniably masculine, sweaty, spent smell of him. ]

[ He's trembling, by the time Basch takes all of him. Body humming with need and pleasure and the lingering warmth and need of the night before. The magical effects have faded - somewhat - but the impressions they'd left behind have taken their hold. Sunk deeper into his awareness. His reality, now.

It had been emphasized and worked deep with every hour that had ticked past the night before. And perhaps pressed even deeper by an awareness outside of this current scene, always conscious of Basch's own uncertainties about some of this.

But it means, as that pleasure slowly rouses him this morning, it's got him slowly stirring awake still lost in that pleasurable heat, the lazy want. Body pliant and yet eager. The resistance and stubbornness still tamped down beneath a blanket of almost eager need. The ache to be touched, to be doted on, to have that hungry attention focused fully on him.

Even as his mind remains shrouded in thick fog as he shifts, dark lashes fluttering open over a sleepy, unfocused gaze, his body is more than responding, taking control for the moment. Not letting his thoughts start casting doubt or second-guessing what he's doing. What he's feeling. What he wants.

It's what lets clumsy fingers tangle needily in Basch's hair as he moans, breathless, and rock his hips up to press deeper into that delicious wet heat, cock twitching against the slide of Basch's tongue. The squeeze of his throat around his length.

The last thing he vaguely remembers from the night before, before everything went hazy with exhaustion and pleasure, was spilling as he clenched around Basch's cock, only one of many orgasms that he'd lost track of as the night wore on. So it didn't even seem all that strange to be waking up ensnared just as deeply as he'd been. ]

[ That was the riskiest part of all this, the part Basch had wavered on. That the magic would meld with Sylvain's feelings in a way that would be hard to untangle. But it was the tool he had, and the alternative was worse. Besides, was it so bad to be forced to relax, to enjoy? Some people couldn't get there on their own.

And this was clear bliss for the both of them. He hums low and wanting as Sylvain gentle pulses against his mouth, sending the vibration against his shaft. Bobs his head and strokes warm skin, sucking as he listens for hitching breath, feels for movement to become more stuttered. He basks in the growing knowledge of Sylvain's body and tells, in knowing he's the only one who lays hands on him.

That moan is beautiful, and Basch leans into the touch at his hair. Good boy.

He breathes heavy through his nose, pace persistent and sensual. A slew of things he wants to say flow through his mind, but maybe this is better. More real.

He moans again, grip tightening on Sylvain's hip, and he shifts himself so he can languidly rock against the other's thigh, letting him know just how much Basch is enjoying this too. His jaw begins to ache, but he doesn't care; he isn't relinquishing the other til he's spent. ]

[ He can't think. But to be fair, he's not really trying to think very hard. Not when this feels so good, when the heat washes through him in waves. He's waking up in increments, if only because his body is coming alive with stimulation, with need, and he's carried along on the rising waves.

His hips rock in a stuttered rhythm, no real pace or focus to them. He's just chasing the pleasure, the vibration of Basch's heated mouth around his length making him moan. He's shuddering, his cock twitching against the slide of the man's tongue as he presses up into him, fingers gripping with needy desperation.

The moans and whimpers that slip free are incoherent and formless, a wordless plea for more as his head tosses on the pillow, throat working around a choked gasp. ]

[ He channels the myriad of sweet, dirty things he wants to say into a steady stream of low moans and hums. Sylvain twitches against him and it’s all the encouragement he needs, bobbing and sucking and reveling in the hand in his hair.

And reveling in Sylvain’s large, rigid cock. Pleasing him this way is not the easiest, not with the strain on his jaw or the choking sensation in his throat. Basch only feels pride at taking the challenge, another way he can care for this man where others would fail.

Mouth still working, he cups Sylvain’s sack, his hair tumbling over both of them, his own cock now rigid and wanting.

This is perfect. ]

[ He was already halfway gone before Basch had even woken him, but now it doesn't take long at all before the sensations become too much and he gives a strained cry. Cock pulsing hotly in the tight heat of Basch's mouth, he spills with a whimpered cry that might be Basch's name on his tongue. His body shuddering from the overwhelming intensity of it, he can only slump back to the pillows, dazed and groggy, eyes dark and unfocused as he gasps for air.

He looks the utter picture of debauchery, flushed and sated against the dark sheets as his body trembles in the aftershocks of pleasure, too dazed to even know if he's awake or still dreaming right now. ]

[ It's so gratifyingly easy to get him to come. Basch takes all of him, swallowing hard and working him through his orgasm, moaning generously.

And when he pulls back, lips red and spit and come on his chin, he whispers curse and prayer tied up together, raking in the beautiful site of Sylvain debauched and sated and comfortable.

He wipes his mouth on the back of his hand, the only pause before he sidles up, palms working slow and rhythmic up the other's thighs, his stomach and ribs. A cherishing, awed sort of exploration, slow and quietly possessive. ]

Waters and winds, you are a sight my pet. Precious and beautiful and so, so worthy. [ He's not even really aware of the nonsense spilling out of his mouth, even if every word of it is true. ]

[ His breath hitches softly at the praise, something in him already coming to crave those soft words of affection. And there's a visible flush along his skin in reaction. He licks dry lips, dazed eyes locked on Basch as he slides up his body, muscles still quivering and trembling beneath the caress of the man's hands.

He opens his mouth, but can think of absolutely nothing to say. Between being groggy and then having his mind blown with an orgasm first thing, his thoughts aren't exactly working just yet.

That and he feels a little hungover from the night before. not from alochol, but maybe the magic. Or the orgasms. Or all of it rolled into one. It had been intense and overwhelming and utterly consuming and in the aftermath, he still feels wrapped up in thick sated heat.

Everything feels a little more... subdued today. His fears and distrust and anger still a distant thing, pushed to the back of his mind while his body was still very much wanting to be wrapped up around this man who held him and praised him and gave him pleasure like nothing else before.

Some part of him wasn't in any hurry to really start thinking again. This was a much better dream than his nightmares normally allowed. ]

[ Their eyes meet, and Basch nearly whimpers. He manages to turn it into a moan, palsm warm and flat against the other. But seeing that trust, that want, knowing the other is conscious - if not entirely himself -- is a high he wasn't expecting today.

He makes his way all the way up the other, wrapping around him and pulling them both to their sides. Basch's erection is still hot against the other, but he has no intention of doing anything about it, instead savoring being able to kiss Sylvain slowly, tenderly, hands still moving slow, legs tangling together. Now that he doesn't have to overwhelm the other to stoke his desire, he can savor him.

He can savor how much he wants this himself, too.

Is he a terrible person, wanting a man he's coerced? Probably. But...it wouldn't have worked if the other's want hadn't been there. And his only intention past stoking that want was to take care of the other for as long as he could. ]

[ Sylvain gives a soft whimper when the man wraps around him, pulls him close. He buries his face against Basch's throat, still feeling a little overwhelmed, but that all seems to fade away each time he lets himself be wrapped up in this man who's come to own him.

A day ago, this would have terrified him. A day ago, he hadn't seen what the rest of this place was like. Hadn't seen that in his own way, Basch was a safe space. A protector, albeit an unconventional one.

Sylvain knew why he'd landed on that stage initially, sent to be sold to the highest bidder. After last night? He was all too aware of how his fate could have been so much worse.

As Basch presses against him, their legs tangled together, he feels the press of the man's cock against his hip and he can't help but squirm a little in remembrance. At how good it had felt to have Basch buried so deep inside him. How much pleasure they'd shared, whether Sylvain had been riding him, or sucking him of, or any of the other positions they'd thoroughly explored the night before.

He's still a little sore from it, his body very aware of just how much they'd done the night before, but that doesn't mean there's not still a spark of hunger, in an insatiable want for more, waking up just as surely as Basch had roused the rest of him. ]

[ Basch is, by contrast, very aware of how sore Sylvain likely is. And while he's glad the other can relish that soreness today, he is not going to push it. Today is for comfort and sweetness. So when he feels the other rock lightly against him, he sighs, stroking the other's hair back. ]

I love how eager you are, but today you rest. If you can't resist me, then I'll yield and ride you. [ He kisses the other again, tender, slow. ] But not until you've eaten. Do you want to lie in the bed or the bath while I get that set up?

[ He's already so soft for this man. Honestly, was when he decided to buy him. To make sure he'd be the one to buy him, days and weeks before the sale, before the kidnapping took place. He can sense some of the change, but if he knew how much Sylvain already was adjusting his view of the pirate, recognizing the way he was protecting best he could -- he'd be touched, but rattled too. This wasn't a life where people looked for sweetness. Maybe that was why he was so thrilled to be able to give it. ]

[ There's a momentary pout he doesn't even realize he makes, at being denied Basch's cock, but at those options, he groans and rolls back over to bury his face in the pillow.

He probably should opt for the bath - he's still sticky and this morning's exertions have only made him more aware of the fact. But at the moment? He's too comfortable to want to move yet. ]

Don' wanna get up. [ he mumbles into the pillow instead, wrapping his arms around it like Basch might try and drag him away. ]

[ He chuckles, sliding a hand over Sylvain's warm shoulders and kissing his hair. ]

You don't have to. I'll be back.

[ He slips away, pulling on a loose pair of flowing pants to wander down to the kitchen. He has a small staff, but he had already told them to take today off. Now, he gets to work making breakfast, which he situates on a tray.

When he returns, it's with tea and coffee and eggs and sausage thick sweet bread and jam and fruit. Some part of him is worried he'll find the room empty or barred against him, but Sylvain is in the exact position he left him.

He positions the tray on the bed, far enough neither will kick it, then lays a hand on Sylvain's shoulder, shaking gently. ]

Are you hungry, sweet?

[ Barring the door hadn’t even occurred to him, and he wouldn’t have, even if it had. No, not when he was still definitely in the midst of some pleasure-fueled euphoria high right now.

That, and he would have had to get out of bed and that still ddn’t sound the least bit appealing to him.

He does groan when Basch rouses him again, since he had managed to doze back off once more, but he stretches lazily, not bothering to hide a yawn as he rolls over onto his side to peer up at the man sleepily.

And then blinks at the sight of the large tray of food. ]

…You brought me breakfast?

[ He's simultaneously pleased as a couerl who caught its dinner and savagely angry that Sylvain is so suprised and delighted that someone would do this for him. ]

I made you breakfast [ he agrees. ] So if it isn't as fine as the cook's usual offerings, don't take it up with her.

[ It's a warm tease though. He knows this meal is not lacking. He does take the opportunity to reach out and smooth Sylvain's hair back though, savoring these quieter touches. ]

And a bath after, I think.

[ Still hazy with sleep and pleasure, body languorous and sated, he can’t help but lean into that touch, still not thinking much about any of this. Beyond the surprise tat Basch would do this.

And then pausing to blink again, as something else occurred to him. ]

…Shouldn’t I have done that for you?

[ He finally voices, sounding a little uncertain. They hadn’t really gone over anything Sylvain was supposed to be doing here, beyond what had seemed to be the obvious purpose in this place. Which had been mortifying enough before he wrapped his head around it. Was still wrapping his head around. ]

[ His brow furrows, hold tightening as he searches Sylvain's face. ]

You aren't my slave [ he says somewhat sharply. Well...fuck. ]

Not like that. The arrangement here is...different than outsiders expect. You are mine, but I am obligated to care for you, or the agreement would be void. [ That...didn't include breakfast in bed. It meant anyone truly abusing their pets was not allowed to possess them. But he realizes that makes it sound like he didn't want to do this so much as had to. He shakes his head. ]

I want to see you happy and relaxed. I want you to trust me. This place is strange, I know, but it is meant to be release, not punishment, and not servitude. Not like that, unless it's something you get heat from.

[ Now he just looks a little confused. Maybe they should have talked about this before, but he’d been so angry he hadn’t been ready to hear any of it.

He’s still not sure he’s ready to hear it, but the anger’s a distant thing today, with the lazy, pleasurable heat and memories of the night before still suffusing him. Making it impossible to feel threatened or stressed about any of this. It was like the opposite of a hangover. ]

…What is our arrangement, then?

[ He doesn’t want to break the languid haze Sylvain is in, or the beautiful soft ease of this. But it’s the calmest the other has been, and doesn’t Basch want him to understand? ]

You are mine, which means no one else may touch you without my permission — or yours. You live here. You are obligated to see to my sexual needs, and I am obligated to see to the rest of yours. If you try to flee you will legally be returned to me. Or if someone were to try to kidnap you. But you’re free to move about the island without me.

It’s…not unlike being a royal wife in some respects. The island is freer than the mainland, and the magic here brings out desire, but you are not obligated to do anything you don’t want.

[ If his head was a little less fuzzy right now, he might have laughed at the irony of that statement. He’d been pretty sure he hadn’t wanted anything that had happened the first few times. Or… maybe that wasn’t entirely right. He shouldn’t have wanted it, didn’t want to want it, but some part of him definitely had. Desperately, in fact.

The part that was still very much happily in control right now, keeping him content and languid rather than pissed and freaking out.

Absently, he reaches out for a bite of fruit, chewing it as he thinks that over. But then he’s peeking up at Basch through dark lashes again, almost shyly. ]

Okay but… why me?

[ His grin is quick and playful, stealing a hungry kiss ]

Is it not clear how much you are my taste?

[ But…it’s not that Sylvain is pretty, or gullible, or stupid. Quite the opposite. ]

I am…involved on the continent. I know you are of a ranking family, even if you were a second son. You were going to be married off, and it was going to cause political upheaval, not to mention the man was a known lecher and abusive. If you had a contract here, marriage was off the table. Permanently.

And…we had met once, years ago. You likely don’t remember. I enjoyed our conversation. I wasn’t going to leave your safety to someone else.

[ He blinks, staring at Basch with wide eyes. There was so much to unpack there. He’d known marriage was to be his fate one day - he was too dangerous to keep around, now that Miklan was staged to inherit. There was no longer a need for a spare, and his continued presence would only be a problem. But he hadn’t realized there’d been a marriage already in the works - or to who.

He’d hoped wherever he ended up would at least be tolerable, but from what Basch had described, that sounded unlikely. As for here… ]

Wait, we’ve met? What did we talk about?

[ He’s usually got a better memory for faces than that. ]

[ Basch only found out about it because the man was on their black list. He followed up on these sorts sometimes to make sure they weren’t using other sources. It also was a questionable alliance for suspicious trade and military pressure. He wouldn’t have liked it without person reason.

He also…hadn’t planned to tell Sylvain any of this yet. Even dreads when the other hates him again and twists his actual genuine care into manipulation. But— such is the price of what he is. And it’s worth it this morning. ]

Horses. We were in the stables, and you were quite distracted I think. You were still a student, and I was a visiting lecturer. Before this place.

We talked of crests and inheritance and marriage. I … assumed your opinions had not changed on those matters.

[ He blinks, because he does have a vague memory of that conversation - if only because he didn’t have many in the stables, which was often his place of escape. Not socializing. But even if he didn’t remember the conversation, he knows what opinions he probably expressed all too well. ]

Unlikely. For all that they were inevitable, I’ve never been a fan.

[ He's not sure how to read Sylvain's reaction, though the man is entitled to however he feels. ]

Well, I would say it's no longer inevitable. Every visiting dignitary saw you with me, and the contract is public record. The shortest term is half a year -- after that, you are free to do as you please. I doubt any house will want you as a political arrangement after your tenure here.

[ If Basch meant that to be reassuring… it falls a little short as the full realization sinks in. ]

Half a year? But… what am I supposed to do then?

[ Suddenly this safety and rescue had an expiration date. ]

[ it’s his turn to become sheepish, glancing away for the first time. It’s…too early to say this, but he owes Sylvain honesty and choice. ]

Whatever you choose, I will assist you with connections and resources. You…are also welcome to stay here, if you find it to your liking by then. Either with a renewed contract or as my guest. And if you decide you never want to see me again, I will honor that as well.

But I can… stay?

[ That was, at least, slightly more reassuring.

Having to make a choice about his future was not something he’s ever really been allowed. He was a commodity to be bartered and traded, he had no more say in that than a piece of livestock. Which was exactly how he’d ended up here in the first place. ]

[ Baschs soft smile and breathless laugh are too earnest, but then, he’s never actually been good at lying or scheming. ]

Of course you can stay. This place — my home, wherever it is, will always be open to you.

[ He probably shouldn’t mention that it would make him happy. That he’s never taken a pet in all his time here. That he’d thought about that conversation with that student too many times. ]

Like I said, this isn’t wildly different from an aristocratic marriage. I do take it seriously that I have removed other resources and options, and that it’s my duty to care for you. Even if you end up away from me.

[ He ducks his head, taking a moment to think how to reply to that as he munches on a piece of sweetbread. ]

I don’t… really have anywhere else to go. Not anymore.

[ His one-time home would definitely no longer welcome him back, not with Miklan now the Margrave. And he had nothing else to his name. Literally. ]

I’m sorry.

[ That it came to this. That he contributed. ]

There’s no need to make a decision soon. But again, if there’s somewhere you want to go, I will do what it is in my power to establish you there. Or get you your own quarters on the island. In the meantime, you are always welcome here.

You…also are welcome here if you leave and wish to come back. I took your home; it’s only right I make sure you have one.

[ He’s quick to shake his head, not wanting Basch to misunderstand that part. ]

You didn’t take anything that wasn’t temporary already anyway. It was just a matter of time. I was going to be sold to someone and sent away, one way or another. Granted I wasn’t expecting this but…

[ He hates to admit it, but there are much worse places he could have ended up. And from what Basch had hinted at what was in the works for his marriage contract? He’d still managed to get the better end of the deal in this place. Depraved though it might be. ]

I don’t know if it matters, but you were not sold, outside the auction. I paid for your kidnapping, and prearranged that I would purchase your contract. You were bought, but your family got nothing.

[ He gives a weak smile, concerned that perhaps the magic is working stronger than he realized. ]

You’re allowed to be angry with me you know. I won’t hold it against you.

[ What he wants to say is that he’s sorry this was all the more Sylvain was valued in his life. That he was worth all of Basch’s wealth and reputation and effort. But who is he to say that. Sylvain won’t hear it anyway. ]

[ But everything in that sentence has him blinking at Basch in bewildered surprise. ]

You… paid to have me kidnapped? You mean… Miklan didn’t get anything from this?

[ If Basch was expecting Sylvain to get angry about this, he’s about to be sorely disappointed. Because as that truth sinks in, the redhead abruptly doubles over in laughter.

That’s probably the best thing you could have ever told him, Basch. ]

[ He blinks. That’s…not the reaction he expected. Even if it makes his heart flutter. ]

No. He didn’t get a thing. If anything, I’ve heard early reports he’s furious you were pulled from underneath him and trying to find the person responsible.

I will admit I am very relieved you are pleased. Laughter is good to hear from you.

[ All this time... he'd thought this was Miklan's solution to his "problem". It was a step up from Sylvain just ending up dead and buried, but he'd raged at the indignity of it. The being smuggled off somewhere secret to vanish into what the new Margrave would certainly be gloating over as an ignominious fate.

To know that this had been, in effect, a middle finger to Miklan and all his terrible plans...

It was a weird sort of karma, but Sylvain could see the humor in it. he gives a sharp, vicious grin that should probably be a little worrying. ]

Good. Serves him right.

That also looks good on you [ Basch purrs, voice deeper and eyes glinting as he cups Sylvain’s jaw and pulls him in for a plundering kiss.

But he pulls back, stroking the other’s cheek, looking for something in his face. ]

Is this still alright?

[ Sylvain blinks at him, looking a little confused. Or maybe just a little dazed from the intensity of that kiss. Or both! ]

What, kissing me? Isn't it a little late for that question?

[ They've already gone far beyond kissing, after all. ]

[ Being...sober and lucid about it. But he's not going to admit that. He flashes a grin instead, clapping his hand around the nape of Sylvain's neck. ]

Pampering you.

[ This time his kiss is painfully slow, daring Sylvain to take what he wants to speed it up. ]

[ Instead, Sylvain sort of melts into his hold with a soft groan, lips parting as eyes flutter closed. The kiss has that simmering hazy heat flaring up in him once more. The kind that seemed to turn him into a puddle in Basch's hands. ]

I don't... really know what that's like. [ he finally manages to murmur, breathless. ]

[ The anger that flares in him is so hot he thinks it might burn through his skin. But he carefully keeps it from his face or his voice. ]

Another new thing to show you, and you can decide after how you liked it, hmm?

[ He only pulls away far enough to speak then kisses slow again, feeling the way the other melts, nearly boneless. ]

What do you say -- to a bath -- and we'll go from there.

[ He glances down at himself before casting Basch a sheepish look and a nod. ]

A bath would probably be a good idea. I'm a little... sticky.

You are an enticing vision I am going to think about for weeks, all covered in my seed and my mark and your own mess [ he purrs with one last kiss. ] Finish eating. I'll start the bath.

[ He reluctantly extricates himself but stays in view as he crosses to start the tap on a sanding copper tub clearly big enough to fit the both of them.

He considers asking Sylvain's preference, but the other has seemed to prefer not having to think, so he selects some oil that smells like lilacs to tip in the water.

And when he comes back, he offers Sylvain a hand. ] My sweet?

[ He obediently finishes his breakfast at Basch's bidding, filling his stomach, even if he flusters a little at the man's blunt statement about the state he's currently in. Not in an unpleasant reaction, though. In fact, he feels his skin heating in interest more than the embarrassment of it.

Still, it has his smile shaded a little shy and self-conscious when Basch returns and holds out a hand to him in invitation. The endearment, unexpected as it was, only has that faint shade of red deepening on his skin.

He pops the last bite of breakfast in his mouth before placing his hand in Basch's, letting the man help him up. And remains very aware of the fact that they're both entirely naked. ]

[ He pulls sylvain to his feet, then his hand up to his lips, eyes spelling as he watches the man blush shyly like a youth on his first date.

Fuck maybe he is.

The anger again, but Basch just channels it into determination to make today magical.

His hand stays in the others, leading him to the tub. ] I’ll go first, and then I want you between my thighs.

[ Alright he can’t resist the tease, but he also knows how secure and safe being surrounded will feel. Even if his growing interest is very much apparent from their shared nudity. ]

[ Oh, that flush is deepening even further, as he gives a stuttered nod.

Which is silly, he tells himself, because they've already done so much more than just him sitting chastely between the man's legs.

It wasn't the nakedness that had him flushing, though, or even the innuendo. Those he'd learned to handle long ago. it was the intimacy of this he didn't know what to do with. ]

[ Basch suspects as much. He may not be uncomfortable with intimacy, but his greater years have taught him how rare it is. And precious. Sylvain doesn’t know what a gift he’s giving Basch in turn.

Their bodies slot together in the warm scented water, and Basch presses firmly around Sylvain, sighing contentedly. He kisses the man’s hair, then begins to stroke it back, fingers slow and gentle on Sylvain’s scalp, encouraging more of that bonelessness. He hums, nosing into a mark on the other’s neck. ]

You are a treasure.

[ He shivers, but can't help but melt back into the warmth wrapped around him. Already craving that heat and security.

Basch doesn't have to try hard to make him melt today. ]

Is that why you stole me?

[ He freezes for a moment. This veers toward vulnerability he wasn’t expecting to have pressed.

Yes. He’d hoped. He’d thought maybe…

But he knows that’s insane.

He wraps around Sylvain anyway. ]

Yes. You were being wasted and overlooked. You should be coveted. Pampered. Cherished.

[ His hands reach to find a soft sponge and soap, lathering before he starts to wash Sylvain’s chest. ]

[ No one had ever said anything like that about him before. it takes him off-guard, so much so that he doesn't even have a response to that, other than blinking in surprise at the blunt honesty there.

He's still pliant against Basch, soaking up the warmth as the other man starts to wash him, but it's clear he's mentally struggling to wrap his head around the concept Basch had just dropped on his lap. ]

[ He lets out a small huff of relief. The silence speaks volumes; Sylvain likes this, he’s just so woefully unsure what to do with it.

Heartbreaking, but entirely in Basch’s wheelhouse to fix. ]

I thought that the first time we met, you know. Our conversation was brilliant, and watching you ride was breathtaking. I was sure you were your class’s golden boy. Imagine my shock when no one seemed to know either of those things about you.

People are incredible at not being able to see what’s right in front of them. But you should be seen, sweet.

[ His hands keep gently lathering, cherishing every inch of this strong, broken, precious man. Who Basch achingly wants to choose to stay when the time comes. An absurd dream. But I feels possible today. ]

[ His lips quirk faintly as he stares down at the hands sliding over his skin. ]

My reputation back in school was... not good.

[ Mostly that had been his own doing. Or at least the start of it. And then it just... snowballed from there. There were only a handful who knew of his love of horses, though. And even fewer who knew how to engage him in actual meaningful conversation. ]

[ He huffs another chuckle, so pleased with Sylvain not pushing him away or shutting down. ]

Well, my reputation now is not good. Luckily neither of us is trying to secure a marriage or a political alliance.

[ He lifts Sylvain’s arm, continuing to wash. ]

[ He shivers again at the caress, warm and slick against his skin. Skin that still felt all-too sensitive after last night and this morning. He wriggles a little, pressing back against Basch. Able to feel the hard length pressed against the curve of his ass and lower spine. ]

You come from a noble house, though, right? Shouldn't you be looking for that?

[ He hums pleasantly as Sylvain shifts against his cock. Truth me told he’s a little sore too — but the intimacy of it is wonderful. ]

I am. And even before I ruined my reputation I wasn’t much good for matches or diplomacy. Besides now my brother has a clear field for all his machinations.

[ Basch may have once had more angst about that situation than Sylvain did, from a point of failing at his own duties, but that doesn’t matter. His point is he understands. ]

I worried I’d miss it, but leaving that world was like throwing off shackles I didn’t even know I was wearing. I’ve done more good here as a manor master than I ever did as a nobleman’s disappointing son.

I also enjoy doing you a great deal more than any arrangement I was ever subjected to.

[ He dips a hand down to cup the other’s sack briefly, a chuckle on his tongue. ]

[ Ironically, it's an outlook Sylvain understands all too well. Wasn't that exactly what he'd been, all his life? The disappointing son. The unwanted obstacle to his brother. A pawn, to be maneuvered and used, and then discarded when his usefulness was done.

But this... this wasn't the place he'd ever expected to end up. Instead of discarded, he was on an entirely new gameboard now. one he still didn't know the rules to.

Maybe that wasn't as important here, though. And Basch's hands on him made it hard to worry about that right now anyway.

He gives a soft moan as his head falls back against Basch's shoulder, unable to keep from arching into that touch, craving the feel of Basch's hands on his skin. ]

[ There were no rules here Sylvain needed to worry about; as a pet, he was free of judgment or reprimand. It would all fall to Basch. Which he hoped would be a source of safety for the other as he came to understand it.

He laughs again, warm and pleased. ]

Still hungry, pretty bird? I’m flattered and impressed.

[ Arms finished, he dips below the water to start washing Sylvain’s thighs, dipping close to very interested cock but not quite tending to it. ]

[ That warm laugh, breathed against his throat, has him squirming again, especially with Basch’s hands drifting so close to his own hardening cock.

Yes, his body is still sore, but the heated soak is certainly helping and his body, already becoming addicted to the pleasure Basch has spoiled him with, is always eager to respond to the man’s touches now.

He’s caught between pressing back into the solid heat of Basch’s body or forward to bring him more firmly against the slick slide of those clever hands. ]

You always make me feel good.

[ Oh. He can’t resist that. And can’t tease it. ]

Good [ He murmurs. And he doesn’t make Sylvain choose. One arm loops around his middle, pulling him flush and firm back against Basch, and the other hand wraps around his cock, his lips exploring down the other’s neck. It’s nothing like last night, slow and tender instead of ravenous. But it’s just as focused on Sylvain’s pleasure. ]

[ His breath hitches audibly as Basch hauls him back, his other hand wrapping around Sylvain’s cock with a heated grip that has him melting into an even bigger puddle.

Whimpering at how good that feels, one hand latches onto the arm around his waist while the other lifts to tangle in Basch’s hair, clinging to him as his head falls back again, exposing his throat as that whimpering melts into a breathless moan of want. ]

[ Basch’s hitches in turn as Sylvain so readily softens in his hold. No magic fanning his desire, or his ease. ]

You are perfect, Sylvain. And you are mine.

[ he nuzzles into the other before nipping at that exposed neck, preening in how well he already knows how to please his pet. His hand works firm and steady, his hips rocking gently in the water. ]

I am sincerely looking forward to spoiling you the next six months.

And... [ Whatever he'd been about to say is momentarily lost as he arches with a moan, writhing in Basch's hold as that pleasure builds. ]

What if... what if I... want to stay?

[ Six months could go by so fast, after all. It could also drag out like torture. But considering how his days had gone so far, Basch seemed to make it the former.

Not that he realized just how much magic had gone into ensuring that. But he didn't really care right now, either. ]

[ His breath catches, touch slowing for a moment.

Because he hasn't dared let himself entertain that idea. Not this soon. But he won't deny Sylvain anything, especially not security. ]

I told you, pretty bird. You are always welcome here. Whether as my guest, or if you want to extend the contract.

[ Which he's only pointing out in case Sylvain wants the ongoing legal protection. He won't delude himself into anything more. Even if his heart skips at even the tease of it. ]

[ He doesn't know which is the better option, honestly. The safer of the two. Although he already suspects it would be the latter.

If he's owned by Basch - by a Master in general - he's safe. Or at least safe enough as long as someone doesn't challenge that ownership - or Basch's ability to protect him.

His grip tightens a little more on Basch's arm in understanding, exhaling softly as he leans back against him once more. ]

[ Gods it's hard to believe he isn't dreaming. That soft touch is almost more than his heart can take. He keeps the other pulled close, hand sliding up over Sylvain's cock's head to tease there. ]

I hadn't expected you to warm to me this quickly. You truly are a treasure.

[ He wants...more. More mornings like this. More pretty noises. More chances to show off his -- willing -- pet. Gods, he's a greedy, shameless fuck. ]

I want to make you feel this good and this tired as often as you'll let me.

[ He twists his hand faster, other hand dipping down to cup balls, lips skating under the other's ear. ]

[ He gasps, body arching into that touch as he shudders, cock twitching in Basch's grasp. That gasp melts into a moan, and then a whimper, as he rocks into that firm grip. ]

P-please...

You beg so beautifully [ he sighs against that ear ] But you don't have to. I wouldn't leave you wanting.

[ He keeps his pace steady, knowing he could push Sylvain over, but-- ]

Unless you want me to make you beg, sweet.

[ He doesn't know what he wants, beyond 'more'. Would do anything this man asked of him right now, because the pleasure just seemed to get better and more intense every time they came together. At this point, he thinks he might be perfectly content wrapped up in him forever. never leaving that bed. Or this bath.

He just wanted Basch's hands on him, his mouth, hearing those soft words of praise murmured against his ear, sending entirely different shivers of pleasure through him. ]

A-anything you want, just please.

[ Basch’s breath is shaky in Sylvain’s ear, the jerk of his own arousal wildly clear against the other’s ass. ]

You have no idea how wild your surrender drives me.

[ A growl, a moan. He holds the other so tight against him, hand shifting to focus on the sensitive head of his cock, his only goal here absolute pleasure and luxury. He licks Sylvain’s neck before working a fresh mark there, gasping at his own desire. But he stays slow, deliberate. It’s not teasing; it’s building. Letting the other bask in it. ]

And how beautifully you react. I want to find everything you like — especially the things you don’t know yet.

[ Despite the tightness of that hold, Sylvain still struggles to squirm, to press back against the man holding him. The press of that arousal against his backside, because that's the proof of how much Basch wants him, and that ignites that flame within him even hotter. Something that feels like it should be acknowledged.

There's no verbal answer to that praise, other than a whine that melts into a hitching moan as Basch's fingers seek out sensitivity and torment is with single-minded determination. That focus wholly on him is overwhelming, especially when the man has been paying attention to what drives him mad. And is now systematically using it against him.

Even if all of Sylvain's walls hadn't already been down this morning, this certainly would have shattered whatever was left of them. ]

You’re going to make me cum if you keep squirming. [ It’s breathless, an invitation more than a warning. He’d probably bark with laughter if Sylvain managed to bring up any surprise about his attraction; Basch is so far gone for his pet that it may border on mild madness. It’s a madness he wants to savor and indulge.

He truly wasn’t expecting this, to be let in so fully so soon, and it’s intoxicating, disrupting every plan he’s had. He sucks hard on Sylvain’s neck, moaning into a nip, and his hand chases the other’s release, hand that’s holding him down going to tweak a nipple and gods he cannot wait to take this man in his cock again. ]

[ That gets a choked-off moan from him as his hips stutter, chasing the friction of those fingers around him. It feels so good, and the promise of Basch behind him, the hard press of his arousal... it just makes him ache more. ]

Please...! I want to...!

[ oh. That sends an entirely different heat through him, something dizzy and intimate. His hips rock against the other, hard cock right against his ass. The friction and Sylvain’s breathless pleas are more than enough. ]

You have me right on the edge [ he pants, barely above a whisper. ] Cum for me, and I’ll cum for you. [ His hand is working faster now, chasing Sylvain’s release, wanting to hear those beautiful sounds again, feel him come undone and go boneless in this bath. ]

[ He cries out loudly at that, that sweet promise making his body clench with want. it wasn't feeling Basch inside him again, but it was almost as good, especially with the man's hands speeding their pace.

He doesn't answer - can't answer, because it's too much, and yet it's perfect. his hips buck, chasing that hand, but its only a few more strokes before he's spilling into the water with a breathless cry, panting raggedly, his entire body trembling in basch's hold. ]

[ Basch is true to his word. The moment Sylvain starts to stutter in his grasp, he clamps around the other, eyes closed and his own groans growing. His hand doesn’t show, but it’s clear by the rock of his hips and heightening gasps that’s he right there too, crying out as he joins Sylvain in ecstasy.

Panting, smiling, dizzy, he nuzzles against the other, touch turning gentle, voice a glowing murmur ] Gods I want you Sylvain. More every time I have you.

[ The redhead is dazed and spent - how many times can one come in twenty-four hours he distantly wonders? Apparently a lot. Bubt he slumps back against Basch’s chest, his own rising and falling rapidly in ragged gasps for air. His skin is pleasantly flushed and he’s still gasping onto Basch’s arms, clinging to what he can reach. ]

I… you can have me more. [ he stutters over the words, even though it’s not like he has to give his permission. ]

Don’t say such salacious things when we can’t do anything about it. [ But there’s a laugh to his voice, warm affection as he sighs against Sylvain’s neck, already growing addicted to how their bodies fit together, to the way Sylvain clings to him. ]

I meant it that you need rest today. But I could massage you when we get out, if you still want more of me.

[ Sylvain just hums agreeably, heated and content, his body humming with sated pleasure. Turning his head, he nuzzles his face into the curve of Basch's throat. ]

Okay.

[ Its so…easy today. The fight is entirely gone. And not because Sylvain has broken. Quite the opposite. He’s trusting. Opening himself up. Basch almost can’t believe it. ]

A massage it is then. Whenever you’re ready to get out.

[ Not that he is in any rush, as evidenced by the laze shapes he draws on the man’s skin and the way his limbs stay locked around him. ]

And for the record you can have any of this any time you want. If you ask I will acquiesce.

[ Sylvain's trust might not be easily given - or earned - but when it is, it runs deep.

Whether he'd had something to do with the easing of his earlier suspicions, or it was just getting a better view of the scope of the situation he now found himself in was hard to tell. But Basch isn't wrong, because even now, he remains relaxed and pliant and content in his new master's arms, soaking up the heat of the water. ]

[ Basch wants every association with surrendering to be nothing but bliss and safety. He doesn't rush Sylvain, just enjoying the quiet relaxation together, but when the water starts to cool, he murmurs reassurances before stepping out first, and when he helps Sylvain to his feet, he wraps a fluffy towel around him, gently drying water from the other. ]

Bed or couch?

Mmmm. Bed. It's comfortable.

[ He's sure the couch is fine, too, but at the moment, he's floating in a pleasant haze that all seems to be tied to and wrapped up in the man wrapped around him. As he's very reluctant to relinquish any bit of that, the bed gives them the most room to keep it. ]

Mmm I like when you tell me what your preferences are [ he purrs low in Sylvain's ear. He doesn't hurry them, but does proceed to lead Sylvain back to the bed, smoothing down the blankets and coaxing him back on his stomach before straddling the the other. Both their skin is still warm from the bath, and when he starts to run his palms over the strong muscles of Sylvain's back, he can feel they've already eased. ]

[ He’s a little confused when Basch pushes him down on the bed on his stomach, but he has no complaint when the man moves to straddle his thighs.

And then those strong calloused hands start stroking over his skin and he goes loose and pliant beneath Basch with a soft moan of pleasure. ]

[ Basxh chuckles, low and pleased, hands working steadily, enjoying the contact beneath them and beneath his bare thighs. ]

See? I can make you feel incredible even without our cocks.

[ Sylvain might have tried to come up with some sort of witty comment to that...

...if Basch hadn't turned his brains to goo.

As it is, all he can do is sink into the bed with a quiet moan, body boneless beneath the man touching him, easing any remnants of stress or soreness from his muscles.

At this rate, he was never gonna be able to move again. ]

[ Basch would be perfectly happy with that, honestly. He falls into a pleasant quiet as he works the other’s muscles, enjoying every groan and shift. ]

Now seems a good time to remind you this bed is always open to you.

[There's little fanfare to the delivery—just a curt knock and perhaps a few words, sometime in the mid-afternoon. A small wrapped box and a letter, with handwriting he might find familiar by now. Inside the box, a pair of nipple rings glitters softly in the light. And the letter reads:]

Sylvain,

It's difficult to believe it's already been nearly a year since we arrived here and met. From the beginning, you've been a constant warmth and companion, and you've given me more than I know how to express. I don't think I ever will have enough words to speak the reality of it.

At home, this season encompasses Kleinmas, a time where we come together to share our thanks and give gifts to those who we care for. You're certainly someone I want to share the depths of my thanks with...

If I'm honest, I'm not sure this small token feels like enough for what you've given me, but I thought they would look wonderful on you... and that you might appreciate a slightly different weight to try out. I hope they're to your tastes.

And, in lieu of that feeling, I wanted to share a piece I've been working on with you... it isn't ready to be seen in person just yet, but I've attached a photo to... give you something to think about. I absolutely would like you to be the first to see it in completion.

Happy Kleinmas,
Olivine

[As mentioned, there's a photo attached to the letter; a close-up a very familiar neck and collarbone, dipping just down toward the swell of his chest. It's wrapped with a thick, black leather collar, adorned with silver links of varying sizes that dip in and out of view alongside the occasional glint of red gems, and a lock shaped "pendant" from which more links seem too extend.]

[ Perhaps, in a way, the House got its wish with Kaveh's AI-generated post. After a relatively peaceful couple of months enjoying his new rank and the funds he'd already earned, spending time with new friends, and not having to deal with too many suit issues or other such dramas, he's found himself with sex on the mind all afternoon. Every moment spent cleaning has been shared with long, hopeful glances at the clock, as if time will work faster simply because he wants it to—

Unfortunately, though, he has had no such luck, and the minutes have dragged on as minutes are wont to do.

Eventually, though, evening falls. Kaveh doesn't want to go overboard on his clothing—they're staying in, after all—but nor does he want to dress too casually, either. He ends up in a lightweight, sheer pink shirt and black jeans, hair pulled into a high ponytail.

(And he realizes, looking in the mirror, that it's gotten longer over the past year. Has he really been trapped in this place for so long?)

When Sylvain arrives, he'll be quick to answer the door, offering a sweet smile, a tilt of his head—a bite of his lower lip as he takes in the sight of the other man. ]

Hey. Come in.

[ Sylvain's grin is ready and warm when the door swings open and he barely takes a step over the threshold before he leans in to greet Kaveh with a kiss. Especially when his manner seems almost shy in greeting him. ]

I brought dinner. [ is what he offers in greeting, however. Holding up a pair og bags with a crooked grin. ] Wasn't sure what you were in the mood for, so I just ordered a bunch of things. Figure we could pick and choose as we like.

[ But since dinner wasn't the real reason he's here, he winds an arm around Kaveh's waist to draw him close and drop another kiss on his lips. ] Hey. Miss me?

[ Kaveh's lips part a little in silent surprise when Sylvain holds up the bags. Even from here, he can see that it seems like a lot of food for two people—and then the other explains why, and he finds himself laughing, expression warm. ]

Mm, note to self—

[ He's interrupted in his musing though by the wind of an arm around his waist, the kiss pressed to his lips. His lips warm in a renewed smile, fond and warm as he looks up at the other man. ]

How could I not? [ he responds, a flirtatious lilt to his voice as he winks. ]

Well, I could give you reasons, if you really wanted... [ He trails off teasingly as he says it, though, grin widening when Kaveh melts into playful teasing. Good, that's what he wanted to see. ]

Or... [ he adds, stepping into the room and nudging the door shut behind them with his foot. ] You could tell me all about those fantasies I inspired for you all afternoon instead. I'm very intrigued.

Edited 2025-02-02 18:08 (UTC)

[ Sylvain's teasing is only met with a wider smile, a tilt of his head as the other nudges the door shut behind them. All the fantasies he inspired, huh... hungry though he may be, talking about that seems a lot more fun, and so he laughs, drapes his own arms around Sylvain's neck. ]

Well, for one, you talked about tying me up, and having me for dessert. My brain was pretty interested in linking those two ideas together...

[ He lifts himself up a little so he can ghost a kiss against the corner of Sylvain's mouth. ]

Of course, there's always all those things we could get up to in my pool, too...

Wait, you have a pool?

[ Damn, the lower cards really get cheated huh?

But he wraps one arm under Kaveh's ass and boosts him up in his arm to easier reach, even as he deposits their food on the coffee table. Which frees his other hand to come up and touch the man in his arms as well. ]

So you liked my suggestion, hmm? Is that what you're craving tonight, Pretty?

Yeah, I mean—

[ He's about to explain, tell Sylvain it's nothing too fancy, but his sentence is cut off with a yelp as an arm wraps under his ass, as the other boosts him into his arms as he puts the food aside, teasing him with that handsome smile on his face.

And as he recovers from the surprise, Kaveh wraps his arms around Sylvain's shoulders in turn, dips his head so his forehead rests against the other man's. ]

Mmm. I did, and that's exactly what I'm craving.

Well, then I'll have to see what I can do to satisfy that, hmm? It's a good thing I swung by my room to pick up some supplies, then.

[ Namely, a certain rope he'd been gifted for his birthday that made bondage extra fun. It was a very inventive rope.

But for now, keeping one hand braced under Kaveh's ass to support him, he lets the other slide up the man's spine, higher, only to tangle in his hair, gripping as he drags him close enough to kiss. And the kiss is hungry and demanding, plundering as his tongue delves past the blond's lips to taste him. To demand a response. ]

[ Supplies? Kaveh's brows lift in curiosity, but before he can ask the question, Sylvain drags him into a kiss. The hunger in it has the blonde's breath stuttering against the other's mouth, his arms tightening around the other's shoulders, one hand lifting into red hair in response. His lips part, his tongue arches in answer, sliding up against the other's as it searches his mouth.

Fuck, he's needed this.

Held stable as he is, Kaveh lets one leg curl around Sylvain's, trying to pull him still closer, trying to lock them together as he groans into his mouth, vocalizing his pleasure for the other man. ]

[ A neatly wrapped present will be left at Sylvain's door though a gift giver is notably absent. Apparently she's too embarrassed to actually be there to give him the gift. Though the box is on the larger side, when he picks it up he'll find it remarkably light in comparison. Opening it up will reveal why.

Inside is a crocheted stuffed fox nestled in a bed of tissue paper. Though a little droopy in the head and the arms, it has no less charm with it's pert little nose and button black eyes. She'd seen the fox tattoo on his arm and the more she had thought about it the more she came to associate the animal with him. ]

Apparently it's the holidays here and any excuse to give a gift to someone I like is good enough for me. Happy holidays, Sylvain. I hope you spend it with those you care about the most.

- Hilda

Inbox: Golden Peacock

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action; garden date

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late january; vr shenanigans

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