4.1

[sighsheavily]

I can't believe this... I actually like these.

[these being reference to what clothes she's picked at within the room they're holed in for hours indeterminate. she's pulled on a pastel gown and finished fiddling with the fiddlier bits, smoothing out the drapery in front of the floor-length mirror.]

The color is a shame, and I doubt this'd be of use if I get dropped in that bloody maze again, but still...

[it's nice. it feels nice! no more denim and excess buttons...

gads, the rhinestones making cactus blossom patters are kind of tacky, though. she oughtn't complain; it's a step in the right direction.]

Comments

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[He has to remind himself not to huff in amusement; her hearing is so sharp that even the slightest hitch in his breath would not only be heard, but it might make her self-conscious. He wonders how many years together it'll take for her to close her eyes in these moments and just relax. However many it takes, he's excited to be the one to take that journey with her. She always manages to surprise him and little surprises over the span of a lifetime is more than worth the patience required.]

[But he's not done pampering her. Not by a long shot. He kisses up her thigh where his breath tickles as much as his lips do. He lingers over her hips as his hands travel along her inner thighs, only to slide outward at the last moment. He presses his fingers into her muscles, kneading them like dough; slow and tender. Once upon a time he may have worried about hurting her, but he's ever mindful of every sound she makes. A lifetime of learning precise control over his muscles has made him very capable when it comes to rubbing someone down.]

[His lips find her navel and linger there long enough for his hands to move up her sides. To massage her breasts before sliding his body up until he's hovering above her with a cheeky smile. She can feel his frame between her legs and he's clearly drawing this out. After all, she did say to go as he pleases. And from the look of his eyes from behind his blue bangs, he's very much enjoying every second of this.]

How are you feeling, Muse~?

[sighsheavily]

A, a little silly. [she smiles wincingly, embarrassed to say as much.] But better-- [she puts a hand on his forearm.] Since my hands can do something? Now, at least.

[speak just a little more unappealing, she thinks to herself with disgust, exhaling with a scoff of a laugh.]

They're just...not as brilliant as yours, I'm afraid.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[He laughs a bit and leans in to kiss her. Softly, slowly, full of love and tenderness and affection. A kiss that he wishes could last forever...but the singular night and perhaps the morning will have to do. They're both driven people. And they both know there will be plenty of time for things like this once they're free and can live their lives the way they want. With and for each other.]

I think your hands are just fine.

[He knows that, deep down, she's likely anxious because of her claws. He remembers how worried she was at the pool. And while he knows that she knows that he trusts her...he can empathize with not being entirely sure you trust yourself.]

[So, he raises his body a bit and takes her hands and places them on his bare chest. He presses them into the muscles, makes her flat out grope him.]

If you need some pointers...I can teach you...

[sighsheavily]

For leaving you in a trembling puddle? Do tell! We may as well be the same in that regard. [squeezing on emphasis as much as the laugh in her throat, one knee drawing up against him.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Well...for starters...

My neck is sensitive. About as sensitive as the scar on my back. And you don't have to have strong hands to make me feel good.

[As he talks, he guides one hand up and around to his neck. The other, he pushes down his abs which flutter at her touch.]

I probably look big and tough but...I like sweet and gentle.

[sighsheavily]

[her brow knits a little even as she allows his guidance, her fingers curling lightly against the back of his neck.] Is it less enticing for me to simply ask? Or just...fumble around as I have for so long. You manage just fine all on your own intuition, after all...

[forgeabettertomorrow]

...No, it's not. Honestly, it's...it's cute. I...It reminds me that you want this and I'm not just...imposing my desires on you.

You don't have to be perfect to entice me, Cecelia. Just...knowing that you want me excites me.

[sighsheavily]

Hmh, well, no uncertainties there. [her mouth twitches into a half-smile before her expression softens.] I don't mind the imposition... You're right: It's nice to feel wanted, isn't it.

And I told you before: You're the safest place I can remember. I can say it as many times as you need to hear.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[He laughs a bit.]

I know. But sometimes I worry that I'm being pushy when it comes to intimacy.

But I don't mind. I've always been an instigator.

[sighsheavily]

[smiling:] Shocking, truly. Come here. [she coaxes him by the neck to draw him back for another one of those time-stopping kisses, curling herself up against him where she can while still letting herself feel around.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

With pleasure, my lady...

[He leans into the kiss while letting one hand slip under the small of her back, guiding her hips to his slowly. He shifts, grinding his hips to hers as a shudder ripples through his body.]

Any other requests I can fulfill...?

[sighsheavily]

[feeling him gliding against her makes her flush warm to the touch and ache all the more; she can stand the tease of it all for a while, but not without some stifled whimpers.]

Don't wait too long, is all...

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Yeah...I don't think I can wait anymore either...

[He leans in and kisses her neck while he repositions both of them; shifting his hips, lifting hers, all the while being as gentle as possible. But before long, he's moving his hips slowly but with considerable purpose. His well aware of Cecelia's aversion to being perceived, especially in such a state so she might notice that he's closing his eyes. Focusing on the sound of her voice, the sensation and motions of her body. As much as he loves to admire her, her comfort in this moment is so much more important to him.]

[He takes his time but he doesn't draw it out; most of the fun is in the foreplay, after all. The rest comes in the aftercare, and when they've both reached their respective climaxes, he wraps his arms around her and buries his face against her skin. He revels in her scent and gets hypnotized by her heartbeat. He lays to her side so as not to crush her, but they're more a tangle of limbs and bodies than anything else.]

[sighsheavily]

[being connected in this way is profound and comforting, even after the rush comes and goes. with the tension gone there's more space for their forms to relax against each other, and the weight of him isn't quite so stifling as Darin would fear. still, it's nice to be able to breathe, she supposes.

after a bit of adjustment (her hair gets everywhere) and they can ease out of the moment into something still comfortable, winding her unpinned arm around his shoulders (gently, as to not suffocate him against her), still warm and tingling in waves; being self-conscious or embarrassed feels so far away.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[He shivers slightly at her touch; a good shiver. He's especially sensitive now and her touch is like butterflies on his skin. He shifts a little to look up at her with a warm, loving smile.]

I think...we both needed that...

[sighsheavily]

Mmn. [her eyes are still closed, but her mouth is curved up.] Yes. I missed you, dear. All of you.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

I missed all of you too...

Sleeping alone...I don't know if I can do it anymore.

[sighsheavily]

No? [she opens her eyes and tilts her head to peer his way.] You sleep so lightly as it is... I take it there was little of that to be had near the end there.

I'm sorry. Not that it was my responsibility to fix, just... [that he endured it at all.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

It's not your fault I just...I hadn't realized...

I hadn't realized how comforting your breathing is...the sound of your heartbeat...

[sighsheavily]

[what about the way it skips at those words.]

"Comforting" is...not one of the words that jumps to mind when I think of myself.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Well, it's the truth. No matter what craziness we deal with out there...

When we're in bed it feels almost...normal.

[sighsheavily]

Which means... So long as I keep around, you'll continue to get a proper night's rest?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

It definitely seems that way, doesn't it~

[sighsheavily]

Hm. Hmm... [she lays her head back down, idly tracing a finger along his chest.] Protecting that sense of normal...I'm quite invested in that, I think. I do hope whatever nonsense or madness lay ahead will respect it as well.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

...If we have to fight for it then...I'm ready.