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]

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.

[sighsheavily]

Let's try hoping we only need to negotiate this time around; perhaps Palamedes and I can make some headway with...with any spirits which may linger here even still.

Though...maybe that has changed, too. [add it to the list of things she needs to check on later! sigh.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Mmn...you're...gonna be okay? With Pal?

[sighsheavily]

[quieter:] Question ought to be...if he'll be fine with me, isn't it?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Why wouldn't he be?