[ Exhausted, Anduin doesn't fight against the gentle touch to try to pull himself back together again. Not just yet. Instead a soft sound passes his lips, a murmur of pleasure as those fingers rubbed against the indentations in his skin, easing some of the soreness that had already started to settle in.
As usual, it's impossible to parse whatever it is Wrathion is thinking of. That doesn't keep him from peering up at the edges of his expression, the low glimmer of red embers, and wondering. Something to do as his heartbeat starts to slow at long last. ]
[He sits there, upright and distracted enough that his skin starts to prickle with a chill, staring back down at Anduin like he is admiring a particularly expensive piece of art that he longs to possess some portion of. There is some weight to it as he continues to consider whatever that question was in the back of his mind.
And then, with a soft little sigh out of his nose, he rolls off the king and into the vast valley of his bed. For a moment, it seems like that might be the end.
But after a brief kick that shoves a good portion of the discarded rope away, he moves in close and wordlessly, pressing his chest against Anduin's back and wrapping his arms securely around his chest. His lips remain rested upon his shoulder thoughtfully.
The grip is just a touch tighter than it should be -- a remnant of some uncertainty that he cannot quite banish.]
[ For a moment, Wrathion withdrawing is exactly what he expects. The moment's passed, no matter how right it might have felt. Time to store it away in memory, heal himself, and pull himself together--
Only that's not quite what happens.
Maybe Wrathion notices the hitch of surprise when he presses in against Anduin's exposed back. He wouldn't put it past him. But once it's clear he's not withdrawing again immediately, Anduin's head sags forward in something almost like relief. The blond lifts a hand to clasp at the dragon's wrist, feeling the tickle of dark, curly hair where it falls past the edges of Wrathion's face.
He feels steadied. Safe. He feels--
What he'd do to keep this frightens him, just a little. ]
[When Anduin reaches for his wrist, Wrathion relaxes just a little. The hitch in his breath is not missed, but he also takes no grand steps to acknowledge it. Not acknowledging how well this all seems to fit together is smartest thing for them both to do. A little indulgence was no doubt unwise, but--
Well. It didn't hurt. Not right now. Better now, in this moment of privacy, then later where it would bring them both trouble. His bright red eyes momentarily drift shut, a measure to attempt to relax his heartbeat (which beats so strongly that he can feel it off of Anduin's back). But, true to his initial maneuver, he does not appear to be moving any time soon.
Eventually after a few moments, he opens his eyes again and lifts his chin.]
[ Anduin's so quiet that for a moment, the dragon could be forgiven for thinking he'd fallen asleep there in his arms. But his eyes had opened a fraction, staring thoughtfully into some distant corner of the room.
He'd thought he was going to, when that first knot had burnt free. But what he'd felt hadn't been relief. ]
...I didn't want you to.
[ Maybe because it was easier that way. Something about tonight had shifted the dynamic they'd always shared. Wrathion more at ease, more open, Anduin able to leave that control in someone else's hands for a change and relax.
Maybe it bore further examination but...surely that could wait. ]
[He frowns a little, hearing that. It should worry him, he thinks -- but he cannot put his finger on why. He was both too drowsy and too unwilling to pick through the various emotions associated with it all himself.
But now that its all fading, he can feel that unease of being near creeping back up his spine -- and instead of giving into it, he simply lowers his face again. He could have hurt him, but it seems that he did not. So perhaps it was not worth dwelling on.]
[ The aches he felt from being pinned in that position, strained and uncomfortable, would fade. He'd felt far worse in his life, and the thought that Wrathion would use his vulnerable position to do him actual harm had never crossed his mind for a moment. Nothing done he couldn't heal, or sleep off.
For a moment his head turns, lips seeking the edge of the dragon's jaw with a drowsy murmur. ]
I trust you.
[ Though it feels like not entirely the correct word, it's the closest thing he could offer. ]
[When he feels Anduin move, Wrathion shifts slightly as well, adjusting his grip so that the free hand rests over the one Anduin has chosen to leave upon his wrist. The words 'I trust you' sink into him, and though it might seem a small sentiment, there is something about hearing it that makes something within him squirm.
He should know better than to say such things to him. But he cannot deny that it feels nice to hear.]
I am ... grateful.
[That also doesn't seem quite the right word or phrase he wants to use, but it is honest enough that he sounds very awkward saying it out loud. There were few other people living that possessed the patience and tolerance for Wrathion's ... personality, after all.
He tries again:]
I was surprised by your swift acceptance of my proposition.
[ Wrathion's always been honest, in his own way. Not necessarily forthright, but he can be trusted at his word. Even more so when it's so clearly an effort on his part to convey something genuine.
For the dragon, it's all but peeling back his own scales and offering himself up, in terms of how vulnerable he had to feel. Anduin just hums at the admission, letting his flump softly back against the pillows. ]
Thought you'd have to work harder?
[ The priest's lips curve slightly. ]
Now I'm curious what you would have said to try and convince me.
In truth, I do not know that I would have said anything.
[It had been something of a spontaneous suggestion, one that he was fully prepared to laugh off and act like he had no interest in. That was, of course, until Anduin had been so eager to submit to it.]
I proposed it because my research had suggested that it would help, and because I happened to be interested in confirming what information I had. If you disagreed ...
[He trails off into a hum, searching for what he wants to say.]
I did not invite you here so late simply to indulge myself.
[ The talk of research and confirmation of data might be off-putting, if it wasn't familiar by now. After all, Wrathion was brilliant, and tended to see the world as problems that could be solved. Equations and strategies and histories. Pieces on a board.
But he wasn't as firmly rooted in cold logic as one might assume. Here was the proof, resting warmly against him with the steady thump of a heartbeat against his shoulder blades. ]
[He does not answer right away. When he's approached his feelings on this previously, the response had been different than what he had expected. He does not desire to be taken the wrong way, and so he gives some careful consideration about his answer.
It comes rather simply, with another lifting of his chin to rest against Anduin's shoulder -- and thus, his cheek.]
I was...concerned for you. I knew you would likely be alone in your apartment.
[He had left him alone enough times before. That is the core of it. His opinions on his friends and their shared acquaintances will be unwelcome, even if part of Wrathion feels that context is important. Its not what he needs to hear right now.
[ On its own, his concern had never been cause enough for him to stay. Much less to invite him here, where he could not simply leave when he liked. It wasn't so long ago that Wrathion had turned up on the streets of the city to carry him home to recover. But once safe in his apartment the dragon had left as swiftly as he was able.
How bad off must Anduin appear now? How much did Wrathion really know about what happened? ]
...and offering to tie me up seemed the best way to remedy that?
[ His tone stays light, even as the dragon's curious answer continues to run through his mind. ]
[ Not really. Not in the least. But he does smile as a result, lifting his hand -- and Wrathion's with it -- to brush his lips affectionately against the back of his knuckles. ]
Well, it certainly helped to not be alone.
[ And it seemed he'd been at least partially right. Whether it was the actual placement of the ropes, as he'd mentioned at the start, or whether it was something deeper and more abstract, he'd helped.
Being here with him stills the disquiet in him, if only for a little while. ]
[He feels Anduin shift and the soft press of his lips, which brings him back to the reality that this is purely a temporary state of affairs ... as always. Wrathion exhales softly at his back, lifting his chin away from the other man's shoulder to allow him the small affections he requires.
He could admit that they felt nice, even if he knew they could not last for more than a few hours at most. More important is the information Anduin gives him verbally.
As predicted, it had more to do with his presence than what they were doing.]
My door will remain open to you ... should you find it required, in the future.
[He's done more than enough to prove that he knows the value of discretion between them -- enough that some of the closest between them appear to still believe they are largely unacquainted with one another.
[ Anduin falls quiet again, knowing that while this might have been sorely needed...he can't trust himself to know when he'll need to pull back again. His instinct is always to forge ahead, to push through whatever troubles or obstacles lay before him, and deal with whatever happens to him as a result as a secondary.
But that's a weight he's not willing to let Wrathion carry. Surely he has enough to worry about. If he's already concerned enough to invite him here of his own accord, then that will have to be enough.
Instead, the young king press his lips to the dragon's hand again, this time to the edge of his palm, the heel of his thumb. ]
What about this?
[ The ropes had been...enlightening. More than enjoyable. But perhaps Wrathion's desire for research been sated, and thus his interest in that particular diversion diminished. ]
[Wrathion's resulting chuckle is low and amused. But he gives the question some thought anyway, fingers flexing around Anduin's when his lips come to press against his palm.]
I believe...I am fond of it.
[Even beyond the supposed benefits he'd been informed of, experiencing it and exploring it ... the intimacy, combined with the art and academic applications. It was so uniquely engaging in a way that other activities had not been.
And in reviewing all of that, he finds his head resting back against Anduin's as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.]
Is that odd?
[It feels like it is, given how the king had vocalized his particular train of thought.]
[ Anduin can feel that chuckle resonate in Wrathion's chest, where they're still pressed close, and the sound is another one of those little details he's going to store away for later.
A simple thing, but still his. Still theirs. ]
Relatively speaking?
[ A huff of laughter catches in the crease of his palm, before his lips press there as well. And again, further down, at the hollow of his wrist. ]
And you? I imagine it is a bit different, on the other end of things.
[Obviously, all signs had pointed to the fact that it was enjoyable. But Wrathion isn't quite so dense not to recognize that it was not necessarily the rope that had done all the work.
This had been somewhat out of the dragon's usual comfort zone, in terms of intimacy. But it allowed just enough control of himself and the level at which he chose to engage that had helped him be more open.
Knowing the difference was...probably the root of the question.]
Edited (my s key went on strike) 2021-02-21 20:53 (UTC)
[ How to explain in a way that makes sense. Getting out of his own head for a change, not having to worry about anything but what he was told or asked to do. No second-guessing. All he had to do was trust that Wrathion would take care of things.
Which might have been a taller order before arriving in the city. But now? Some of those old hurts do honestly feel as if they're on the way to healing. ]
It felt good. Just focusing on what you were doing. I think you might have been onto something, with your research on pressure points.
[ As he unconsciously shifts his legs ever so slightly, brushing against Wrathion's calves as he does so. ]
Well, if his majesty thinks so, surely it must be true.
[There is a tone that he applies to that statement, playfully offended. As if he would ever do anything half-way, when it came to matters of research and application of it. One hand peels off of Anduin's in order to reach up and ruffle his blond hair, pushing it into his eyes.]
[ There's a huff as his hair is shoved into his face, already untidy but now completely blocking his view of the dim room. Luckily he doesn't need to see far to swat idly at Wrathion's hand. ]
As the subject of your little experiment, I think I have a say.
[Though Anduin cannot see his smile, he offers a very light scoff as his hand is swatted away. It is promptly held up in surrender, and his mouth rests back against his shoulder.]
But of course, to answer your original question, if you ever have need of such experiments again...I would be so happy to oblige.
[ He takes a deep breath, reaching to push the loose, fine strands of blond back out of his eyes. For all of the good it does seeing in the room.
Not that he needs to. His hand falls back against Wrathion's, where the dragon's arms are still wound around him, and a smile creeps across his lips. ]
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As usual, it's impossible to parse whatever it is Wrathion is thinking of. That doesn't keep him from peering up at the edges of his expression, the low glimmer of red embers, and wondering. Something to do as his heartbeat starts to slow at long last. ]
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And then, with a soft little sigh out of his nose, he rolls off the king and into the vast valley of his bed. For a moment, it seems like that might be the end.
But after a brief kick that shoves a good portion of the discarded rope away, he moves in close and wordlessly, pressing his chest against Anduin's back and wrapping his arms securely around his chest. His lips remain rested upon his shoulder thoughtfully.
The grip is just a touch tighter than it should be -- a remnant of some uncertainty that he cannot quite banish.]
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Only that's not quite what happens.
Maybe Wrathion notices the hitch of surprise when he presses in against Anduin's exposed back. He wouldn't put it past him. But once it's clear he's not withdrawing again immediately, Anduin's head sags forward in something almost like relief. The blond lifts a hand to clasp at the dragon's wrist, feeling the tickle of dark, curly hair where it falls past the edges of Wrathion's face.
He feels steadied. Safe. He feels--
What he'd do to keep this frightens him, just a little. ]
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Well. It didn't hurt. Not right now. Better now, in this moment of privacy, then later where it would bring them both trouble. His bright red eyes momentarily drift shut, a measure to attempt to relax his heartbeat (which beats so strongly that he can feel it off of Anduin's back). But, true to his initial maneuver, he does not appear to be moving any time soon.
Eventually after a few moments, he opens his eyes again and lifts his chin.]
I should have untied you first.
[That's -- sort of an apology.]
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He'd thought he was going to, when that first knot had burnt free. But what he'd felt hadn't been relief. ]
...I didn't want you to.
[ Maybe because it was easier that way. Something about tonight had shifted the dynamic they'd always shared. Wrathion more at ease, more open, Anduin able to leave that control in someone else's hands for a change and relax.
Maybe it bore further examination but...surely that could wait. ]
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[He frowns a little, hearing that. It should worry him, he thinks -- but he cannot put his finger on why. He was both too drowsy and too unwilling to pick through the various emotions associated with it all himself.
But now that its all fading, he can feel that unease of being near creeping back up his spine -- and instead of giving into it, he simply lowers his face again. He could have hurt him, but it seems that he did not. So perhaps it was not worth dwelling on.]
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[ The aches he felt from being pinned in that position, strained and uncomfortable, would fade. He'd felt far worse in his life, and the thought that Wrathion would use his vulnerable position to do him actual harm had never crossed his mind for a moment. Nothing done he couldn't heal, or sleep off.
For a moment his head turns, lips seeking the edge of the dragon's jaw with a drowsy murmur. ]
I trust you.
[ Though it feels like not entirely the correct word, it's the closest thing he could offer. ]
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He should know better than to say such things to him. But he cannot deny that it feels nice to hear.]
I am ... grateful.
[That also doesn't seem quite the right word or phrase he wants to use, but it is honest enough that he sounds very awkward saying it out loud. There were few other people living that possessed the patience and tolerance for Wrathion's ... personality, after all.
He tries again:]
I was surprised by your swift acceptance of my proposition.
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For the dragon, it's all but peeling back his own scales and offering himself up, in terms of how vulnerable he had to feel. Anduin just hums at the admission, letting his flump softly back against the pillows. ]
Thought you'd have to work harder?
[ The priest's lips curve slightly. ]
Now I'm curious what you would have said to try and convince me.
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[It had been something of a spontaneous suggestion, one that he was fully prepared to laugh off and act like he had no interest in. That was, of course, until Anduin had been so eager to submit to it.]
I proposed it because my research had suggested that it would help, and because I happened to be interested in confirming what information I had. If you disagreed ...
[He trails off into a hum, searching for what he wants to say.]
I did not invite you here so late simply to indulge myself.
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But he wasn't as firmly rooted in cold logic as one might assume. Here was the proof, resting warmly against him with the steady thump of a heartbeat against his shoulder blades. ]
Why did you?
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It comes rather simply, with another lifting of his chin to rest against Anduin's shoulder -- and thus, his cheek.]
I was...concerned for you. I knew you would likely be alone in your apartment.
[He had left him alone enough times before. That is the core of it. His opinions on his friends and their shared acquaintances will be unwelcome, even if part of Wrathion feels that context is important. Its not what he needs to hear right now.
A concept that he is still learning.]
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How bad off must Anduin appear now? How much did Wrathion really know about what happened? ]
...and offering to tie me up seemed the best way to remedy that?
[ His tone stays light, even as the dragon's curious answer continues to run through his mind. ]
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Less so, when you say it like that.
[But given that it had helped -- or, perhaps more accurately, the intimacy with him that came with it had helped ... did it matter so much?]
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Well, it certainly helped to not be alone.
[ And it seemed he'd been at least partially right. Whether it was the actual placement of the ropes, as he'd mentioned at the start, or whether it was something deeper and more abstract, he'd helped.
Being here with him stills the disquiet in him, if only for a little while. ]
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He could admit that they felt nice, even if he knew they could not last for more than a few hours at most. More important is the information Anduin gives him verbally.
As predicted, it had more to do with his presence than what they were doing.]
My door will remain open to you ... should you find it required, in the future.
[He's done more than enough to prove that he knows the value of discretion between them -- enough that some of the closest between them appear to still believe they are largely unacquainted with one another.
He could loosen the reins just a smidge.]
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But that's a weight he's not willing to let Wrathion carry. Surely he has enough to worry about. If he's already concerned enough to invite him here of his own accord, then that will have to be enough.
Instead, the young king press his lips to the dragon's hand again, this time to the edge of his palm, the heel of his thumb. ]
What about this?
[ The ropes had been...enlightening. More than enjoyable. But perhaps Wrathion's desire for research been sated, and thus his interest in that particular diversion diminished. ]
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I believe...I am fond of it.
[Even beyond the supposed benefits he'd been informed of, experiencing it and exploring it ... the intimacy, combined with the art and academic applications. It was so uniquely engaging in a way that other activities had not been.
And in reviewing all of that, he finds his head resting back against Anduin's as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.]
Is that odd?
[It feels like it is, given how the king had vocalized his particular train of thought.]
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A simple thing, but still his. Still theirs. ]
Relatively speaking?
[ A huff of laughter catches in the crease of his palm, before his lips press there as well. And again, further down, at the hollow of his wrist. ]
No more so than anything else here.
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[Obviously, all signs had pointed to the fact that it was enjoyable. But Wrathion isn't quite so dense not to recognize that it was not necessarily the rope that had done all the work.
This had been somewhat out of the dragon's usual comfort zone, in terms of intimacy. But it allowed just enough control of himself and the level at which he chose to engage that had helped him be more open.
Knowing the difference was...probably the root of the question.]
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[ How to explain in a way that makes sense. Getting out of his own head for a change, not having to worry about anything but what he was told or asked to do. No second-guessing. All he had to do was trust that Wrathion would take care of things.
Which might have been a taller order before arriving in the city. But now? Some of those old hurts do honestly feel as if they're on the way to healing. ]
It felt good. Just focusing on what you were doing. I think you might have been onto something, with your research on pressure points.
[ As he unconsciously shifts his legs ever so slightly, brushing against Wrathion's calves as he does so. ]
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[There is a tone that he applies to that statement, playfully offended. As if he would ever do anything half-way, when it came to matters of research and application of it. One hand peels off of Anduin's in order to reach up and ruffle his blond hair, pushing it into his eyes.]
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As the subject of your little experiment, I think I have a say.
[ You jerk. ]
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[Though Anduin cannot see his smile, he offers a very light scoff as his hand is swatted away. It is promptly held up in surrender, and his mouth rests back against his shoulder.]
But of course, to answer your original question, if you ever have need of such experiments again...I would be so happy to oblige.
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[ He takes a deep breath, reaching to push the loose, fine strands of blond back out of his eyes. For all of the good it does seeing in the room.
Not that he needs to. His hand falls back against Wrathion's, where the dragon's arms are still wound around him, and a smile creeps across his lips. ]
...I think it's exactly what I needed.
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