takeroot | erku inbox

Well—

[Well, if he's going to say it like that, all poetry and dramatics straight out of yet another flowery romance novel— then yes, completely, that's exactly what he's getting at. He simply cannot fix these myriad problems no more than Lorenz or anyone else could saunter over to his own home and fix his, and so, is it not better this way? To have at least one anchor, of a kind?

Well, he cannot say, all of that, sure, because Lorenz moves to kiss him again too quickly to get out more than a word. He makes a noise against his mouth, surprised in the most delighted way, curling his fingers into Lorenz's hair and returning the kiss with firm insistence. Yes, this, this is allowed, they can have this.

So... good! Again! To reach out and offer a shoulder is one thing, to trust is another, and if he isn't quite there yet— he could be. Could be, a moderately intimidating prospect, despite himself. But he is, apparently, a sucker for vulnerability and a pretty face.]

Hah— Have I stumbled my way into saying the right thing, at last?

[That line gets another of those shy, uncertain blushes, glancing away for a moment.]

You've been saying the right things.

[If he hadn't they wouldn't be here. It's not his fault Lorenz has so many hang ups and he's done a truly admirable job navigating them. All the more reason to reward his persistence, right? Is it... really a reward? He may talk himself up an awful lot but in this he's hardly confident enough think such things.]

Constantin... [Fingers sliding up into the other man's hair as well, mirroring him.] I feel I owe you another debt of gratitude... I do hope you will allow me to return the favor.

[Ah, that's his innate charm, for sure. He tilts his head into Lorenz's touch, appreciating the warmth and the closeness of it.]

You'd like me to come to you? In need?

[Whatever "in need" happens to mean, ahem... He smiles, tugging Lorenz closer, leaning their heads together. It's been some time since someone offered him anything quite so... supportive? Comforting?]

I think I'd like that.

[Lorenz smiles softly, nods a little which turns into a gentle nuzzle where they lean into one another.]

Good...

[Quiet and warm and he doesn't even plan it exactly but they're pressed so close the murmur is a brush of lips again. One he follows with another kiss, a little firmer, the fingers in Constantin's hair tugging gently to keep him close.]

[That's that settled, Constantin thinks, and so pleasantly too. He hardly notices his heart pounding just before they kiss again, almost giddily from... this? From the promise of someone to go to, just because. It's a feeling he's missed and one he'd like to hold onto, not unlike the way he wants to hold onto Lorenz.

And speaking of, as he lets his other hand wander to Lorenz's side, ah— after what was going on before he hardly comprehended that he unlaced a corset which is now elsewhere, so hello slightly less layer-covered waist. How invigorating.]

I should mention, [he murmurs, between kisses,] that you are remarkably pretty.

[Almost giddy is a good description for this feeling. Something warm and fluttering in his chest, and that mumbled compliment only makes his heartbeat hiccup. A breathless chuckle, disbelieving against his lips.]

You're awfully handsome, yourself.

[Only slightly clearer than Constantin's words and that is only because... the warm weight of that hand on his side (with only the light layer of his shirt between them) encourages him, has Lorenz shifting closer until he is half in Constantin's lap. His face burns and he can't help the mental scolding that comes with being so brazen but... he also wants to be able to keep kissing him.]

Me? Are you sure?

[Is this fishing for compliments? Probably, yes. In the wrong light he may look like he hasn't slept in days, but please, call him handsome as often as feels right. Particularly if it comes with all but sliding into his lap; he slips that hand down almost to his hip, then trails back up his side, languid and appreciative of the warmth radiating through his shirt.

So it's going great. Constantin doesn't want to push, but nor does he want to keep his hands entirely to himself, so this is— a fine compromise, particularly paired with such eager kisses. Constantin's other hand trails from Lorenz's hair down to the side of his neck, tracing along the line of his throat with his fingertips. All of Lorenz is very pretty, actually, and he can't help but think of what it would be like to kiss him somewhere else...

Ah, but not yet. Little steps.]

[It's fine Constantin, not everyone can miraculously find time to keep up with his beauty regimen while running a territory or fighting a war or trapped on a weird sex island. Honestly without all his supplies he's hardly at his best, either.

He gets a warm affirmation hummed against his lips. It's hard for Lorenz to maintain kisses, though. He's so very unaccustomed to touch in the first place that having both of Constantin's hands on him is very quickly too much of a distraction. A hand trails down toward his hip and he gasps at the sensation but fingers on his throat ruin any focus he has for the kiss. His breath comes out in a shuddering sigh, head tilting to the side to offer up more pale skin to those exploratory fingers.

If he's this effected by his fingers surely a kiss would be too much.]

[Luckily for Lorenz that single sigh is all the encouragement Constantin needs to explore further, touching him more firmly and watching his expression as he goes. The hand on his side settles on his waist, a gentle pressure, Constantin idly smoothing his thumb over the fabric of Lorenz's shirt.

Touching someone so very sensitive to it is honestly somewhat mesmerizing, and Constantin kisses the corner of his mouth in tandem with the press of his fingers. Warm, smooth skin, the sound of that shuddering breath— how could Constantin possibly not want more? His fingers dip below the collar of Lorenz's shirt, just as he tilts his head to brush his lips along his jawline. He will certainly dip lower if he isn't stopped, so—]

Say when.

[Lorenz tries to chase his lips with that kiss but quickly finds himself reduced to shivering in his arms instead. One hand lifts to curl into Constantin's shirt, using the hold as an anchor to the other man. Especially as fingers push at his collar, tightly buttoned, wrapped still with a thick silken cravat he's not entirely sure he dares allow to be removed. It's scandalous enough that he's without his waistcoat, isn't it?

Then Constantin's lips slide along his jaw and the sound that comes out of him is sharp and surprised, a high, breathy little whine. The sensation, warm soft lips, damp from kisses, feels like a brand on his skin and for a moment all he can do is stare down at Constantin. Face flushed and violet eyes wide and startled. Is this sort of thing always so... intense? Still he doesn't stop the blond from whatever he might do and he won't... at least not until it comes to his buttons.]

[Oh, he can get it done with the buttons intact, that is the gospel truth. Not that he intends to do anything more than press mouth and fingers all over what skin is available to him right now, no, he's satisfied with this— but all the same. The look Lorenz gives him makes him smirk, sliding that hand on his waist around to his lower back and pulling him in that much closer. There's nothing more appealing right this second than Lorenz flushed and shivering under his touch, and now Constantin dips lower, to press a kiss just below his jawline.

So: Lorenz is pretty, all clinging and eager, and he makes pretty sounds, and Constantin would very much like more of that, actually, so— hmm!]

You're fairly good with words, aren't you, [Mr. Shelter-in-the-Storm, please--] Talk to me.

[Rate and review, sir.]

Goddess, you wish me to speak?

[Surprised and with a tremulous laugh in the words, a laugh that fades into a pleased little hum when Constantin draws him nearer. Lorenz arches into his touches, gasps, struggles to find words. How dare he ask something that requires so much thought?]

W-why? [Fingers twist slightly in his hair, unsure if he wants to pull the blond closer or beg for a moment to catch his breath.]

Mere words are not half so clever as your lips.

[Hmm, a very good start. He hums and mouths against his neck again, trailing down lower to nip at a spot that could, say, hide behind a slightly higher collar. He's conscientious, see, at the same time that he's eager to hear Lorenz say more pretty things with that waver in his voice.]

You are why— I want to hear precisely how you feel.

[Every little detail, gasps included, that's what he wants to hear. The words matter less than the whole package, hearing Lorenz come a little more undone with each press of lips, but the words are nice on their own, anyway. Flattering already!

So he kisses that same spot again, letting his other hand slide back into Lorenz's hair, gently urging him to tilt his head back a little more and give him some more space here to... explore.]

[Teeth come into play and Lorenz whimpers, pulling himself hard against Constantin for a moment, squirming slightly in his lap. How he feels? How does he explain something like that? Lorenz lets himself be urged back, offers up his throat more, finds the words even harder to speak like this.]

... I feel?

[How he feels? How- more kisses, fingers in his hair, guiding him and another gasp catches in his throat. There's hardly room enough to process all the sensations, the heat of the hands on his body, the warmth of Constantin's mouth. Asking him to string together words that have any kind of sense is absolutely cruel.]

H-hot...? Like ah- a candle flame... [The hand in Constantin's shirt moves to wrap around his shoulders instead, to steady himself, brace himself, breath coming fast and shallow and for a moment he fears he may swoon even without the corset.] warm, burning... the slightest p-puff and I... mmmight cease to be

[Oh, and here he thought he might get a couple shy mumbles - which would still be lovely to hear, mind, but a candle flame is so delightfully unexpected that it makes him chuckle. He slides his hand up Lorenz's back to press between his shoulders, teeth grazing that same spot on his neck more sharply before he kisses the spot tenderly. A candle flame...! This man!]

I couldn't say whether I've ever set someone aflame before...

[That he was told, anyway. Who can say. It's still excellent to hear it from Lorenz, and he hums appreciatively against his neck; it's quite the compliment. A few more kisses, some brief and light and some open-mouthed and lingering, before he adds:]

But no matter; I can use a delicate hand. [He smirks against skin, murmurs the last bit,] I'd be sorely disappointed if you ceased to be so soon.

[The fact that he chuckles makes Lorenz start to tense up, embarrassment flooding his cheeks instead of just desire. The arm he'd just put around his shoulders comes back, giving Constantin a slight shove. There's no real power behind it, no insistence, but Goddess it's embarrassing enough, isn't it? That he's turned to clay in the man's hands, malleable and clinging.

Doing what he'd asked without thought or question.

But then to laugh at him? He barely has time to register any real indignation at it when teeth follow so quickly, startling a moan out of him. A sound that is cut off as quickly as he can, snapping his mouth closed, lips pressed tightly together to stop anything else embarrassing from escaping.

Oh but it's so much harder to breathe this way, teeth biting unforgivingly into the inside of his lips.]

[That shove almost, almost makes him laugh again, pleasantly amused at the fussiness of it. He squeezes his arm tighter around Lorenz instead in a kind of apology, a silent promise to not laugh anymore. He's done, he's good— it's fine.]

Lorenz— [He leaves that spot on his neck alone for a moment, tilting his head up to kiss his cheek, lingering there.] You can still say when.

[Just in case; the man even moans prettily, Constantin could keep doing this until one of them really does burst into flames, but just in case. If not, though... He slips his hand back down to Lorenz's hip, drumming his fingers significantly. What's better than being half in his lap than completely in his lap? Preferably with less shoving.]

[He doesn't actually move, despite the invitation. Just takes the opportunity to lean against him, catch his breath and savor the reassurance that kiss to his cheek is meant to be. Even as he does though he's lifting his hand to cover his mouth, eyes closed, shaking a little.

His other hand drops to cover Constantin's at his hip, gently lifting it away with a shake of his head. No, Constantin. You don't get to laugh at him, however good natured, and then ask for more. Even if he wants to believe it was good natured. He- Goddess this is why he writes and writes and rewrites and in the end still doesn't dare show a soul. If there is any one thing he has anxiety about it is his tendency to wax poetic.]

It's hardly polite to laugh, you realize.

[He tries to let it be light, playful, but he's too breathless and shaken for it to be anything less than sullen. Not that this hasn't been lovely but... it... soured things a great deal when it's followed by laughter.

Still. The fact that he hasn't flounced from the room in a panic or tears says a lot about how much trust he's putting in Constantin right now.]

[Ah, so that is when, huh. Constantin draws his hand away from that hip without protest, catching Lorenz's protesting hand to hold instead, smoothing his thumb over the backs of his fingers.]

You're upset.

[Still a low murmur, not so much kissing his cheek again as sort of... bumping it affectionately. Hold on, he's got words, they're coming—]

I thought it was quite pretty, what you said, and I do very much like spending time with you, so...

[He shrugs one shoulder, pulling back enough to catch Lorenz's gaze with a sheepish half-smile. He's an excitable man; his emotions bubble up and over and he laughs without thinking, it happens. This is certainly not the first time he's been called out on inappropriately snickering before, but in his... defense? This is an earnest attempt to course correct.]

I do mean that, and I am sorry. Forgive me?

[Does he dare seal it with a gentlemanly hand kiss? He does.]

[Of course he's upset... but he leans into the little nose bump regardless. Like a cat, the both of them. Still he sulks a bit more, looking away when Constantin leans back to catch his eye. Not because he doesn't believe him but... because he does.

He's not quite done being melancholy just yet and he knows the moment he meets those lovely amber eyes he's going to smile and melt and any chance he might have had at getting a tad more doting will be gone. It is upsetting though so he doesn't want to just... immediately excuse it.

Lorenz is doomed the moment that kiss lands on his knuckles, still pouting just a little, though he hardly needs to with kiss bruised lips. He finally looks up to meet Constantin's gaze. He wants to call him out on the little white lie in there. Quite pretty hah. But he doesn't dare bring attention back to his own fumbled words and foolishness. ]

You really are lucky you're so charming, you know. Anyone else would be likely to have gotten a hand print for their troubles, not a chance to apologize.

[Constantin is no poet; it endeared him, to say the least, but if Lorenz wants to skip over the actual pretty words part, he's willing. This time when he lets go of that hand to slip both arms around Lorenz's waist it's just to hold him snugly, not pull him anywhere. Apparently he's charming, so he can surely get away with just this, too.]

You're as generous as you are lovely! Perhaps I ought to thank you, as well.

[For not slapping him... how close did he come to getting slapped without even knowing it... Haunting.]

So... are you alright?

[The words weren't pretty though. He knew that and honestly, looking back on it only made him cringe. Metaphors? No, not even. Similes. And that was the best he could come up with? Goddess save him.

But this is nice, too. Just... letting Constantin hold him, shuddering slightly with the aftershocks of sensations that were all too foreign to him. Every brush of his collar or ghost of his hair had him twitching slightly. Enough to have him laughing at himself, a little, embarrassed at how overly sensitive he is to all of this.]

I... am...? Embarrassed but... not as bad off as I could be? [Taking that time to pause, to let him work through things before the actual kissing began on the couch. (Making out? Is that what this is? Was? Oh Goddess what has he done?)]

[Hmm. It is nice to hold him like this, a warm and comfortable weight leaning against him, much as, ah... well, to feel him shiver and see his well-kissed mouth is distracting, much as Constantin is behaving himself right now. He shifts into something closer to an earlier position, when Lorenz had had his head on his shoulder - that's cozy, and cozy sounds good right about now.]

Well, I am undoubtedly glad for that. You needn't worry about me chattering away about this to anyone— I'm not that kind of man.

[He will tell anybody who stands still long enough about his lifetime of trauma, but kissing and telling? That's just gauche! Imagine the gall!]

I appreciate your discretion.

[Yes, this is nice, very nice. Constantin is warm and this is cozy and he's quite content to just snuggle in against him for the moment. Of course as he settles in he has to straighten his shirt a little, fixing the collar, adjusting where his cravat is after Constantin had pushed it down.

His breath catches, surprised when there's a gentle heat to that pressure, nothing substantial, really, but not something he's used to and he finds himself stroking over the spot, fingers sliding over silk.

..... wait....

Did that..... no. don't be silly....

Did he????]

I thought you might.

[A touch amused, but he's serious about that discretion, so it works out. He's happy to sit back together like this and idly watch Lorenz fuss at his clothes, and—

Ah, and.

Constantin purses his lips, gaze sliding... away... to look at the wall. Boy, that sure is a wall. He's never done anything wrong in his life, don't freak out—]

Something the matter?

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