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You said it, not me.
[ Indeed, it wouldn't be them if they weren't trying to one up each other. ]
I suppose not.
[ Moran's willing to admit that his own pride got in the way of settling things properly with Albert. But he also naively thought that the man knew just how close he felt that they all were. Or maybe, it is just that he did not feel he had any right to break down the walls that Albert had placed around him; maybe it is more that he thought Albert did not yet consider him close enough to attempt to tear them down. ]
I suppose I'm just too considerate of you.
[ Indeed, it wouldn't be them if they weren't trying to one up each other. ]
I suppose not.
[ Moran's willing to admit that his own pride got in the way of settling things properly with Albert. But he also naively thought that the man knew just how close he felt that they all were. Or maybe, it is just that he did not feel he had any right to break down the walls that Albert had placed around him; maybe it is more that he thought Albert did not yet consider him close enough to attempt to tear them down. ]
I suppose I'm just too considerate of you.
I did say it. It's not incorrect, unfortunately.
[He didn't want to be close to anyone. He wanted his safe buffer, he wanted to never let anyone in lest they be caught up in all his intrigues even worse. There were people--like Moran--who he quietly considered as close to true friends as he could get, but many many more who he kept at a distance for every reason. And even those he let get marginally close were still treated more coldly than perhaps he ought to have.]
A favor, Colonel. Next time... only be considerate if it benefits me to do so.
[I trust your judgement.
No one's here to keep him from caving in on himself should things be revealed somehow, nor to keep him from pushing everyone away. Without the warmth of his brothers, he might be adrift if the worst occurs.]
I'll be as open with you as I can, about things that matter.
[He didn't want to be close to anyone. He wanted his safe buffer, he wanted to never let anyone in lest they be caught up in all his intrigues even worse. There were people--like Moran--who he quietly considered as close to true friends as he could get, but many many more who he kept at a distance for every reason. And even those he let get marginally close were still treated more coldly than perhaps he ought to have.]
A favor, Colonel. Next time... only be considerate if it benefits me to do so.
[I trust your judgement.
No one's here to keep him from caving in on himself should things be revealed somehow, nor to keep him from pushing everyone away. Without the warmth of his brothers, he might be adrift if the worst occurs.]
I'll be as open with you as I can, about things that matter.
[ Moran lets out a soft hum in response to Albert agreeing that it was mostly his own fault. Something about that doesn't quite sits well with him, but he isn't quite sure what it is. Could it be that he didn't like that the man liked to take responsibility too easily? Even in a moment of when they are reconciling with one another?
His chin lifts a little, the gesture enough for Albert to feel with him resting his head on his shoulder. ]
Only if it benefits you, huh?
[ He pauses. ]
What about the things that don't matter? What about the thoughts you keep to yourself because you do not think they are important enough to share? [ A slight beat follows. ] Are you willing to share those with me, too?
His chin lifts a little, the gesture enough for Albert to feel with him resting his head on his shoulder. ]
Only if it benefits you, huh?
[ He pauses. ]
What about the things that don't matter? What about the thoughts you keep to yourself because you do not think they are important enough to share? [ A slight beat follows. ] Are you willing to share those with me, too?
[Albert laughs faintly. Things that don't matter? Things like... money or acquaintances? Plans? Feelings? Where does he draw the line? Albert is by his carefully built nature extremely conservative with what he openly shares, secretive and almost solitary. He thinks himself less than among his brothers, even if he isn't by any means. He certainly can't tell Moran that.
It calls for a judicious response.]
If you ask, of course. [But he should clarify.] I can't guarantee I'll know what's important to you yet. Will you... [This is. Disturbingly vulnerable, but he's going for it.] ...give me the chance to learn?
It calls for a judicious response.]
If you ask, of course. [But he should clarify.] I can't guarantee I'll know what's important to you yet. Will you... [This is. Disturbingly vulnerable, but he's going for it.] ...give me the chance to learn?
I'll give you that chance.
[ He hears the vulnerability in Albert's voice. It may be the first time that he's ever heard it before. His arms unconsciously wrap themselves a little tighter around him, like he actually wants to shield and protect him.
It is funny -- most look at Moran and take him as someone who would be more like the sword or weapon of violence. Yes, there are times when he used to cut down the enemies that stand before them, but his role has been more like a guardian than blade. He carefully watches over and tends to the weaknesses of everyone; he helps them to build themselves back up.
So, it isn't that he feels a sudden rush of lust or desire; it isn't something so debase as responding to the vulnerability and wanting to devour it. Rather, he realizes that this is just the foundation for them to fix the parts that are wrong in them both. Still, words can only offer a small haven.
He turns his head to kiss the tip of Albert's ear before lightly biting on his earlobe. ]
You'll always have it. Don't worry about losing your place with me if you happened to miss what I find important.
[ He hears the vulnerability in Albert's voice. It may be the first time that he's ever heard it before. His arms unconsciously wrap themselves a little tighter around him, like he actually wants to shield and protect him.
It is funny -- most look at Moran and take him as someone who would be more like the sword or weapon of violence. Yes, there are times when he used to cut down the enemies that stand before them, but his role has been more like a guardian than blade. He carefully watches over and tends to the weaknesses of everyone; he helps them to build themselves back up.
So, it isn't that he feels a sudden rush of lust or desire; it isn't something so debase as responding to the vulnerability and wanting to devour it. Rather, he realizes that this is just the foundation for them to fix the parts that are wrong in them both. Still, words can only offer a small haven.
He turns his head to kiss the tip of Albert's ear before lightly biting on his earlobe. ]
You'll always have it. Don't worry about losing your place with me if you happened to miss what I find important.
[Not a word of mockery or doubt or disbelief. He doesn't know why he feared anything of the sort, knowing that Moran is a more honest man than he himself is. But more than that, he feels sheltered by this certainty, like a carefully tended flower being moved to free soil.
The arms around Albert tighten, and he leans into the hold after a moment's hesitation, his own arms comfortably around Moran as well. He has nothing to fear, no matter what happens. If the entirety of creation, in this universe and every other, were to turn on him, Moran would be at his back unless he turned him away.
And it's only because he let him in.
He's ready to thank him for it, and preparing himself for protest, when Moran does that. Maybe it ought to make him jump, or retreat, but after the initial surprise that freezes him in place, he practically melts against Moran. Being vulnerable is difficult, yet here he is, letting Moran pull back his layers one by one. All it took was nearly getting into a physical altercation.]
I'll trust you, as always.
[More than.
In the spirit of being vulnerable, honest, and candid, he takes a short, quiet breath and lets it out slowly.]
...Do that again.
The arms around Albert tighten, and he leans into the hold after a moment's hesitation, his own arms comfortably around Moran as well. He has nothing to fear, no matter what happens. If the entirety of creation, in this universe and every other, were to turn on him, Moran would be at his back unless he turned him away.
And it's only because he let him in.
He's ready to thank him for it, and preparing himself for protest, when Moran does that. Maybe it ought to make him jump, or retreat, but after the initial surprise that freezes him in place, he practically melts against Moran. Being vulnerable is difficult, yet here he is, letting Moran pull back his layers one by one. All it took was nearly getting into a physical altercation.]
I'll trust you, as always.
[More than.
In the spirit of being vulnerable, honest, and candid, he takes a short, quiet breath and lets it out slowly.]
...Do that again.
As you wish, Albert.
[ Moran calls him by his name, whispers it into his ear like it is something precious and worth protecting. Because it is. To him, it is.
He opens his mouth and lightly bites on the man's earlobe again before sucking on it softly. Letting it slide out past his lips, he turns his head to kiss Albert's neck -- just soft, little pecks against the skin. Albert is doing as he will, and probably would not appreciate having to explain bite marks on his neck.
His hands slide around to the front of Albert's shirt -- his fingers toy a little with the buttons before he starts to undo them. ]
[ Moran calls him by his name, whispers it into his ear like it is something precious and worth protecting. Because it is. To him, it is.
He opens his mouth and lightly bites on the man's earlobe again before sucking on it softly. Letting it slide out past his lips, he turns his head to kiss Albert's neck -- just soft, little pecks against the skin. Albert is doing as he will, and probably would not appreciate having to explain bite marks on his neck.
His hands slide around to the front of Albert's shirt -- his fingers toy a little with the buttons before he starts to undo them. ]
[He wasn't anticipating that, hearing his name spoken quite like that by anyone, much less Moran. He doesn't hate it. No, he quite likes it, the way that deep voice wraps him up like so much velvet. He hasn't thought about Moran quite this way before, but the more his lips work against Albert's skin, the more Albert wants him to keep going.
It doesn't have to go anywhere vital, nothing earth-shattering has to happen, but he wants to hold on to this gentleness for a while. He sways back slightly when Moran's arms move, not expecting hands on his shirt, either. But once they're working at his buttons, he settles his own hands at Moran's sides, down near his waist, giving him all the room he needs to work.
It's a split second decision, but Albert is the decisive sort, after all. He moves one hand to Moran's cheek and turns his head toward him before capturing Moran's lips for a gentle, unassuming, but direct kiss.]
It doesn't have to go anywhere vital, nothing earth-shattering has to happen, but he wants to hold on to this gentleness for a while. He sways back slightly when Moran's arms move, not expecting hands on his shirt, either. But once they're working at his buttons, he settles his own hands at Moran's sides, down near his waist, giving him all the room he needs to work.
It's a split second decision, but Albert is the decisive sort, after all. He moves one hand to Moran's cheek and turns his head toward him before capturing Moran's lips for a gentle, unassuming, but direct kiss.]
[ This certainly isn't how he thought that his morning would start -- he didn't even think that his week would be this way. But there is something comforting in the way that Albert kisses him. There's nothing asked in it beyond what's offered. You can be real endearing sometimes.
Moran turns his head to kiss him softly; the feeling between them less like some lust-filled heat and more like promises that they are giving to one another. Promises that they can't put into words.
Right.
He brings his arms back around Albert, pausing as they pull away from their kiss to look at him. His hand lifts to brush some of the man's hair out of his face; his expression more thoughtful than scrutinizing as it was before. A slight pause settles in before he starts to get up, but bringing Albert with him -- pushing him back the short distance so that he would fall back onto the couch, and he settles in between his legs. ]
Do you feel this? [ They're syncing; he knows that he does. Yet still he asks as he lifts Albert's hand to rest it against his chest -- where the Ruby gem is. He asks him if he can feel the amount of affection that he has for him -- that he's always had for him; the amount of loyalty that he has to him and is meant for him and not just William.
It's important to ask before they do anything else, or well, it is important to Moran anyway. ]
Moran turns his head to kiss him softly; the feeling between them less like some lust-filled heat and more like promises that they are giving to one another. Promises that they can't put into words.
Right.
He brings his arms back around Albert, pausing as they pull away from their kiss to look at him. His hand lifts to brush some of the man's hair out of his face; his expression more thoughtful than scrutinizing as it was before. A slight pause settles in before he starts to get up, but bringing Albert with him -- pushing him back the short distance so that he would fall back onto the couch, and he settles in between his legs. ]
Do you feel this? [ They're syncing; he knows that he does. Yet still he asks as he lifts Albert's hand to rest it against his chest -- where the Ruby gem is. He asks him if he can feel the amount of affection that he has for him -- that he's always had for him; the amount of loyalty that he has to him and is meant for him and not just William.
It's important to ask before they do anything else, or well, it is important to Moran anyway. ]
[It's not at all how Albert thought things would go, either. There's damp spots on the floor from the ice, drying spots on his shirt... But there's an understanding between the two of them now, on a level they probably should have addressed long ago. He accepts the kiss offered in return, doesn't press forward, just makes sure Moran knows that he sees him, and believes him.
It isn't meant to be much more than that, but when Moran pulls away to look at him and brushes his hair aside, something warm and familiar rises in his chest. He wants to say something, but can't find the words by the time Moran rises up and sends him falling back onto the couch.
His fingers end up curved over the Ruby gem on Moran's chest, and his eyes fix on where they connect there. For a moment, Albert closes his eyes, focuses on the feeling, something he imagines is near to magic if not magic itself. The warmth. The sincerity he can feel. When his eyes open again and he looks to Moran's, he smiles.]
I do.
[With a finger, he traces around the edges of the gem, focused on the skin, and the subtle beat of Moran's heart beneath. Taking Moran's other hand in his, he pulls it to his own Amethyst gem at the hollow of his throat, letting his fingers rest there. Then he smooths his thumb under Moran's fingers before bringing them to his lips and pressing a gentle kiss to his fingertips.]
Whatever happens here, know that I do carry the deepest respect and regard for you. And... affection, Colonel Moran.
It isn't meant to be much more than that, but when Moran pulls away to look at him and brushes his hair aside, something warm and familiar rises in his chest. He wants to say something, but can't find the words by the time Moran rises up and sends him falling back onto the couch.
His fingers end up curved over the Ruby gem on Moran's chest, and his eyes fix on where they connect there. For a moment, Albert closes his eyes, focuses on the feeling, something he imagines is near to magic if not magic itself. The warmth. The sincerity he can feel. When his eyes open again and he looks to Moran's, he smiles.]
I do.
[With a finger, he traces around the edges of the gem, focused on the skin, and the subtle beat of Moran's heart beneath. Taking Moran's other hand in his, he pulls it to his own Amethyst gem at the hollow of his throat, letting his fingers rest there. Then he smooths his thumb under Moran's fingers before bringing them to his lips and pressing a gentle kiss to his fingertips.]
Whatever happens here, know that I do carry the deepest respect and regard for you. And... affection, Colonel Moran.
Thoughts that involve what you looked like when you were sleeping in my bed.
Are you busy?
Are you busy?
Very much so. That, and your affection for cats.
Are you on your own tonight?
Are you on your own tonight?
Not until you give me something else to be endeared by. I imagine it wouldn't be long.
Would you like me to come over? I made something for you to try.
Would you like me to come over? I made something for you to try.
It seems we've crossed that bridge quite awhile ago, haven't we?
No, please don't get dressed on my account. I'm quite fond of seeing you unbuttoned.
No, please don't get dressed on my account. I'm quite fond of seeing you unbuttoned.
Then it's good that we'll have plenty of opportunities to do so.
Everything about you is a marvel to me, Albert. The time we spend together is hardly ever enough. I'll be there in a few minutes.
Everything about you is a marvel to me, Albert. The time we spend together is hardly ever enough. I'll be there in a few minutes.
[ gods, but albert is addictive. a salve on wounds, this is troubling, too. albert must be in a mood.
ignis is there in minutes, casually dressed in a henley and a light sports jacket and jeans. he's carrying a small bag with a container in it, and he's knocking on his door. ]
ignis is there in minutes, casually dressed in a henley and a light sports jacket and jeans. he's carrying a small bag with a container in it, and he's knocking on his door. ]
[Albert opens the door almost as soon as it's knocked on, and he looks... careworn. His hair is down and slightly damp, and he's wearing only a light pair of sleep pants and a hooded knit jacket that has to pass for a nightrobe until he finds one he likes.
His eyes have a spark of life in them once he reaches out to pull Ignis gently inside.]
Thank you for coming.
[As if he was the one who initiated it.]
His eyes have a spark of life in them once he reaches out to pull Ignis gently inside.]
Thank you for coming.
[As if he was the one who initiated it.]
Albert, what's wrong?
[ ignis already knows something isn't right, even as he steps in and presses a soft, affectionate kiss to his cheek in greeting. the man is just as lovely tonight, even moreso in casual clothes, and he squeezes his hand. ]
[ ignis already knows something isn't right, even as he steps in and presses a soft, affectionate kiss to his cheek in greeting. the man is just as lovely tonight, even moreso in casual clothes, and he squeezes his hand. ]
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