[ With the second kiss, it seems like they are agreed with one another. He can feel it in how he feels warm; in how he understands that the two of them are actually syncing with one another. ]
I'm sorry I gave you reason to doubt me. [ If they're going to be equals, if they're going to be on the same footing, then he can't let Albert be the only person that apologizes. He can't act like he did everything right and that the man did everything wrong to miss him. The two of them are too similar and so they weren't able to understand the sincerity that the other person showed.
[It's funny how the kiss seems vaguely symbolic to Albert in hindsight. It's a reassurance, now backed up with words, but to Albert it was as good as an oath instead. He can't help flashing the faint ghost of a sincere smile as he pulls back, looking to Moran's eyes.]
I wouldn't want to do it without you.
[And he means that, from the depths of what's left of his soul. Whether simply because Moran is an anchor for him here, or because he truly values their bond... that's up to Moran to decide for himself. Albert's actions will reveal all of that in time.]
Come sit with me. I'm going to need sizeable income here to get anything done.
[ Now that they understand one another; now that they are on even footing with one another. He feels like the issues of the past are just that. Moran is different than most that he can easily set aside problems he had with people after one conversation.
It is like how he could easily settle things with Bond. It's like how he could settle things with Moneypenny. He accepts their sincerity and forgives all else; all the anger that he feels is just not worth clinging onto.
All that in mind, he reaches to take hold of Albert's hand to pull him forward so that the man can come to sit on him. ]
Like this? [ Because now that they are understanding one another, there is no reason why he won't needle or tease as friends do. ]
[Albert is the type to let things fester, but he takes Moran at face value in this and all things. The Moran he sees before him is a man who has let go of everything that held him back, in Albert's opinion.
He's glorious, in his own way, even if Albert would never tell him that.
Glorious. And pulling him off the couch. Albert could choose not to go, their strength isn't so disparate, but he only faintly cuts his eyes to the side before going with the grip to his hand and settling himself like an absolute menace with a knee on either side of Moran's thighs.
Are they playing chicken now?]
Well, whatever gets things done.
[He looks at Moran, leaning his face in close, daring him to back off.]
[ The coffee table beneath them did make an unfortunate squeaking sound before when he pulled Albert forward and onto his lap. His eyes couldn't help but give a slight glance to it -- but it doesn't seem like it is going to give underneath their weight. ]
Well, syncing with me is pretty easy, isn't it? I already have my shirt off, after all.
[ He tips his chin up, daring him to do anything else. Even if his foot still hurts, he isn't about to yield now that he's starting this game. It isn't one that they've played together before, but that was because they didn't feel close.
Moran actually feels like they've bridged a gap that neither realized was there. No, that was wrong. They both knew it was there, but acted like it wasn't. But with it gone, he could smile honestly at Albert and feel like he's being seen as a friend. ]
[He trusts the coffee table far less than he trusts Moran, but the man beneath him is solid and might be fine to land on should the worst happen. He'll just bill him in synchrony, of course.
And Moran is right. It's easy. Even as Albert's fingertips come to rest on that broad expanse of chest, he feels a warmth, a security coursing through him.]
I feel a touch overdressed. Should I make things even?
[Flirting? Teasing? Does it even work on Moran? Albert doesn't actually care, since he's simply being delicately antagonistic. If nothing else, he's enjoying this moment of unguarded ridiculousness, looking down at Moran with equal parts defiance and mirth while he flattens his palms against Moran's skin.]
There's still a dull throbbing, but it'll be fine.
[ All the yelling and coming down from it; he realizes that it seems silly but he feels better rather than worse for it. ]
But do you want to make things even? [ No, none of that really works on him. He reaches up to undo the top button of Albert's shirt. ] I was thinking that, perhaps, you were feeling a little restrained.
[He does his best to hide his amusement as Moran makes a brief show of unbuttoning that button. He'll admit that compared to most people here, he is apparently excessively put together. It's best to just enjoy the freedom it brings, rather than resisting the atmosphere of the place.]
I feel like a new man, of course. All thanks to you. However will I repay you?
[What if he just... moves his hands up Moran's chest and shoulders, and drapes over him with linked hands in his hair? What's his limit?]
[ Moran breathes in sharp through his nose. It is because he is also attempting to keep himself from laughing. His lips have to be pressed in a thin line when Albert drapes himself over him. Still, for all the amusement that he feels, there is also a steady feeling that they are syncing with one another. ]
Are you offering more, my lord?
[ His words shake just a little as he huffs a laugh against Albert's hair. It seems like they're understanding one another. His arms lightly come around to wrap around the man in his lap. He feels his shoulders drop as he rests his head against Albert's.
There's something comforting in being able to hold him like this, even if it is all a joke. It may be because Albert has never allowed himself to be held by anyone -- figuratively or literally. ]
[The moment he realizes how amused Moran is, Albert lets his shoulders relax, almost shaking with the effort of not letting out a sincere laugh. He feels the synchrony, and it doesn't feel bad in the least.
It feels even better when he's embraced, and their heads meet. Maybe he's waited too long to let someone hold him like this.]
You're really going to call me that...
[He can't even finish the sentence without laughing out loud.]
[ He starts to laugh a little himself; his shoulders shaking as he lets out a few puffs of air. ]
You really do know how to make things unreasonably difficult, Albert.
[ His tone of voice isn't admonishing or hateful, however. It's more tired resignation. He accepts this part of the man that he's been with; he accepts it completely. After all, William may have been the one to save him, but Albert is the one who knew of his existence in the first place.
Without that knowledge, without knowing he was drifting as some half-dead creature, would he have been eventually found and saved?
[Albert can't put to words how this place makes him feel, or how it's very quickly changed his outlook just enough that he feels like he's a human being for the first time in years. That may be blind, desperate optimism that isn't his usual, or it might be lasting change. He doesn't know. But as long as this feeling of relief lasts, he'll chase it.
He knows Moran is good for him, always has known since the day they met. Still, the thought of him ever having overcome his self-imposed emotional prison back home is almost as laughable as their antics.]
Could have, if I wasn't so proud?
[He turns his head and rests his cheek on Moran's shoulder. It wouldn't be them if they weren't trying to one up each other.]
[ 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. ]
[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?
[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?
[ 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.]
[ 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.]
[ 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. ]
[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.
I wonder if I'll remember that when we return, or if things will go back to how they were.
[ It's an idle question that he asks as he watches Albert lightly kiss his fingertips. The soft touch of his lips is somehow novel. He rests his false hand between the man's legs, pressing it lightly over the front of his pants. Moran always laments about not being able to feel what his hand can, but it is thanks to being in this world that he acquired something useful. ]
I wonder if von Herder could make something like this for me.
[ The man did help create quite the useful artificial hand back home; it could move like a normal hand even if he had no feeling in it. But what he really appreciates about his new robotic appendage is something that he'd been using more to massage sore muscles that he had. So, he's been wondering and seems like he gets to try it out with Albert -- the palm of his hand against the front of the man's pants and fingers slipping lower; he turns on the vibrating function, softly at first.
He wonders how sudden and frightening it still is and brings his body to press more against Alberts; hot mouth close to his ear. ]
[He has more to say, but then Moran is touching him rather intimately, and his eye brows raise in surprise. That's his false hand; Albert had no idea he'd had adjustments made here, so when Moran turns on that function, he can't help fairly squirming.
It's more that he doesn't expect it than it is anything about how it feels, and after a moment of the vibration with Moran's solid form pressed against him, too, he manages little more than a sigh at first.
Oh, he was asked a question. As if the way his hips press into the touch isn't indication enough, though.]
[ He comments more to himself than to Albert. His lips press a soft kiss on the underside of the man's jaw before dipping down to place a harder, more appreciative kiss against the gem on Albert's throat. Moran opens his mouth to flick his tongue against the surface of it before drawing himself lower. ]
It seems like you took care of me this whole morning. [ With a conversational tone, his hand presses more between the man's legs. His fingers lightly running along, lightly teasing, the inseam of the pants. ]
I'm sorry for being so difficult. [ He should at least say that much, going back to a point the two of them made earlier -- admitting that he's to blame for not attempting to reconcile with him sooner. There's a bit that he wants to make up for as he settles down between the man's legs, still stroking and rubbing him hard with his false hand. ]
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no subject
[ With the second kiss, it seems like they are agreed with one another. He can feel it in how he feels warm; in how he understands that the two of them are actually syncing with one another. ]
I'm sorry I gave you reason to doubt me. [ If they're going to be equals, if they're going to be on the same footing, then he can't let Albert be the only person that apologizes. He can't act like he did everything right and that the man did everything wrong to miss him. The two of them are too similar and so they weren't able to understand the sincerity that the other person showed.
So, he decides to say it again, a little clear. ]
I'm with you, Albert.
no subject
I wouldn't want to do it without you.
[And he means that, from the depths of what's left of his soul. Whether simply because Moran is an anchor for him here, or because he truly values their bond... that's up to Moran to decide for himself. Albert's actions will reveal all of that in time.]
Come sit with me. I'm going to need sizeable income here to get anything done.
no subject
It is like how he could easily settle things with Bond. It's like how he could settle things with Moneypenny. He accepts their sincerity and forgives all else; all the anger that he feels is just not worth clinging onto.
All that in mind, he reaches to take hold of Albert's hand to pull him forward so that the man can come to sit on him. ]
Like this? [ Because now that they are understanding one another, there is no reason why he won't needle or tease as friends do. ]
no subject
He's glorious, in his own way, even if Albert would never tell him that.
Glorious. And pulling him off the couch. Albert could choose not to go, their strength isn't so disparate, but he only faintly cuts his eyes to the side before going with the grip to his hand and settling himself like an absolute menace with a knee on either side of Moran's thighs.
Are they playing chicken now?]
Well, whatever gets things done.
[He looks at Moran, leaning his face in close, daring him to back off.]
no subject
[ The coffee table beneath them did make an unfortunate squeaking sound before when he pulled Albert forward and onto his lap. His eyes couldn't help but give a slight glance to it -- but it doesn't seem like it is going to give underneath their weight. ]
Well, syncing with me is pretty easy, isn't it? I already have my shirt off, after all.
[ He tips his chin up, daring him to do anything else. Even if his foot still hurts, he isn't about to yield now that he's starting this game. It isn't one that they've played together before, but that was because they didn't feel close.
Moran actually feels like they've bridged a gap that neither realized was there. No, that was wrong. They both knew it was there, but acted like it wasn't. But with it gone, he could smile honestly at Albert and feel like he's being seen as a friend. ]
no subject
[He trusts the coffee table far less than he trusts Moran, but the man beneath him is solid and might be fine to land on should the worst happen. He'll just bill him in synchrony, of course.
And Moran is right. It's easy. Even as Albert's fingertips come to rest on that broad expanse of chest, he feels a warmth, a security coursing through him.]
I feel a touch overdressed. Should I make things even?
[Flirting? Teasing? Does it even work on Moran? Albert doesn't actually care, since he's simply being delicately antagonistic. If nothing else, he's enjoying this moment of unguarded ridiculousness, looking down at Moran with equal parts defiance and mirth while he flattens his palms against Moran's skin.]
Your head is feeling better, I take it.
no subject
[ All the yelling and coming down from it; he realizes that it seems silly but he feels better rather than worse for it. ]
But do you want to make things even? [ No, none of that really works on him. He reaches up to undo the top button of Albert's shirt. ] I was thinking that, perhaps, you were feeling a little restrained.
[ HOW SCANDALOUS. ]
Feeling a little freer?
no subject
I feel like a new man, of course. All thanks to you. However will I repay you?
[What if he just... moves his hands up Moran's chest and shoulders, and drapes over him with linked hands in his hair? What's his limit?]
My hospitality isn't enough, is it?
no subject
Are you offering more, my lord?
[ His words shake just a little as he huffs a laugh against Albert's hair. It seems like they're understanding one another. His arms lightly come around to wrap around the man in his lap. He feels his shoulders drop as he rests his head against Albert's.
There's something comforting in being able to hold him like this, even if it is all a joke. It may be because Albert has never allowed himself to be held by anyone -- figuratively or literally. ]
no subject
It feels even better when he's embraced, and their heads meet. Maybe he's waited too long to let someone hold him like this.]
You're really going to call me that...
[He can't even finish the sentence without laughing out loud.]
...when it's just the two of us?
[Nope, losing it, albeit quietly.]
no subject
You really do know how to make things unreasonably difficult, Albert.
[ His tone of voice isn't admonishing or hateful, however. It's more tired resignation. He accepts this part of the man that he's been with; he accepts it completely. After all, William may have been the one to save him, but Albert is the one who knew of his existence in the first place.
Without that knowledge, without knowing he was drifting as some half-dead creature, would he have been eventually found and saved?
But instead of saying any of that, he says: ]
We could have been like this sooner, you know.
no subject
He knows Moran is good for him, always has known since the day they met. Still, the thought of him ever having overcome his self-imposed emotional prison back home is almost as laughable as their antics.]
Could have, if I wasn't so proud?
[He turns his head and rests his cheek on Moran's shoulder. It wouldn't be them if they weren't trying to one up each other.]
You're absolutely not one to talk.
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
[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.
no subject
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?
no subject
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?
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
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.
no subject
[ 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. ]
no subject
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.]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
[ It's an idle question that he asks as he watches Albert lightly kiss his fingertips. The soft touch of his lips is somehow novel. He rests his false hand between the man's legs, pressing it lightly over the front of his pants. Moran always laments about not being able to feel what his hand can, but it is thanks to being in this world that he acquired something useful. ]
I wonder if von Herder could make something like this for me.
[ The man did help create quite the useful artificial hand back home; it could move like a normal hand even if he had no feeling in it. But what he really appreciates about his new robotic appendage is something that he'd been using more to massage sore muscles that he had. So, he's been wondering and seems like he gets to try it out with Albert -- the palm of his hand against the front of the man's pants and fingers slipping lower; he turns on the vibrating function, softly at first.
He wonders how sudden and frightening it still is and brings his body to press more against Alberts; hot mouth close to his ear. ]
How is it?
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[He has more to say, but then Moran is touching him rather intimately, and his eye brows raise in surprise. That's his false hand; Albert had no idea he'd had adjustments made here, so when Moran turns on that function, he can't help fairly squirming.
It's more that he doesn't expect it than it is anything about how it feels, and after a moment of the vibration with Moran's solid form pressed against him, too, he manages little more than a sigh at first.
Oh, he was asked a question. As if the way his hips press into the touch isn't indication enough, though.]
It's... surprising.
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[ He comments more to himself than to Albert. His lips press a soft kiss on the underside of the man's jaw before dipping down to place a harder, more appreciative kiss against the gem on Albert's throat. Moran opens his mouth to flick his tongue against the surface of it before drawing himself lower. ]
It seems like you took care of me this whole morning. [ With a conversational tone, his hand presses more between the man's legs. His fingers lightly running along, lightly teasing, the inseam of the pants. ]
I'm sorry for being so difficult. [ He should at least say that much, going back to a point the two of them made earlier -- admitting that he's to blame for not attempting to reconcile with him sooner. There's a bit that he wants to make up for as he settles down between the man's legs, still stroking and rubbing him hard with his false hand. ]
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