[viktor leans into him, into the kiss, a pleased hum at a job well done. he largely ignores pal's words to kiss his jaw, then down his neck. water? who needs water. he lifts pal's hand to kiss the ring, that's what he needs.]
Eh. [fine, water, he'll follow, a small smile on his face before he pauses to consider.]
Oh... yes, I should make one for myself. [kind of forgot that. he takes a seat at the table, elbow to the surface and chin in his palm.] I kept thinking it was something I owed you, I suppose the fact it's a matching set slipped my mind.
[Save the romantic ring-kissing and other-spots-kissing for later, after the water and crackers. Palamedes still chuckles, not-quite-nudging him to please, please drink some water. He joins him at the table, pulling the other chair around to sit right next to him instead of across, helpfully pushing the water over in front of him. Hi. Drink.]
You owed me a ring?
[Soft, while he reaches over to skim his fingers over the back of Viktor's neck and up into his hair. He's going to insist about the water and snacks if he really must, but besides that nagging, he's happy; he can look down at his other hand on the table and see that ring and know, yes, this is what he wants. It wasn't any less of a promise when they made themselves a House— a family— but a pair of rings is certainly, hm, more overt.
Still. It feels like a natural progression more than a surprise; he'll get used to the new feeling of wearing a ring around.]
I can't help you make one at all, but I could push a button on a machine at least once, to contribute.
[fine, water, fine. he takes it and finds he's thirstier than he realizes, drinking quite a bit before he puts it down.] Yes. I thought... I am often too tentative with shows of affection that are not sexual in nature, which is a matter you have never complained about and take in stride. And this, even if we are- hm, not quite traditional, or grand gestures, it is very important to me to make it quite clear where I stand.
So rings. Also- [he turns to regard pal, lips quirked fondly] I thought- 'does Palamedes like jewelry?' What would he think of it? Would he find it irritating to wear? I thought yes, if he had a ring it would have to be simple and practical, so... spinning. It is practical. This is what I was thinking.
I was looking forward to it, to seeing what you'd like. I always like to learn more about you. [chatty...
he leans back into the touch a little, a soft snort.] You can pick out the metal. Then it's yours.
[Chatty indeed, it's endearing. Palamedes hums and nods appropriately, playing with the ends of Viktor's hair, and very strongly resists making a horny quip about sexual affection just this once.]
I will; show me a selection, so I don't pick something ridiculous to make a ring out of. I really don't know anything about metal.
[tin can ring. no.]
Anyway, I do like that it spins. I like that it's silver, and that you made it for me. I like what it stands for, especially. I'll like wearing it, as soon as I get used to it.
[So there, a good old itemized list for the new ring.]
You haven't been that tentative lately; I'm getting to you. [ha ha]
I will make a pile for you to choose from. [viktor answers. frankly pal could go out and find the ugliest ring imaginable and he wouldn't care, probably just delight in getting to mock him for it while wearing it anyway.
then again a good part of the reason he wanted to make the ring is not trusting the trench at all. gods know how many cursed rings are probably out there, waiting to give someone a hard time.]
I suppose I have not. [he turns to face him, placing the glass down.] It still happens, more than I would like. You are very brave, yes? You show how much you care. It worries me, and inspires. [and pal gets a kiss again, the alcohol taste mostly washed away now.]
I could take up swearing more often if it helps you worry less. [Jokes... Mm, but he leans into the kiss, soft and tender and unhurried. He does gently nudge the rest of the water back into Viktor's hand, but. Never mind that right this second.
When he pulls back it's only far enough to lean their foreheads together, smiling. Look at this guy. Mmph.]
Every time I introduce you to someone, or I meet one of your friends, they think you're witty and brilliant- true, of course I wouldn't introduce you to complete fools- and never tentative about being kind. You don't give yourself enough credit.
but fine, he takes the water and allows another sip, only because pal wants him to. it's sweet, that he cares, as though viktor handling the probably well deserved irritation of a morning headache for this isn't acceptable. he's having feelings again, ones that have him take the time to finish the entire glass! wow! before taking pal's face in both his hands and kissing him soundly.
it goes on for a while, enough he nearly forgets to answer pal being sweet again.] Oh I am quite witty and brilliant, I know. [dry] But I am not brave the way you are. You make me want to be, though. I think that is... important. That you make me wish to be better than I am, not because I need to be or should be, because you make it easier to be.
[Hmm, very good, he should get another glass— no, he won't, even after this lengthy kiss. This is perfectly non-tentative, nonsexual affection, sir; but that's beside the point. Palamedes leans into it to the point that he's scooted all the way to the edge of his shitty kitchen chair and bumped their legs together repeatedly, and immediately snorts inelegantly at Viktor's incredible display of humility.
Like, yeah, he's amazing and intelligent and funny, obviously, but the timing. True comedic genius.] More than anyone else I know.
[Ah, but then he softens, and presses his next kiss to Viktor's cheek, lingering there a moment. Hmm.]
If I offer to help with whatever you need, are you going to tell me I do it too much? [he does. he knows.] I am. For the record. Anything for you; I'll be here.
[ugh, pal gets another kiss for that. sweet of him, being wife guy, maybe more so because he's so glaringly honest it's easy to see he believes every word, no angles. his hand rests on pal's knee, moving up to a quite risqué place on pal's thigh as he leans in for another kiss. they're married sort of now so it's probably not a sin, it's fine.]
No. You have gotten a bit better at that too. Besides, we are partners. We help each other. [another kiss, then down the line of his jaw. maybe pal still needs reminders but hey, work in progress.] And you already are, waiting up for me with water and crackers. You are... impossibly sweet, Palamedes.
[Those hands should be eating crackers. Like, Palamedes won't nudge him away, of course not; but crackers? He put in the effort. It's only being on separate chairs that stops Palamedes from wrapping around Viktor's waist and tugging him closer, lest they wind up on the floor; in spirit, though, he's there.]
Only a bit? [damn... he's slacking.] And yet, you're rewarding me for only a little progress, anyway... Finish your crackers and I'll even tuck you into bed.
[viktor's head falls against pal's shoulder, a helpless laugh. he turns his head to press a kiss to pal's neck, then another, deeply considering trying to push his luck and see how much distraction he can manage. the last time they were frisky at the chairs here was Blueberry Time Loops, which he'd be happy to just thoroughly erase from their memory with a new, improved one.
so pal's got his work cut out for him as he ponders how helpful he wants to be, and murmurs into pal's neck,] The fact we missed each other so often last month is proof you are still taking on a great deal. I suppose it is a sin of mine as well.
[and a soft laugh against his skin.] I am weak to you. And surely the crackers can wait? [vile temptress.]
[Viktor, good god. Let it not be said that Palamedes isn't tempted, because he is, but he also wants Viktor to eat his crackers and get some sleep after what has clearly been a long - if good! - evening. He huffs, leaning into Viktor despite himself and letting a hand slide down to his waist, then his hip.
Listen... listen. Crackers.]
I couldn't just quit the Sanctuary, or the children's team, [he murmurs, enjoying the affection and persistently not caving to it, huff.] I could work fewer hours at the Lumenarium? But...
[It's literally a hospital, oops maybe he does have 500 obligations. He'll blame not seeing Viktor so much on the ghosts and the days spent wandering around in tunnels for too many hours, and not his myriad jobs. Ahem. Now then: snacks.]
Viktor, [terrible; he laughs. so scolding.] You're going to sulk until lunchtime if you don't eat the crackers now.
[......a metaphorical lightbulb dings on above his head, and,] I'll remove one piece of clothing for every cracker you eat.
[ha, he's winning. he squeezes pal's thigh like a victory, his other hand moving to press under the hem of pal's shirt and to skin.] Palamedes, [he copies the tone, lost in some smug amusement himself.] I will sulk if you push me away for crackers.
[but then pal offers that, and the laughter viktor has to bite back makes his shoulders shake. he pulls back just enough to kiss him again, with endless fondness, eyes bright with it as the kiss breaks.]
You are ridiculous and I adore you. Fine. [a cracker gets picked up, meaning he has to sit back which is a shame but this is too fucking funny and sweet and ridiculous. strip crackers. incredible. and this is how pal wins and gets him to eat the damn cracker already.]
[Surely Palamedes is not so easily seduced that he's undone by a pointed tone and a warm hand... surely not. Maybe just a little. He hums, so scolding, like he has something very biting and reprimanding to say about Viktor's threat of sulking, but nope, that's it. He even squeezes his hip a little, a smidge disappointed to lose the touch of skin on skin.
Stalwart, Palamedes. Strip crackers, a game for real adults who aren't being ridiculous at one in the morning in their own home. He raises an eyebrow, waiting patiently for Viktor to eat one (1) cracker. A shame he's already in his old man pjs, or he could really milk all his usual layers for a whole stack of crackers, but he's still going to be a little shit and kick off one slipper, first. It counts.]
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Eh. [fine, water, he'll follow, a small smile on his face before he pauses to consider.]
Oh... yes, I should make one for myself. [kind of forgot that. he takes a seat at the table, elbow to the surface and chin in his palm.] I kept thinking it was something I owed you, I suppose the fact it's a matching set slipped my mind.
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You owed me a ring?
[Soft, while he reaches over to skim his fingers over the back of Viktor's neck and up into his hair. He's going to insist about the water and snacks if he really must, but besides that nagging, he's happy; he can look down at his other hand on the table and see that ring and know, yes, this is what he wants. It wasn't any less of a promise when they made themselves a House— a family— but a pair of rings is certainly, hm, more overt.
Still. It feels like a natural progression more than a surprise; he'll get used to the new feeling of wearing a ring around.]
I can't help you make one at all, but I could push a button on a machine at least once, to contribute.
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So rings. Also- [he turns to regard pal, lips quirked fondly] I thought- 'does Palamedes like jewelry?' What would he think of it? Would he find it irritating to wear? I thought yes, if he had a ring it would have to be simple and practical, so... spinning. It is practical. This is what I was thinking.
I was looking forward to it, to seeing what you'd like. I always like to learn more about you. [chatty...
he leans back into the touch a little, a soft snort.] You can pick out the metal. Then it's yours.
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I will; show me a selection, so I don't pick something ridiculous to make a ring out of. I really don't know anything about metal.
[tin can ring. no.]
Anyway, I do like that it spins. I like that it's silver, and that you made it for me. I like what it stands for, especially. I'll like wearing it, as soon as I get used to it.
[So there, a good old itemized list for the new ring.]
You haven't been that tentative lately; I'm getting to you. [ha ha]
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then again a good part of the reason he wanted to make the ring is not trusting the trench at all. gods know how many cursed rings are probably out there, waiting to give someone a hard time.]
I suppose I have not. [he turns to face him, placing the glass down.] It still happens, more than I would like. You are very brave, yes? You show how much you care. It worries me, and inspires. [and pal gets a kiss again, the alcohol taste mostly washed away now.]
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I could take up swearing more often if it helps you worry less. [Jokes... Mm, but he leans into the kiss, soft and tender and unhurried. He does gently nudge the rest of the water back into Viktor's hand, but. Never mind that right this second.
When he pulls back it's only far enough to lean their foreheads together, smiling. Look at this guy. Mmph.]
Every time I introduce you to someone, or I meet one of your friends, they think you're witty and brilliant- true, of course I wouldn't introduce you to complete fools- and never tentative about being kind. You don't give yourself enough credit.
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but fine, he takes the water and allows another sip, only because pal wants him to. it's sweet, that he cares, as though viktor handling the probably well deserved irritation of a morning headache for this isn't acceptable. he's having feelings again, ones that have him take the time to finish the entire glass! wow! before taking pal's face in both his hands and kissing him soundly.
it goes on for a while, enough he nearly forgets to answer pal being sweet again.] Oh I am quite witty and brilliant, I know. [dry] But I am not brave the way you are. You make me want to be, though. I think that is... important. That you make me wish to be better than I am, not because I need to be or should be, because you make it easier to be.
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Like, yeah, he's amazing and intelligent and funny, obviously, but the timing. True comedic genius.] More than anyone else I know.
[Ah, but then he softens, and presses his next kiss to Viktor's cheek, lingering there a moment. Hmm.]
If I offer to help with whatever you need, are you going to tell me I do it too much? [he does. he knows.] I am. For the record. Anything for you; I'll be here.
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No. You have gotten a bit better at that too. Besides, we are partners. We help each other. [another kiss, then down the line of his jaw. maybe pal still needs reminders but hey, work in progress.] And you already are, waiting up for me with water and crackers. You are... impossibly sweet, Palamedes.
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Only a bit? [damn... he's slacking.] And yet, you're rewarding me for only a little progress, anyway... Finish your crackers and I'll even tuck you into bed.
[not horny. just soft.]
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so pal's got his work cut out for him as he ponders how helpful he wants to be, and murmurs into pal's neck,] The fact we missed each other so often last month is proof you are still taking on a great deal. I suppose it is a sin of mine as well.
[and a soft laugh against his skin.] I am weak to you. And surely the crackers can wait? [vile temptress.]
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Listen... listen. Crackers.]
I couldn't just quit the Sanctuary, or the children's team, [he murmurs, enjoying the affection and persistently not caving to it, huff.] I could work fewer hours at the Lumenarium? But...
[It's literally a hospital, oops maybe he does have 500 obligations. He'll blame not seeing Viktor so much on the ghosts and the days spent wandering around in tunnels for too many hours, and not his myriad jobs. Ahem. Now then: snacks.]
Viktor, [terrible; he laughs. so scolding.] You're going to sulk until lunchtime if you don't eat the crackers now.
[......a metaphorical lightbulb dings on above his head, and,] I'll remove one piece of clothing for every cracker you eat.
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[but then pal offers that, and the laughter viktor has to bite back makes his shoulders shake. he pulls back just enough to kiss him again, with endless fondness, eyes bright with it as the kiss breaks.]
You are ridiculous and I adore you. Fine. [a cracker gets picked up, meaning he has to sit back which is a shame but this is too fucking funny and sweet and ridiculous. strip crackers. incredible. and this is how pal wins and gets him to eat the damn cracker already.]
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Stalwart, Palamedes. Strip crackers, a game for real adults who aren't being ridiculous at one in the morning in their own home. He raises an eyebrow, waiting patiently for Viktor to eat one (1) cracker. A shame he's already in his old man pjs, or he could really milk all his usual layers for a whole stack of crackers, but he's still going to be a little shit and kick off one slipper, first. It counts.]
Keep going; you've got work to do.