![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
( babe your trauma
Happy... If they still had mood effect he'd be this, but at least it's clear on his face.
The question, though, surprises him - he guesses it's a fair one since he asked himself, but! )
No way.
( The more horizontal they are, the cozier Hwy gets, like this is normal - his arms flat on Ish's upper chest, Hwy's chin at rest on them, like there couldn't be a cozier spot in the world. His hair brushes against the floor. )
It's not usual for dragons to abide by that kind of convention. But, you know... A few days ago... you said you'd only ever take me up into the sky, right? And I thought... It warmed my heart - it warmed me, and it rippled out, and I felt it in my face, and I thought... that I liked that for us - that there were things only for the two of us.
I didn't think much more about it then, but, before curfew... There were people who wanted to kiss, just for fun, and I thought... that I wanted that to also be a thing just for the two of us. So I didn't. And I'm really... really happy our hearts are aligned.
Happy... If they still had mood effect he'd be this, but at least it's clear on his face.
The question, though, surprises him - he guesses it's a fair one since he asked himself, but! )
No way.
( The more horizontal they are, the cozier Hwy gets, like this is normal - his arms flat on Ish's upper chest, Hwy's chin at rest on them, like there couldn't be a cozier spot in the world. His hair brushes against the floor. )
It's not usual for dragons to abide by that kind of convention. But, you know... A few days ago... you said you'd only ever take me up into the sky, right? And I thought... It warmed my heart - it warmed me, and it rippled out, and I felt it in my face, and I thought... that I liked that for us - that there were things only for the two of us.
I didn't think much more about it then, but, before curfew... There were people who wanted to kiss, just for fun, and I thought... that I wanted that to also be a thing just for the two of us. So I didn't. And I'm really... really happy our hearts are aligned.
( Hwylryn is definitely a loose dancer - he's not worried about every step, but he's good at following Ish's lead and the rhythm, and he, above all, is having a lot of fun.
then ish ATTACKA HIM!!! It's uncharacteristic for Hwylryn to flush in surprise like this, so Ish can consider this a job well done. )
... Maybe I just look a little better tonight thanks to my handsome company.
( Normally, he'd say "I know"!! Or he'd have a smoother response!! But it feels a little different when it's Ish saying it... )
It must be, because I look like a mess.
( It's been hours since he was in that room, but he's sure his eyes must still be a little red, and he didn't go for a dip, so he's sure he doesn't look his best.
But it doesn't make him any less happy that Ish thinks so (he thinks so???) (something about when it's someone you care for saying it that makes any compliment that much more weighty)... )
then ish ATTACKA HIM!!! It's uncharacteristic for Hwylryn to flush in surprise like this, so Ish can consider this a job well done. )
... Maybe I just look a little better tonight thanks to my handsome company.
( Normally, he'd say "I know"!! Or he'd have a smoother response!! But it feels a little different when it's Ish saying it... )
It must be, because I look like a mess.
( It's been hours since he was in that room, but he's sure his eyes must still be a little red, and he didn't go for a dip, so he's sure he doesn't look his best.
But it doesn't make him any less happy that Ish thinks so (he thinks so???) (something about when it's someone you care for saying it that makes any compliment that much more weighty)... )
Oh.
[ sorry that's all he's got. his cheeks are rosy again, bright like the first blooms of spring.
he really, really, really was not expecting to hear that. kissing for fun? not for him, but for hwylyrn, ish knows that's just how he is. he's a free spirit and follows his whims. or at least ish thought he knew how he was.
it's a surprise, in a really, really good way. ]
...I'm going to kiss you now.
[ and so he does, pressing their lips together eager. one kiss leads to a second, and though he doesn't know how to do this smoothly (or at all really), he'll tentatively push forward with his tongue. ]
[ sorry that's all he's got. his cheeks are rosy again, bright like the first blooms of spring.
he really, really, really was not expecting to hear that. kissing for fun? not for him, but for hwylyrn, ish knows that's just how he is. he's a free spirit and follows his whims. or at least ish thought he knew how he was.
it's a surprise, in a really, really good way. ]
...I'm going to kiss you now.
[ and so he does, pressing their lips together eager. one kiss leads to a second, and though he doesn't know how to do this smoothly (or at all really), he'll tentatively push forward with his tongue. ]
( He laughs??? He barely gets an "okay" out before he returns the kiss with a sort of bubbly excitement it almost feels like it's their first one, and again, and again until Ish pushes him - ah!
Surprised, but delighted!! His lips part, letting Ish take the lead, but he'll push them gently forward if he seems hesitant, or unsure - curious, excited, silly; his fingers resting on either of Ish's cheeks, his jaw, with all the energy of an excited schoolgirl. )
Surprised, but delighted!! His lips part, letting Ish take the lead, but he'll push them gently forward if he seems hesitant, or unsure - curious, excited, silly; his fingers resting on either of Ish's cheeks, his jaw, with all the energy of an excited schoolgirl. )
[ he's all of those things really, and though he doesn't last much longer than the first time they met like this, it's an improvement nonetheless. ]
You taste better than coffee. Better than anything.
[ oh god did he just say that aloud? aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
this is because he had to sit on his hands during that whole exchange which was torture even if he didn't totally clock it at the time. ]
You taste better than coffee. Better than anything.
[ oh god did he just say that aloud? aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
this is because he had to sit on his hands during that whole exchange which was torture even if he didn't totally clock it at the time. ]
( wahhh... He leans in, kissing the corner of Ish's lips... )
Did you like stealing a taste of me when we shared cups? ( :3c ) ... Because I couldn't help stealing a taste of you. It was too hard to keep off you.
( His indirect kiss scheme... Fortunately, Ish is in good company, because sitting on the chair arm instead of in Ish's lap directly took so much restraint he almost just gave up on it several times during the conversation, even if it meant censure. )
Did you like stealing a taste of me when we shared cups? ( :3c ) ... Because I couldn't help stealing a taste of you. It was too hard to keep off you.
( His indirect kiss scheme... Fortunately, Ish is in good company, because sitting on the chair arm instead of in Ish's lap directly took so much restraint he almost just gave up on it several times during the conversation, even if it meant censure. )
...is that what that was about? I didn't—
[ he. he didn't realize until just now.
the realization flusters him and given he's already maxed out on how red he can be, he fidgets uncharacteristically. just his hands, given how they're arranged (he wouldn't want to disturb hwylyrn, even when he can barely rub two braincells together).
the problem with that is he's suddenly aware of where his hands wound up in their exchange. beneath his fingers are the lines of a slender waist, delicate curves of hips, and he can't help but recall the portion of trial that was truly a strip check for the body that's fully pressed him against him. ]
I— [ what follows next is a series of gibberish that's actually his native language. the words, though hwylryn can't understand them are soft and melodic, even though he's practically squawking them at this point. ]
[ he. he didn't realize until just now.
the realization flusters him and given he's already maxed out on how red he can be, he fidgets uncharacteristically. just his hands, given how they're arranged (he wouldn't want to disturb hwylyrn, even when he can barely rub two braincells together).
the problem with that is he's suddenly aware of where his hands wound up in their exchange. beneath his fingers are the lines of a slender waist, delicate curves of hips, and he can't help but recall the portion of trial that was truly a strip check for the body that's fully pressed him against him. ]
I— [ what follows next is a series of gibberish that's actually his native language. the words, though hwylryn can't understand them are soft and melodic, even though he's practically squawking them at this point. ]
Maybe that's part of it, but only a little. [ in contrast to how easily he usually flusters, ish is able to take the compliment with a soft smile. as much as it does tickle at his heart, he's more concerned with how hwylyrn feels to be put on the backfoot himself. ]
Even if I said you were—doesn't chaos exude a natural allure in it's own right? Isn't the natural beauty of emotions and feelings more than practiced smiles and countenances made to fit into an orderly box? [ leading into a turn with a flourish, the beat of his heart and the music their guide. ]
I think you always look beautiful. Though I like it when you're happy the most.
Even if I said you were—doesn't chaos exude a natural allure in it's own right? Isn't the natural beauty of emotions and feelings more than practiced smiles and countenances made to fit into an orderly box? [ leading into a turn with a flourish, the beat of his heart and the music their guide. ]
I think you always look beautiful. Though I like it when you're happy the most.
( oh?? Oh???
Hwylryn sure doesn't understand, but he can follow along the melody and the mood and from these things he can divine meaning - that Ish is very cute, very sweet, and always wonderful. (Even in these rituals of hurt he holds for his grand spell - still, he's wonderful. Hwylryn had felt this way toward Gwawlyn and Balthazar, as well. For Hwylryn, there are few cruelties too terrible to forgive.)
He strokes Ish's cheek, his expression clueless as Ish works through the phrases but all together listening - fond. He can potentially pick out that this is perhaps a language or something like it purely due to experience and age, and he's intrigued by the patterns of it. )
What does that mean?
( His voice seems to tease Ish as he brushes his thumb along the curve of his jaw. He'd say the same thing even if Ish's words were genuinely gibberish.
But this is unique: )
... It's so pretty. It suits you.
Hwylryn sure doesn't understand, but he can follow along the melody and the mood and from these things he can divine meaning - that Ish is very cute, very sweet, and always wonderful. (Even in these rituals of hurt he holds for his grand spell - still, he's wonderful. Hwylryn had felt this way toward Gwawlyn and Balthazar, as well. For Hwylryn, there are few cruelties too terrible to forgive.)
He strokes Ish's cheek, his expression clueless as Ish works through the phrases but all together listening - fond. He can potentially pick out that this is perhaps a language or something like it purely due to experience and age, and he's intrigued by the patterns of it. )
What does that mean?
( His voice seems to tease Ish as he brushes his thumb along the curve of his jaw. He'd say the same thing even if Ish's words were genuinely gibberish.
But this is unique: )
... It's so pretty. It suits you.
[ how is it possible that the touch on his cheek is both Helping and not Helping. ish takes a breath and sighs, leaning into the touch and not away even if his expression is more than a little bit huffy. ]
You're just—I don't have the words for it. [ this is embarrassing, he wants to die. ]
Beautiful beyond words. It's been a really long time since I felt like this, if I've ever really felt like this at all. I was born with the ability to understand every language and even then...
You're the pretty one, not me. [ this is a mess of words just to say he is overwhelmed even if it's not in a way he considers bad, it's a lot. contrary to all of this, he holds hwylryn closer, his own confusion and pulse be damned; he smiles, just a bit wry.
he who has the ability to understand hearts like a book might be struggling to read his own, but he'll get there. ]
You're just—I don't have the words for it. [ this is embarrassing, he wants to die. ]
Beautiful beyond words. It's been a really long time since I felt like this, if I've ever really felt like this at all. I was born with the ability to understand every language and even then...
You're the pretty one, not me. [ this is a mess of words just to say he is overwhelmed even if it's not in a way he considers bad, it's a lot. contrary to all of this, he holds hwylryn closer, his own confusion and pulse be damned; he smiles, just a bit wry.
he who has the ability to understand hearts like a book might be struggling to read his own, but he'll get there. ]
( Ish has called him pretty before, but here they are, a little reversed - Ish on the backfoot, Hwylryn pressing forward, quite conscious of their positions, and indulging with pleasure.
His own cheeks are warm, but nowhere as near as warm as his heart. )
Uh-uh. You just don't know how gorgeous you are.
( And the way he says gorgeous isn't so much how one may call a woman gorgeous, or even a Hwylryn - he says gorgeous like the sea and sky are gorgeous; gorgeous, the way a hurricane or riptide is.
He shifts - Ish has finally come to an agreement with his own grip on Hwylryn, and so Hwylryn moves more comfortably within it, fitting his body against the shapes of Ish's own, pooling against him like a perfect fit. )
Pure and unrefined - raw and full of expression. As lovely to marvel at as the sky and seas. ( A mix of personality and appearance somewhere in there - and in the same way that perhaps Ish can't translate what he means from his native tongue, this is Hwylryn's own language without clean definition. ) It's okay if you can't find the words, because - I think - sometimes, a thing is so wonderful you lose them on your tongue. And I...
( A little kiss - chaste, despite how he proceeds: )
... am very happy to get lost on your tongue.
( hehe )
His own cheeks are warm, but nowhere as near as warm as his heart. )
Uh-uh. You just don't know how gorgeous you are.
( And the way he says gorgeous isn't so much how one may call a woman gorgeous, or even a Hwylryn - he says gorgeous like the sea and sky are gorgeous; gorgeous, the way a hurricane or riptide is.
He shifts - Ish has finally come to an agreement with his own grip on Hwylryn, and so Hwylryn moves more comfortably within it, fitting his body against the shapes of Ish's own, pooling against him like a perfect fit. )
Pure and unrefined - raw and full of expression. As lovely to marvel at as the sky and seas. ( A mix of personality and appearance somewhere in there - and in the same way that perhaps Ish can't translate what he means from his native tongue, this is Hwylryn's own language without clean definition. ) It's okay if you can't find the words, because - I think - sometimes, a thing is so wonderful you lose them on your tongue. And I...
( A little kiss - chaste, despite how he proceeds: )
... am very happy to get lost on your tongue.
( hehe )
( Oh, Ish is smooth right now, huh? It's strange for him, but fun, too - to be outpaced, for once, for however briefly this lasts.
He follows the steps, faltered for a moment but making up for it with improved allegro; and when there comes a step that allows him to dip close, he does - and spots Ish a little kiss, before the song might ask them to pull away. )
... Then, you must be in luck. Because you're really good at making me really happy.
( Though this comes just a turn after he'd complained of being a mess - for reasons that are, apparently, Ish's devices - it's still sincere. He can't help that he can exist so divorced of context, sometimes. It's hard not to like Ish when he's indulging in this whim to dance through the starry sky; when he keeps his heart company, when he finds his rhythm and colors Hwylryn's cheeks with compliments as easy as the steps of this dance. )
And I always miss you when you have to leave.
He follows the steps, faltered for a moment but making up for it with improved allegro; and when there comes a step that allows him to dip close, he does - and spots Ish a little kiss, before the song might ask them to pull away. )
... Then, you must be in luck. Because you're really good at making me really happy.
( Though this comes just a turn after he'd complained of being a mess - for reasons that are, apparently, Ish's devices - it's still sincere. He can't help that he can exist so divorced of context, sometimes. It's hard not to like Ish when he's indulging in this whim to dance through the starry sky; when he keeps his heart company, when he finds his rhythm and colors Hwylryn's cheeks with compliments as easy as the steps of this dance. )
And I always miss you when you have to leave.
[ as smooth as he might be, the kiss still makes his heart skip along with a step. that's what improv is for, obviously. ]
But I come back don't I? I won't break my word to you.
There's somethings I won't lie about, but beyond that...I'd feel the pain of it—here. [ he guides their clasped hands to his chest, his heart. ]
But I come back don't I? I won't break my word to you.
There's somethings I won't lie about, but beyond that...I'd feel the pain of it—here. [ he guides their clasped hands to his chest, his heart. ]
( Ah... his fingers curl around Ish's hand in his, as if he could grasp his heart exactly that gently. )
I know. I trust you. ( Gently, and earnest. ) ... And as much as it pains me that you go, I'd rather that you move as you please.
( So the wind blows, and the river flows. Hwylryn is this, and so he would want it for Ish. )
And that gives us time to anticipate returning to one another, right? I like being with you . . . but thinking about you has been sweet, too. And now I can think about the things we might do in the future.
( However nebulous . . . if there exists one constant - that they would be enough - is that not enough to wheel the infinite realm of excitement and imagination? Isn't that more than enough? )
I know. I trust you. ( Gently, and earnest. ) ... And as much as it pains me that you go, I'd rather that you move as you please.
( So the wind blows, and the river flows. Hwylryn is this, and so he would want it for Ish. )
And that gives us time to anticipate returning to one another, right? I like being with you . . . but thinking about you has been sweet, too. And now I can think about the things we might do in the future.
( However nebulous . . . if there exists one constant - that they would be enough - is that not enough to wheel the infinite realm of excitement and imagination? Isn't that more than enough? )
Hwylryn. [ all of that just made it so much worse? as much as he's confident in his appearance, he's never had someone describe him like that, with all the aspects of him that are usually a negative as a draw. fitting their bodies closer together too means he loses a few seconds thinking if it's a good or a bad thing that he wears so many layers.
(it's both)
but he's not complaining. ]
Then—let me make you more happy. [ this time he pulls hwylryn in as much as he pushes forward. it's clumsy, this is still all too new, but he does so with a newfound eagerness.
he can still taste the coffee, the notes of cherry and hazelnut, but its all the more sweeter now. ]
(it's both)
but he's not complaining. ]
Then—let me make you more happy. [ this time he pulls hwylryn in as much as he pushes forward. it's clumsy, this is still all too new, but he does so with a newfound eagerness.
he can still taste the coffee, the notes of cherry and hazelnut, but its all the more sweeter now. ]
( He's already happy, what more can he ask for? (More, of course!) (They're happily insatiable like that.)
Arms unwinding from where they've been his perch, they wrap loose around Ish's neck as his weight bears down a little more against him, Hwylryn fond of how Ish feels against his shape; that he feels comfortably broad enough for him to lay within.
Hwylryn presses in a little deeper this time, matching Ish's greater attempt, but still he's luxuriously indulgent; pleased with the taste of them as they are, not in rush to give up where they are, at their particular pace. If they could spend a hundred years, at least, on each milimetre of their progression, he wouldn't mind it one bit.
Into the kiss: )
Mmmm... If I didn't know any better, I'd say some part of you feels happier than me.
( Genuine, or innuendo? (Both) (It's both) (He's not stopping the kiss if he can help it, both arms still wrapped around Ish's neck so,) (He can't stop teasing his apple-cheeked witch it's one of his many passions...) )
Arms unwinding from where they've been his perch, they wrap loose around Ish's neck as his weight bears down a little more against him, Hwylryn fond of how Ish feels against his shape; that he feels comfortably broad enough for him to lay within.
Hwylryn presses in a little deeper this time, matching Ish's greater attempt, but still he's luxuriously indulgent; pleased with the taste of them as they are, not in rush to give up where they are, at their particular pace. If they could spend a hundred years, at least, on each milimetre of their progression, he wouldn't mind it one bit.
Into the kiss: )
Mmmm... If I didn't know any better, I'd say some part of you feels happier than me.
( Genuine, or innuendo? (Both) (It's both) (He's not stopping the kiss if he can help it, both arms still wrapped around Ish's neck so,) (He can't stop teasing his apple-cheeked witch it's one of his many passions...) )
( Following the reset, Hwylryn has gotten to work in some number of ways. In the ways most pertinent to this thread, he's got an entire tiered serving stand from the tea room (filled with snacks and sandwiches and all sorts of things), chocolates and any remotely portable beverage from the wintering room (in which he lingered for awhile, nostalgic of his childhood), and a variety of fruit, seafood, and jam. It's all in a big bucket also stolen from the wintering room.
yeah he's definitely going to visit his darling who's upset with him how did you know,
(But also he thinks there's good reason to congratulate Ish, too.)
He's wearing the hair barette Ish got him, and, let's say - a long, flowing skirt with a cropped top (tummy out and leggies available depending on his stride) and loose, flowing sleeves that flutter in the wind. Unlike the blues he usually wears, these are rich, Western reds. Jewelery clinks as he walks with flat soles through the gardens, fabrics trailing behind in the wind.
He knocks on the greenhouse door, his expression placid as always, but the air about him suggests a slight malaise. )
yeah he's definitely going to visit his darling who's upset with him how did you know,
(But also he thinks there's good reason to congratulate Ish, too.)
He's wearing the hair barette Ish got him, and, let's say - a long, flowing skirt with a cropped top (tummy out and leggies available depending on his stride) and loose, flowing sleeves that flutter in the wind. Unlike the blues he usually wears, these are rich, Western reds. Jewelery clinks as he walks with flat soles through the gardens, fabrics trailing behind in the wind.
He knocks on the greenhouse door, his expression placid as always, but the air about him suggests a slight malaise. )
[ the door to the greenhouse swings open when hwylryn approaches it, come in says the gesture sans any proper welcome. ish is inside where you would expect him to be, seated on the chaise in a considerably dressed down outfit compared to his usual. shirt in purple, of course. he's working on something, several books floating around him, their pages filled with complex diagrams and runes.
he doesn't look up when he's approached, but- ]
Hwylryn.
he doesn't look up when he's approached, but- ]
Hwylryn.
( Ah... Ish hadn't given him this sort of attitude even when he was playing as Witch, had he? That's rough. )
... Am I interrupting?
( He'll enter since he was implicitly invited in, and though he spends a moment studying Ish and his work, he'll pass Ish to set the bucket gently on the table and begin setting out his things. )
I wanted to congratulate you, from the bottom of my heart.
( He sets out the tea tray with particular care, given its tiers. The effort occupies a few moments, where he purses his lips, quiet. )
... I also wanted to apologize, if you would have it.
( He sets down a bottle, also gentle. There's barely a clink a that doesn't come from his jewelry, anyway - as he works. )
But... I can return when you aren't busy, if this isn't an ideal time.
( This is all partly because he wasn't considerate of Ish, so... he'd rather not do the same thing again... But he might be feeling more hesitant because he had Primrose really on his case yesterday, and it's still fresh in his mind. )
... Am I interrupting?
( He'll enter since he was implicitly invited in, and though he spends a moment studying Ish and his work, he'll pass Ish to set the bucket gently on the table and begin setting out his things. )
I wanted to congratulate you, from the bottom of my heart.
( He sets out the tea tray with particular care, given its tiers. The effort occupies a few moments, where he purses his lips, quiet. )
... I also wanted to apologize, if you would have it.
( He sets down a bottle, also gentle. There's barely a clink a that doesn't come from his jewelry, anyway - as he works. )
But... I can return when you aren't busy, if this isn't an ideal time.
( This is all partly because he wasn't considerate of Ish, so... he'd rather not do the same thing again... But he might be feeling more hesitant because he had Primrose really on his case yesterday, and it's still fresh in his mind. )
Huh? [ he says that and finally looks up. yes he is busy and more than that he's tired, which hwylyrn will be able to tell instantly once he gets a good look at him. ]
[ this naturally includes ish getting a good look himself and—hello.
that sure is midriff he's seeing and more than that, it's hwylryn dressed in red. please ignore one of the floating books falling to the floor with a thud. he'll pick it up later. ]
that sure is midriff he's seeing and more than that, it's hwylryn dressed in red. please ignore one of the floating books falling to the floor with a thud. he'll pick it up later. ]
[ alright his braincells have been picked up off the floor, so all of that aside. it's not a proper smile, but his expression softens and the other book he was working on snaps shut and floats to the table. ]
Come here. [ holding out his hand, sit with him. ]
Come here. [ holding out his hand, sit with him. ]
( Well, Ish's confused remark certainly calls his attention - and the fallen book moreso.
More than anything, he seems a mixture of sad and relieved - relieved that Ish isn't Mad-mad at him (yesterday was stressful for him), but sad that Ish seems so tired.
Despite everything he's balancing in his heart, he does take his hand, lacing their fingers, and he does come to sit beside him on the chaise - sitting right up next to him, looking up at him like 🥺... i'm sowwyyyyy... )
... You look tired.
More than anything, he seems a mixture of sad and relieved - relieved that Ish isn't Mad-mad at him (yesterday was stressful for him), but sad that Ish seems so tired.
Despite everything he's balancing in his heart, he does take his hand, lacing their fingers, and he does come to sit beside him on the chaise - sitting right up next to him, looking up at him like 🥺... i'm sowwyyyyy... )
... You look tired.
[ he considers for a moment, looking at their hands and then the look on hwylryn's face. well, he won't deny it- ]
Then do your best to keep me awake.
[ he'll make to move hwylryn to his lap if allowed. ]
Then do your best to keep me awake.
[ he'll make to move hwylryn to his lap if allowed. ]
( Oh...
Though still a little ragged from yesterday, the shift in Hwylryn's demeanor is like sun crossing the sea. His eyes shine bright, and without hesitation, he'll help shift himself onto Ish's lap - where he's wanted to be since last trial - gently, affectionately, taking his face in both his hands. )
... When now, more than ever, you deserve the rest?
( He noses him affectionately - more the gesture of a dragon than someone in the shape of a person. )
But I'm not the sort to deny my sweet witch his reward.
( He kisses him - light at first, and cute; but his lips part, and on his tongue there is the taste of fruit and tea treats and chocolate - his samplings from the tea and wintering rooms before he decided to bring them in.
The way he kisses him, rather than apology, seems to say I missed you - as if the time since trial was unbearable, as much as it's barely a drop of time in his long life; as if seeing him, but only seeing him upset, made the ache that much worse. And it did. )
Though still a little ragged from yesterday, the shift in Hwylryn's demeanor is like sun crossing the sea. His eyes shine bright, and without hesitation, he'll help shift himself onto Ish's lap - where he's wanted to be since last trial - gently, affectionately, taking his face in both his hands. )
... When now, more than ever, you deserve the rest?
( He noses him affectionately - more the gesture of a dragon than someone in the shape of a person. )
But I'm not the sort to deny my sweet witch his reward.
( He kisses him - light at first, and cute; but his lips part, and on his tongue there is the taste of fruit and tea treats and chocolate - his samplings from the tea and wintering rooms before he decided to bring them in.
The way he kisses him, rather than apology, seems to say I missed you - as if the time since trial was unbearable, as much as it's barely a drop of time in his long life; as if seeing him, but only seeing him upset, made the ache that much worse. And it did. )
Page 11 of 20