Thancred steps back into Twine's dusty center, Ryne trailing just a half-step behind. Their trip to Minfilia's final resting place, for lack of a better term, has concluded. All that's left now is to return to the Crystarium to meet up with the rest of the Scions, and then...
Well, this has been the plan all along, hasn't it? Though now that it's here and a reality, he's struggling yet again with how to put any of what he's feeling into words. A terrible habit that he's passed on to his charge, it would seem. They've said less than ten words to each other during their walk back to the mining town.
Thancred pauses, his boot skidding through the dirt, and then turns to face Ryne. Even now, he's at a loss for what to say, but he'll need to come up with something, won't he? ]
We might see if we can make the trip back by Amaro. It would be nice to see Norvrandt from above, wouldn't you say?
[ They'd never traveled via Amaro during most of their time together. Thancred had known it would be too conspicuous, and he'd needed to keep Ryne (then Minfilia) away from any prying eyes who might want to take her back to her life of solitude. That's no longer a concern, though, and it would be a nice treat, wouldn't it?
[ She's happy, really. Queasy with it. Even if every step she takes seems heavier than the last, feeling every moment that skims between her fingers like so much Amh Araeng sand ever more keenly. Knelt before Minfilia's resting place she'd squeezed her fingers nearly numb in prayer, silently beseeching her predecessor to help her see things through to the very end with the grace and poise befitting their (and it is their's, even if only Ryne remains) legacy.
So why can she not say so? Time is in short supply, and yet the silence seemed boundless. The trolley they'd borrowed hardly needed their attention; the Talos was a dutiful driver. And when they'd walked the rest of the way and back, nary a gigantender glanced their way. There had been opportunities aplenty to say something, to tell him that he needn't worry about her once he was gone, that she was glad that he'd soon find his way home again, where he belonged, that she was ready to see him off, see them all off.
And yet her mind blanked. As it does again when he stops, turns, and says something to her that she hears but only barely listens to.
Amaro? Why is he talking about-- ]
Um... I'm sorry, what was that you said about Amaro?
[ She feels her cheeks warm with embarrassment. Now is not the time to be distracted. Soon she won't even have time for that, never mind time to pay attention! ]
Thancred has imparted many lessons upon Ryne during their time together, and the grand majority of them had to do with survival. Always staying sharp and aware of one's surroundings had been one of the first lessons he'd focused on, that amount of hyper-vigilance a necessity for someone who was constantly being hunted.
At one point he might have scolded her for letting her mind wander to such a degree, but he doesn't have the heart to do so now. He's taught her as much as he can and she's absorbed most all of it. He has nothing left to worry about when it comes to her well-being.
On top of that, their remaining time together is so short. He sees no point in retreading old paths. And in this particular situation, he can understand why she's so distracted.
So he offers little more than a brief shrug. ]
Oh, I just thought we could ride one back to the Crystarium and see the sights, if you have any interest in that. Or is there somewhere else you'd like to stop off first?
[ It's an indulgence they can ill afford, and yet the words come tumbling out of his mouth anyway. He's stalling on that final farewell just as much as she is, much as he'd hate to admit it. ]
[ A flicker of delight glints in her eyes when he repeats himself. She had never minded taking the long way around, as they were often forced to when they were on the run from Ran'jit and his agents. She'd spent most of her life in places with four walls, barred windows, and a lock (several, sometimes) on the door after all. No amount of gold filigree or expensive silks could disguise their true purpose; glorified imprisonment.
But the allure of flight by Amaro had always tempted her. To feel the sturdy warmth of its body, the rhythm of its breathing and beating wings, to chance the luck of reaching out and running her fingers along the cool underbelly of a low-hanging cloud.
She probably wouldn't be touching any clouds in the dry heat of Amh Araeng, but she wears her excitement plainly nonetheless. ]
[ For all that Ryne has experienced that has caused her to mature at a rate much faster than most her age, there are still times when she does behave like the adolescent that she is, and this is one of those moments. Thancred can't help but soften when he notes her excitement, his lips twitching into a smile and his eyes crinkling at the edges.
She'd spent so much of her childhood seeing little more than the room she was kept in, which means that to this day, there's so much she's never had the chance to see or experience for herself; so many song she hadn't heard or foods she hadn't tasted. Thancred had been the one to teach her to swim, even.
He shakes his head. ]
Not at all. Let's find the amarokeep here, and I suspect they'll be more than happy to arrange something for us.
[ They are companions of the Warrior of Darkness, and that now grants them certain privileges. Thancred hadn't minded starting from nothing when he first came to Norvrandt, but he won't turn away the special treatment now that it's been earned, even if their Warrior friend is to thank for most of it.
So with that, he heads off across the dusty path, expecting Ryne to follow at his heels. Like always. ]
[ And when he'd taught her to swim, the first thing he'd showed her was how to float.
She no longer lags behind several steps, feeling a little lighter for their last-minute "detour." It wouldn't stave off the inevitable, but it was a welcome distraction. Something she could simply look forward to and feel no unshakable dread. Now she walks abreast, keeping pace. ]
I suppose you're right. Everyone seems so eager to lend us aid... I hope they won't refuse our coin. I always feel so boorish when I insist I pay my fair, eager as they are to waive it.
[ A laugh wafts around her words. Then curiosity takes its place. ]
I've been wondering something; do you have Amaro at home? In the Source, I mean.
[ From what bits and scraps she'd learned from Thancred and the others, their worlds were more like sisters than twins. Alike in many ways, and so apparently different in others. She felt as though she could ask a lifetime of questions about how each reflected the other. She wished she had that lifetime. ]
If worst comes to worst, I'll slip it to them without them even realizing.
[ Thancred's skill set allows for such things, and while he used to rely on sleight of hand to pick pockets when he'd been a young boy with nothing to his name in Limsa Lominsa, he's more than glad to do the opposite now -- to slide some gil into the pockets of someone who won't accept their money, despite the fact that they need to earn a living.
Strange, sometimes, to reflect on just how much has changed. He imagines that Ryne wouldn't believe half of the stories he could tell her about his youth.
At her question, he glances over and shakes his head. ]
No. Seeing them here was something of a shock. If they ever existed on our star, it must have been centuries ago. [ And one Calamity or another wiped them out. Or perhaps they just never existed at all. ] We primarily use chocobos for travel, though in the east horses are more common.
[ There are a number of other mounts to choose from, such as the marids favored by the ananta, but he need not get into all that.
How he wishes she could see for herself, though. If he could find some way to bring her to the Source, he'd take her to every corner of Hydaelyn, from Aleport to the Steppe. ]
[Honestly, this is just an excuse to get out and drag Thancred with her. Any of the Scions could use the distraction and Val's been doing the best she can. For all that they went through to bring them all home from the First, each one of them had left something - someone - behind.
Valeria sometimes feels guilty that she could still travel between worlds.
When she had heard of a pack of... uh, somethings? She couldn't remember what exactly the creatures were. Regardless, when she'd heard of a pack of creatures causing trouble out past St. Coinach's, she decided that it sounded like the perfect distraction for her next target.
She finds him exactly where she thought she would: at a table outside, overlooking the bustling and busy market below. She slips into the chair opposite him, offering a grin as she leans forward.] Good morning, Thancred.
[She's obviously ready to travel, wearing her heavier coat and boots. She's switched out her glasses for the eyepiece that helps her focus.
And she's grinning, which is usually a sign of things to come.]
[ Despite the fact that Thancred's attention seems trained on the crowds of people down below, he doesn't jerk in shock or react much at all when he hears Val's voice. He wouldn't be very good at his job if he didn't hear someone coming, even someone as light-footed as the Warrior of Light.
When he turns to look at her, Val is wearing a grin, one that she seems capable of mustering up with little trouble at all. Her ability to maintain those high spirits is part of what has made her resonate so well with the many people she's aided during her time with the Scions. Thancred nods to her in greeting, then lifts a hand to draw it back through his hair.
He senses some trouble on the horizon, but he can't say he minds. The distraction would be welcome at this point. ]
Oh, I know that look. [ He smiles, something not quite so broad as Val's grin, and shakes his head to himself. ] What is it this time, pray tell?
[ He reaches down to slide his hand over the hilt of his gunblade, already preparing himself for the promise of a fight. ]
Nothing you and I can't handle. [She rests her elbows on the table and quirks a genuine smile - rather than the "trouble's coming" grin - at him.] Some trouble up past St. Coinach's Find. I wrote it down.
[It's not common knowledge among the general population that their hallowed Warrior of Light can't remember a damned thing unless she writes it down, but the Scions are very well aware of the failings of her short-term memory. She reaches into an interior pocket of her tailored coat, produces a small slip of paper, and reads directly from it.] Pack of hippogryphs that are unusually aggressive.
[She huffs as she puts the paper on the table.] I could not remember hippogryphs. [She tries, every now and again, to see if she can relate the particulars of information without her notes. Sometimes it works. This time, it did not.]
They shouldn't pose too much a challenge, but it's a little much for the average scholar. Care to join me?
[ It's been long enough now that Thancred is quite familiar with Val's memory problems, and he's done everything to ensure that it doesn't become a liability for them. Granted, Val had mainly sorted that all out for herself, always making sure to carry a journal around so she can jot down what she needs to know. How many journals has she filled with scribbles of the variety of errands she agrees to do for people? It's almost beyond belief.
But when he can, Thancred remembers for her. His own mind usually refuses to let go of even the most minute details about a job, given that intel-gathering is one of his main purposes among the Scions. If Val has forgotten something of import, it's almost guaranteed that Thancred hasn't.
This particular spot of trouble isn't anything for them to be so concerned about, however. ]
I wouldn't miss it for the world. [ He rises from his seat then, checking over his gunblade and peering into his pack to make certain he has all the cartridges he needs, dutifully supplied to him by Y'shtola. ] And if we can determine what's got them so riled up, all the better. We don't want this to happen again, when we're not around to see to it.
[ He cracks his knuckles and then stretches both arms over his head, limbering up as he shifts his weight from one leg to the other. ]
[Val knows that her Scion associates have had to sometimes go above and beyond when her memory fails and she knows very well that it could become a liability. That knowledge has been the driving force behind her attempts to take care of it herself.
She hasn't thrown out a single journal she's filled in recent years. They take up a nice amount of space in her apartment.
She throws a smile to Thancred as she stands, tucking the sheet of paper back into her inner pocket.]
That's what I was thinking. There should be a reason for it. [She dusts off her jacket; the weapon on her back and the aetherometer on her hip have already been checked and readied.] Let's take care of it, then.
[ Ever since Thancred took up the mantle of gunbreaker, the two of them have made quite the pair. It's something that they've remarked on before, and so there's no need to dwell now. Thancred simply sends a quick glance at the aetherometer before he nods and takes off, his coat flapping behind him.
Once they reach Revenant Toll's aetheryte, he turns back to Val and cants his head. ]
Would you rather go on foot, or should we see about saddling up some birds?
[ No doubt Val's company chocobo is stabled somewhere, but Thancred will have to look into his own transport if they go that route. ]
[Their's is an easy camaraderie and Val appreciates it beyond any words she might use to describe it. For all that they often have to go their separate ways to take care of whatever might be ailing the world at large, she and Thancred seem to fall back into routine when they are together. (Which, she reflects, can be said about most of the core group of Scions with which she's most well-acquainted.) Fighting together more often of late - rather than tackling problems from various angles - has seemed to solidify the trust between them - and not just between her and Thancred, but the others as well.
At least, she seems to think so.]
We can walk. It's not far. [She slows enough to match Thancred's speed and turns, dancing backward for a few steps as she speaks.] I'd have to rent another bird. [She pulls a face - disgusted, mostly at herself - as she turns back around.] Mel needs the rest. I wasn't watching well enough and she bruised her foot on some rocks.
[ The opportunity to stretch their legs doesn't bother him in the slightest. Mounted travel isn't something that Thancred gets to take part in all that often, as it doesn't usually lend itself well to subterfuge. He did want to give the option, at least.
Without waiting any longer, he leads them out past Revenant's Toll in the direction that Val had originally indicated to him, moving at a quick pace. He knows that Val will have absolutely no trouble keeping up with him. ]
I'm sure she'll be fine. These things happen, there's no need to beat yourself up over it.
[ He's spent plenty of time in Mor Dhona, but never truly tires of its sights. The way the splashes of visible aether distort the air always offers something interesting to look at, to say nothing of the Crystal Tower or Midgarsormr's hulking form in the distance. ]
I think it's good that I see the sights like this. It still doesn't feel quite real, being home.
[ Val settles into that ground-eating tireless jog that's served her well during all her travels. She hasn't always had her chocobo with her, and sometimes it's nice to just... walk.
Or jog, as the case may be.
Mor Dhona will always hold a place in her heart. It's not home, not like Gridania is, but there's a beauty to it that she doesn't see anywhere else. It feels... right in a way that she can't quite articulate. ]
I forget that you were gone longer than it seemed, sometimes. [ Not that she actually forgets, which would be possible all things considered, but it's not something that they ever seem to speak about. ]
[ It's not the same type of forget, and Thancred realizes that, but it is still a somewhat surprising. To him, there would obviously be no way for him to forget, but from Val's end, he can see why it feels quite different. ]
Quite a bit longer.
[ He lifts one hand up and looks it over, but he didn't age in the First and he hasn't aged here. It's strange, to know that his soul has more years on it than his body does. ]
I suppose some might be envious.
[ In truth, all it's done is added a bit more weight and weariness onto his shoulders. ]
No. [ She says it quickly, not having to even think about it. Envious? Who could be envious of what her friends had gone through? They'd been stranded, pulled to another world against their will, and unable to go home. Then, when they could go home, they'd left behind people they'd loved.
There was nothing to be envious over. ]
I hated that I was able to cross between worlds and you could not.
[ That sudden and vehement reaction naturally causes Thancred to look over. He'd meant it as a joking comment, to be true, but it is endearing that Val has such strong feelings on the matter. While it is frustrating that Thancred can't travel between the Source and the First with ease the way that Val can, it's something that he'd had to come to terms with before he ever returned home.
Is it ideal? Hardly. But he also knows that Ryne will be able to take care of herself. He'd taught her well, he'll admit that much. ]
Worry not. Y'shtola seems to believe she'll find a way to get back eventually, and once she puts her mind to something, well...
[ He's making light of it, for what else can he do? And there is a fair chance Y'shtola will do as she says. How long it will take, on the other hand, is a larger question. Thancred's all too aware of how time flows differently between the two stars. ]
[ Val grins at that comment, a laugh caught in her throat. Twelve only knew how often she had found herself at the mercy of Y'shtola's single-mindedness. ]
She probably already has at least six working theories. Next time I see her, she'll have me running some errand for her.
[ The walk from the Wandering Stairs to the Cabinet of Curiosity is not particularly long for someone like Thancred, even if he is three sheets to the wind and not as steady as he might usually be. It's been some time since he indulged in spirits like this, but there was a time when this was a fairly frequent occurrence for him, and he hasn't completely forgotten.
Generally he would not allow himself to be this far gone while serving as Ryne's caretaker, but the Scions have chosen to spend a few days within the safe walls of the Crystarium and regroup before setting out to find the next Lightwarden, and chances are that Ryne herself is relieved to not have him hovering around her like a watchful hawk for once.
What he and Urianger may or may not get up to on a night of poorly made decisions she need not know, in any case. Thancred is not yet certain of where the ill-placed set of messages he sent to his fellow Scion might lead him, but he isn't going to back down now that he's been extended an invitation.
He reaches the library which is rather quiet by now, and when a quick glance around the ground level does not reveal any sign of Urianger, he realizes that he must be tucked away somewhere in the center column — which means climbing a spiral staircase. Of course.
With a small groan, Thancred presses forward, mayhap leaning on the stairs' railing a tad more than he would otherwise as he ascends, searching out the wayward scholar. Despite how drunk he is, his vision is still quite sharp, and he expects he'll find Urianger before long. ]
[ The library is so deeply submerged in quiet that even Thancred's soft-soled footsteps reach Urianger's ears. His arrival is a relief to some extent, as Urianger no longer has to pretend to digest the same page of astrological theory that he's read and reread countless times by now. He closes the book between his broad hands and sets it on top of the stack contemplatively.
There hasn't been many sources of comfort for either of them over these past uneasy years. Chance encounters have happened between himself and the handsome Hyur several times, even before being trapped in the First, but they were always spontaneous, wordless, unplanned... Thancred has never been as open and direct with his propositions as he has been tonight.
As Urianger walks around the bookcases encasing his little nook of the library and heads towards the staircase, he wonders if he should be worried. Did something happen to explain the shift in behavior? It's when he spots the man as he climbs the stairs below, each step subtly slower than normal, that Urianger's worry is replaced with a pang of vague affection.
He's drunk. Well... that does make more sense. ]
Thancred.
[ Were it not for the thousands of books around them, Urianger's voice would echo all the way to the ground floor. Even then, the softly spoken name would easily be heard by anyone else in the library, were anyone else here. He hopes his friend is listening close enough to take it as a demonstration.
Once he's close enough, Urianger holds a hand out to Thancred from a few steps above. ]
None save thee hath guile sufficient to prevail over these many spiraling steps while under the veil of drink, my friend. Prithee accept my assistance regardless. I shan't see thee injured whilst here to see me. [ Nor does he like the idea of having to think of an excuse for why Thancred was coming to see him in the library so late at night. ]
[ It's not as if Thancred's current inebriated state has created in him a desire that does not normally exist. It's more that his drunkenness has chased away the long list of reasons to not do this, erasing his better judgment until he's left to question why a proposition is such a terrible idea.
Will he regret this in the morning? That remains to be seen, depending on how it all unfolds. As of now, he has come this far and he isn't about to get cold feet.
As soon as he hears his name spoken in that soft, almost husky tone of Urianger's, Thancred pauses for a moment on the stairs and looks up to meet his gaze. He smiles, an expression that seems to come much more easily while under the influence, and nods. Yes, he's here. He is not one for empty promises.
He might be tempted to deny that offered hand were it not for Urianger's words, which are unfortunately quite impossible to resist. ] A compliment and an offer of help? [ Yes, he takes his ability to climb a winding set of stairs while drunk as a compliment. He is nothing if not sure-footed in even this circumstance. He reaches out and takes the offered hand, his fingers intertwining with Urianger's (that are so long and slender), and climbs the last few steps to the landing.
Ah. Now they are standing quite close to each other. Thancred cranes his neck to look up at Urianger, revealing a flushed face and slightly unfocused eyes. ] Always so considerate. But what are you doing here so late at night?
[ It's only after the questions spills out of his mouth that he wonders if he might regret asking it. ]
[ It's hard not to be charmed when Thancred is so adept at putting his inherent charm to work: pressing his calloused hand against the Elezen's broad but softer palm, stepping up only slightly too close, gazing up at him with those large, kind eyes. Urianger smiles back, even as he feels his stomach flop with a mix of both indecision and anticipation. He does want Thancred here, he realizes, even more deeply than he'd thought, and he is not entirely sure how he ought to feel about that, considering the circumstances in which the desire has arisen. ]
The same as I have e'er done. And I am glad for thy company in it.
[ Books. The scent of old paper, the quiet they instill in others, the wisdom hidden between their covers, waiting to be rediscovered the moment someone chooses to takes the time to do so. Urianger's greatest passion, and the thing he always returns to when faced with a problem, whether it be personal or the kind that's put the entire world in jeopardy. Late nights among books are hardly unusual for Urianger, but rarely would he ever invite someone to join him — which, he's realizing, is in fact what he'd done tonight, without consciously meaning to.
Urianger steps away from Thancred, but for the sake of leading him back to the nook he's nested in. As they turn the corner, he squeezes Thancred's hand before hesitantly releasing it and stepping close to his table, piled with books. ]
My friend... how dost thee fare these recent days? I pray fate treateth thee and thy ward well?
[ The questions come out somewhat awkwardly, even for Urianger, as the events of their immediate future continue to preoccupy his thoughts. ]
[ The fact that Urianger does not launch into a long lecture about his current area of research speaks volumes, in Thancred's opinion. It means that his mind is, for once, on something else entirely. That could be only one thing, given the conversation that led Thancred here. While Urianger has not yet confirmed that he has an interest in Thancred doing unspeakable things to him among the stacks, his brevity does imply it.
He makes a frustrated noise in the back of his throat when Urianger releases his hand halfway to leading him to his workspace. That small squeeze of his hand, a silent welcome, is nice, but it also isn't enough.
Thancred takes in the desk piled high with tomes, which is nothing he hasn't seen countless times before. He moves toward it, invading the space with little care for how he's interrupted Urianger's work. As soon as he reaches the desk he does lean some of his weight on it, bracing his hip against it. He feels a tad lightheaded after that climb, and maybe also because he is putting some thought to Urianger's slender fingers and what they might be able to do to him.
He is, however, getting ahead of himself. When Urianger starts in on idle chatter, Thancred winces and lifts a hand to pinch at the bridge of his nose. ]
Those are all questions you know the answer to, Urianger. [ While Urianger's been sequestered here, as he put it, that does not mean he doesn't venture out to check in on the rest of them. ] Can we not get to the point? Or is this what you consider foreplay?
[ Again, that boldness. Thancred is in no mood to play games, if he's honest. And if this is enough to make Urianger blush, it will have been worth it. ]
[ Ah. He came right out with the truth of it, did he. Urianger turns his head slightly back in Thancred's direction, but not so much as to actually look at him. He feels that flop in the pit of his stomach again. Excitement. Trepidation. It does make him blush, and no, he can't even consider it foreplay. It's nothing more than the bookish Elezen's inability to know precisely what he ought to do in this situation. Moenbryda had always taken the lead; so had Thancred during their prior trysts. Isn't that enough? Or, again, should he be considering this instance unusual somehow? And should that make him pause and think this over?
His cheeks are burning at their peak when he finally turns back to his friend. Really, he's too old to be so bashful about these things. As much of a nerd as he is, he isn't a child nor some sort of shut-in. Perhaps it's the choice of location in this instance. This is still a public place, as deserted as it is at this hour. ]
Be thy intention to mischief me so mercilessly, Thancred...?
[ His voice is soft and quiet, cognizant as he is of their current location, and still flushed pink from the bridge of his nose to the tips of his ears. Despite the demure tone of his voice, he reaches out to gently peel Thancred's hand away from his face, claiming his fingers between his own again, as his other hand carefully cups the side of his jaw. ]
I ask not to frustrate thy desires. Merely to reassure myself of thy present intentions.
[ Specifically, his inebriated state. Combined with how impatient he is in getting to the point — it should be of some concern, shouldn't it? At least, enough to ask and be sure. As Urianger gazes down at him with concern, he pulls him closer, inviting him into an embrace. Being in the First hasn't been particularly good for any of them, but perhaps the least for Thancred. Urianger knows this. He wants to provide him some relief, and receive the same relief in turn, but... not at a cost. ]
[ This would hardly be the first time that Thancred has caused Urianger to blush. In some instances it had merely been some innocent teasing that just happened to fluster him, but there have also been a few other times over the years that had resembled this particular night. Maybe not quite the same, though Thancred would rather not examine the specifics of that when his head is clouded by drink.
Even if he is quite eager to get on with it, as evidenced by the fact that he did make it here so quickly, that isn't to say that he's going to simply jump into it without being certain that Urianger's desires mirror his own. Urianger's hand at the side of his face serves as a good start, and for a moment Thancred simply lets his eyes shut as he expels a deep breath.
Then he is pulled into a hug, and while this is not the exact sort of attention he'd been hoping for from Urianger tonight, as soon as their bodies press in against each other he finds it hard to resist. Thancred's a bit more sluggish than usual from the alcohol, and that's cause enough for him to simply sink into the embrace. Urianger is a great deal taller than him, and broader than one might think at first glance, meaning that it's quite easy to collapse against him. ]
This is nice. [ He admits that much, the alcohol talking to some degree, though his words are muffled against Urianger's shoulder. He then tilts his chin up enough that he can peer at Urianger's face, studying him now that they are even closer. ] What do you want? If you would rather I did not put my hands all over you, I am capable of restraint, you know.
[ It would be fun, however, and he is still quite tempted. In the meantime, he allows his arms to snake around Urianger so that his hands can settle on his back. A precursor, mayhap, to something more. If he is permitted. ]
[ The arms snaked around his back are familiar, and very nice on their own, but this view — Thancred is pleasing to the eyes on a regular day, but this... ]
I...
[ His pulse has quickened. Thancred can surely hear it, if not feel it. The Elezen stares down at his boyish, playful smile, face bordered on one side by his own chest, and the remainder of his hesitation fizzles away.
Instead of answering with words, Urianger bows down and kisses him. Thancred's lips are warm and soft. They smell like sweet mead; venturing to press his tongue experimentally against his upper lip, he finds that they taste like sweet mead too. There's nothing more he wants now than Thancred's hands all over him, doing what Thancred's hands are so good at doing.
Urianger moves his broad palms from Thancred's shoulder blades to his lower back, then over the pleasant slope of his rump, to cup the back of his upper thighs. He isn't trying to grope him through his coat (although, it's certainly enjoyable in the same way), instead tightening his grip to lift Thancred off the floor and deposit his butt on top of the desk directly beside them. The extra height immediately makes it easier for them to kiss, and will be useful for other things, too.
Without pulling away or opening his eyes, Urianger moves his hands to Thancred's shoulders, tugging at the open collar help slip the garment off. Quietly. ]
[ Yes, Thancred can both hear and feel the quickened staccato of Urianger's heartbeat. That along with the warmth of Urianger's body (or is it simply that Thancred himself is overheated from drinking?) seems to make it clear that this is a mutual desire now.
Any uncertainty about Urianger's intentions is quickly chased away soon after that, when a sweet kiss comes, followed by the swipe of a tongue that seems to be requesting entrance. Before Thancred's addled mind can even react to that, he's lifted up and placed onto the desk in one swift motion.
It's not that he's ever questioned if Urianger was capable of carrying him, but such proof of it stokes a new wave of exhilaration in him, solidifying his needs for the evening.
He laughs, though still takes care to be quiet, which means that it comes out rough and husky — all while Urianger endeavors to disrobe him. Thancred rolls back his shoulders to make it easier for Urianger to peel his coat off. ]
I think you should do that more often. Mayhap we could try this against a wall, next time?
[ Unfortunately, he is not the sort of person who is reasonable enough to shut his mouth while in the act. He does at least manage to keep his voice down, but he is fairly certain they're the only people here. If anyone does approach, his senses are attuned enough (yes, even while drunk) that he'll be aware of it.
He reaches out then, intending for their relative states of undress to remain equal as he slides the fabric of Urianger's robes from his shoulders. ]
[ The kiss that Urianger had hoped would silent any further banter from Thancred is broken when the other man laughs against his lips. Urianger opens his golden eyes, wanting to appreciate and share in his mirth, but as he's peeling the coat and gloves away from Thancred's body, he's subjected to yet another round of teasing. Thancred knows how such talk will fluster him — he's doing this on purpose... That comment being especially well-formulated to provoke a response. ]
Be it thy intent to hie mine hands forward through ceaseless taunts?
[ Because as much as he hates to admit it, it seems to be working. His hands smooth across the back of Thancred's black body armor, feeling for its fastenings. Leaning in again, he nudges Thancred's cheek with his nose momentarily, as if hesitating, before planting another kiss on his lips. If only it were so easy for him to hurry Thancred long in a similar way, but the other man seems committed to turning this into a game... as enjoyable of a game as it is so far.
Urianger stands up straight a second later to pull the armor up over Thancred's head and off his body. Once it's on the floor with his gloves and his coat, he reaches to his waist to disconnect and unwind the aetherial chains adorning his robes. ]
...Yea fortunate am I for the walls in this library to be not walls, but rows of tomes. [ No way in hell Urianger would be willing to fuck Thancred against a collection of precious, exceedingly rare pre-Flood books. Think of the body fluids. ]
[ Oh, it does seem to be working. For all that Thancred's current attire makes it quite difficult for him to get undressed quickly, Urianger is somehow managing it with a surprising swiftness. It does help that Thancred is not fighting him in any way, similarly eager to shove all of this unnecessary armor and clothing out of the way. It might have been similarly enjoyable to see how far they could go without removing their clothing, but he certainly isn't going to complain.
There will, however, be far more explaining to do if they are caught and he is missing half or all of his clothing. That is a problem he will address if and only if it finds them.
He manages to return the kiss and attempt a few more lazy ones down Urianger's jawline and neck before the elezen straightens up and away from him. With no obvious place to kiss for a moment, he instead puts his hands to use, assisting in unwinding those chains. As Urianger's robes fall and expose bare skin, Thancred doesn't hesitate to reach out and explore with his also bare hands, feeling over the taut muscle of Urianger's abdomen. Relearning, as it has been quite some time. ]
We'll have to find a more fitting location, then. Another time, mayhap. [ His words come out slower now. Not slurred, but he is distracted by the view in front of him and the growing erection between his legs — now visible against his black pants, given that he's seated. He draws his hands back and braces them behind him on the desk, nudging a book away in the process, then spreads his legs slightly — a (not-so-)subtle invitation of sorts. He's been putting some good deal of thought to Urianger's hands now, and this seems a good place to start. ]
[ The issue is not really Thancred's teasing, nor any other particular sense of hurry on Urianger's part. Rather, it simply... does not even occur to him that they could keep their clothes mostly on and still do this. Urianger's less adventurous conceptualization of sex requires the removal of clothing, and he lacks the breadth of experience that Thancred so readily pulls from. What is undoubtedly driving him now is the desire successfully stoked by his friend, not just in his coy smiles and luxurious kisses, but by those spread legs — gods, he looks irresistible sprawled out on the desk like that.
Inhaling a deep breath, whatever hint of chagrin remaining on Urianger's face fizzles away. He steps forward into the space between Thancred's legs eagerly, leaning down to claim his lips again as his fingertips pet down the front of his chest. His body seems impossibly warm — not hot, but warm in the best way, with soft skin stretched across muscles more firm than he remembered. His hands reach the waistline of his trousers and stop momentarily, before one wanders back up his chest and the other flattens over the bulge growing behind his fly. Its shape feels vague while trapped in clothing, but kneading the lump loosely is enough to make Urianger's heart jump.
He huffs against Thancred's mouth, that single quiet noise being a sure sign of the quiet Elezen's hunger. Maybe he'd needed something like this for a while now. His reservations about doing this in the library feel far away. ]
[ Now that they're in the thick of it, Thancred does not have to do much in the way of encouraging Urianger. There is a pleasure in that as well, in knowing that this is a mutual desire and that all it took was a straight-forward proposition for them to end up here again. There hasn't been time to think about this sort of thing, not here on the First, not when he has Ryne to worry about, but...
Just this one night, it should be fine. Who knows what the future will hold, but for now, this can be enough.
Urianger steps forward and their mouths find each other yet again. Urianger's fingers dance down his chest, slow and teasing, and it's enough to make him squirm in his spot on the desk. After a few anticipatory moments that have his toes curling in his boots, Urianger's palm begins to work between his legs, massaging against his cock, and a shape that had been a bit vague becomes less so as he hardens more fully.
Thancred makes a small noise against Urianger's lips, something pleased. He kisses chastely first before he begins to swipe his tongue across, then presses with the tip to hungrily request that they deepen the kiss. He also can't stop himself from bucking up against Urianger's hand, inviting further friction. ]
Don't you dare stop. [ It's a whisper, one he manages to get out before he'll no longer be able to use his words. He will no doubt taste of what he's been drinking, but if Urianger minded such things, they certainly would not be here. ]
[ Enticing as that vague shape had already been to Urianger's imagination, its response to his hand's abrading touch casts an even stronger spell over him. Unavoidably, his mind thinks back to the last time they did this, to the feeling of Thancred's member in his mouth and his hands brushing back his hair from his face and the captivating sounds the self-claimed bard sang for him — and then, what came after...
No. One of those same noises is what brings Urianger back from his brief reverie. He opens his eyes in time to meet Thancred's gaze and it seems that their minds, for a rarity, are perfectly aligned. The wordless request to deepen their kiss is accepted, and Urianger meets Thancred's tongue with his own, although he's clearly conceding the space past his lips to the Hyur if he wants to explore it.
He's fully occupied with exploration of his own. Don't stop, he was told, but he has no intention of stopping now unless ordered to, and Urianger knows that Thancred would much sooner order him to do many other things than to stop. His broad palm strokes up the hard length, gliding smoothly against the soft surface of the fabric. He doesn't intend to tease him, but he does not entirely realize that taking his time has exactly that effect. Further distracting is the way Thancred braces his legs against the side of the desk to buck against his hand, which makes Urianger's mind wander to lewder activities and his face flush hot all over again.
Somehow, these trousers must come off. Flustered and addled as he is by Thancred's expert mouth, and even further by his own growing need trapped behind his gray underskirt and smallclothes, Urianger fumbles to unbuckle his belt. He manages that, somehow, but then there's the buttons and zipper beneath to wrangle. ]
[ Of course Thancred could indulge in recalling those past times as well, few and far between as they were, but he would rather live in the moment. He has Urianger right where he wants him and that is a rarity. He isn't about to squander it. This may well play out like the previous times, in which they have a nice night together fulfilling each other's needs only to carry on without much further discussion on it in the days that follow.
As Scions, their lives are quite complicated, and Thancred is often far afield doing reconnaissance. Settling down isn't exactly in the cards for them. It's why moments like this have always been spontaneous, almost desperate as they each take the chance while it's available to them.
Once Urianger lets him in, Thancred is quick to lean his upper body forward to grant himself the space to ravish his mouth with his tongue, learning it all over again. He reaches up to let his hands settle on either side of Urianger's neck, holding him firmly in place so that he can kiss him all the self-assurance that he wants.
Now that Urianger's hands are on him, he doesn't mind a little bit of teasing and taking things slow. Foreplay exists for a reason and if he has to remain unbearably hard in his trousers for a bit before they get to the main event, he won't complain overly much. He makes noises, muffled against Urianger's mouth, as his cock is stroked through the fabric.
As it turns out, Urianger may be even more impatient than he is, as he goes to undo Thancred's belt. That's a start, at least, and Thancred breaks the kiss to trace a few down Urianger's jawline. ]
Almost there. [ His cocks pulses, straining against his trousers now. Yes, it really hadn't taken much to get him going, had it? ] You're doing well. [ There's nothing wrong with a little positive reinforcement, and while Thancred could reach down to help along in the process of removing his trousers, he'd rather Urianger do it himself. There's something enjoyable in simply letting himself be undressed by those long fingers, even as they fumble. It's endearing. ]
[ The rough but warm palms splayed against each side of Urianger's neck feels inherently intimate, even if this is likely to be nothing more than another intermittent tryst between them. That emotionality somehow helps to ground Urianger and steady his uncertain hands, even as Thancred's lips move to his jawline and send a new thrill through his body. ]
I — [ his voice comes out low and breathy. As his fingers slip behind the upper hem of Thancred's underclothing, he tips his head to one side to let (or, to ask) his companion kiss his throat and shoulders. ] I am not... some tender pupil — to... to these carnal...
[ The thought tapers off into another heavy sigh. His hand has found Thancred's cock and it immediately commands all of Urianger's attention. As he grasps the organ eagerly, smoothing the pad of his thumb over the tip, his other hand pulls away to wrap around Thancred's back, helping to support his weight. ]
........Ah. Hah... Thou art so feverish already... [ With a pleasant hum, he pulls it free. Hyurs being smaller in size, Thancred's cock feels smaller relative to how Urianger's own feels in his hand, but it makes it easy to encase it entirely in his palm and fingers as he begins to stroke it. ]
[ Thancred takes the invitation for what it is and continues to work at kissing every bit of bare skin that he can access, his hands dropping so that he can use his mouth to follow the line of Urianger's neck to the curve of his shoulder. He pauses for a moment, mouthing at his exposed clavicle, to consider Urianger's request. It's true, this is hardly his first time. Thancred can attest to that personally, to say nothing of Urianger's relationship with Moenbryda.
Yet there is something about Urianger that makes him come across as innocent, all the same. He has a sense of propriety, or at least the illusion of it. Of course, if he'd truly cared, he would not have invited Thancred to the library in the middle of the night to do this.
Both of them are distracted by Urianger's hand as it takes hold of and then frees his cock. At the remark about how he's already at this point, Thancred huffs out a little laugh against Urianger's bare skin. ] I think I made my desires quite clear over linkpearl. To be given exactly what you want — well, it's bound to get a man excited.
[ Nor does Urianger make him wait for what he wants. Their difference in size is something that has been noted between them before, and it certainly doesn't stop at height. Thancred may feel small in Urianger's grip, but he doesn't see that as a downside, not when it means that he can be touched all over, all at once.
It's almost overwhelming, but he has little issue with that. He leans in and reaches with his arms to circle them around to Urianger's back, then returns his mouth to his neck, sucking at the skin there slowly. He should not overdo it and leave a mark, and yet he's drunk enough that it strikes him as a great idea in the moment. ]
[ The Elezen echoes the words in a low, murmuring voice. He knows that Thancred means this, what they're... doing right now, but the subtext behind the words is flattering. If Thancred simply desired the comforts of a warm body, there were places he could go in the Crystarium to find it, nevermind in Lakeland and beyond. But instead he's here, sitting on a library desk half-naked, sending thrills through Urianger with the practiced ministrations of his lips.
The soft suckle makes Urianger shiver. A tiny noise of enjoyment vibrates in his throat and urges his hand onward. With careful pressure and slight twists of his wrist, he strokes Thancred's cock slowly and deliberately within the pocket of his closed fist. It seems to fit against the lifeline of his palm so perfectly, hugged by the more supple ball of his thumb.
His heart thumps in his chest. Urianger wants him back, almost desperately so, his own eagerness straining against the remainder of his clothes. He considers whether he should pick Thancred up and move him again — there's a reading chair behind him... more than sturdy enough to support their combined weight. But at the same time, they are somewhat limited in what they can get away with doing here in public... ]
Mmh. [ He huffs quietly, a small noise of frustration and lust. There will be other nights. For now, he'll devote his attention to pleasuring the beautiful Hyur, and to the tantalizing, thrilling, slightly stinging sensation on his neck. ] P-Pray thy lips be careful... not to mark...
[ The truth is that Thancred is no longer the sort of person who will simply find a pretty face he's never met and charm its owner until they end up in bed together. Even during his heyday, if it could be called that, he had generally had some manner of ulterior motive when doing such things. Of course, he'd still had to engage in some fun to work up to that level of experience, but...
It's been years now, and these days he's a bit more discerning with his partners.
With his cock enclosed in Urianger's deft hand, Thancred can't quite stop himself from making small thrusts against his palm to encourage the friction. His fingers dig into the warm skin of Urianger's back, feeling muscle and the sharp bones of his shoulder blades, and he heaves out a weighty sigh. Urianger reminds him that he shouldn't leave any bruises on his neck, and yet it's hard to find a good reason to stop.
Save to answer him, that is. Thancred's voice is starting to sound a bit less controlled, a bit more breathy, as Urianger continues to work at him. ] Surely you could cover it with some of that jewelry you're so fond of...
[ Might it be oddly enjoyable if someone did notice the marks and asked about it, only for Urianger to fumble for a reasonable response? Yes, it's the alcohol speaking, but Thancred does end up sucking on the tender spot on Urianger's slender neck a bit more. ]
[ ........Yes. He could just cover it up. Specifically, the spot that Thancred is sucking on right this moment would easily be covered with the jeweled collar currently sitting on the floor with the rest of his aetherial chains and jewelry. Urianger swallows excitedly upon Thancred revealing this truth to him, his large knobby throat flexing against the Hyur's warm cheek. There's no room to argue with his own enjoyment of the treatment now, as the likelihood of their indiscretion being discovered is no longer a concern.
Within the breathy beat of silence that follows, Urianger comes to an impulsive decision. The arm wrapped around Thancred's back to help support his weight draws inward instead; Urianger is wordlessly consenting to (begging for) Thancred's teasing lips and teeth to continue on. A slow, hot breath exhales from Urianger's lips and he closes his eyes to focus on the mix of sensations: lips suckling on his neck, stiff cock nestled in his palm, the swaying of his friend's hips in rhythm with the jerking of his wrist. A slow and steady carousal of intimacy that ought to be enjoyed, not fretted over — and so he will trust Thancred not to leave a mark where it can't be covered. ]
...Doth leaving thy mark upon my skin bring thee joy...? With the fervor employed, I can only guess that is the case.
[ His voice is steadier than Thancred's, but just as needy, if not moreso. His erection aches between his legs, but he ignores it, stroking up Thancred's shaft instead with the pads of his fingers, swirling his thumb against the tip, and teasing back down the soft, pliable spot on underside of the head. ]
I find great joy in... those notes thy lips sing for mine ears only, Thancred. And I shall hear them tonight...
[ Of course, there still remains the possibility that someone will find them here, but Thancred highly doubts it. It has only wound later into the dead of night the more time he's been here, and surely if such a thing were to happen, it would have by now. He isn't paying as close attention to any potential sounds around them as he would have been were he sober, but then again, they probably wouldn't have been doing this at all were he sober, so the point is moot.
He can't bring himself to care about anything other than what he is doing to Urianger, and what Urianger is doing to him in turn. As Urianger's free hand presses into his back, coaxing him close, Thancred takes that as an invitation to continue with sucking an impressive hickey into his neck. Yes, there is some pleasure in it, as Urianger points out. The thrill of leaving one's mark on someone, you might call it.
Urianger speaks to him with his sweet words said in that low, rough tone. His hand works at his cock, not only stroking but teasing him in all the best ways. Could Thancred bite down on any noises that threaten to escape out of him with every new spark of pleasure? Yes, if he had to. He knows how to be quiet. But Urianger wants to hear him, and so— ]
So that's what gets you going, is it? Hearing me. [ His face has not moved far from Urianger's throat, meaning that each of his words makes for warm breath over Urianger's skin. ] You're doing... [ Urianger's fingers slide with careful purpose over the tip of his cock, around the head, and Thancred's interrupted by his own gasp. His head bows, nestling in against Urianger's shoulder, as another moan escapes him, muffled against skin. ]
[ If they weren't in the thick of it right now, Urianger would be horribly embarrassed to be asked something so direct and revealing — but, with a warm stiff cock in his palm and a welt forming on his neck, it's hard to get bashful over words. They do not last long anyway, giving way to gasps and soft noises of approval, exactly the sort of song he'd asked of Thancred a moment ago. ]
Doing... well, I see...
[ Urianger laughs quietly and tilts his head, accepting the weight of his friend against his shoulder and bringing his lips to Thancred's ear, now within reach. He plants a few chaste kisses along the helix and tightens his hand slightly, stroking more insistently now. ]
Tell me, Thancred... what thou wouldst ask of me.
[ Urianger's deep, smooth voice is low in Thancred's ear; he doesn't want to speak too loudly for obvious reasons of course, but he doesn't want to miss any sweet sounds coming from the other man either. He strokes his thumb against Thancred's back encouragingly. ]
To stop, to continue on... to move thee... to ravage if thee desire it... Say it aloud... if needed...
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
*vine voice* daddy?
here he be (5.3 spoilers)
Thancred steps back into Twine's dusty center, Ryne trailing just a half-step behind. Their trip to Minfilia's final resting place, for lack of a better term, has concluded. All that's left now is to return to the Crystarium to meet up with the rest of the Scions, and then...
Well, this has been the plan all along, hasn't it? Though now that it's here and a reality, he's struggling yet again with how to put any of what he's feeling into words. A terrible habit that he's passed on to his charge, it would seem. They've said less than ten words to each other during their walk back to the mining town.
Thancred pauses, his boot skidding through the dirt, and then turns to face Ryne. Even now, he's at a loss for what to say, but he'll need to come up with something, won't he? ]
We might see if we can make the trip back by Amaro. It would be nice to see Norvrandt from above, wouldn't you say?
[ They'd never traveled via Amaro during most of their time together. Thancred had known it would be too conspicuous, and he'd needed to keep Ryne (then Minfilia) away from any prying eyes who might want to take her back to her life of solitude. That's no longer a concern, though, and it would be a nice treat, wouldn't it?
One last journey. ]
WAIT I HAVEN'T DONE 5.3 haha jokes badumtsh
So why can she not say so? Time is in short supply, and yet the silence seemed boundless. The trolley they'd borrowed hardly needed their attention; the Talos was a dutiful driver. And when they'd walked the rest of the way and back, nary a gigantender glanced their way. There had been opportunities aplenty to say something, to tell him that he needn't worry about her once he was gone, that she was glad that he'd soon find his way home again, where he belonged, that she was ready to see him off, see them all off.
And yet her mind blanked. As it does again when he stops, turns, and says something to her that she hears but only barely listens to.
Amaro? Why is he talking about-- ]
Um... I'm sorry, what was that you said about Amaro?
[ She feels her cheeks warm with embarrassment. Now is not the time to be distracted. Soon she won't even have time for that, never mind time to pay attention! ]
no subject
Thancred has imparted many lessons upon Ryne during their time together, and the grand majority of them had to do with survival. Always staying sharp and aware of one's surroundings had been one of the first lessons he'd focused on, that amount of hyper-vigilance a necessity for someone who was constantly being hunted.
At one point he might have scolded her for letting her mind wander to such a degree, but he doesn't have the heart to do so now. He's taught her as much as he can and she's absorbed most all of it. He has nothing left to worry about when it comes to her well-being.
On top of that, their remaining time together is so short. He sees no point in retreading old paths. And in this particular situation, he can understand why she's so distracted.
So he offers little more than a brief shrug. ]
Oh, I just thought we could ride one back to the Crystarium and see the sights, if you have any interest in that. Or is there somewhere else you'd like to stop off first?
[ It's an indulgence they can ill afford, and yet the words come tumbling out of his mouth anyway. He's stalling on that final farewell just as much as she is, much as he'd hate to admit it. ]
no subject
But the allure of flight by Amaro had always tempted her. To feel the sturdy warmth of its body, the rhythm of its breathing and beating wings, to chance the luck of reaching out and running her fingers along the cool underbelly of a low-hanging cloud.
She probably wouldn't be touching any clouds in the dry heat of Amh Araeng, but she wears her excitement plainly nonetheless. ]
Truly? Could we? You don't mind?
no subject
She'd spent so much of her childhood seeing little more than the room she was kept in, which means that to this day, there's so much she's never had the chance to see or experience for herself; so many song she hadn't heard or foods she hadn't tasted. Thancred had been the one to teach her to swim, even.
He shakes his head. ]
Not at all. Let's find the amarokeep here, and I suspect they'll be more than happy to arrange something for us.
[ They are companions of the Warrior of Darkness, and that now grants them certain privileges. Thancred hadn't minded starting from nothing when he first came to Norvrandt, but he won't turn away the special treatment now that it's been earned, even if their Warrior friend is to thank for most of it.
So with that, he heads off across the dusty path, expecting Ryne to follow at his heels. Like always. ]
no subject
She no longer lags behind several steps, feeling a little lighter for their last-minute "detour." It wouldn't stave off the inevitable, but it was a welcome distraction. Something she could simply look forward to and feel no unshakable dread. Now she walks abreast, keeping pace. ]
I suppose you're right. Everyone seems so eager to lend us aid... I hope they won't refuse our coin. I always feel so boorish when I insist I pay my fair, eager as they are to waive it.
[ A laugh wafts around her words. Then curiosity takes its place. ]
I've been wondering something; do you have Amaro at home? In the Source, I mean.
[ From what bits and scraps she'd learned from Thancred and the others, their worlds were more like sisters than twins. Alike in many ways, and so apparently different in others. She felt as though she could ask a lifetime of questions about how each reflected the other. She wished she had that lifetime. ]
no subject
[ Thancred's skill set allows for such things, and while he used to rely on sleight of hand to pick pockets when he'd been a young boy with nothing to his name in Limsa Lominsa, he's more than glad to do the opposite now -- to slide some gil into the pockets of someone who won't accept their money, despite the fact that they need to earn a living.
Strange, sometimes, to reflect on just how much has changed. He imagines that Ryne wouldn't believe half of the stories he could tell her about his youth.
At her question, he glances over and shakes his head. ]
No. Seeing them here was something of a shock. If they ever existed on our star, it must have been centuries ago. [ And one Calamity or another wiped them out. Or perhaps they just never existed at all. ] We primarily use chocobos for travel, though in the east horses are more common.
[ There are a number of other mounts to choose from, such as the marids favored by the ananta, but he need not get into all that.
How he wishes she could see for herself, though. If he could find some way to bring her to the Source, he'd take her to every corner of Hydaelyn, from Aleport to the Steppe. ]
no subject
Valeria sometimes feels guilty that she could still travel between worlds.
When she had heard of a pack of... uh, somethings? She couldn't remember what exactly the creatures were. Regardless, when she'd heard of a pack of creatures causing trouble out past St. Coinach's, she decided that it sounded like the perfect distraction for her next target.
She finds him exactly where she thought she would: at a table outside, overlooking the bustling and busy market below. She slips into the chair opposite him, offering a grin as she leans forward.] Good morning, Thancred.
[She's obviously ready to travel, wearing her heavier coat and boots. She's switched out her glasses for the eyepiece that helps her focus.
And she's grinning, which is usually a sign of things to come.]
no subject
When he turns to look at her, Val is wearing a grin, one that she seems capable of mustering up with little trouble at all. Her ability to maintain those high spirits is part of what has made her resonate so well with the many people she's aided during her time with the Scions. Thancred nods to her in greeting, then lifts a hand to draw it back through his hair.
He senses some trouble on the horizon, but he can't say he minds. The distraction would be welcome at this point. ]
Oh, I know that look. [ He smiles, something not quite so broad as Val's grin, and shakes his head to himself. ] What is it this time, pray tell?
[ He reaches down to slide his hand over the hilt of his gunblade, already preparing himself for the promise of a fight. ]
no subject
[It's not common knowledge among the general population that their hallowed Warrior of Light can't remember a damned thing unless she writes it down, but the Scions are very well aware of the failings of her short-term memory. She reaches into an interior pocket of her tailored coat, produces a small slip of paper, and reads directly from it.] Pack of hippogryphs that are unusually aggressive.
[She huffs as she puts the paper on the table.] I could not remember hippogryphs. [She tries, every now and again, to see if she can relate the particulars of information without her notes. Sometimes it works. This time, it did not.]
They shouldn't pose too much a challenge, but it's a little much for the average scholar. Care to join me?
no subject
But when he can, Thancred remembers for her. His own mind usually refuses to let go of even the most minute details about a job, given that intel-gathering is one of his main purposes among the Scions. If Val has forgotten something of import, it's almost guaranteed that Thancred hasn't.
This particular spot of trouble isn't anything for them to be so concerned about, however. ]
I wouldn't miss it for the world. [ He rises from his seat then, checking over his gunblade and peering into his pack to make certain he has all the cartridges he needs, dutifully supplied to him by Y'shtola. ] And if we can determine what's got them so riled up, all the better. We don't want this to happen again, when we're not around to see to it.
[ He cracks his knuckles and then stretches both arms over his head, limbering up as he shifts his weight from one leg to the other. ]
Ready when you are.
no subject
She hasn't thrown out a single journal she's filled in recent years. They take up a nice amount of space in her apartment.
She throws a smile to Thancred as she stands, tucking the sheet of paper back into her inner pocket.]
That's what I was thinking. There should be a reason for it. [She dusts off her jacket; the weapon on her back and the aetherometer on her hip have already been checked and readied.] Let's take care of it, then.
no subject
Once they reach Revenant Toll's aetheryte, he turns back to Val and cants his head. ]
Would you rather go on foot, or should we see about saddling up some birds?
[ No doubt Val's company chocobo is stabled somewhere, but Thancred will have to look into his own transport if they go that route. ]
no subject
At least, she seems to think so.]
We can walk. It's not far. [She slows enough to match Thancred's speed and turns, dancing backward for a few steps as she speaks.] I'd have to rent another bird. [She pulls a face - disgusted, mostly at herself - as she turns back around.] Mel needs the rest. I wasn't watching well enough and she bruised her foot on some rocks.
[Self-recrimination, thy name is Valeria.]
no subject
Without waiting any longer, he leads them out past Revenant's Toll in the direction that Val had originally indicated to him, moving at a quick pace. He knows that Val will have absolutely no trouble keeping up with him. ]
I'm sure she'll be fine. These things happen, there's no need to beat yourself up over it.
[ He's spent plenty of time in Mor Dhona, but never truly tires of its sights. The way the splashes of visible aether distort the air always offers something interesting to look at, to say nothing of the Crystal Tower or Midgarsormr's hulking form in the distance. ]
I think it's good that I see the sights like this. It still doesn't feel quite real, being home.
no subject
Or jog, as the case may be.
Mor Dhona will always hold a place in her heart. It's not home, not like Gridania is, but there's a beauty to it that she doesn't see anywhere else. It feels... right in a way that she can't quite articulate. ]
I forget that you were gone longer than it seemed, sometimes. [ Not that she actually forgets, which would be possible all things considered, but it's not something that they ever seem to speak about. ]
no subject
Quite a bit longer.
[ He lifts one hand up and looks it over, but he didn't age in the First and he hasn't aged here. It's strange, to know that his soul has more years on it than his body does. ]
I suppose some might be envious.
[ In truth, all it's done is added a bit more weight and weariness onto his shoulders. ]
no subject
There was nothing to be envious over. ]
I hated that I was able to cross between worlds and you could not.
no subject
Is it ideal? Hardly. But he also knows that Ryne will be able to take care of herself. He'd taught her well, he'll admit that much. ]
Worry not. Y'shtola seems to believe she'll find a way to get back eventually, and once she puts her mind to something, well...
[ He's making light of it, for what else can he do? And there is a fair chance Y'shtola will do as she says. How long it will take, on the other hand, is a larger question. Thancred's all too aware of how time flows differently between the two stars. ]
no subject
She probably already has at least six working theories. Next time I see her, she'll have me running some errand for her.
[ Not that Val minds, for the most part. ]
→ planisphere
[ The walk from the Wandering Stairs to the Cabinet of Curiosity is not particularly long for someone like Thancred, even if he is three sheets to the wind and not as steady as he might usually be. It's been some time since he indulged in spirits like this, but there was a time when this was a fairly frequent occurrence for him, and he hasn't completely forgotten.
Generally he would not allow himself to be this far gone while serving as Ryne's caretaker, but the Scions have chosen to spend a few days within the safe walls of the Crystarium and regroup before setting out to find the next Lightwarden, and chances are that Ryne herself is relieved to not have him hovering around her like a watchful hawk for once.
What he and Urianger may or may not get up to on a night of poorly made decisions she need not know, in any case. Thancred is not yet certain of where the ill-placed set of messages he sent to his fellow Scion might lead him, but he isn't going to back down now that he's been extended an invitation.
He reaches the library which is rather quiet by now, and when a quick glance around the ground level does not reveal any sign of Urianger, he realizes that he must be tucked away somewhere in the center column — which means climbing a spiral staircase. Of course.
With a small groan, Thancred presses forward, mayhap leaning on the stairs' railing a tad more than he would otherwise as he ascends, searching out the wayward scholar. Despite how drunk he is, his vision is still quite sharp, and he expects he'll find Urianger before long. ]
no subject
There hasn't been many sources of comfort for either of them over these past uneasy years. Chance encounters have happened between himself and the handsome Hyur several times, even before being trapped in the First, but they were always spontaneous, wordless, unplanned... Thancred has never been as open and direct with his propositions as he has been tonight.
As Urianger walks around the bookcases encasing his little nook of the library and heads towards the staircase, he wonders if he should be worried. Did something happen to explain the shift in behavior? It's when he spots the man as he climbs the stairs below, each step subtly slower than normal, that Urianger's worry is replaced with a pang of vague affection.
He's drunk. Well... that does make more sense. ]
Thancred.
[ Were it not for the thousands of books around them, Urianger's voice would echo all the way to the ground floor. Even then, the softly spoken name would easily be heard by anyone else in the library, were anyone else here. He hopes his friend is listening close enough to take it as a demonstration.
Once he's close enough, Urianger holds a hand out to Thancred from a few steps above. ]
None save thee hath guile sufficient to prevail over these many spiraling steps while under the veil of drink, my friend. Prithee accept my assistance regardless. I shan't see thee injured whilst here to see me. [ Nor does he like the idea of having to think of an excuse for why Thancred was coming to see him in the library so late at night. ]
no subject
Will he regret this in the morning? That remains to be seen, depending on how it all unfolds. As of now, he has come this far and he isn't about to get cold feet.
As soon as he hears his name spoken in that soft, almost husky tone of Urianger's, Thancred pauses for a moment on the stairs and looks up to meet his gaze. He smiles, an expression that seems to come much more easily while under the influence, and nods. Yes, he's here. He is not one for empty promises.
He might be tempted to deny that offered hand were it not for Urianger's words, which are unfortunately quite impossible to resist. ] A compliment and an offer of help? [ Yes, he takes his ability to climb a winding set of stairs while drunk as a compliment. He is nothing if not sure-footed in even this circumstance. He reaches out and takes the offered hand, his fingers intertwining with Urianger's (that are so long and slender), and climbs the last few steps to the landing.
Ah. Now they are standing quite close to each other. Thancred cranes his neck to look up at Urianger, revealing a flushed face and slightly unfocused eyes. ] Always so considerate. But what are you doing here so late at night?
[ It's only after the questions spills out of his mouth that he wonders if he might regret asking it. ]
no subject
The same as I have e'er done. And I am glad for thy company in it.
[ Books. The scent of old paper, the quiet they instill in others, the wisdom hidden between their covers, waiting to be rediscovered the moment someone chooses to takes the time to do so. Urianger's greatest passion, and the thing he always returns to when faced with a problem, whether it be personal or the kind that's put the entire world in jeopardy. Late nights among books are hardly unusual for Urianger, but rarely would he ever invite someone to join him — which, he's realizing, is in fact what he'd done tonight, without consciously meaning to.
Urianger steps away from Thancred, but for the sake of leading him back to the nook he's nested in. As they turn the corner, he squeezes Thancred's hand before hesitantly releasing it and stepping close to his table, piled with books. ]
My friend... how dost thee fare these recent days? I pray fate treateth thee and thy ward well?
[ The questions come out somewhat awkwardly, even for Urianger, as the events of their immediate future continue to preoccupy his thoughts. ]
no subject
He makes a frustrated noise in the back of his throat when Urianger releases his hand halfway to leading him to his workspace. That small squeeze of his hand, a silent welcome, is nice, but it also isn't enough.
Thancred takes in the desk piled high with tomes, which is nothing he hasn't seen countless times before. He moves toward it, invading the space with little care for how he's interrupted Urianger's work. As soon as he reaches the desk he does lean some of his weight on it, bracing his hip against it. He feels a tad lightheaded after that climb, and maybe also because he is putting some thought to Urianger's slender fingers and what they might be able to do to him.
He is, however, getting ahead of himself. When Urianger starts in on idle chatter, Thancred winces and lifts a hand to pinch at the bridge of his nose. ]
Those are all questions you know the answer to, Urianger. [ While Urianger's been sequestered here, as he put it, that does not mean he doesn't venture out to check in on the rest of them. ] Can we not get to the point? Or is this what you consider foreplay?
[ Again, that boldness. Thancred is in no mood to play games, if he's honest. And if this is enough to make Urianger blush, it will have been worth it. ]
no subject
His cheeks are burning at their peak when he finally turns back to his friend. Really, he's too old to be so bashful about these things. As much of a nerd as he is, he isn't a child nor some sort of shut-in. Perhaps it's the choice of location in this instance. This is still a public place, as deserted as it is at this hour. ]
Be thy intention to mischief me so mercilessly, Thancred...?
[ His voice is soft and quiet, cognizant as he is of their current location, and still flushed pink from the bridge of his nose to the tips of his ears. Despite the demure tone of his voice, he reaches out to gently peel Thancred's hand away from his face, claiming his fingers between his own again, as his other hand carefully cups the side of his jaw. ]
I ask not to frustrate thy desires. Merely to reassure myself of thy present intentions.
[ Specifically, his inebriated state. Combined with how impatient he is in getting to the point — it should be of some concern, shouldn't it? At least, enough to ask and be sure. As Urianger gazes down at him with concern, he pulls him closer, inviting him into an embrace. Being in the First hasn't been particularly good for any of them, but perhaps the least for Thancred. Urianger knows this. He wants to provide him some relief, and receive the same relief in turn, but... not at a cost. ]
no subject
Even if he is quite eager to get on with it, as evidenced by the fact that he did make it here so quickly, that isn't to say that he's going to simply jump into it without being certain that Urianger's desires mirror his own. Urianger's hand at the side of his face serves as a good start, and for a moment Thancred simply lets his eyes shut as he expels a deep breath.
Then he is pulled into a hug, and while this is not the exact sort of attention he'd been hoping for from Urianger tonight, as soon as their bodies press in against each other he finds it hard to resist. Thancred's a bit more sluggish than usual from the alcohol, and that's cause enough for him to simply sink into the embrace. Urianger is a great deal taller than him, and broader than one might think at first glance, meaning that it's quite easy to collapse against him. ]
This is nice. [ He admits that much, the alcohol talking to some degree, though his words are muffled against Urianger's shoulder. He then tilts his chin up enough that he can peer at Urianger's face, studying him now that they are even closer. ] What do you want? If you would rather I did not put my hands all over you, I am capable of restraint, you know.
[ It would be fun, however, and he is still quite tempted. In the meantime, he allows his arms to snake around Urianger so that his hands can settle on his back. A precursor, mayhap, to something more. If he is permitted. ]
no subject
I...
[ His pulse has quickened. Thancred can surely hear it, if not feel it. The Elezen stares down at his boyish, playful smile, face bordered on one side by his own chest, and the remainder of his hesitation fizzles away.
Instead of answering with words, Urianger bows down and kisses him. Thancred's lips are warm and soft. They smell like sweet mead; venturing to press his tongue experimentally against his upper lip, he finds that they taste like sweet mead too. There's nothing more he wants now than Thancred's hands all over him, doing what Thancred's hands are so good at doing.
Urianger moves his broad palms from Thancred's shoulder blades to his lower back, then over the pleasant slope of his rump, to cup the back of his upper thighs. He isn't trying to grope him through his coat (although, it's certainly enjoyable in the same way), instead tightening his grip to lift Thancred off the floor and deposit his butt on top of the desk directly beside them. The extra height immediately makes it easier for them to kiss, and will be useful for other things, too.
Without pulling away or opening his eyes, Urianger moves his hands to Thancred's shoulders, tugging at the open collar help slip the garment off. Quietly. ]
no subject
Any uncertainty about Urianger's intentions is quickly chased away soon after that, when a sweet kiss comes, followed by the swipe of a tongue that seems to be requesting entrance. Before Thancred's addled mind can even react to that, he's lifted up and placed onto the desk in one swift motion.
It's not that he's ever questioned if Urianger was capable of carrying him, but such proof of it stokes a new wave of exhilaration in him, solidifying his needs for the evening.
He laughs, though still takes care to be quiet, which means that it comes out rough and husky — all while Urianger endeavors to disrobe him. Thancred rolls back his shoulders to make it easier for Urianger to peel his coat off. ]
I think you should do that more often. Mayhap we could try this against a wall, next time?
[ Unfortunately, he is not the sort of person who is reasonable enough to shut his mouth while in the act. He does at least manage to keep his voice down, but he is fairly certain they're the only people here. If anyone does approach, his senses are attuned enough (yes, even while drunk) that he'll be aware of it.
He reaches out then, intending for their relative states of undress to remain equal as he slides the fabric of Urianger's robes from his shoulders. ]
no subject
Be it thy intent to hie mine hands forward through ceaseless taunts?
[ Because as much as he hates to admit it, it seems to be working. His hands smooth across the back of Thancred's black body armor, feeling for its fastenings. Leaning in again, he nudges Thancred's cheek with his nose momentarily, as if hesitating, before planting another kiss on his lips. If only it were so easy for him to hurry Thancred long in a similar way, but the other man seems committed to turning this into a game... as enjoyable of a game as it is so far.
Urianger stands up straight a second later to pull the armor up over Thancred's head and off his body. Once it's on the floor with his gloves and his coat, he reaches to his waist to disconnect and unwind the aetherial chains adorning his robes. ]
...Yea fortunate am I for the walls in this library to be not walls, but rows of tomes. [ No way in hell Urianger would be willing to fuck Thancred against a collection of precious, exceedingly rare pre-Flood books. Think of the body fluids. ]
no subject
There will, however, be far more explaining to do if they are caught and he is missing half or all of his clothing. That is a problem he will address if and only if it finds them.
He manages to return the kiss and attempt a few more lazy ones down Urianger's jawline and neck before the elezen straightens up and away from him. With no obvious place to kiss for a moment, he instead puts his hands to use, assisting in unwinding those chains. As Urianger's robes fall and expose bare skin, Thancred doesn't hesitate to reach out and explore with his also bare hands, feeling over the taut muscle of Urianger's abdomen. Relearning, as it has been quite some time. ]
We'll have to find a more fitting location, then. Another time, mayhap. [ His words come out slower now. Not slurred, but he is distracted by the view in front of him and the growing erection between his legs — now visible against his black pants, given that he's seated. He draws his hands back and braces them behind him on the desk, nudging a book away in the process, then spreads his legs slightly — a (not-so-)subtle invitation of sorts. He's been putting some good deal of thought to Urianger's hands now, and this seems a good place to start. ]
no subject
Inhaling a deep breath, whatever hint of chagrin remaining on Urianger's face fizzles away. He steps forward into the space between Thancred's legs eagerly, leaning down to claim his lips again as his fingertips pet down the front of his chest. His body seems impossibly warm — not hot, but warm in the best way, with soft skin stretched across muscles more firm than he remembered. His hands reach the waistline of his trousers and stop momentarily, before one wanders back up his chest and the other flattens over the bulge growing behind his fly. Its shape feels vague while trapped in clothing, but kneading the lump loosely is enough to make Urianger's heart jump.
He huffs against Thancred's mouth, that single quiet noise being a sure sign of the quiet Elezen's hunger. Maybe he'd needed something like this for a while now. His reservations about doing this in the library feel far away. ]
sorry for the delay!
Just this one night, it should be fine. Who knows what the future will hold, but for now, this can be enough.
Urianger steps forward and their mouths find each other yet again. Urianger's fingers dance down his chest, slow and teasing, and it's enough to make him squirm in his spot on the desk. After a few anticipatory moments that have his toes curling in his boots, Urianger's palm begins to work between his legs, massaging against his cock, and a shape that had been a bit vague becomes less so as he hardens more fully.
Thancred makes a small noise against Urianger's lips, something pleased. He kisses chastely first before he begins to swipe his tongue across, then presses with the tip to hungrily request that they deepen the kiss. He also can't stop himself from bucking up against Urianger's hand, inviting further friction. ]
Don't you dare stop. [ It's a whisper, one he manages to get out before he'll no longer be able to use his words. He will no doubt taste of what he's been drinking, but if Urianger minded such things, they certainly would not be here. ]
and very very sorry for my delay!!! ToT
No. One of those same noises is what brings Urianger back from his brief reverie. He opens his eyes in time to meet Thancred's gaze and it seems that their minds, for a rarity, are perfectly aligned. The wordless request to deepen their kiss is accepted, and Urianger meets Thancred's tongue with his own, although he's clearly conceding the space past his lips to the Hyur if he wants to explore it.
He's fully occupied with exploration of his own. Don't stop, he was told, but he has no intention of stopping now unless ordered to, and Urianger knows that Thancred would much sooner order him to do many other things than to stop. His broad palm strokes up the hard length, gliding smoothly against the soft surface of the fabric. He doesn't intend to tease him, but he does not entirely realize that taking his time has exactly that effect. Further distracting is the way Thancred braces his legs against the side of the desk to buck against his hand, which makes Urianger's mind wander to lewder activities and his face flush hot all over again.
Somehow, these trousers must come off. Flustered and addled as he is by Thancred's expert mouth, and even further by his own growing need trapped behind his gray underskirt and smallclothes, Urianger fumbles to unbuckle his belt. He manages that, somehow, but then there's the buttons and zipper beneath to wrangle. ]
no subject
As Scions, their lives are quite complicated, and Thancred is often far afield doing reconnaissance. Settling down isn't exactly in the cards for them. It's why moments like this have always been spontaneous, almost desperate as they each take the chance while it's available to them.
Once Urianger lets him in, Thancred is quick to lean his upper body forward to grant himself the space to ravish his mouth with his tongue, learning it all over again. He reaches up to let his hands settle on either side of Urianger's neck, holding him firmly in place so that he can kiss him all the self-assurance that he wants.
Now that Urianger's hands are on him, he doesn't mind a little bit of teasing and taking things slow. Foreplay exists for a reason and if he has to remain unbearably hard in his trousers for a bit before they get to the main event, he won't complain overly much. He makes noises, muffled against Urianger's mouth, as his cock is stroked through the fabric.
As it turns out, Urianger may be even more impatient than he is, as he goes to undo Thancred's belt. That's a start, at least, and Thancred breaks the kiss to trace a few down Urianger's jawline. ]
Almost there. [ His cocks pulses, straining against his trousers now. Yes, it really hadn't taken much to get him going, had it? ] You're doing well. [ There's nothing wrong with a little positive reinforcement, and while Thancred could reach down to help along in the process of removing his trousers, he'd rather Urianger do it himself. There's something enjoyable in simply letting himself be undressed by those long fingers, even as they fumble. It's endearing. ]
no subject
I — [ his voice comes out low and breathy. As his fingers slip behind the upper hem of Thancred's underclothing, he tips his head to one side to let (or, to ask) his companion kiss his throat and shoulders. ] I am not... some tender pupil — to... to these carnal...
[ The thought tapers off into another heavy sigh. His hand has found Thancred's cock and it immediately commands all of Urianger's attention. As he grasps the organ eagerly, smoothing the pad of his thumb over the tip, his other hand pulls away to wrap around Thancred's back, helping to support his weight. ]
........Ah. Hah... Thou art so feverish already... [ With a pleasant hum, he pulls it free. Hyurs being smaller in size, Thancred's cock feels smaller relative to how Urianger's own feels in his hand, but it makes it easy to encase it entirely in his palm and fingers as he begins to stroke it. ]
no subject
Yet there is something about Urianger that makes him come across as innocent, all the same. He has a sense of propriety, or at least the illusion of it. Of course, if he'd truly cared, he would not have invited Thancred to the library in the middle of the night to do this.
Both of them are distracted by Urianger's hand as it takes hold of and then frees his cock. At the remark about how he's already at this point, Thancred huffs out a little laugh against Urianger's bare skin. ] I think I made my desires quite clear over linkpearl. To be given exactly what you want — well, it's bound to get a man excited.
[ Nor does Urianger make him wait for what he wants. Their difference in size is something that has been noted between them before, and it certainly doesn't stop at height. Thancred may feel small in Urianger's grip, but he doesn't see that as a downside, not when it means that he can be touched all over, all at once.
It's almost overwhelming, but he has little issue with that. He leans in and reaches with his arms to circle them around to Urianger's back, then returns his mouth to his neck, sucking at the skin there slowly. He should not overdo it and leave a mark, and yet he's drunk enough that it strikes him as a great idea in the moment. ]
no subject
[ The Elezen echoes the words in a low, murmuring voice. He knows that Thancred means this, what they're... doing right now, but the subtext behind the words is flattering. If Thancred simply desired the comforts of a warm body, there were places he could go in the Crystarium to find it, nevermind in Lakeland and beyond. But instead he's here, sitting on a library desk half-naked, sending thrills through Urianger with the practiced ministrations of his lips.
The soft suckle makes Urianger shiver. A tiny noise of enjoyment vibrates in his throat and urges his hand onward. With careful pressure and slight twists of his wrist, he strokes Thancred's cock slowly and deliberately within the pocket of his closed fist. It seems to fit against the lifeline of his palm so perfectly, hugged by the more supple ball of his thumb.
His heart thumps in his chest. Urianger wants him back, almost desperately so, his own eagerness straining against the remainder of his clothes. He considers whether he should pick Thancred up and move him again — there's a reading chair behind him... more than sturdy enough to support their combined weight. But at the same time, they are somewhat limited in what they can get away with doing here in public... ]
Mmh. [ He huffs quietly, a small noise of frustration and lust. There will be other nights. For now, he'll devote his attention to pleasuring the beautiful Hyur, and to the tantalizing, thrilling, slightly stinging sensation on his neck. ] P-Pray thy lips be careful... not to mark...
no subject
It's been years now, and these days he's a bit more discerning with his partners.
With his cock enclosed in Urianger's deft hand, Thancred can't quite stop himself from making small thrusts against his palm to encourage the friction. His fingers dig into the warm skin of Urianger's back, feeling muscle and the sharp bones of his shoulder blades, and he heaves out a weighty sigh. Urianger reminds him that he shouldn't leave any bruises on his neck, and yet it's hard to find a good reason to stop.
Save to answer him, that is. Thancred's voice is starting to sound a bit less controlled, a bit more breathy, as Urianger continues to work at him. ] Surely you could cover it with some of that jewelry you're so fond of...
[ Might it be oddly enjoyable if someone did notice the marks and asked about it, only for Urianger to fumble for a reasonable response? Yes, it's the alcohol speaking, but Thancred does end up sucking on the tender spot on Urianger's slender neck a bit more. ]
no subject
Within the breathy beat of silence that follows, Urianger comes to an impulsive decision. The arm wrapped around Thancred's back to help support his weight draws inward instead; Urianger is wordlessly consenting to (begging for) Thancred's teasing lips and teeth to continue on. A slow, hot breath exhales from Urianger's lips and he closes his eyes to focus on the mix of sensations: lips suckling on his neck, stiff cock nestled in his palm, the swaying of his friend's hips in rhythm with the jerking of his wrist. A slow and steady carousal of intimacy that ought to be enjoyed, not fretted over — and so he will trust Thancred not to leave a mark where it can't be covered. ]
...Doth leaving thy mark upon my skin bring thee joy...? With the fervor employed, I can only guess that is the case.
[ His voice is steadier than Thancred's, but just as needy, if not moreso. His erection aches between his legs, but he ignores it, stroking up Thancred's shaft instead with the pads of his fingers, swirling his thumb against the tip, and teasing back down the soft, pliable spot on underside of the head. ]
I find great joy in... those notes thy lips sing for mine ears only, Thancred. And I shall hear them tonight...
no subject
He can't bring himself to care about anything other than what he is doing to Urianger, and what Urianger is doing to him in turn. As Urianger's free hand presses into his back, coaxing him close, Thancred takes that as an invitation to continue with sucking an impressive hickey into his neck. Yes, there is some pleasure in it, as Urianger points out. The thrill of leaving one's mark on someone, you might call it.
Urianger speaks to him with his sweet words said in that low, rough tone. His hand works at his cock, not only stroking but teasing him in all the best ways. Could Thancred bite down on any noises that threaten to escape out of him with every new spark of pleasure? Yes, if he had to. He knows how to be quiet. But Urianger wants to hear him, and so— ]
So that's what gets you going, is it? Hearing me. [ His face has not moved far from Urianger's throat, meaning that each of his words makes for warm breath over Urianger's skin. ] You're doing... [ Urianger's fingers slide with careful purpose over the tip of his cock, around the head, and Thancred's interrupted by his own gasp. His head bows, nestling in against Urianger's shoulder, as another moan escapes him, muffled against skin. ]
no subject
Doing... well, I see...
[ Urianger laughs quietly and tilts his head, accepting the weight of his friend against his shoulder and bringing his lips to Thancred's ear, now within reach. He plants a few chaste kisses along the helix and tightens his hand slightly, stroking more insistently now. ]
Tell me, Thancred... what thou wouldst ask of me.
[ Urianger's deep, smooth voice is low in Thancred's ear; he doesn't want to speak too loudly for obvious reasons of course, but he doesn't want to miss any sweet sounds coming from the other man either. He strokes his thumb against Thancred's back encouragingly. ]
To stop, to continue on... to move thee... to ravage if thee desire it... Say it aloud... if needed...