[for a moment, those eyes close just to focus on his fingers. As they cup his face and a thumb brushes his lip, Morax lets his brows furrow as he takes in the familiar sensations. And as lips press to lips, his own hands rising to cradle the other's face in turn, he listens quietly. Each promise settles a small fear, even if there are still others they bring to light.]

Melqal... you are the most stubborn man I have ever known, and that is a significant amount of time. [sighing, he leans into the kisses and curls deft fingers around his waist.] I meant no doubt of you, my treasure... never you. Nor could I ask for more in turn.

[and though he doesn't know officially, perhaps there's a part of him that does. They are intrinsically linked, after all - it's not unreasonable that his nightmares of all those years had shown him his lover's end. The sacrifices they had both made are endless.]

I am endlessly lucky to have you. And to have the chance to understand Dohalim alongside you. I... will try to remember that, when this feeling begins to loom.

[But now, indeed, it's all the more complicated. With their thoughts put to bed on the matter, the other matter - of the body's actual owner - arises in full. As his hands find purchase over Melqal's, his lips curl lightly.]

Were this a normal night, I fear we would miss dinner again, wouldn't we? [The gloom breaks as he speaks, recalling many a night where the two had just... disappeared to one or the other's rooms. None had dared to question Melqal, of course.] I think Dohalim's subjects would cause quite a stir, alas.

Is... is he willing to join me for this meal? I still want to learn of him, after all.

[but if Dohalim is dead set on this, there's not much they can do.]