eggbowl | [Dohalim/Gepard] I don't know how to feel...

[Dohalim/Gepard] I don't know how to feel...

[Dohalim wouldn't necessarily call it a chaotic disarray currently, but the sudden departure of one of his captains is, understandably, enough to shake the knights. Serval was truly one of his best, and one who upheld his ideals of coexistence to their core. so it was a surprise to receive her resignation letter, and a quick word of appreciation for the opportunity to serve under him; before he could say anything to try to convince her to change her mind, she was off. though, Dohalim is sure that anything he could have said would have been met with decline. the Landaus, for all their loyalty in serving the il Qaras family for generations (despite their own nobility), are a stubborn folk, and once they've made up their mind on anything, there would be no convincing them of otherwise.

honestly, even if the decision was abrupt, Dohalim knows that she'll be fine. that isn't what's on his mind as he heads down the ornate hallway to the barracks. perhaps a visit paid by him will lift the knights' spirits, but really, he has every intention on seeing one person. Gepard... Serval is his sister, after all. he's not sure what the man is thinking, if he knew of her resignation long before she had made it official, or if this came to just as a surprise to him as everyone else. either way, it would be nice to see Gepard and offer whatever words he can to him.

of course, as soon as he enters the barracks, he's bombarded with questions and requests by the other guards, wondering just what will happen, and how Serval's unit will be taken care of. as much as he wants to brush them aside to look for Gepard, he just can't, in good faith, so it seems like he'll be here for a while. oh well, what kind of leader would he be if he didn't listen to his people?]

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Ah-

[whose fault is that? Gepard can't even muster the words, especially as he finally pushes in. it's different from everything else. thick and hot, stretching him open an inch at a time... ah. though it threatens to pull the breath from his lungs, Gepard hangs on - it's not painful, after all.

it's just... a lot. he can feel the prickle of wet heat in his eyes as his breaths grow more ragged and shallow, until finally, the redhead bottoms out. ah... ah. he feels so full, and his fingers dig into Dohalim's back lightly. his face nuzzles against the other's, a warm groan escaping his lips.]

Haaah... haah... you too... so full...

[Dohalim shifts his hips ever so slightly, as if trying to push in just a little deeper, but aside from that, he remains still for the moment. he's been thinking about this for so long, but nothing in even his wildest imagination could prepare him for how... perfect this feels. as if they really were meant to be together like this. he only has to wonder if Gepard feels the same way.

lifting his head up, he peppers gentle kisses along the blond's face, so sweet in his movements. he really has taken him so well, hasn't he... Dohalim slides an arm under Gepard's neck as his other hand slides down to grasp onto the underside of his thigh, pulling his leg up just a little to angle him better. it's at that moment that Dohalim pulls his hips back, before slowly pushing in deep, groaning as he does so. he doesn't know how he's still being so patient with this when his need is yelling at him to go fast and hard, but it's Gepard, and not just some courtesan. it's not to say that he doesn't care about them, it's just... the man under him is different.

but he pulls back again, a little more this time, before snapping his hips forward a little sharper to test the waters. to see what reaction he gets out of Gepard this time, to see if he asks for anything more]

[every movement pulls little hitched breaths from the blond, his expression soft and happy between each sweet and gentle kiss. in spite of every ounce of discomfort, every other sensation was just... so much stronger. the fact that it was Dohalim above him, shifting his leg up or pulling him closer... ah, it's bliss.

the first movement earns him a deep groan, his cheeks heating up at the sheer feeling of it. maybe he'd expected some of it, but it's still better than he could have ever imagined. and then-- then he pulls back again, hips snapping forward, and the noise Gepard makes is absolutely sinful. oh, that's... oh...]

Do... haah... again... [it's-- better, isn't it? somehow it feels demanding, though really all he's doing is saying what felt best, right? either way, the other Renan has listened to him so far. surely, he'll understand how much it's necessary with the way Gepard clings to him, nails digging pleasantly into skin. as it is, he buries his face in Dohalim's shoulder, cheeks hot.] Fuck...

[Gepard may think it's demanding, but Dohalim can't help but oblige, especially with the way the man lets that curse slip. he's always so polite, well mannered and well spoken that hearing something so crude come from him is different. and while Dohalim himself isn't particular to swearing and only will when he's in the same position, he can't help but wanting to try to punch more of those curses out.

so he pulls his hip back even more, before snapping it back forward a third time. he lets out another groan himself, face pressed against Gepard's shoulder; he can't help but bite down onto pale skin as he tries to stifle himself. but how can he when the man just feels so good, so tight around his cock? his hand grips onto Gepard's thigh tighter, enough to probably leave a mark, as he pushes his leg back to angle him just a little more before setting a pace as he fucks the other man.

it's slow at first, slow enough to judge Gepard's reaction, but hard as he thrusts in deeply, wanting every inch of his cock buried deep within the man, to carve him out so his inside remember what he feels like. oh, these are thoughts he didn't think he'd ever have, but they only serve to motivate him into fucking the man harder]

[He'd intended to keep relatively quiet, knowing where he is and who he is. Rumors fly with little provocation, and he isn't sure if they can afford them. But as the redhead snaps his hips back in again, his cry is sharp and needy, almost echoing to his ears. Teeth bite down on his shoulder and any sense of control is lost in the moment.

He's able to focus just enough to mumble some incoherent thing, body shifting with the younger man's urging, trembling with every harsh snap of hips deep inside. Every thrust jolts him in place, breath coming in soft puffs and gasps as he's fucked. It still feels... sweet, somehow, in spite of it all. Well, in the moments between the utter urgency to be completely filled, muscles squeezing around the intruding cock as it bottoms out again and again. His own dick aches between his legs, smearing pre onto his skin with each jolt of hips.

Truthfully, he almost doesn't notice it in the midst of everything, the way his legs ache in the other's grasp, or the way one hand threads into soft hair to hold him more securely against bare skin. The pleasure is just too much; it's overwhelming in the best way, slowly stripping away every layer of propriety and control he has. He wants more, in some distant and greedy thought, utterly at the mercy of Do's own pace.]

[honestly, Dohalim should also be mindful of the noise the both of them are making for the exact same reasons; for him to be... galivanting with a guardsman, let alone a captain... the rumours that would fly about nepotism are ones that Dohalim doesn't want to have to deal with, and ones that Gepard shouldn't have to deal with.

but as he picks up his pace to punch out more of those sounds, Dohalim also finds that he doesn't care in that moment, that all he wants is to hear more of those sounds. to hear Gepard beg for more, beg for him (as much as he knows now, but his instincts are leading him in the right direction, at least)... at the moment, their positions or the line that divide them don't exist. at the moment, it's just the both of them in the throes of passion, desire for each other that they've been holding in now released. it's almost cathartic, in a way.

hand pushing down on the other man's thigh just a little more to angle his hips, Dohalim shifts himself before driving back in, to try to hit the bundle of nerves in Gepard again, to see what kind of sounds he can get out of him this time. to see his face melt in carnal bliss, to know that he's the first (and hopefully only) person to do this to and for him]

[instinct is certainly serving him well. Dohalim picks up the pace again and the guardsman's head falls back, practically drowning in the sensations. At the very least, he supposes, he can count himself lucky... no one knows what he sounds like in the middle of being fucked, and he certainly doesn't sound like the calm, collected captain.]

Do—halim— haah... ah...

[The feeling of just losing sight of everything else he focuses on is... nice. It's cathartic to not have to think about the things he's lost, the measures of his duty and his people. Like this... maybe he deserves this, even a little. With someone he's cared about for longer than he'd dare to admit... to know that it's now known and reciprocated—

A hand pushes down in his thigh and he hitches a breath, peering up in the swimming clarity he's managed to claw hold of. Dohalim is just so— hot and thick, and he thinks he can almost feel every inch as it opens up his insides to fit him. Every shiver should probably be alarming, every hazy thought, but he... likes it. It's safe with Dohalim. He can be himself, emotional and soft and - perhaps - just a little needy...]

Do—ha— more... [His voice is plaintive; it'll be overwhelming, but he wants it. Besides, the redhead finds his mark, and that alone makes the blond arch up sharply, vice actually, truly echoing in the room.] Ah—haaah... haah... ag-again... I'm so close...

[He can feel heat pricking the corners of his eyes again, but he doesn't mind. Maybe later he will, but right now all that matters is getting dragged to the point where he can't think of anything else. Nothing but the man above him, inside him.]

[for all that Dohalim's own voice had been muted for the most part, save for the occasional groan and moan in Gepard's ear, even he can't seem to hold back anymore as more of those sounds sing along in harmony with the other's. it truly is like music to his ears, just even listening to Gepard, but for the both of them to feel the same pleasure and voice it together... oh, he can't get enough of it.

but even he himself, despite his decorum and propriety, can't help but fall into vulgarity, stringing together a litany of his own curses, muttering fuck, fuck, fuck-- in Gepard's ear as he edges closer to his own orgasm. he really ought to have the mind to pull out before he does cum, but... no, he really should pull himself together enough to ask]

Nn... As am I... [lifting his head up, Dohalim rests his forehead against Gepard's, looking down at him with lidded eyes, so full of lust] D-do you... want me to finish inside...

[an embarrassing question, now that he thinks about it, but still, he feels the need to ask. he's been courteous with Gepard so far, after all]

[there's something depravedly beautiful about listening to Dohalim, vulgar words falling from his lips the same way they'd slipped from his own. perhaps depraved is the wrong word... but it comes to mind regardless. even so, he can feel the way his cheeks heat up again as Dohalim peers down at him, asks so sweetly but so plainly what Gepard wants. asks, ultimately, if he can finish inside.

honestly, nothing could change the answer for the blond, especially not now.]

Haaah... ah... y-yes... please...

[he clings to the words as he clings to Dohalim himself, wondering just what to expect. well, no. he has a good idea what to expect, given how hot his own pre has been on his belly, but still. the want to know is there, to feel it pouring inside him, preferably as he cums in turn.]

[nodding, Dohalim props himself up onto an elbow as his hand lets go of its grip from Gepard's thigh. it doesn't move away, but instead upwards, until it wraps itself around his cock, fingers squeezing the shaft as he jerks him in a quick pace. he has the same intentions of making Gepard cum the same time he does, and Dohalim hopes he can time in properly.

he dissolves back into vulgarity as more curses tumble past his lips, mingled with words of how good Gepard feels, and how good he's taking his cock. ah, he doesn't even say these things to his courtesans, so he's not entirely sure where this is all coming from. perhaps it's from that deep desire he has for the man, or maybe it's something else. he isn't sure, but it's there, and he keeps muttering it.

with a shudder and a loud moan of the captain's name, Dohalim cums, thrusting in deep as spend pours into Gepard. he has no explanation of why it's so dizzying, why it feels so much better than usual, but perhaps it's because it's Gepard that's under him, taking him so sweetly]

[fingers wrap around his cock to stroke it, and Gepard can only cry out again, hips rocking and shifting into both motions. Oh, that's a lot to handle, but it really is the best feeling somehow. His cock was already still a bit sensitive, but now it aches for release with every snap of hips and shift of hands.

And he really can't help it. In the face of Do's vulgarity, praising him for taking him so well and for how good he feels, Gepard can't help but feel shy in turn. There's no need to act on it, of course - it's just there in the way he pitches his head or covers his face, and still his expression is so deeply wanton that it's impossible to misinterpret. He didn't imagine the other Renan could be so vulgar, but it's... exciting. Even if he's not the only one to hear it, knowing he's reduced the redhead to this just with his body is enough.

His own... well, he can actually feel the tears threatening to overwhelm him now, hot and suffocating as every second of waiting for orgasm seems to be. Dohalim's name falls from his lips, pleading and wanting and altogether sweet, brief exhales occasionally still bearing some vulgar words or a plea.

All at once, the pace stops; his body ceases being shaped and stirred in favor of being purely spread open, and oh. it's absolute bliss, heat pouring into his hole, his entire body trembling and arching up as his cock throbs in Dohalim's hand. That's a little embarrassing, too - there's just so much, cum splashing hot and slick against pale skin as the other's fills him, hole squeezing as if to milk him off every drop on pure instinct. His breath suddenly sounds so loud to himself, every gasp and moan and murmur almost deafening in the relative quiet of the aftermath.

They... really did this. Truly. It only dawns on him as his orgasm comes to an end, and as he looks between them, it's— a lot. Do's hips press flush to his, pale thighs spread wide around them, and the undeniable trail of white streaking over his chest and stomach leading to his own dick, squeezed in dark fingers... there really is no going back now. There never was, but now? Gepard doesn't think he could go back to just being a guard for this man, now. His body aches from the exertion, cheeks red from the embarrassment and excitement both, and he'd like to pull him down into more of those sweet kisses, but his whole body seems to have other plans.

That is to say he's not able to get his arms to listen; they don't seem to want to move, and maybe that's a fear of breaking the moment. It feels like if he moves, even to pull the younger man into a kiss, that will start some kind of clock, pushing them back toward propriety and their abandoned posts and duties sooner.

So, he doesn't. Chest heaving softly, Gepard stays as he is, reveling in the feeling as adrenaline fades. And in that moment, he's truly vulnerable, expression unguarded and sweet.]

[Dohalim should be worried. he should be worried that they did this together, he should be worried about the rumours and repercussions that are bound to follow after all of this. he should be worried because of their respective roles and responsibilities, but... Dohalim finds himself not worrying at all. not yet, at least. his head is still swimming in bliss as he lies there in quiet calm, his own heavy breathing slowly evening out. honestly, that had no right feeling that good...

while Gepard doesn't want to move to break the mood, Dohalim has other plans. letting go of Gepard's cock, he slides his hands up the blond's arms, before threading his fingers with his. ah, there really is no way they can go back to how things were, not when he's just so enamoured by the man. everything about the night has been perfect, even with Gepard's inexperience, and Dohalim is just glad he'd been able to do all of this for him. leaning in, he pulls the other in for a kiss, deep and passionate, tongue not waiting for permitted entrance as he slips it in. he's not done tasting every bit of the man; he's sure it's something he'll never be able to truly satiate.

but he does keep it brief, not wanting to overwhelm Gepard with more sensations, and as he pulls away, he nuzzles him gently with a small smile]

Will you stay with me tonight?

[he never usually invites anyone to stay with him after sleeping with him; the courtesans, as lovely as they are, generally leave in the middle of the night. it's always been some unspoken thing, but Gepard is different. he wants him to stay, he doesn't want this to end quite yet. he knows it's risky, in case someone walks in on them in the morning, but he really doesn't want to part from the man]

[that movement jump-starts his hands, at least. Fingers lace with his and he's pleased to entwine them more fully, the gesture sweet and warm as any other. A soft noise escapes when he's pulled into that kiss though, tongue meeting the intruding one; he can still taste a little of himself there, he thinks...

It breaks before he can be completely overwhelmed, at least. Gepard may have significant stamina and endurance, but he can admit to still feeling... rather overstimulated in this moment. The mess on him isn't yet uncomfortable, but it's rapidly leaning that way as it cools.]

I... [He wants to accept, without hesitation. As it stands, he nuzzles Dohalim in turn.] do you think it's a safe enough choice...? I do find myself loath to leave you, nor cause you trouble... although, I think I'll need to clean up soon...

[God, he's such a mess right now, actually. Heaven help him when he tries to get up, too. Gepard can handle most everything, but had they been as gentle as would probably be smart? Maybe not.]

[Gepard's response kickstarts something in Dohalim's brain, as logic and sensibility comes back to him. ah, he's right, it might not be the safest idea to keep him overnight. he's being terribly selfish for even entertaining that thought]

...Forgive me, I'm being too forward again.

[Dohalim pushes himself up a little; if he's bothered by the sticky mess in between them, he's not showing it. to be fair, he's also not showing any outward disappointment or censure he's giving himself for being so foolish. however, if Gepard is looking closely, he can see the way his lips purse together or the way he avoids looking at him as he continues to push himself up onto his elbows. he shouldn't have made the suggestion. this is still all so taboo, so risky, and he's only making it worse]

We should get you cleaned up.

You have nothing to apologise to me for.

[it's only that there's... propriety to consider. life is complicated, far too complicated sometimes. a hand rises up as Dohalim pushes himself up, to cup his chin and stop him from turning away yet. he didn't say it to make him feel guilty, especially with how badly he wants to stay...]

I want to stay. I just... don't want to make things difficult for you later. If you want to continue this way, I won't refuse.

[ultimately, his reputation is... only so endangered. no matter how highly Dohalim is regarded, people attack the highest ranks first, and between a guard captain and his Lord...]

Maybe... there's somewhere we could set up for... times like these. That won't raise suspicions for either of us. Something like it.

[exhaling a sigh, he shifts to sit up - and can't stop the sharp inhale of breath as he does. that... that's unexpected. his whole lower body feels... weak, aching. was it really that much exertion?]

Ah... haaah... it may take me a moment.

[he definitely has every intention of powering through it, but it does dawn on him just how much they've now done, in the most tangible way.]

[as Gepard gently cups his face, Dohalim reaches up to loosely wrap his fingers around his wrist. he's entirely too kind to him, to want to avoid hardships for him... Dohalim wants to tell him what he wants, that he wants the man to stay with him for the night and for the rest of their lives, but the latter would be too much too fast. the former... there's an ache thinking of sleeping alone in his bed tonight, but in the face of their duties and positions...

bringing Gepard's hand up to his face, Dohalim kisses the palm of it softly, before sighing into it]

I... I don't care about difficulties that could arise later. If you are truly alright with it, I want you to stay with me for the night. We can figure out the rest at a later time.

[there's a moment when Gepard moves that Dohalim realises that maybe he should pull out before it gets really uncomfortable; he does so slowly as to not hurt the both of them. but it still seems that the other Renan is in a bit of pain and discomfort-- they really did go for it, didn't they?]

Here, allow me...

[with eyes glowing indigo and a light flash of green, Dohalim slides his hand down to a thigh, healing any aches and pains Gepard might be feeling. the last thing he wants is for the man to be in any pain after all of that]

Was I too rough with you?

Then stay I shall.

[It's always been a marvel to him, how sweet and gentle Dohalim is. The brush of lips on his palm only brings that thought right back, and his expression is soft and enamored just in watching.

As the other pulls out, Gepard makes every effort not to moan or gasp aloud. The slow movement should help, but it does also stir up some further sensations of want. He opens his mouth to say something when Dohalim's eyes begin to glow though, breath hitching just so faintly at the touch of fingers on his thigh.

He'd never been able to describe it, but Dohalim's healing has always felt... exceptionally pleasant, even compared to equally skilled others. Perhaps it's gentler because of his connection to the earth and plants? Gepard doesn't know.

But it is a little bit of a relief when the ache settles in his legs... and a bit less of a relief when he realises he can feel spend starting to ooze out of him, a reminder of what was done, and that he feels a little... empty now. There's a passing realisation that maybe the redhead had even managed to leave marks on his thighs - and the reminder,
as it tingles in healing, of just how hard he'd sucked on Gepard's neck.]

No, no. I'm fine, it's just... [Gepard has to laugh, scrubbing a cheek idly.] My legs are just a bit wobbly, I think. I'm not used to the exertion, that's all. If I weren't such an awkward mess, I might... not want to stop so soon.

[It's a little embarrassing, maybe. He's always been fit and strong, so it's definitely news to realise he can be taken down so easily in intimacy. Still, he'll be fine once he's on his feet, he just has to get them used to not being wrapped around Do's hips again.]

To think I tired a guard captain out so quickly...

[Dohalim offers Gepard a wry smile, as if to try to get over his small bout of emotions. ah, he's usually so good at hiding them, mostly because he's still a little clumsy at actually showing them, but Gepard just knows him well enough that it's a bit harder to keep them in.

he considers their options they have at the moment; Dohalim can either bring a towel and just wipe the both of them down, or they can bathe together. honestly, he hopes that the latter option is the one Gepard wants... but he'd understand if the blond wants to bathe by himself. either way, that option is the best, considering that his legs are probably still tired, even after he'd healed him.

as he rises and sits back on his heels, Dohalim catches a better view of their mess, and just how... tantalising the other man still looks, laid out before him. if he wasn't already so tired, Dohalim would have continued to push him into real exhaustion if he wanted it, but as it were, he thinks he's done a thorough enough job for Gepard's first time]

I think... I should carry you to the bathroom. The last thing I would want is for you to fall.

I wouldn't call myself worn out, really. [Gepard laughs in turn, taking every expression and feeling in stride.] My legs are the only problem, and I presume it's just because it's a remarkably different exercise from what I'm used to.

[As to just existing when he's so messy... that's a little more personal. Maybe his time on the battlefield has something to do with it, but as slick turns to sticky and eventually dries out... the idea is unpleasant.

The redhead mentions carrying him, and Gepard makes a soft, certainly embarrassed noise. He's got a point, of course - the last thing he'd like to do is make Do heal him more too... but of course, it's easier to push past knowing that no one should see them.

Maybe his reputation does matter a little.]

If... if you're sure, I have no reason to refuse. I doubt I would fall, but I'm... rather loath to be farther from you than I must. [which likely answers the unasked question of bathing... Gepard shifts to make it easier to maneuver, hands already a little antsy to be around Dohalim again.] I'll... try not to make you more messy while we walk.

[never mind that there's still spend both all over his chest and slowly oozing out of him.]

Ah, the mess is usually inevitable. I suppose I could say you do get used to it, but let us get you cleaned up, regardless. Now hold onto me.

[Dohalim can understand wanting to be clean, at least. once the other Renan has a good hold on him, Dohalim lifts him up as easily as he did before, strong arms under Gepard's thighs as he carries him to his bathroom.

it shouldn't come as a surprise, as they both enter the room, just how intricately designed everything is. everything is so perfectly tiled, in white, blues, soft greens and gold, with plants lined up along the walls. the fixtures themselves are in gilded gold to match everything else; honestly, it looks more like a spa than a bathroom. but for it to belong to a lord... it makes sense for it to be so lavish.

off to the side is the bathtub itself, with short steps framing a sunken tub fitted within those steps. it makes it easier for Dohalim to sit Gepard down on the edge of the tub, before standing again]

Feel free to... Take care of yourself while I go and find some towels.

I... suppose that makes sense. I'm relieved that it at least gets more tolerable with time.

[He really is just always clean, isn't he? But his arms slide around Do's shoulders without hesitation, a soft breath of a gasp puffed out against his neck when arms slide under his thighs. No, he's most certainly not worn out... and it's taking some concentration to focus on getting to the bathroom to get clean.

Maybe Do managed to put some sort of spell on him, as it were.

When they reach the bathroom, Gepard takes a moment to take it in, finally lifting his head from the other Renan's shoulder. It's fitting, both for his style and his status; lavish but functional. Gepard shifts enough to set his legs in the water, but looks up at Dohalim with some faint hesitation on his face.]

... will you not be joining me? Although, I guess it's probably easier for me to clean up, too...

[Dohalim blinks for a moment, confused; he'd only meant to give Gepard a moment to... clean himself up properly before slipping into the bath. but he exhales a soft laugh, before leaning down to gently kiss him, soft and chaste]

I never would have thought you would miss me so much even if I was gone for the shortest of moments. I will join you, but towels are rather important to have.

[as he stands, he gives Gepard a gentle nudge on the shoulder, as if to usher him into the bath so he can relax and soothe whatever ache he couldn't reach with his astral artes. Dohalim is sure he was able to take care of most of it, but... he worries he might have been a little rougher than he wanted to be.

Dohalim quickly finds the towels, picking out the fluffiest he can find for the both of them, before joining the blond back at the tub; setting them to the side, he carefully sits at the edge]

If you do not mind moving a little bit, I can settle in behind you.

[really, he would love it if everything Dohalim said didn't make him flush so easily. his gaze flits off briefly before he speaks again.]

I-- my apologies. I'm still not... sure what to expect, or if you... would even like to share a bath.

[in spite of everything, that's true. it leaves him a little antsy, and clearly his head is still foggy enough to misunderstand Dohalim's words. of course, there's a little embarrassment in that misunderstanding, stoked by the redhead's gentle teasing, but it's kept in check by the gentle, chaste kiss and his motions.

at his urging, Gepard offers a soft smile and does shift to settle into the bath, testing his legs as they're submersed. they're fatigued, but that's really to be expected. the heat of the water is an instant relief on that end, indicating the expected muscle aches and little more. it's an even bigger relief to wash away the sticky feeling, seemingly completely at ease now that he's confirmed Dohalim isn't leaving him to his own.

in hindsight, it would have been silly, given what they'd just done and the fact that the redhead wanted him to spend the night. exhaling a sigh, he has to suppose that maybe he is feeling... just a little clingy. perhaps it's just a side effect of all they'd done?

his head tilts to glance back at Dohalim when he speaks, nodding absently in understanding. there's almost no effort expended in lifting himself up again, shifting forward to ensure ample space for the other Renan to settle in behind him.]

... thank you. For... everything, really.

[it feels like a necessity to say it somehow, but perhaps it's just because he's feeling a little awkward, unsure of what to say to keep a conversation going. he's never been the greatest at it to begin with, but this...]

[reaching up, Dohalim tucks a lock of Gepard's hair behind his ear, before moving to sink into the water behind him. there's a small sigh of relief he lets out, not realising that even his own muscles have been aching a little from exertion, and now that the adrenaline has worn off, he's more aware than ever of just how tired he is.

arms wrap around Gepard's waist as he pulls him close, legs resting on either side of him. there's plenty of room for them to easily spread out, but Dohalim doesn't want to part with the man any more than he has to. not right now, at least, not when his body is so acclimated to pressing itself against him. he can't let go of that warmth, now that he has it in his grasp.

tilting his head down, he presses a soft kiss to the back of the blond's neck, before nuzzling it]

Thank you? Whatever for? There is no need to, I think.

[Gepard settles in against Dohalim without an ounce of protest. The redhead's arms are warm around his waist, and his whole body is much the same, soothing a different sort of ache than the water.

It's... honestly, just these little moments are worth everything. He's still worried about what will happen in the future, of course, but it's easy to set it aside for now.b his hands slide over Do's, thumb brushing over the back of one as a little shiver draws through him.]

Just... for giving me this chance. Maybe it's unnecessary to you, but I just... [He pauses, trying to think through his words. They still feel a little jumbled, and some things are just too painful to talk about.] I can't help but feel a little lucky, even in the face of everything that's happened recently. Moreover, you've been patient with me, especially in light of my... inadequacies. It... just means a lot to me.

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