sandwichbasket | OPEN POST/TFLN CONTINUATIONS

[ Theo, of course, does not leave the sink. Rather he continues to drink from his glass of water as the Exarch moves about the room. He's unpacking some things from the basket - a full one, Theo notes - and the Viera wonders if there's enough to weather the next couple of days. The red mage is about to pour another for himself, his throat ridiculously dry, when the other man sees fit to enter his personal space. Theo can only stare, a bit transfixed on mismatched hands working the washcloth and then applying a bit of magic to it.

Now the impulse hits a bit hard and Theo a bit too tired to fight it off when the Exarch has made his stance on the matter perfectly clear. The Exarch is not going anywhere. So instead of just outright accepting the cloth, Theo drops his head upon that covered shoulder. This is actually better... ]

What terrible phrasing. Let's hope that you haven't made some horrible miscalculation here.

[ Terrible phrasing, Theo calls it, and he chooses not to comment. Not to say that no, the phrasing is perfectly accurate. It's the truth of the sentiment that's the problem. ]

Believe me, some days I do nothing but hope that I haven't made a terrible miscalculation. [ His voice drops to almost nothing, so quiet that it isn't really a voice, only breath shaped into words. ] But this? This I am certain of.

[ With his spoken hand, he lifts Theo's hair slightly. So that he can press the cold cloth to the back of his neck. If nothing else, bringing his body temperature down seems important for keeping him comfortable. ]

[ Terrible phrasing because of the way it makes Theo want to react to it. At least that is what it means for him. He, of course, has not the slightest clue about how the other may feel towards him which makes the Viera believe that he is taking advantage of the Exarch and his kindness. ~~Of a moment to be had with a friend he may never see again due to G'raha's situation~~

He breathes a sigh. ]

Apologies regarding my selfishness in the moment, but I am not thinking of much outside this room right now.

[ So the first thing that can be done is not thinking about the state of the First and whether or not the Exarch is placing further burdens on Theo and yada yada. Right now it's hard not to be a little put out by discussion like that when there's company present and the Warrior of Light is right there and able to catch traces of the Exarch's ~~G'raha's~~ scent.

He almost turns so that he can attempt to get at what he can of that neck, but then feels the cool cloth on his own. Theo startles, with a bit of a surprised sound tumbling from his lips. It's freezing against his heated skin. ]

Then... You are far more certain than me. I'm still making a valiant effort to contain myself, I'll have you know.

Then, if we are to speak of matters in this room only? I bear no doubts at all. Not a one.

[ It's not entirely true. He holds many of the same concerns as Theo - that he is taking advantage. He feels entirely torn between guilt and wanting. Torn again between the both of them and another kind of wanting, for all of this but not like this.

But he is sure. Certain. That he wants Theo to be comfortable. That he wants him to find comfort with him.

When Theo makes that noise of surprise, he laughs. He can't help it, even if he does need to apologise for suddenly freezing his burning skin. ]

Too cold? I apologise. [ And then softer again. Slower. He swallows while speaking more than once, unusually lost for words. ] If it helps, to say it plainly. I understand, I believe, what might entail. And none of it is- there is no part I would not do gladly in happier circumstances.

[ Therein lies part of the struggle. It is difficult for Theo to come up with anyone else that he would readily find comfort in these moments with. No one else - even out of his closest friends present - really bears any consideration at all. There hasn't really been someone on the forefront of his mind, but since coming to the First... ]

It's fine. Just a surprise more than anything else.

[ That and because his legs still feel a touch weak. Once he finds a moment of strength it will be meandering back to the bed. Hopefully with the other following behind.

Now the other admission would have caused the Viera to lift his head and look at the other in the eyes. Yet that's not possible at the moment so he breathes out a sigh. One hand moves to grip at those robes. The Exarch is not making it any "easier" but at the same time? All too easy. A... Mutual attraction. How. Odd. ]

As for what everything might entail... I suppose that, in part, also depends upon you. No matter how much my rational side might be compromised, I won't do anything that isn't welcomed.

[ So he does know what could potentially happen. So then Theo must also make it plain. Biological and instinctual drives are one component, yes. There's also willingness and compatibility. He won't force himself on anyone, though he might take certain reactions as invitations.

That being said, though he really just wants to hold onto the man next to him, the Viera pulls away. Yes... Back to the bed he goes, but he grip hasn't. Exactly. Released its hold. ]

I know.

[ That, he is certain about. That Theo would rend himself apart before doing harm to a friend. None of this secrecy would be needed, otherwise. ]

There is one thing. [ The big, obvious thing. He follows Theo to the bed ] I- am certain that you have noticed, by now. That I do not care much for the face the tower left me.

[ A careful choice of words. Not quite a lie - the tower has, save for the crystal cutting into his cheek, left his face as it was. And he has never really cared for it. ]

I will consider the mechanics of it as problems arise. But I ask that you allow me my vanity.

[ The statement doesn't come as a surprise, really. Theo had been expecting it, of course. The request for the Exarch's face not to be revealed. Theo gives a nod before finding himself slipping into blankets. Or, rather, sliding into them and then just shifting so they cover his shoulders. So only his face and ears are exposed. The urge to arrange the Exarch next to him the way that Theo would want it is strong, but he pushes it aside for now. That he would come over willingly is enough for the Viera.

For now. ]

I wouldn't think to ask. You hide your face from us for a reason and that reason is yours alone.

[ But by all means please join Theo so that he can move a bit more. Maybe to have that cool cloth on his head while he leans against the other? ]

Should that mean that you cast a blinding spell upon me, so be it.

If you would allow it, that probably would be less disconcerting than a vanishing one upon myself.

[ He perches at the edge of the bed, leaning forward to unfasten his sandals. He's not quite so desperate to help in any way that he can that he'll consider wearing shoes in bed. And he's aware now, constantly, of every tiny noise in what he always thought of as a silent act. The metal of the buckle clicking. The sound of the leather strap dragging against it as it pulls loose.

It wasn't until he realised he ought to be as quiet as possible that he started realising just how much noise even the smallest action makes ]

Thank you. You are good, to allow me my whims.

I wouldn't have suggested if if I wasn't agreeable. You are doing this for my sake.

[ It is true. Every little sound is making his ears twitch. It's too loud, of course. But that doesn't stop Theo from creeping closer. He has a bit of a plan, of course. But right now it's just to lean against the Exarch's side. ]

You needn't mention it. Truly.

[ Because he's about not to be "good." Because the aggression is about to come into play. ]

[ He has concerns about blinding Theo. Of course, Because he has concerns about just about everything. It's already clear that noise is difficult for him, would that grow worse without his sight? To say nothing of how tempting it might be to indulge, to pretend that he sees the face of someone he knew long ago and still chooses to do this.

But Theo leans against him, and he voices none of these concerns.

Instead, he leans into Theo in turn, pulling his feet up onto the bed and tucking them beneath him. ]

I am here.

[ All of those concerns hardly matter. They pale in comparison to the Exarch's comfort in the end. Theo's ears would be largely sensitive, yes, should the need occur to follow through with such a plan. Yet he believes that he could tune all out if needed. There would be far more interesting things for him to hyperfocus on instead. In that scenario anyway.

Not that he's thinking too much on that right now. The other body shifts and leans against Theo in return. There's a soft, warm hum that seems to vibrate through his entire being shortly after those three words are said. ]

Good. Make yourself comfortable.

[ Because Theo is. That last bit of restraint just seems to go to the wayside. He can't exactly stop the himself from shifting and dropping onto the Exarch's lap. What a scene this must be. A fully grown Viera half huddled into blankets but curled up on another's lap. ]

[ Well, he wasn't quite expecting that. And perhaps he should have been.

Theo is warm. Softer, somehow, than the indomitable Warrior of Light. Smells of himself, the way he recalls, rather than of the merging of black and white aether and blade oil. And as he very cautiously moves, starts combing his glass fingers through lavender hair-

-it's more than he would have ever dared to want. Emotion twists in him as tension and then leaves him as a soft sigh. His fingers are much as they appear to be. Cold. Smooth. Hard. He can't feel Theo's hair against them, not in the way he would with his own skin. It's information - he is in contact with long, smooth strands of hair. They are not liable to cause damage to this part of the tower (his fingers). It's easier this way, for the moment. Even the warmth of Theo's body through his robes is a lot.

And before he catches himself, he purrs softly. ]

[ It works the other way for Theo as well. Like this, he can take in the scent of the other, more sensitive to it like this than he would be regularly. Given that he is under the blanket still, there's no contact there to make his skin prickle, but the crystal hand in his hair does that anyway.

Really it's an odd feeling. He doesn't know what he had been expecting from that, but it is cold. And the Viera presses against that hand to continue to feel that more - on his heated flesh more than in his hair. At least for as long as it will last.

Now he doesn't comment on the purring, though his ears twitch at the sound of it. Theo wouldn't dare. Besides... the Exarch might be able to feel something from Theo rumbling right back, if not able to hear it. It's so subtle. ]

[ He does catch himself eventually. But he doesn't stop. It's unthinkable that Theo wouldn't have noticed the sound, but if it stops then that's all the more suspicious. And if things do progress so far that a blindness spell is needed (if. He can barely bring himself to touch Theo's hair with his spoken hand), it'll be difficult to disguise hit ears or tail. If his height has not already given away that one detail.

It is not the end of the world, if Theo comes to suspect he is a mystel. Troublesome, slightly. He wasn't expecting him to remember G'raha Tia's name. It's something of a damning coincidence that he bears so many likenesses to a dead man. But there are other mystel in the world.

So he lets himself purr softly. And he can't hear the rumbling in return, but he can feel it. Through his glass fingertips, mostly (something trembling. Not a threat to the tower). Theo presses into his hand and he only hesitates for a moment before returning in kind, stroking through his hair until his fingers reach the bare skin of his neck and then leaving his hand there, cold and smooth. ]

The cloth should be a little less cold now, if you want it.

[ One day they'll have the conversation with a certain G'raha Tia and all will come to realize that Theo had known who the Exarch was for a while. For quite a while. It is only out of respect that he doesn't call the other out. And right now, the Viera can't be bothered. After all is said and done, Theo won't even bring up the purring or anything might have identified the Exarch.

Honestly he is just content to lean into the cool touch. It's enough, for the moment. Soothing and bringing the unbearable heat down a little. The ear not partially pressed against a thigh is moving with every sound though, an indication that Theo is paying attention. ]

Hmm. No. This is preferable.

[ Contact. Touch. Closeness. ]

Very well.

[ It's hard to say how long he remains there, quiet, glass hand over Theo's pulse. He could know, if he wanted. Let the tower tell him in microscopically small units of time, to the hundredth of a hundredth of a second. But he doesn't want to know. He just wants to stay here, in this room, faced with undeniable proof that the Warrior of Light never died the choking, withering death of enhanced black rose.

He's more cautious with his spoken hand than he was with the tower's. When he finally brings it up to Theo's head, brushes a fingertip lightly over a lock of hair, his heart is beating so fast that this close, hearing so sensitive, Theo can probably pick up a new, unfamiliar sound. A ringing quality to his heartbeat, like a finger running along the side of a glass.

With a soft exhale, he buries his fingers of flesh and bone in Theo's hair. ]

[ Or like the echoing of sound against glass, yes. It is a sound that makes him frown, if only because he's so unaccustomed to hearing it. Granted, should he really focus on such sounds, he might have picked up something similar before now.

But he can appreciate the coolness at his neck. Can feel how tentative the touch with the other hand his. Theo is thinking about how he can encourage it along when it moves of its own accord. Actually in his hair. The quiet little sound in Theo's throat becomes a touch louder - but still soft.

Now one of his own arms wiggles free so that he might find the means to wrap around the Miqo'te in return. ]

Stop fussing. You would not have been allowed in here at all if you were not trusted.

[ Trust. ]

Apologies. I am honoured that you would trust me. It has- it has simply been some time.

[ Some time since what, he doesn't say. There is the obvious thing it might refer to, of course, incorrect only in the way it would imply that there has been a time before this. It has been some time since his mind last let him entertain this as a possibility. Since he last let himself consider what it might feel like if he just reached out to comb his fingers through Theo's hair.

It's different, the feeling of strands of hair against his fingertips, his own fingertips. Against the crystal it was only information. Against skin, it's all emotion. Alive. He is whole and here and alive and he will remain that way. Still cautious, he drags his fingernails (he would have called them claws, once, but he keeps them clipped short and rounded these days) over the skin of Theo's scalp lightly. ]

You have earned it.

[ Not that, of course, the Exarch can guess how. Theo will not necessarily explain either. All the other needs to know is that it isn't something that has been just granted on a whim.

Rather, the whim comes by way of the Viera burying his face into the Exarch's stomach. He doesn't care how much is flesh or how much is crystal. His ear twitches, as if imploring the other to actually continue and not just stop at the scalp. Yet Theo breathes a sigh. The warmth is still there. Still consuming.

But this helps. Immensely. ]

[ It's careful, still. But he moves his spoken hand down slowly. Over scalp. Down the back of Theo's neck. And after a few seconds of hesitation, under the blanket to slide down Theo's back, between his shoulderblades.

He's so warm. In the burning, fevered way of his condition, yes. But also in the living, breathing way. Burning with life, even as he knows that somewhere inside of him the strangling nothing of the light is taking hold. ]

Whatever I have done to earn it, I should do again a thousand times. [ Then, carefully stroking at one ear with the fingertips of his crystal hand- ] Will you look at me? Only for a moment.

I would rather you didn't.

[ He would rather not lose the other again. If it at all can be avoided. There is no need for another dramatic sacrifice. No, this is fine. This is sufficient. Being here for Theo in a moment where things could so easily make him regret being alive the next couple of days ~~stupid hormones and instincts~~ is better than anything like that.

It feels good though. Having that hand move along his ear. His neck. Down to his bare back. It causes Theo to shiver, just a bit. And have to breath in deep. He can feel it. Just a simple touch, skin to skin contact, is enough to want to make him squirm in place.

But then the Exarch is asking for Theo to look. But... Hnn. Eyes flutter open and he shifts so that he can do just that. No, he can't make out anything under that hood and Theo is going to be respectful and not try to sneak a peak. ]

Yes?

Truly? Very well, then.

[ And yes, he is going to be overthinking what he could have possibly done to win Theo's trust that he also needs to not do again. The arrangement with Feo Ul, perhaps, ensuring his safety while also binding him to a pixie. Or perhaps he took offense to his fighting at his side. Or-

-he will have to consider it later (were the sandwiches too much?). Theo is looking at him.

Or looking at the shadow over his face, at least. In truth, even if Theo did try to make out what lies under the hood, he would struggle without the use of a powerful glamour dispeller regardless of the angle. And really, he didn't want him to look. He just wanted his face to be easier to reach.

He bends. It's an awkward position, practically folded in on himself. One that would have been easy enough for a miqote in his youth, but even if his body hasn't aged his back aches with it at the seam between flesh and crystal. But the effort is worth it, because he can press the flat of his palm against Theo's back to pull him in, bring his own lips (cold, soft where they aren't chapped from being chewed upon nervously) to Theo's. ]

[ This man is surely out to make things as difficult for Theo as he can. Does he even really know what he is doing, bending so to lay a kiss upon him? The spark that it ignites? How the Viera can take it as an invitation, whether it truly is or isn't? Because Theo had been fine with just the simple contact. While, yes, he could still feel the heat of his own body and that itch beneath his skin. But that he could manage.

But a kiss. That just makes that longing bloom a bit more. His ears perk forward, immediately interested. Then Theo finds himself putting down a hand to push himself up. Further into the Exarch's space. Partially to alleviate the strain that bending would cause and then also to kiss back. Because this...

This is putting a foot in a door. ]

[ The problem with his incomplete understanding of this condition is that he truly did believe that it would help. That there must be some component of this that requires such- charged actions, surely, else Theo's lying in his lap would be ineffective and inefficient compared to simply lying together bare the way people might to preserve warmth.

The key detail he is missing, of course, has nothing to do with Theo's condition or what might help it. It's that Theo knows who he is. And perhaps that basing his own understanding of what will and will not help upon Theo's own actions involves the less than accurate assumption that Theo himself is acting upon concepts like efficiency.

He himself ceases thinking overmuch about efficiency, once Theo kisses back.

He has thought about this, of course. He doubts he is anything close to the only one to do so. Who wouldn't consider kissing Eorzea's saviour? Surely half the star must have thought of it by now. Perhaps not all for so long. Perhaps not all in such graphic detail. Perhaps only a few might have imagined what would happen next-

It's a relief not to be bending so much. He wouldn't have minded, not when there was so much to gain. But it's a relief nonetheless. ]

I told you, did I not? All of this, I would do and do gladly, in happier circumstances.

[ His voice is a little rougher than when he last spoke. A little too much air stolen from his lungs by soft, gasping breaths. Even beneath the hood, a redness is spreading across his face. He isn't unaffected by this. His hand of flesh has managed to slide all the way to the small of Theo's back now. Mostly moved because of Theo's change in position, but he's making no effort to return it to where it was. The crystal hand cradles one ear, fingers curled loosely around it. ]

[ Well lying bare would certainly help things and may involve some charged actions. Though that thought is not entirely wrong, of course. There is efficiency to be considered and, in the past, Theo has done just that. He has spent former times such as this with another out of efficiency and genetic compatibility rather than anything being tied to the heart. That's what makes this so different as compared to those times.

His own feelings may or may not be involved. He may or may not think that the Exarch's feelings might also be involved.

Don't mind the Viera though, just because they might have pulled back to take a breather doesn't mean he's gone far. Though he does keep his gaze downward. Out of respect. His own voice is also deeper. Richer. Tongue feeling a bit thick. ]

Aye, you did. 'Tis that very statement that makes it all the more difficult to have any restraint.

[ Because now there's a hand on his back and Theo can feel it burning through him. There's a coolness against his ear that he is pushing into. One hand may yet brace himself on the bed, over the Exarch's lap itself., but the other has found it's way to the Exarch's side. There's so many layers, but that doesn't seem to stop the Viera from trying to find as few as there can be between skin ( or crystal ) and that hand. Even if it means only one layer.

Which means he's also steadily coming free from his blanket cocoon. ]

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