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[beshackled]

This is Erichthonios. Apologies for not being available at the moment. Pray leave a message, and I shall respond to your communication as soon as I receive it.

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[beshackled]

Aye. Apologies, but I have been fascinated by the changes in the octopus we bested. 'Tis shrinking and shrinking, and the marks upon it are fading away at a remarkable pace...

[There is wonder in his tone. Truly, what an amazing thing they have done.

Ah. But Themis was asking him to return...]

Would you like me to bring anything?

[heartofsalvation]

No need! I've just been taking rest while I can, what with the exhausting day I've had.

[The fascination is kind of cute, actually. He'd been curious about it as well, but it's no wonder Erichthonios has stayed to study it -- more than anything, to protect it from anyone who might have wished to finish it off, just in case.]

I'll be here when you get back.

[beshackled]

Pray rest well. You expended far more energy than I today.

[That being said, he was more than willing to shackle anyone who dared approach with vengeance in mind.

After a time, he sends a lengthy holographic video of the now very tiny and untainted creature skittishly scampering back to the water, the maintained proximity of the feed a clear indication of his following it there.]

'Tis so small...

[heartofsalvation]

It's a wonder the rot could grow something like that to such monstrous proportions. Though whether it acted for its own survival or for some other purpose, who knows...

[It's clear the substance has some significant destructive power behind it, but just what it is will have to remain a mystery for another day. He sighs.]

I wager the creature needs its rest, too, you know. If it has been a long day for us, then it has been a very long several months for the octopus.

[beshackled]

Aye... I suppose you are right.

[Would that he could observe it a little longer, or in its natural habitat.

He follows the creature a moment longer, recordings its journey to the water, where it slips into the shallow waves and quickly swims away.

At least he did not attempt to bring it back with him?]

I shall return now. Are you sure you do not want for anything?

[heartofsalvation]

Yes, I am sure. [He manages to catch his tongue before he says, "just you."] I apologize for the interruption...

--> Action

[beshackled]

You've no need to apologize, my friend.

I am on my way.

[It is... still some distance to travel, but after a time he does make it back. Tired from the journey, he slips in through the door to their inn room, softly announcing his arrival.]

Themis? I have returned. Are you awake...?

[heartofsalvation]

[It seems he's dozed off somewhat, slumping to the side of the chair he'd been waiting in, but he wakes up at the sound of the door opening, stretching his arms and sitting up straight.]

I am now; forgive me. Pray sit down and relax. It has likely been just as long a day for you, as well.

[beshackled]

Aye... the journey is not the shortest, I admit.

[Would that they had an aetheryte or two at their disposal, but 'twould seem such is not meant to be.

First making sure the door is shut and bolted -- an unusual if unfortunately necessary mechanism given the numerous intrusions of inn rooms some moons back -- Erichthonios makes his way across the room, and collapses unceremoniously into the nearest available chair, exhausted.

'Tis a mercy his father is not here to see his lack of decorum. But, he is exhausted.

After a moment, he remembers himself, and speaks up, addressing the reason behind his beckoned return.]

You wished to discuss something...?

[heartofsalvation]

Ah... yes. I wanted to talk about the other night... [An opener which might set him on edge right away, he knows, so Themis is quick to follow up.] Among other things. But before you get wrapped up in any reactions to what I have to say, I ask that you hear me out completely. It's going to take me a moment to explain.

[He takes a breath in. The subject does still make him antsy, not because he has no idea about Erichthonios's feelings, but because he's unsure how willing he is to compromise for that love. Many wouldn't at all, to be sure...]

I think by now, it is no secret I've been dancing around whatever it is going on between the two of us. Perhaps I'm just afraid of what could happen... but whatever the reason, I was given cause to think about it again today when running into Yuja. I spoke to her about my own feelings: about you, and about her, though I know not where this courage sprang from, in retrospect. The fact that the only thing keeping me from allowing you to have your way that night was the fact I couldn't stop being torn over the two of you. Or perhaps I was certain I should choose neither of you? I'm not sure anymore.

She did mention that, if all parties agree to it, perhaps there is a situation where all three of us can have what we want. I admit, it's more than a little unconventional, but I am willing to try so long as it doesn't seem like it's fostering any negativity in anyone involved. But I need everyone to be on the same page for something like that. So I suppose my first question would be... does the idea of such a thing trouble you? If so, I won't press, but I need to be clear on this.

[beshackled]

[Erichthonios listens, heeding the request that is given even though the start of it all confuses him.

He listens, and listens, and slowly feels a weight settle over his heart greater than any mere physical exhaustion.

Once Themis finally reaches the point to which he has been building, Erichthonios is quiet for a moment longer.

He closes his eyes, and takes a steadying breath.]

...And what is it that we all want?

[What is it that Themis wants? Even now, Erichthonios cannot be sure.]

I remember that night... that look upon your face. 'Tis an expression I know well, for I have worn it many a time.

[...when he would disappoint Lahabrea, Athena, Hesperos... and so many more.]

'Tis... a look of shame.

[The sort of look one wears when they do not live up to expectations, be they of someone else, or mayhap even of their own.

Slowly, Erichthonios opens his eyes, red hues yet downcast, fixed on some indeterminate point upon the floor.]

I could not bear to see it on you. Knowing that my actions played a part in it... made it all the worse.

[He pauses, taking a moment to breathe through the weight.]

I have known for some time your feelings for Yuja, as you should well know. I saw them in you even before you were ready to admit to them. And I saw hers for you...

[But... he also saw no such feelings in her for him.]

I have made it no secret what my feelings are. I would welcome a bond between us, whatever form that bond may take, but...

[At last, Erichthonios lifts his eyes, seeking Themis' gaze. This, he speaks to him directly, giving voice to that which weighs foremost in his mind.]

You must tell me, what do you want? I would have the truth. But, given our prior conversations on this matter... I fear you must first relearn how to be truthful to yourself.

[He holds his gaze a moment longer, and closes his eyes once more.

His final words are spoken softly, tiredness seeping into his bones, thoughts saturated and sluggish.

He feels as though he is underwater, sinking... down, and down...]

...I love you, Themis. I truly do.

[heartofsalvation]

No, it--

[The denials die in his throat shortly thereafter. Was it shame? Why? He knew the whole time? His heart races. Maybe this was a terrible idea after all--]

...I know. And I also love you. Truly. I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression; all I want is for you to be happy, and to use this time that we have to the fullest. I cannot fill in the third blank in this equation for the two of you, so I know not how to describe it, nor how well it will work. But if you would not be averse to me answering both her feelings and yours...

[A pained expression on his face, he turns away.]

Yes, perhaps I got carried away in my excitement. But if I must choose, I fear it may mean neither of you will win.

[Duty has ever been his true love. And that still holds, even now. But he has found room in his heart for more; the trouble is expressing it in a way Erichthonios can approve of.]

And, just an aside... I am not averse to the idea of sharing a bed with you. I just wasn't ready to do so that night.

[beshackled]

...Themis, my love, you are fretting in search of an answer you have long had.

You kissed her first, and I witnessed it... and I never conditioned the kisses we share on you not kissing her again. 'Twas you who fretted even then, imagining my displeasure where there was none.

[And... it would seem he is doing so again, though why that is, Erichthonios does not know.]

But if it is my formal permission that you seek... to court our friend, and answer her feelings in whatever way your hearts guide you... it is yours.

[After a moment's pause, he rises from his seat, slow steps guiding him in the direction of the washroom.]

I... must wash up before laying down. You are welcome to join me, or to give her the good news.

[Or both, should he choose the latter first, and the conversation not outlast his washing.]

[heartofsalvation]

[He has his answer. So why do things still feel so sour? Themis rises from his seat and takes a few wide steps to catch up with Erichthonios, putting his arms around his waist from behind and pulling him close to halt his steps.]

...I'll join you.

[A small thing, like an admission of guilt, but at least he's relenting. He holds Erichthonios there for a solid moment until letting go, moving to grab his hand.]

Because it's you I'm answering right now.

[beshackled]

[Caught within the embrace, Erichthonios concedes the unspoken request, stilling. 'Tis a comforting thing, he quickly realizes, tension he did not fully notice before slowly draining away to be replaced by a gentle and easy warmth. There is an indescribable sense of rightness to it, having his love at his back like this, arms around him...

When Themis takes his hand, he takes a moment to glance down at their joined limbs, the beginnings of a smile tugging at his lips.

He laces their fingers together.]

[heartofsalvation]

[Emboldened by an order of magnitude based upon the way he relaxes, Themis follows him into the bathroom and closes the door behind them, feeling the blush fill his face. Without removing his hand from Erichthonios's, he places his other hand atop his chest, just above where his mask is, right where skin and fabric meet.]

Then... may I?

[He glances up with a shy smile, hooking fingers into the fastenings to indicate he wants to shrug it off of him.]

[beshackled]

[Beneath Themis' fingers, Erichthonios' heart races. Enraptured by his flushed smile, he gazes upon him quietly, admiring... longing. Heat rises in his cheeks, spreading until he can feel it upon the tips of his ears. And there is not even warm water involved.

It feels as though those few seconds stretch on for an eternity, he caught in the brilliance of his eyes, the color of his lips. Themis is waiting for his answer, a gentle reminder rises from the back of his mind, and remembering himself, Erichthonios swallows thickly, and nods.]

Pray... do not let me keep you waiting.

[A tremor of anticipation running through him, Erichthonios grasps their entwined fingers with an encouraging squeeze.]

getting pretty NSFW in here, lol

[heartofsalvation]

[Themis's smile becomes wider, watching the anticipation grow on his features. He unfastens the top of the robe and pushes it past Erichthonios's shoulders, exposing his chest and upper arms. Erichthonios is hardly a battle-hardened warrior with many scars to tell the tale, but the scars from the encounter with the Phoinix remain. He traces over them lightly, despite knowing full well how cold his hands are right now.

Erichthonios had been clear in his words about wanting to be positioned under him, but perhaps this will do for now. To be able to touch and explore beforehand is... nice. Enough so that he wonders why he never caught on to just how nice it is. There had just never been anyone before... but now, he sees. Now, he notices.]

Nor I, you. You did voice your desires already... though I confess this is probably farther from what you had imagined.

Confirming veer into NSFW territory

[beshackled]

[The effect is one instantaneous. Respiration increasing from the very moment the catch to the fabric is parted, his chest rises and falls in deep swells, the chill of the air warring with the building heat in his body. Nipples perk in response to the kiss of cold, the caress of a cool hand tickling at his scar, the act as kindling to the warmth inside him, stoking him hotter.

He parts his lips, tongue wetting them as he allows Themis his pleasure, testing the limits of his own patience. His knees feel weak, but he yet stands firm, even as he speaks in a low, tremulous voice.]

Kiss me.

[heartofsalvation]

[Deeply enjoying the timbre of his voice, Themis stands as tall as he can and pulls Erichthonios down to oblige him, smoothing his palms up and down his arms. He encourages him to drop the robe to the floor, placing hands on his hips once it's gone and pressing his clothed front to Erichthonios's skin as they part.]

I thought you wanted to touch?

[An almost haughty-sounding tease; he tilts his head coyly, inviting. There is a fair bit of difference between their states of dress right now, after all.]

[beshackled]

[Oh, he most certainly wants to touch. Taking a moment to appreciate Themis' expression -- the tilt of his head, the way his long hair frames his neck and brushes it just so -- Erichthonios is quick to return to their prior act, this time taking the initiative of bending down to seize the other's lips. Bare arms slide up the soft white front of robes, fingers grazing over embroidered motifs and ornamental roping in search of the fastening, deftly undoing it once they find their mark.

Parting the loosened garment, Erichthonios rubs the pads of his thumbs along ridges of collarbone, tracing their contours as they are exposed in his quest to disrobe his friend-turned-lover.

Over shoulders and down arms, white soon joins black upon the floor.]

[heartofsalvation]

[Stretching up to try and match him, Themis drapes his arms around Erichthonios's neck, taking his time kissing him. Their stomachs touch, and a frisson runs up his spine, warm and pleasant. He'd be perfectly content to stay here for hours if the air wasn't so chilly, and the fact remains that they still need to wash up. But that can be dealt with easily enough...]

We will need these off, as well.

[A small, earnest smile. The podea skirts are very forgiving when it comes to concealing anything beneath them, but by the flush rising on his skin, it's not difficult to figure out what he's hiding. In an attempt to be coy, he pauses to assess things rather than making a move to remove them from either side.]

But as you may have noticed, my hands are rather cold... perhaps I should warm them up first?

[beshackled]

[Arms wrapping loosely around a bare waist, Erichthonios does not hesitate to run his hands over every ilm of skin within his easy reach. An appreciative hum rumbling in his throat, he traces broad patterns, ascending the sides of Themis' rib cage only to cross over his back and reverse direction, stroking down the length of it as fingers press into every curve and dip of muscle.

As tips touch the fabric of the podea, Themis' words return sharply to mind. Their remaining clothes are an obstacle, and they must needs be removed.]

...Let me warm you.

[Nuzzling against Themis' cheek, Erichthonios murmurs in a sultry timbre against his ear, lips brushing the skin there. Fingers hook into the podea waist, lingering but a moment there before continuing in their task.

It, too, falls loosely onto the floor.]

[heartofsalvation]

[His breath hitches when Erichthonios whispers into his ear, wondering somewhere dimly within himself when he'd learned to act so... so sexy? It's an unbecoming thought, so it is immediately dismissed out of hand, but the effect remains in spite of him.

Somewhat tellingly, Themis is mostly hard already, a fact that surprises even himself. When did he learn to love like this? To want, in spite of his inhibitions? He'd ponder over it some more if he had the presence of mind, but his thoughts are growing foggy while being touched like this. More and more, basic instinct is taking over.]

Mmm...

[All he can do is run a hand down Erichthonios's back after being caught off guard by his partner's sudden boldness, knowing he should probably take initiative before getting stuck in a compromising position, but failing to ever do so. Erichthonios's hands are so much bigger than his own... and his touch so warm, a stark contrast to the cool air surrounding them.]

[beshackled]

[A spark of levin arcing through his limbs at the hitching of his beloved's breath, Erichthonios presses on in his journey across the smaller body with increasing urgency. Hupodema are discarded one after the other, toed off and nudged aside as Themis strokes a hand down his back, eliciting a shudder of desire as fingers pass over the space between his shoulder blades.

He loses himself in the moment then, trailing kisses down the flushed skin of Themis' neck, lips mouthing at his collar as hands caress the curve of his hips. The background noise of his thoughts fades, higher reasoning supplanted by a need to be close, to be intimate, the trail of hands and lips progressing down and down as he slowly sinks onto his knees.

Chest and abdomen and thigh are all warmly attended, digits fondling the later as lips mark their journey across the former.

Weight borne upon his knees, Erichthonios mouths the jut of bone at Themis' hip much as he had done his collar, eyes flitting to glance at the growing hardness no longer at quite at rest between his legs. His breath grows hotter still, washing across skin, stirring the hairs that paint flesh in an array of silver-white.

He wants it, he realizes, and heeding the urge to reach out, he takes the stiffened length into his hand, encircling it in his grasp with an unfettered moan.]