hadriel | [voice]

Right, right... [Glacius murmurs, following Carlisle down, seeming to settle further--and yet a bashful little smile still colors his features as he settles over top of his partner.] Sorry, you've just made me so happy it's hard to think straight. I can't remember the last time I've felt this way, and... I know for a fact that I've never felt for anyone else what I now feel for you.

So I think... I'd just like the later, if that's alright, given that we're already here. Perhaps tomorrow we can go for a walk, but right now I just... want to... [And then, deciding it would be easier to just show rather than tell, the alien nudges Carlisle's chin with his forehead, trying to encourage him to tilt his head back into the pillow against the armrest so that he can graze the clergyman's neck with his mandible.]

[Say no more, Glacius. Carlisle obliges without a word, his neck arching backward as he feels the point of Glacius' mandible connect with his skin, pressing delicately against the curve of his muscles and jaw. He adjusts his leg behind the alien, trying to keep his feet off the couch -- it's impolite, after all -- as he leans into the pillow behind him.

He lets out a contented hm, clearly enjoying the attention as he finds his voice again.]

To hear I'm the only one who has made such a traveler feel this way is quite an honor.

Good--that's the point. Of course, I suppose there is always more I could say... [Glacius lavishes the whole length of his partner's neck with slow, attentive alien kisses, breathing deeply and slowly as he takes in the comforting scent and closeness of the clergyman. Ladling praises onto his partner while he soaks up his physical adoration seems like it would be a nice way of showing that deeply-coursing appreciation for the promise he'd made earlier, so he continues:] You are an attentive teacher, dedicated to your craft; you are resourceful and caring, you skill with magic is wondrous to behold, and you are the most talented healer I have ever met. I simply could not ask for a better partner than you.. and I am humbled that I have crossed all these worlds to be brought into your presence.

And how many healers have you met, might I ask?

[He does ask that playfully, a smile crossing him as Glacius rakes against his neck with more fervor. His fingers curl against the alien's neck as he tries to keep himself from getting too wound up too quickly.]

Do you even have a fair basis for comparison, given how few you would let near you?

So obstinate. [Glacius chuckles, laying a particularly adamant kiss as if in "punishment".] Doesn't that only prove my point? If you're one of the few I'd let near me, then clearly you are doing something right, no?

Doing something right in that I'd healed another of your kind. And in his defense, he hadn't much of a choice at the time.

[Carlisle meant to keep the chatter light, but belatedly realizes that speaking of Algidus still hurts, the wound regarding his loss one that refuses to heal no matter what he does. He pauses only a moment before trying to ignore that empty feeling in his chest, his hands at Glacius' neck sliding higher in the hopes of guiding the alien, encouraging him to continue, hoping his partner can help fill that void in his heart for the time being.]

[Glacius tilts his head up easily to accomodate Carlisle's hands, exposing his throat in a way he wouldn't dream of with anyone else, the posturing showing both truth and vulnerability. He obliges his partner with a few more kisses, but they're no longer openly desirous things; rather the alien is grazing him more gently then he had been before and is then soothing over the faint lines with his cool, glossy nasal cap--as if trying to be reassuring rather than seductive.]

Come now. You think the only reason I've let you spend so much time so close to me when I've been at my lowest is just because of your history with some... other alien? It might've helped bridge that gap but we both know there's... more to it than that. I can guarantee you when you were examining the gash of my missing mandible, when you first touched my hollows, when our pathways first joined... and all the times that came before and after that.... I wasn't thinking about Algidus. I was thinking about how much I trusted you, how comforting it was to feel your touch, how... glad I was to have you with me.

[Glacius sighs, nudging Carlisle cheek gently with his face in that way he does when he's trying to be sure he has the clergyman's attention during their closer moments.] And I'm still with you. I know you and Algidus were close, and I know I can't replace that, nor am I even enough to... make up for the lost friendship that you yearn for... but I hope that brings you some solace at least.

[Carlisle rests his cheek upon Glacius' head, his brow knitting as he embraces his partner tighter.]

I know that, Glacius. I meant it in jest, and did not mean for such a thought to sour the mood. You are not him, despite what his origins may be... and for that, I am glad. He's not the one who brings me comfort in my darkest times, who I would trust more than I trust myself with both my heart and mind. It is not for him that I would turn my back on the societal customs I have been told my entire life, and that I would face the uncertainty and dread that so plague me. He was my friend... but you are more than that, and always have been.

[With that, he presses the bridge of his nose to Glacius' nasal cap, offering him their form of a kiss.]

You didn't sound like you were speaking in jest. [But any other wariness is cut off as Carlisle tightens his embrace, squeezing a tiny little exhale out of the alien. After a moment of regathering himself he pushes his bulk further into the hug--which has the added benefit of putting himself in easy range for the kiss, which he returns wholeheartedly.]

... But I have no reason to doubt you, and no reason to protest such... heartfelt affections. Thank you, Carlisle, you are more to me as well... more than I know how to express, even. I just don't want you to be hurting.

[Carlisle lowers his voice, as though it would keep what he says just between the two of them; he does fear the false gods are listening at all times, simply looking for a way to tear them apart so that Sorrow and Rage might feast for eternity.]

You cannot protect me from all wounds, Glacius... but I know you will try.

[And he can't ask much more than that of his partner. He lets himself rest against the alien's head once more, the chill of his icy shell comforting in a way he doesn't usually associate with the cold.]

[When Glacius responds his voice is equally quiet--not out of fear of being overheard, but hushed due to the sudden and utter solemnity of the topic.] Of course I will. You deserve nothing less. And if I ever fail you in this regard, Carlisle... know that you will have the deepest apologies a warrior can give, and that I will do everything in my power to... make it better, and to make it up to you.

[Sometimes it's hard to imagine why the clergyman might be so invested in him, if he's a warrior facing the inevitability of failure in the one thing he is supposed to excel at; his calling is to protect others, and yet those around him still face the possibility of suffering every day they are stuck in this cave. Despite the lengths that the alien goes to, pushing himself to the brink and flinging himself into danger time and time again to keep others safe, it's hard not to wish he could... give them all something better.]

[Unfortunately, Carlisle knows Glacius well enough to realize that the warrior doesn't take failure well when it comes to his duty, despite the fact that in Hadriel, there is sometimes no way to win when it comes to the schemes of their tormentors. He only recognizes this because he sees it in himself every day: even now, his paranoia forces him to think of how the false gods may be listening to their every word, and his own selfish pride demands that he keep Glacius safe from harm for as long as he can. What if a day comes where he can no longer heal because of the aural maw within him? What if Glacius needs him on that day?

He has told his partner before that he will be more cautious with his health; he fears death, despite knowing it approaches ever closer with each passing minute... and yet, he'd expel every ounce of himself if it meant keeping Glacius alive. He has gone too far before when trying to mend his partner's wounds, and he has no doubt he would do it again without a second thought.

He has his moments of bravery, but as usual, they are the callings of a man on the brink of absolute desperation. He does not know what such a proud warrior, someone who could have anyone he wanted, sees in him.]

You needn't apologize, Glacius. My only request is that you don't leave me here... and even then, I suppose if you did, it would not be your choice.

[Carlisle should likely know the answer to that by now, given that Glacius just spent a good chunk of time describing everything that he sees in Carlisle--as he has done many times in the past. He'll spend whatever other time is needed hammering the point home, though, just as the clergyman will always be ready to remind him that he's not a creature, that he makes a difference, that what he perceives as failings have been anything but. Their past lives and current circumstances have all come together to make these particular notions harder to shake, but hopefully in time, they will come to understand each other in this, as they have in all other things.

Carlisle's next request isn't a difficult one, at least. Glacius pushes his nasal cap to the bridge of his partner's nose once more, emitting a vehement rumble.] Never. I will never leave you. I have always promised to be at your side no matter what-- and we're getting out of here together, remember?

Of course.

[But as much as Carlisle wants to believe that, he can still feel an inkling of doubt, paranoia poisoning his mind. It gnaws at him, eating him alive like a cavernous maw... much like the one he harbors within, devouring his very essence.

He can do nothing to sate either of them; he chooses to distract himself to cope.

Carlisle presses his forehead tightly against Glacius' head, the alien's spikes catching on his hairline. His leg curls along his partner's side, putting light pressure upon his hips.]

Glacius.

Edited 2017-08-31 19:08 (UTC)

[Glacius recognizes that tone well by now, and the human's desperate seeking of affection and solace further drives home the point that he's starting to cave to his paranoia. The ice alien responds immediately--he nuzzles back, of course, but also treats Carlisle to a sudden and powerful roll of his own hips, trying to shock the clergyman out of his glumness with luscious physicality.] What is it, my love? Were you going to remind me that we mean to be celebrating right now, not souring the wonderful promise you have made with such dour topics? You have my apologies.

[That roll only drags Carlisle from his thoughts momentarily as it sends a shudder up his spine; he sucks in a quiet breath through his nose as it comes to rest at the base of his shoulders and neck.

He shakes his head, still needing no apologies.]

I need a moment to indulge myself so that I may better fight the urge to drink.

[That gets Glacius to exhale in a mighty, exasperated snort--in time with another pointed roll of his hips.] Carlisle, please. I was being facetious. Of course I want to indulge you--and for more than a moment, if I get my way. For many moments. [The clergyman should know by now how his alien likes to tire him out.]

So--come. Celebrate with me.

[Carlisle's head pulls away as his neck arches, the angles of Glacius' abdomen creating friction against his own and the scars that lie there, the sensual pressure upon them as captivating as ever. The alien most certainly knows what he's doing, even if Carlisle, at times, does not.

He brings his hand closer to the side of his partner's face; though his brow is still knotted tightly, he wears a smile of pure gratitude as he whispers in return.]

I am yours, then. Take me from this place in any way you see fit, if you would.

[Physically, mentally, figuratively, or romantically -- Carlisle isn't picky, so long as his senses are consumed with only the thoughts of his partner before him.]

[voice]

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