[Time passes like that, with Lahabrea's comforting weight draped over Elidibus. Clouds lazily drift overhead, the sun slowly moves, and all the while the steady sound of the tide keeps them comfortable. So, too, does the gentle rustle of leaves reach their ears as the wind caresses the foliage around them. Indeed the tree and other greenery shields them from view - or would, had that task not been achieved by way of Elidibus's prior magicks.
Indeed they still remain in effect, affording them all the privacy that this time deserves.
But feelings stir, thoughts continue on. Themis would give voice to his, and can only hope that they are returned, in kind. Though, from what he had seen, had felt, it certainly appears to be the case.]
Hephaistos, I would ask something.
[He licks his lips, taking a moment to arrange his words as he wishes them. Though his voice is smooth again, musical, it is laden with his emotions.]
What has happened between us here, I know it to be no mere physical dalliance. We have a bond, have had one for many years, but there is more to this than what we have shared previous. You feel it too, yes? How deep it runs. I would like to explore that with you, as a romantic partner.
[Pausing, he drops a kiss to Lahabrea's crown. Tender, soft. Themis offers not but himself, and all he may bring. But he knows that is enough.]
[The lull of the sea caused Lahabrea’s eyes to droop as the gentle rustling of the leaves above added to this tranquil ambiance. He was tired but at peace. The comfortable silence urged him into a twilight sleep, one that would be cut short by Elidibus's quiet utterance. Hephaistos opens his eyes once he heard the young man call his name. It takes him a moment to register what’s being said, but once he does—Hephaistos does a doubletake.
He nearly jerks out of Elidibus’s embrace with a panic-stricken expression. A panic forged by the betrayal he suffered at the cruel hands of Athena. He stares down at Elidibus with an unreadable gaze, one filled with mistrust and fear. However, the fear within his carmine gaze lessen the longer he stares into those tranquil blue pools. This isn’t Athena, this is Themis. Themis would never harm him. The Emissary always worked for the greater good of the Convocation. This man is his savior, is he not? He’s the only one to bring out of Athena’s shadow, and into the light once again.]
Themis.
[He whispers his name like a little prayer, the trepidation he once felt ebbing away like morning dew.]
What lies between us is no idle dalliance, not when the emotions between us are this strong. For decades now we have shared fleeting glances only to part ways after casting them. Never could we indulge in the passion that lies between us or allow our love to blossom.
[A sigh escapes him as he lays back down now that sudden rush of aderdaline leaves him. He’s comfortable again, and that’s a good thing.]
…Therefore, I suppose I wouldn’t be opposed to exploring such relations further. I would be remiss to do otherwise, especially when every fiber of my being yearns for it.
[He wraps his arms around Themis and gives him a little squeeze.]
[The response is a placid gaze while Lahabrea reacts, first by freezing in place, then with turmoil. Elidibus holds steady throughout, patiently waiting for the flashfire of emotions to subside. It is natural, he concedes, given the man's background, given what he had experienced. The division of his own soul, the reconciliation, the betrayal... Themis understands. He had been there, after all, for the resolution of it all. So he simply awaits with a small smile.
When the other man seems to reach a conclusion, when he speaks his name, Themis dips his head in a nod. He is listening. Then-
-Acceptance. Reciprocation.
Lahabrea returns to his chest, unaware that Elidibus feels as if he were in flight at that very moment, borne aloft by the wings of his transformed self. Reciprocation. What a heady thing, though light in this instance. Not cloying but providing them both with freedom. A freedom that they now have the time to explore, together.
Then comes the embrace, the small squeeze, and he cannot help but grin. He is happy. And amused, at Lahabrea's format words. Lovers they shall be, then.]
Settled, yes. You have made me far more happy than I could have foreseen for this day upon my awakening.
[He gives Hephaistos a squeeze in return, before a yawn comes unbidden to halt what he had been about to say. It seems the activity and his wakefulness had at last caught up to the younger man. His eyes are heavy, but doggedly he presses on.]
Ah, forgive me. It would bring me great joy for our first act together to be one of comfort. Rest with me? We shall not be disturbed.
[Something akin to a chuckle escapes Lahabrea once he hears that little yawn. It does him so much good to know that he caused that fatigue. It also does him good to know that Themis is so accepting of him and all of his flaws. Athena left a hole in his heart that he thought could never be mended. The act of her betrayal left many scars within him, some of which run deep enough to be etched into his soul. However, Elidibus is the first to attempt to mend such wounds, the first and only.
Lahabrea lets out a little hum as he nuzzles his cheek against Themis’ chest. He’s content to let the younger man act as his pillow for now. After all, Elidibus is quite comfortable and warm. However, he refuses to let go of his hand even now. If they must slumber, then they shall do so with their fingers entwined like two star-crossed lovers. This brings a smile to Lahabrea, especially once he hears Elidibus’ request.]
Of course, there’s no other place I would rather be than in your loving embrace.
[He whispers before leaning over to kiss Elidibus on the lips before he can fully fall asleep.]
When you awake, I shall be here…still holding your hand. There’s no need for us to part so soon.
[Sleepily, Elidibus returns the kiss, a languid smile turning up the corners of his lips. He is completely happy. So unexpected this was, this turn of events - Lahabrea making an appearance, this connection being forged between the two of them. The wonderful intimacy they have shared today.
He settles in, allowing his eyes to finally close.]
Not now, and not any time soon to come. Not of either of us have a say.
[A miracle that they can have this. One he plans on making the most of. He falls asleep like that, with the warmth of Lahabrea around him, with the sound of the surf in his ears. Full of blossoming love, full of potential.
Eventually he will awake, their fingers still entwined. But for now, rest.]
no subject
Indeed they still remain in effect, affording them all the privacy that this time deserves.
But feelings stir, thoughts continue on. Themis would give voice to his, and can only hope that they are returned, in kind. Though, from what he had seen, had felt, it certainly appears to be the case.]
Hephaistos, I would ask something.
[He licks his lips, taking a moment to arrange his words as he wishes them. Though his voice is smooth again, musical, it is laden with his emotions.]
What has happened between us here, I know it to be no mere physical dalliance. We have a bond, have had one for many years, but there is more to this than what we have shared previous. You feel it too, yes? How deep it runs. I would like to explore that with you, as a romantic partner.
[Pausing, he drops a kiss to Lahabrea's crown. Tender, soft. Themis offers not but himself, and all he may bring. But he knows that is enough.]
What say you?
no subject
He nearly jerks out of Elidibus’s embrace with a panic-stricken expression. A panic forged by the betrayal he suffered at the cruel hands of Athena. He stares down at Elidibus with an unreadable gaze, one filled with mistrust and fear. However, the fear within his carmine gaze lessen the longer he stares into those tranquil blue pools. This isn’t Athena, this is Themis. Themis would never harm him. The Emissary always worked for the greater good of the Convocation. This man is his savior, is he not? He’s the only one to bring out of Athena’s shadow, and into the light once again.]
Themis.
[He whispers his name like a little prayer, the trepidation he once felt ebbing away like morning dew.]
What lies between us is no idle dalliance, not when the emotions between us are this strong. For decades now we have shared fleeting glances only to part ways after casting them. Never could we indulge in the passion that lies between us or allow our love to blossom.
[A sigh escapes him as he lays back down now that sudden rush of aderdaline leaves him. He’s comfortable again, and that’s a good thing.]
…Therefore, I suppose I wouldn’t be opposed to exploring such relations further. I would be remiss to do otherwise, especially when every fiber of my being yearns for it.
[He wraps his arms around Themis and gives him a little squeeze.]
Then it’s settled, yes? We’re…lovers.
no subject
When the other man seems to reach a conclusion, when he speaks his name, Themis dips his head in a nod. He is listening. Then-
-Acceptance. Reciprocation.
Lahabrea returns to his chest, unaware that Elidibus feels as if he were in flight at that very moment, borne aloft by the wings of his transformed self. Reciprocation. What a heady thing, though light in this instance. Not cloying but providing them both with freedom. A freedom that they now have the time to explore, together.
Then comes the embrace, the small squeeze, and he cannot help but grin. He is happy. And amused, at Lahabrea's format words. Lovers they shall be, then.]
Settled, yes. You have made me far more happy than I could have foreseen for this day upon my awakening.
[He gives Hephaistos a squeeze in return, before a yawn comes unbidden to halt what he had been about to say. It seems the activity and his wakefulness had at last caught up to the younger man. His eyes are heavy, but doggedly he presses on.]
Ah, forgive me. It would bring me great joy for our first act together to be one of comfort. Rest with me? We shall not be disturbed.
no subject
Lahabrea lets out a little hum as he nuzzles his cheek against Themis’ chest. He’s content to let the younger man act as his pillow for now. After all, Elidibus is quite comfortable and warm. However, he refuses to let go of his hand even now. If they must slumber, then they shall do so with their fingers entwined like two star-crossed lovers. This brings a smile to Lahabrea, especially once he hears Elidibus’ request.]
Of course, there’s no other place I would rather be than in your loving embrace.
[He whispers before leaning over to kiss Elidibus on the lips before he can fully fall asleep.]
When you awake, I shall be here…still holding your hand. There’s no need for us to part so soon.
Wrap!
He settles in, allowing his eyes to finally close.]
Not now, and not any time soon to come. Not of either of us have a say.
[A miracle that they can have this. One he plans on making the most of. He falls asleep like that, with the warmth of Lahabrea around him, with the sound of the surf in his ears. Full of blossoming love, full of potential.
Eventually he will awake, their fingers still entwined. But for now, rest.]