[He's content to gather her as close as close can be. It's sad that such a lovely woman, a lovely person inside and out has to deal with something so complicated, but he supposes that's life. Easy answers are few and far between.
He considers for a bit before speaking again, listening to the sound of their breath in the darkness.]
[She's pleased enough to hold him in silence until he speaks again. Her eyes open, a bit surprised.
Perhaps someone of a more modern persuasion would have noticed before now. But they've never stayed together overnight before, have they? (Not in person, anyway.) Ivy's always been amenable to one of them excusing themselves. They both have to work, and she would never think to impose. But the idea of not having to get up from here, staying with him all night...
Her reply is soft, where only he could ever hear it.]
I would. Very much.
[She'll text Jester to let her know, and ask her to feed the cat. But that's as far from this bed as she's willing to move until the morning, now.]
[Doesn't he know it, too. He smiles at her answer, not having expected a rejection, but it's nice to have it decided and out there. He cups her cheek in a gentle hand, pressing a soft kiss to her lips.]
I'm glad. Don't be too alarmed if Blade joins us some time in the night. He's good about not kicking.
[If the Maker smiles on him, he won't kick much, either. He doesn't awaken crying out every night. It's worth the risk to have her here, especially after the conversation. She shouldn't have to walk home after something like that.]
[Her smile show her gratitude for his graciousness, and she happily leans in to kiss him. It's starting to dawn on her that she really, really doesn't have to get up. Get dressed. Walk home in the cold. Her earlier uneasiness is replaced by giddy delight.
She giggles at the mention of Blade.The rooms here don't get nearly as cold as they did back home, but Ivy hoards warmth regardless. Especially in a cozy bed.
She cuddles in close and glances up at him, still positively gleeful.]
It depends on if we're eating with Rhys or not. He doesn't eat meat. I try to be respectful of that when we eat together. In that case we make porridge with dried fruit and nuts, a drizzle of honey and cream. It's quite nice.
If he's already gone for the day, sausages and eggs with toast and jam.
I am going to cook for you, in case there's any question.
[He's smiling in the darkness, nuzzling against her throat.]
So if you have any requests, do put them in.
[The less he thinks about this, the less chance there is he'll trip himself up overthinking or getting too nervous. The breakfast talk is a perfect distraction from overarching concerns.]
That's thoughtful of you. I hope we didn't disturb him earlier.
[Even if Ivy is boggling at the mere concept of not eating meat. (What else is there?)
Either of the options he describes make her stomach rumble with anticipation. She turns her face enough to drag her lips along his temple, then buries her nose in his hair.]
I'm looking forward to it. Anything you make will be wonderful.
I have absolutely no room to complain about amateur cooking, darling. [Frankly, she considers it a miracle she's gotten as good at it as she has. Fortunately, she's always been good at following written directions. Too good, once or twice.]
It'll be wonderful. You're wonderful. [Her smile softens, and she closes her eyes and relaxes.] And warm.
I'm going to remind you that you said that first part in the morning when something is burned.
[That's what the delivery services are for, one of his favorite things about this place beyond the almost never ending hot water.
And a good deal behind her. He relaxes into the mattress and settles so that both of them can be comfortable and not hold themselves awkwardly.]
So are you. I've...aside from bunking, which is entirely different, and my own siblings...also entirely different, never actually slept with anyone before. I hope I don't snore or...
Ohh. Lucky me. [She glances at him, smiling and pleased, then reaches up to muss his hair a bit.] Not to worry. I'm a heavy sleeper. And you'll find I steal covers right back.
[She twists enough to kiss him, briefly, then sighs.]
[He settles in. It's a while before he gets to sleep, the weight of her in the bed with him novel, the sound of her breathing.
It's Blade settling in at his back that sends him down, the dog's familiar presence comforting and expected. Luckily, aside from stirring here and there, he doesn't awaken until early morning, his usual time, and doesn't immediately attempt to get out of bed, not wanting to awaken her.]
[She sleeps hard and peacefully beside him, falling under quickly and staying there.
In the morning, it's a good half hour or so after him that she shows any sign of stirring. She's not exactly a morning person, though the unfamiliar surroundings and the weight next to her work to keep her from sleeping in too late.
Her eyes open briefly, then she smiles and closes them again, as though pretending she's still sleeping. No doubt he sees it, though.]
[Even if he hadn't seen it, there's a certain quality to someone awake different from the heaviness of sleep. He'd felt the change in her, heard the switch in the rhythm of her breath. It amuses him beyond words to see her quickly shut her eyes again.
He rubs his hand gently down the side of her hip and squeezes her upper thigh with a soft press of fingertips and thumb.
A slight lean and curl forward has his breath spilling across her brow, lips coming to rest lightly against her forehead. He doesn't yet speak, not wanting to spoil the game.]
[Her eyes and smile both twitch when he kisses her forehead, giving her away for certain, but she still maintains the ruse.
She resists the urge to smile wider, to roll forward and curl into his arms, perhaps wanting to see what else he will do to play along with this silly little act.]
[He can't stop smiling. It's possible she might be able to feel it in the way his lips press to her forehead. Smiles and all, he kisses across her brow in a small trail, then gently over each eyelid, one and then the other.
When he makes his way down to her nose, he gives it a sudden wet little kiss, and that's when he can't hold back his laughter anymore.]
[It takes all she has not to laugh at as he kisses his way down her face. The last kiss is the break, and when he starts laughing she busts up too, bright and warm and very, very silly.
She opens her eyes, practically glowing with delight.]
[If anyone had told him he'd ever awaken laughing with a beautiful, vibrantly intelligent woman in his arms, he'd have scoffed. He almost feels the need to pinch himself. This sort of thing doesn't happen to him.]
Good morning.
[He nuzzles in against her throat, smelling warm skin and the remnant of perfume.]
[She giggles and tilts her face to give him more room to nose and cuddle. Her arms slide over his shoulders to keep him from getting any ideas about sliding away.]
[However, with her holding him that way, he has no intention of trying to escape, not yet. A hand settles against the small of her back to rub a slow circle. Touching just for the sake of it.
He has never had much of that in his life, not at home, not here.]
[Her fingertips slide back and forth over his shoulders, rubbing the muscles beneath as much as admiring them. Skin to skin like this, it feels so good. She's half-tempted to suggest they stay in bed all day, until necessity absolutely dictates they get up.]
[It feels naughty in a fun way to break routine. He couldn't do this every day, but with today not a work day and Blade still lounging in the bed at his back, the prospect is a pleasant one.
He brushes a kiss to her cheek and lets it linger. As much as he could go another round with her this morning, for now he's more interested in a subtler sort of intimacy.]
[She giggles under her breath again, and her immediate response to his statement is a cheeky one.] Staying in bed all morning?
[But that's just a reflex, to cover the warm, soft part of her that swells as he says it. She strokes his hair, reassurance that she was only teasing, and decides it is only fair to answer in kind.]
Nor I. [She knows exactly what "this" he's referring to, even if she can't bring herself to speak it.] This is all quite new to me.
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[He's content to gather her as close as close can be. It's sad that such a lovely woman, a lovely person inside and out has to deal with something so complicated, but he supposes that's life. Easy answers are few and far between.
He considers for a bit before speaking again, listening to the sound of their breath in the darkness.]
Would you like to stay the night?
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[She's pleased enough to hold him in silence until he speaks again. Her eyes open, a bit surprised.
Perhaps someone of a more modern persuasion would have noticed before now. But they've never stayed together overnight before, have they? (Not in person, anyway.) Ivy's always been amenable to one of them excusing themselves. They both have to work, and she would never think to impose. But the idea of not having to get up from here, staying with him all night...
Her reply is soft, where only he could ever hear it.]
I would. Very much.
[She'll text Jester to let her know, and ask her to feed the cat. But that's as far from this bed as she's willing to move until the morning, now.]
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[Doesn't he know it, too. He smiles at her answer, not having expected a rejection, but it's nice to have it decided and out there. He cups her cheek in a gentle hand, pressing a soft kiss to her lips.]
I'm glad. Don't be too alarmed if Blade joins us some time in the night. He's good about not kicking.
[If the Maker smiles on him, he won't kick much, either. He doesn't awaken crying out every night. It's worth the risk to have her here, especially after the conversation. She shouldn't have to walk home after something like that.]
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[Her smile show her gratitude for his graciousness, and she happily leans in to kiss him. It's starting to dawn on her that she really, really doesn't have to get up. Get dressed. Walk home in the cold. Her earlier uneasiness is replaced by giddy delight.
She giggles at the mention of Blade.The rooms here don't get nearly as cold as they did back home, but Ivy hoards warmth regardless. Especially in a cozy bed.
She cuddles in close and glances up at him, still positively gleeful.]
What do you like for breakfast?
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If he's already gone for the day, sausages and eggs with toast and jam.
I am going to cook for you, in case there's any question.
[He's smiling in the darkness, nuzzling against her throat.]
So if you have any requests, do put them in.
[The less he thinks about this, the less chance there is he'll trip himself up overthinking or getting too nervous. The breakfast talk is a perfect distraction from overarching concerns.]
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[Even if Ivy is boggling at the mere concept of not eating meat. (What else is there?)
Either of the options he describes make her stomach rumble with anticipation. She turns her face enough to drag her lips along his temple, then buries her nose in his hair.]
I'm looking forward to it. Anything you make will be wonderful.
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[One has to consider such things in this place, especially since none of the walls are stone.
Maker, it's different lying like this when he knows neither of them is going anywhere. It's unbelievably luxurious. He can't help his rueful chuckle.]
You say that now...
[He has been known to burn the odd egg. And perhaps undercook the sausage.]
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I have absolutely no room to complain about amateur cooking, darling. [Frankly, she considers it a miracle she's gotten as good at it as she has. Fortunately, she's always been good at following written directions.
Too good, once or twice.]It'll be wonderful. You're wonderful. [Her smile softens, and she closes her eyes and relaxes.] And warm.
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[That's what the delivery services are for, one of his favorite things about this place beyond the almost never ending hot water.
And a good deal behind her. He relaxes into the mattress and settles so that both of them can be comfortable and not hold themselves awkwardly.]
So are you. I've...aside from bunking, which is entirely different, and my own siblings...also entirely different, never actually slept with anyone before. I hope I don't snore or...
[Awaken screaming in the night.]
Or steal the covers.
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[She twists enough to kiss him, briefly, then sighs.]
Good night, my darling.
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[He settles in. It's a while before he gets to sleep, the weight of her in the bed with him novel, the sound of her breathing.
It's Blade settling in at his back that sends him down, the dog's familiar presence comforting and expected. Luckily, aside from stirring here and there, he doesn't awaken until early morning, his usual time, and doesn't immediately attempt to get out of bed, not wanting to awaken her.]
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In the morning, it's a good half hour or so after him that she shows any sign of stirring. She's not exactly a morning person, though the unfamiliar surroundings and the weight next to her work to keep her from sleeping in too late.
Her eyes open briefly, then she smiles and closes them again, as though pretending she's still sleeping. No doubt he sees it, though.]
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He rubs his hand gently down the side of her hip and squeezes her upper thigh with a soft press of fingertips and thumb.
A slight lean and curl forward has his breath spilling across her brow, lips coming to rest lightly against her forehead. He doesn't yet speak, not wanting to spoil the game.]
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She resists the urge to smile wider, to roll forward and curl into his arms, perhaps wanting to see what else he will do to play along with this silly little act.]
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When he makes his way down to her nose, he gives it a sudden wet little kiss, and that's when he can't hold back his laughter anymore.]
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She opens her eyes, practically glowing with delight.]
Good morning, handsome.
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Good morning.
[He nuzzles in against her throat, smelling warm skin and the remnant of perfume.]
How'd you sleep?
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Wonderfully. Warm and wonderfully.
[Her hand finds his head, fingertips curling through his hair.]
What about you?
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[Thank the Maker.]
Now I have a conundrum, though.
[He leans up into the touch, very catlike, and in turn noses in against her hair, feeling it tickle his face.]
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Torn between a warm bed and a hot breakfast?
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[However, with her holding him that way, he has no intention of trying to escape, not yet. A hand settles against the small of her back to rub a slow circle. Touching just for the sake of it.
He has never had much of that in his life, not at home, not here.]
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[Her fingertips slide back and forth over his shoulders, rubbing the muscles beneath as much as admiring them. Skin to skin like this, it feels so good. She's half-tempted to suggest they stay in bed all day, until necessity absolutely dictates they get up.]
Surely, we have time for both.
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[It feels naughty in a fun way to break routine. He couldn't do this every day, but with today not a work day and Blade still lounging in the bed at his back, the prospect is a pleasant one.
He brushes a kiss to her cheek and lets it linger. As much as he could go another round with her this morning, for now he's more interested in a subtler sort of intimacy.]
I'm not...I haven't done this, you know?
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[But that's just a reflex, to cover the warm, soft part of her that swells as he says it. She strokes his hair, reassurance that she was only teasing, and decides it is only fair to answer in kind.]
Nor I. [She knows exactly what "this" he's referring to, even if she can't bring herself to speak it.] This is all quite new to me.
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[Lightly humorous. He is perfectly willing to walk down that path rather than stating certain things with too much emphasis for comfort.]
We seem to be navigating it well.
[He scratches his nails over her back, assuming she likely awakens with morning itches much the same as him.]
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