It took a bit for Rowan to wake up. Cris waited patiently through the process, gently stroking his companion's back and side. It was about ten minutes before the redhead struggled upward through the haze of sleep and finally opened his eyes.
Disney world? Christian looked around to see what Rowan was looking at and noticed the windows. Funny he thought the theme park was in Florida. Still, he had to admit the view was different. At least the redhead hadn't freaked out at the sight of sunlight coming through the windows.
Rowan seemed to be taking the situation well. Christian was somewhat relieved. He was a bit worried that his companion would regret what had happened, or what appeared to have happened at any rate. He watched Rowan's expression as the man looked around the room and slid an arm around his waist. Cris smiled.
"Good morning."
The hand through his hair was delightful and Christian closed his eyes briefly, enjoying the gentle touch before he answered his companion's question.
"I'm good. A little blood later and everything will be fine. Before that, I've made some coffee. Want some?"
Parley! (Attn: Rowan)
Cris had been helped up by Rowan, who did seem steadier on his feet. He blinked a few times in the hallway, trying to make sense of the row of doors. Definitely not the right place.
Turning to look at his companion, his head fell sideways, like it was made of lead. He peered at the redhead with one blue eye and then lifted a hand part way up to point to the elevator. Getting his point across, he let the heavy limb drop back to his side.
"We need to go...down."
He'd specify later, once they made their first objective. A voice asked him if he needed help.
" 'm good, thanksh."
There was no reply, so he figured the voice was satisfied. Tilting his head to look back at Rowan again, he smiled.
"Your ver... patient." He laid his head against his companion. "like that."
Christian Bern
13 years ago
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan's observations confirmed what Christian said; he did look fine. Coffee sounded good; he smiled and nodded. But he didn't move his arm from around Christian's waist.
His naked waist.
Because, Christian wasn't wearing a stitch.
Rowan lifted himself a little bit, looked down. Huh. Neither was he. Why didn't he remember this part? Surely, he would have remembered this part. What had happened after the whole collapsing on the bed thing? Apparently, naked had happened. That much was clear but... Rowan was just not used to forgetting his affairs.
And he didn't one-night-stand his clanmates. Never. Particularly not handsome blond-haired blue-eyed ones. No matter how hot they looked in a suit.
Trying to distract himself before certain things became too obvious, Rowan looked around the room he found himself in. It was a facsimile of an alpine lodge, all wood and stone and warmth. The sunlight in the windows was fascinating. They couldn't have slept very long if it was morning. This must be Christian's apartment. And, having gotten him home as promised, what had he done next?
He looked into those blue eyes and found himself, for once, at a complete loss for words. That was... unusual. Rowan always had words. And yet his tongue froze in his mouth at the sight of Christian's face, his soft smile, and those incredibly blue eyes.
"Um."
Not his most eloquent. But he was trying. He let his head fall back onto the pillow. What was he supposed to say, here? Um sounded like a good start. He'd just go from there.
His naked waist.
Because, Christian wasn't wearing a stitch.
Rowan lifted himself a little bit, looked down. Huh. Neither was he. Why didn't he remember this part? Surely, he would have remembered this part. What had happened after the whole collapsing on the bed thing? Apparently, naked had happened. That much was clear but... Rowan was just not used to forgetting his affairs.
And he didn't one-night-stand his clanmates. Never. Particularly not handsome blond-haired blue-eyed ones. No matter how hot they looked in a suit.
Trying to distract himself before certain things became too obvious, Rowan looked around the room he found himself in. It was a facsimile of an alpine lodge, all wood and stone and warmth. The sunlight in the windows was fascinating. They couldn't have slept very long if it was morning. This must be Christian's apartment. And, having gotten him home as promised, what had he done next?
He looked into those blue eyes and found himself, for once, at a complete loss for words. That was... unusual. Rowan always had words. And yet his tongue froze in his mouth at the sight of Christian's face, his soft smile, and those incredibly blue eyes.
"Um."
Not his most eloquent. But he was trying. He let his head fall back onto the pillow. What was he supposed to say, here? Um sounded like a good start. He'd just go from there.
Christian Bern
13 years ago
Then again perhaps Rowan just hadn't woken up yet. Christian watched the redhead look down at himself and seemed to notice for the first time that he wasn't wearing any clothes. Cris followed the gaze down Rowan's superbly built frame and was gratified to notice that his naked presence was having an apparent affect on the man even when he was sober.
His companion look around the room again. Cris watched and waited until Rowan's gaze was on him once more. He smiled softly. The verbal response was a bit lacking but totally understandable.
"In case you're wondering. I don't know either."
Christian shrugged a shoulder and lifted a hand to gently brush his thumb along Rowan's jaw.
"Whatever happened, happened."
He wouldn't be opposed to it doing so again, either. Christian came to the realization while waiting for the redhead to come to terms with the situation. It had been a long time since he had thought that way about a clan mate. He normally went out of his way to avoid such involvement. He couldn't this time. Maybe it was hearing Rowan laugh, or his lighthearted banter or simply watching him sleep peacefully. Whatever it was, the redhead had managed to sneak past his normal closed off defenses and now he didn't want to put them back up.
His companion look around the room again. Cris watched and waited until Rowan's gaze was on him once more. He smiled softly. The verbal response was a bit lacking but totally understandable.
"In case you're wondering. I don't know either."
Christian shrugged a shoulder and lifted a hand to gently brush his thumb along Rowan's jaw.
"Whatever happened, happened."
He wouldn't be opposed to it doing so again, either. Christian came to the realization while waiting for the redhead to come to terms with the situation. It had been a long time since he had thought that way about a clan mate. He normally went out of his way to avoid such involvement. He couldn't this time. Maybe it was hearing Rowan laugh, or his lighthearted banter or simply watching him sleep peacefully. Whatever it was, the redhead had managed to sneak past his normal closed off defenses and now he didn't want to put them back up.
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan let his hand stray from around Christian's waist, smoothing it up and down, trying to glean some sort of familiarity from the strong but slight body resting against him. To his surprise it came, slowly. He had a brief flash of memory, of hands reaching, exploring, lips meeting. But beyond that, no... he couldn't recall.
Christian didn't seem upset. His words were not exactly warm, romantic, or anything like that but then, did they need to be when his hand was gently tracing its way over his face and his body was pressed warmly against Rowan's? Besides they hardly knew each other.
But oh, he really did want to know more.
This was a different person from the quiet, dry, coolly professional man Rowan had met previously at the Towers. Not only was he intrigued by the difference, he also found Christian to be a good companion regardless. One just had to understand, perhaps... he recalled with a smile Christian's ready willingness to be an accomplice in Rowan's little practical joke on Pakpao in the bookstore. That was someone fun. Even beyond the suit.
The hand that had brushed Christian's hair back found a resting spot at the base of his neck. Rowan pulled gently, tugging the blond closer, and lifted his own head to press his lips to Christian's in a warm kiss. He broke away after a moment.
"I remember that. That definitely happened."
He smiled again, fangs peeking out from behind his lips as he did. Pulling Christian close once more Rowan shoved the awkward feeling back and away and said, "That could happen again. If you wanted."
He watched Christian from calm, green-gray eyes. Rowan couldn't remember the last time he had slept with someone, actually slept in their bed with them, and returned to do it again. He was having a hard time thinking why he shouldn't do so with Christian. Rowan had long since stopped being particular about whether his lovers were male or female. What mattered to him was how well they suited each other. And, lying here with his arms full of this slight, lithe, warm and gentle near-stranger, Rowan thought they might suit each other very well.
Christian didn't seem upset. His words were not exactly warm, romantic, or anything like that but then, did they need to be when his hand was gently tracing its way over his face and his body was pressed warmly against Rowan's? Besides they hardly knew each other.
But oh, he really did want to know more.
This was a different person from the quiet, dry, coolly professional man Rowan had met previously at the Towers. Not only was he intrigued by the difference, he also found Christian to be a good companion regardless. One just had to understand, perhaps... he recalled with a smile Christian's ready willingness to be an accomplice in Rowan's little practical joke on Pakpao in the bookstore. That was someone fun. Even beyond the suit.
The hand that had brushed Christian's hair back found a resting spot at the base of his neck. Rowan pulled gently, tugging the blond closer, and lifted his own head to press his lips to Christian's in a warm kiss. He broke away after a moment.
"I remember that. That definitely happened."
He smiled again, fangs peeking out from behind his lips as he did. Pulling Christian close once more Rowan shoved the awkward feeling back and away and said, "That could happen again. If you wanted."
He watched Christian from calm, green-gray eyes. Rowan couldn't remember the last time he had slept with someone, actually slept in their bed with them, and returned to do it again. He was having a hard time thinking why he shouldn't do so with Christian. Rowan had long since stopped being particular about whether his lovers were male or female. What mattered to him was how well they suited each other. And, lying here with his arms full of this slight, lithe, warm and gentle near-stranger, Rowan thought they might suit each other very well.
Christian Bern
13 years ago
He leaned into the sweet gentle kiss, that seemed just a tad uncertain. Leaning back once more, Christian's lips curled up in an amused smile at Rowan's words.
"Yes, that did happen. I recall it clearly as well."
Running his hand lightly over Rowan's chest, down his stomach and across to one hip, Cris nodded. He brushed his lips lightly against his companion's, before pulling back. "I hope so." He said quietly. Christian looked up and down the length of Rowan, very clearly enjoying the view before he returned his eyes to the green-grey ones that were watching him. "I certainly want it to."
Whether that was simply another kiss or something more, he wanted to. Christian was also certain that he'd like to remember it this time in its entirety.
"Yes, that did happen. I recall it clearly as well."
Running his hand lightly over Rowan's chest, down his stomach and across to one hip, Cris nodded. He brushed his lips lightly against his companion's, before pulling back. "I hope so." He said quietly. Christian looked up and down the length of Rowan, very clearly enjoying the view before he returned his eyes to the green-grey ones that were watching him. "I certainly want it to."
Whether that was simply another kiss or something more, he wanted to. Christian was also certain that he'd like to remember it this time in its entirety.
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan lay there for Christian, unashamed at his own nudity. Christian seemed to like what he saw and Rowan, in turn, liked that. He wrapped his arms around Christian, enveloping him as much as he could. It wasn't hard; Christian was shorter, slighter, almost delicate in build but not weak. Rowan's hands encountered smooth skin over hard wiry muscle.
Christian's words made him breathe a sigh of relief and he relaxed a bit, tension flowing out. "You do?"
He beamed, eyes crinkling at the corners. "I wasn't sure."
It was hard to gauge Christian's mood. He hadn't thought much about it when he'd met him before but last night at Eiryk's Rowan had been very interested in knowing what the blond thought and how he felt.
At the moment certain things were more than clear. Having Christian laying naked next to him left absolutely nothing to the imagination and it was plain that Rowan was not the only one in the room who was excited at the prospect of 'again.'
With a soft sigh Rowan pulled Christian close once more, still holding him tightly, kissing him again and pressing his tongue gently against Christian's lips. Yes, he remembered that. And yes, he wanted more.
Christian's words made him breathe a sigh of relief and he relaxed a bit, tension flowing out. "You do?"
He beamed, eyes crinkling at the corners. "I wasn't sure."
It was hard to gauge Christian's mood. He hadn't thought much about it when he'd met him before but last night at Eiryk's Rowan had been very interested in knowing what the blond thought and how he felt.
At the moment certain things were more than clear. Having Christian laying naked next to him left absolutely nothing to the imagination and it was plain that Rowan was not the only one in the room who was excited at the prospect of 'again.'
With a soft sigh Rowan pulled Christian close once more, still holding him tightly, kissing him again and pressing his tongue gently against Christian's lips. Yes, he remembered that. And yes, he wanted more.
Christian Bern
13 years ago
He found himself wrapped in Rowan's arms. It was not at all unpleasant but it did make him wonder how much coddling and care he needed the night before. Cris was a little concerned that his companion might have a different view of his personality when he was sober. Those in the medical profession tended to be care givers and there was no doubt in his mind that he needed plenty of care last night. They should probably sort some things out. Christian was not good at that; he was most certainly out of practice.
"I do." Christian confirmed and then smiled at the iconic words. He continued his light caresses, doing his best to wordlessly ease any worries his companion might have.
Rowan pulled him close for another kiss, holding him as if he were afraid Christian might get up and leave or perhaps simply vanish. Cris parted his lips, allowing access, his tongue seeking it in return. He curled a knee up enough to use it as leverage to tilt himself over on top of the redhead.
He pulled back enough to regard his companion for a moment before progressed too far.
"Are you sure this is what you want? My crude drunken advances aside, I don't normally...do this." It was hard to explain what he meant. He had sex often enough but not relationships and he did not dally with clan mates for casual sex lest they get hurt. Christian pulled away, sitting up and placing a hand gently on Rowan's chest. His own attraction to the man was obvious but he tried to ignore that physical motivation for a moment. " What I mean to say is, I don't want you to get hurt." Cris looked at Rowan solemnly. "You're a good man and I'm a complicated one. Quite possibly a difficult one."
He would admit to himself that he was afraid. Christian didn't let people in. One night stands for a meal and some relaxation had been his normal method of interaction for...had it been almost two centuries? His job and his routine were shields against the pain of letting someone in...and losing them.
Now that he took a good look at how empty of true intimacy his life had been, Cris found that he didn't want to go back to it. What if Rowan only wanted a role in the hay? If they continued to see each other could he pretend the redhead meant nothing to him if sex was all the man wanted while seeing him day after day?
He wasn't so sure.
"I do." Christian confirmed and then smiled at the iconic words. He continued his light caresses, doing his best to wordlessly ease any worries his companion might have.
Rowan pulled him close for another kiss, holding him as if he were afraid Christian might get up and leave or perhaps simply vanish. Cris parted his lips, allowing access, his tongue seeking it in return. He curled a knee up enough to use it as leverage to tilt himself over on top of the redhead.
He pulled back enough to regard his companion for a moment before progressed too far.
"Are you sure this is what you want? My crude drunken advances aside, I don't normally...do this." It was hard to explain what he meant. He had sex often enough but not relationships and he did not dally with clan mates for casual sex lest they get hurt. Christian pulled away, sitting up and placing a hand gently on Rowan's chest. His own attraction to the man was obvious but he tried to ignore that physical motivation for a moment. " What I mean to say is, I don't want you to get hurt." Cris looked at Rowan solemnly. "You're a good man and I'm a complicated one. Quite possibly a difficult one."
He would admit to himself that he was afraid. Christian didn't let people in. One night stands for a meal and some relaxation had been his normal method of interaction for...had it been almost two centuries? His job and his routine were shields against the pain of letting someone in...and losing them.
Now that he took a good look at how empty of true intimacy his life had been, Cris found that he didn't want to go back to it. What if Rowan only wanted a role in the hay? If they continued to see each other could he pretend the redhead meant nothing to him if sex was all the man wanted while seeing him day after day?
He wasn't so sure.
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan was enjoying Christian's kiss, possibly more than he should for such a simple thing. Christian angled himself up over Rowan and Rowan leaned back down onto the bed without a qualm, submitting gladly.
When Christian stopped and pulled back though, placing his hand on Rowan's chest, Rowan watched him with brows raised. Christian's words were clear but the meaning behind them not so much. What was he expecting from Rowan? He didn't normally do - what? Screw?
Even as he thought the word, Rowan quailed inside. It sounded wrong. In an effort to better understand he swallowed his dislike for his own abilities and opened himself up, furrowing his brow at Christian as he invoked his empathy. He winced as he felt the burning begin on his left shoulder and travel down across his chest, but even as the fire proceeded to cover his abdomen and travel down his right leg he felt a flood of emotions.
The strongest ones were lust, worry, and, somewhat shaded and hard to catch onto as it flamed across the back of Rowan's neck, hope. A sense of honor, some measure of fear, and concern, blossomed in sparks of flame over his eyes and forehead.
It was a lot to countenance, and as Christian claimed it was a lot more complex than he would have expected from a no-strings-attached arrangement. So then. Something different.
Stifling a groan of pain Rowan pushed aside the burning sensation that came about whenever he used that particular ability. He looked at Christian again. "I'm not that good," he said with a self-deprecating smile, "and I... like complicated. Life is boring otherwise."
He lifted his hand to Christian's face, no longer trying to hold onto him since he'd pulled away. "Why don't you tell me what you want?"
Rowan didn't exactly know how to proceed. This wasn't his usual method. He felt awkward, like he imagined a teenager must feel on his first date. If that first date meant ending up sprawled naked beneath your intended lover before you knew anything about them aside from their name and - okay it wasn't a perfect metaphor. But he wasn't even sure what Christian expected of him at this point.
When Christian stopped and pulled back though, placing his hand on Rowan's chest, Rowan watched him with brows raised. Christian's words were clear but the meaning behind them not so much. What was he expecting from Rowan? He didn't normally do - what? Screw?
Even as he thought the word, Rowan quailed inside. It sounded wrong. In an effort to better understand he swallowed his dislike for his own abilities and opened himself up, furrowing his brow at Christian as he invoked his empathy. He winced as he felt the burning begin on his left shoulder and travel down across his chest, but even as the fire proceeded to cover his abdomen and travel down his right leg he felt a flood of emotions.
The strongest ones were lust, worry, and, somewhat shaded and hard to catch onto as it flamed across the back of Rowan's neck, hope. A sense of honor, some measure of fear, and concern, blossomed in sparks of flame over his eyes and forehead.
It was a lot to countenance, and as Christian claimed it was a lot more complex than he would have expected from a no-strings-attached arrangement. So then. Something different.
Stifling a groan of pain Rowan pushed aside the burning sensation that came about whenever he used that particular ability. He looked at Christian again. "I'm not that good," he said with a self-deprecating smile, "and I... like complicated. Life is boring otherwise."
He lifted his hand to Christian's face, no longer trying to hold onto him since he'd pulled away. "Why don't you tell me what you want?"
Rowan didn't exactly know how to proceed. This wasn't his usual method. He felt awkward, like he imagined a teenager must feel on his first date. If that first date meant ending up sprawled naked beneath your intended lover before you knew anything about them aside from their name and - okay it wasn't a perfect metaphor. But he wasn't even sure what Christian expected of him at this point.
Christian Bern
13 years ago
Christian was not sure what he was expecting from what he had said but it wasn't the frown and the wince of pain. He leaned down closer to Rowan, placing both hands on the man's shoulders.
"Are you okay?"
He gave the man a frown of his own and unfocused his eyes a tad in order to see with his empathy the swirl of colours that surrounded his companion. Cris knew that Rowan possessed subterfuge so he did not expect to get much; however, the redhead obviously wasn't using it at the moment. He expected to see the red of lust and quickly looked past it to the other colours; bright curious yellow, a gentle pink that he associated with new emotional attachments, blues, greens and silver that he suspected were colours of nurturing and compassion that were common to Rowan as was the very open minded silver, lastly there seemed to a small dark green spot of insecurity and doubt.
None of these things suggested a person looking for a one night stand. Christian relaxed and smiled softly, wider when Rowan claimed not to be so good, his aura proved otherwise but Cris wasn't going to argue, and that he liked complicated.
He sighed quietly a bit frustrated at his inability to answer Rowan's question. "I don't know what I want." Cris leaned into the hand the reached out to touch his face. "I don't think I want to be a casual fling." He turned away and looked out at the sun moving over the mountains. Cris added softly. "Or a mistake that you regret."
He turned back to Rowan his features schooled into the non expressive mask that he used for work. "If that is all that you want from me then it would be easier for me to know now." So that I don't dust off emotions I haven't used and get my hopes up over nothing. "We have to see each other and I'd rather it not be awkward or uncomfortable for either of us."
"Are you okay?"
He gave the man a frown of his own and unfocused his eyes a tad in order to see with his empathy the swirl of colours that surrounded his companion. Cris knew that Rowan possessed subterfuge so he did not expect to get much; however, the redhead obviously wasn't using it at the moment. He expected to see the red of lust and quickly looked past it to the other colours; bright curious yellow, a gentle pink that he associated with new emotional attachments, blues, greens and silver that he suspected were colours of nurturing and compassion that were common to Rowan as was the very open minded silver, lastly there seemed to a small dark green spot of insecurity and doubt.
None of these things suggested a person looking for a one night stand. Christian relaxed and smiled softly, wider when Rowan claimed not to be so good, his aura proved otherwise but Cris wasn't going to argue, and that he liked complicated.
He sighed quietly a bit frustrated at his inability to answer Rowan's question. "I don't know what I want." Cris leaned into the hand the reached out to touch his face. "I don't think I want to be a casual fling." He turned away and looked out at the sun moving over the mountains. Cris added softly. "Or a mistake that you regret."
He turned back to Rowan his features schooled into the non expressive mask that he used for work. "If that is all that you want from me then it would be easier for me to know now." So that I don't dust off emotions I haven't used and get my hopes up over nothing. "We have to see each other and I'd rather it not be awkward or uncomfortable for either of us."
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan relaxed once more as the fires faded and receded to a tiny point of pain at the brand on his back that soon went away. He nodded at Christian. "I'm fine."
He listened carefully without interrupting while Christian talked. It was unusual to hear his own uncertainties and frustrations reflected back to him although he suspected his were slightly different. He wasn't sure what he wanted either, but he did know he liked Christian, in a way that could conceivably grow. He'd had very few long term affairs in his life. It wasn't that he didn't want one, it was simply that he had never found anyone who suited him so well as to make it last.
He smiled as Christian leaned into his hand but Rowan let it drop when Christian turned away to look out to the sunny vista behind the windows. He regarded Christian with equal solemnity when he turned back, his finely sculpted face seemingly neutral although Rowan knew that was not the case.
Rowan let his hands slide along Christian's arms, over his shoulders, and linked them loosely behind Christian's neck. "I can't make you promises," he said with soft honesty when Christian finished talking. "I didn't come to Nachton for this. It's... a little surprising. But having the chance to know you... I would like that."
He smiled softly, a slight hint of humor in it. "I don't regret any of my affairs," he said. "Casual or otherwise. And I don't want to hurt you any more than you want to be hurt."
The fear that he'd seen in Christian seemed to have a explanation now. Rowan understood the fear of exposing yourself to the hurt loving could cause. Maybe, in part, it was why he too avoided many long term relationships. But for him the fear was not as great. As long as he realized why Christian felt what he felt, Rowan could work with it.
"I don't see 'casual' here," he said, tugging a little bit to bring Christian closer. "I see hope. And potential. And things that may grow with time, if they're given room."
Rowan smiled gently. "If you decide later on that you want casual, after all, I only ask that you be honest. I can take it."
Probably. He liked Christian. A lot. He did see potential. He did want to try. Letting go was never easy. That was what he disliked; but Rowan had never been the sort to make a scene. If Christian changed his mind Rowan would hurt. He hardly knew him, and he thought it would hurt.
It was a sobering, frightening prospect. But Rowan had never done things the easy way.
He listened carefully without interrupting while Christian talked. It was unusual to hear his own uncertainties and frustrations reflected back to him although he suspected his were slightly different. He wasn't sure what he wanted either, but he did know he liked Christian, in a way that could conceivably grow. He'd had very few long term affairs in his life. It wasn't that he didn't want one, it was simply that he had never found anyone who suited him so well as to make it last.
He smiled as Christian leaned into his hand but Rowan let it drop when Christian turned away to look out to the sunny vista behind the windows. He regarded Christian with equal solemnity when he turned back, his finely sculpted face seemingly neutral although Rowan knew that was not the case.
Rowan let his hands slide along Christian's arms, over his shoulders, and linked them loosely behind Christian's neck. "I can't make you promises," he said with soft honesty when Christian finished talking. "I didn't come to Nachton for this. It's... a little surprising. But having the chance to know you... I would like that."
He smiled softly, a slight hint of humor in it. "I don't regret any of my affairs," he said. "Casual or otherwise. And I don't want to hurt you any more than you want to be hurt."
The fear that he'd seen in Christian seemed to have a explanation now. Rowan understood the fear of exposing yourself to the hurt loving could cause. Maybe, in part, it was why he too avoided many long term relationships. But for him the fear was not as great. As long as he realized why Christian felt what he felt, Rowan could work with it.
"I don't see 'casual' here," he said, tugging a little bit to bring Christian closer. "I see hope. And potential. And things that may grow with time, if they're given room."
Rowan smiled gently. "If you decide later on that you want casual, after all, I only ask that you be honest. I can take it."
Probably. He liked Christian. A lot. He did see potential. He did want to try. Letting go was never easy. That was what he disliked; but Rowan had never been the sort to make a scene. If Christian changed his mind Rowan would hurt. He hardly knew him, and he thought it would hurt.
It was a sobering, frightening prospect. But Rowan had never done things the easy way.
Christian Bern
13 years ago
Christian still wasn't sure why Rowan had seemed in pain but as the problem seems to have passed, he let it go. His companion said he was fine.
After Christian made his confession Rowan sought to reassure him and Christian wondered when he had become so interested in that gesture. It felt good. Perhaps the difference was that he was intimate with someone that had been becoming a friend. It wasn't just sex up against the wall of a room in the HoP with a person who's name he didn't really know nor was concerned with knowing.
The fact that Rowan didn't promise this to become something was more reassuring than an empty promise. It was honest and not the easy lie that was told to satisfy short term needs but that lead to long term problems.
He nodded in answer to Rowan's question. "I'll be honest with you. On that count you never have to worry." Cris probably should have added there were times when Rowan might need to ask if he wanted to know something otherwise he might not think to tell it.
Letting himself be pulled closer, Cris tucked himself against his companion, snuggling close into the curve of his neck. He stayed there a moment, enjoying being held and marveling that he was letting it happen.
Sliding over on top of his companion once more, his face still tucked against Rowan's neck, he smiled, pressing lips and fangs against his partner's skin. "I'm glad you don't want this to be -just- about casual sex." With that said, he nipped Rowan lightly once, playfully teasing. He followed that with more kisses and gentle licks, his fingertips tracing up his companion's sides. "But so long as we're naked and in bed... it would be a shame to waste the situation."
After Christian made his confession Rowan sought to reassure him and Christian wondered when he had become so interested in that gesture. It felt good. Perhaps the difference was that he was intimate with someone that had been becoming a friend. It wasn't just sex up against the wall of a room in the HoP with a person who's name he didn't really know nor was concerned with knowing.
The fact that Rowan didn't promise this to become something was more reassuring than an empty promise. It was honest and not the easy lie that was told to satisfy short term needs but that lead to long term problems.
He nodded in answer to Rowan's question. "I'll be honest with you. On that count you never have to worry." Cris probably should have added there were times when Rowan might need to ask if he wanted to know something otherwise he might not think to tell it.
Letting himself be pulled closer, Cris tucked himself against his companion, snuggling close into the curve of his neck. He stayed there a moment, enjoying being held and marveling that he was letting it happen.
Sliding over on top of his companion once more, his face still tucked against Rowan's neck, he smiled, pressing lips and fangs against his partner's skin. "I'm glad you don't want this to be -just- about casual sex." With that said, he nipped Rowan lightly once, playfully teasing. He followed that with more kisses and gentle licks, his fingertips tracing up his companion's sides. "But so long as we're naked and in bed... it would be a shame to waste the situation."
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan smiled at Christian and nodded. He might have a propensity for storytelling himself but he generally restricted his tales to socialization and interaction with children. He didn't have a habit of lying to people he cared about. As long as they were up front with each other, there could be no regrets. He realized the irony of making that observation himself but well, irony was everywhere.
Christian slid up against him as he tugged and Rowan sighed with renewed interest. He had thought the pain of an empathic fire would kill any desire he felt but as Christian caressed his neck he responded quickly. His neck was sensitive; he vastly enjoyed being touched there and Christian was doing delicious things to him. He sucked in a sharp breath at the little nip, his eyes snapping over to Christian's, lips curving up softly.
"I agree," he said, a hitch in the words as Christian's fingertips slid up his side. "Since we're both here..."
He smoothed his larger hands over Christian's back once more, gliding them down to his hips and thighs, shifting himself to lie fully beneath Christian. He tipped his head to the side to give Christian better access to his neck as he softly worked his own fingertips up to hold his companion against him firmly. Rocking backward slightly he bent one leg, tangling it comfortably with Christian's and running it up and down the back of his leg.
As Christian's mouth continued to play over his neck Rowan moaned softly and nodded. If Christian wanted to bite him he wasn't going to say no. There was no greater aphrodisiac, not that he needed it, but it was a natural thing for a vampire to do and it seemed right to give at least that measure of trust to start out with.
Christian slid up against him as he tugged and Rowan sighed with renewed interest. He had thought the pain of an empathic fire would kill any desire he felt but as Christian caressed his neck he responded quickly. His neck was sensitive; he vastly enjoyed being touched there and Christian was doing delicious things to him. He sucked in a sharp breath at the little nip, his eyes snapping over to Christian's, lips curving up softly.
"I agree," he said, a hitch in the words as Christian's fingertips slid up his side. "Since we're both here..."
He smoothed his larger hands over Christian's back once more, gliding them down to his hips and thighs, shifting himself to lie fully beneath Christian. He tipped his head to the side to give Christian better access to his neck as he softly worked his own fingertips up to hold his companion against him firmly. Rocking backward slightly he bent one leg, tangling it comfortably with Christian's and running it up and down the back of his leg.
As Christian's mouth continued to play over his neck Rowan moaned softly and nodded. If Christian wanted to bite him he wasn't going to say no. There was no greater aphrodisiac, not that he needed it, but it was a natural thing for a vampire to do and it seemed right to give at least that measure of trust to start out with.
Christian Bern
13 years ago
Christian was quickly finding out just how much his companion enjoyed someone touching his neck. The gasp was enough encouragement to linger. Cris nibbled his way up to Rowan's earlobe and along his jaw before sliding back down to the curve of his companion's neck.
He favored his partner with a lust filled satisfied smile as Rowan leaned to the side to give him more access to that sensitive area. Christian leaned down to it again, feeling his companion's nod and understanding its meaning. He was not quite ready to bite yet. Instead he started back up with the soft teasing kisses and licks, humming softly in approval of their new position and the feel of the leg rubbing along his own. Bringing one hand up, he slid his fingers beneath the back of Rowan's head. Pressing his lips firmly against that tender curve, Cris sucked down hard but didn't break the skin. He worked the now heated area gently with his tongue, licking and suckling tenderly before moving over ever so slightly and doing it again.
Pulling his legs up, Christian slid them onto either side of Rowan's hips, straddling his companion. He moved lower, exploring his partner's collarbone, chest and stomach with his mouth and hands, looking for other sensitive areas that would give his companion pleasure.
He favored his partner with a lust filled satisfied smile as Rowan leaned to the side to give him more access to that sensitive area. Christian leaned down to it again, feeling his companion's nod and understanding its meaning. He was not quite ready to bite yet. Instead he started back up with the soft teasing kisses and licks, humming softly in approval of their new position and the feel of the leg rubbing along his own. Bringing one hand up, he slid his fingers beneath the back of Rowan's head. Pressing his lips firmly against that tender curve, Cris sucked down hard but didn't break the skin. He worked the now heated area gently with his tongue, licking and suckling tenderly before moving over ever so slightly and doing it again.
Pulling his legs up, Christian slid them onto either side of Rowan's hips, straddling his companion. He moved lower, exploring his partner's collarbone, chest and stomach with his mouth and hands, looking for other sensitive areas that would give his companion pleasure.
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan lay still, very still, while Christian's hand slid behind his head and cradled it gently while his mouth drew hard against Rowan's neck without biting down. Rowan opened his mouth, exposing elongated fangs and panting softly at the sensations sweeping through him. Every now and then a shiver coursed through him and he made a soft noise of pleasure, encouraging Christian's attentions.
Rowan was used to pleasing his lovers before himself. He enjoyed it and so did they. This wasn't a new experience for him, but it happened so rarely he didn't often consider his own preferences.
If he wanted to it would be a simple matter to move but he didn't want to. Physically, Christian's weight on top of him was both comforting and erotic at once. Mentally, he was enjoying this far too much. One of his hands moved down, resting softly on Christian's head and stroking the short blond hair. The other twisted itself into the bed covers, gripping tightly as Christian made his way down Rowan's chest to his stomach.
It occurred to him that Christian was doing all of the work here but he could bide his time. He wanted to show Christian the same affection, the same consideration, that he was currently receiving, but at the moment the sensations he felt were too good for him to formulate a reasonable request. Being pinned as he was was thrilling. He rarely did this unless his partner expressly desired it but, he admitted to himself, he loved it.
As Christian continued Rowan found some semblance of motor control and kept brushing his fingers through Christian's hair, unable to reach too much more of him in their current position.
Rowan was used to pleasing his lovers before himself. He enjoyed it and so did they. This wasn't a new experience for him, but it happened so rarely he didn't often consider his own preferences.
If he wanted to it would be a simple matter to move but he didn't want to. Physically, Christian's weight on top of him was both comforting and erotic at once. Mentally, he was enjoying this far too much. One of his hands moved down, resting softly on Christian's head and stroking the short blond hair. The other twisted itself into the bed covers, gripping tightly as Christian made his way down Rowan's chest to his stomach.
It occurred to him that Christian was doing all of the work here but he could bide his time. He wanted to show Christian the same affection, the same consideration, that he was currently receiving, but at the moment the sensations he felt were too good for him to formulate a reasonable request. Being pinned as he was was thrilling. He rarely did this unless his partner expressly desired it but, he admitted to himself, he loved it.
As Christian continued Rowan found some semblance of motor control and kept brushing his fingers through Christian's hair, unable to reach too much more of him in their current position.
Christian Bern
13 years ago
Feeling the shiver run through Rowan beneath him was incredibly arousing, as were his companion's sounds and expressions of pleasure. Christian loved seeing the signs of his partner's enjoyment. He would have been interested no matter who he was with but hearing Rowan's moans of pleasure was especially encouraging.
The hand in his hair was a tender gesture, Cris paused his attentions to smile briefly against the skin he had been kissing. Sliding further down onto Rowan's legs, he ran his lips over the hollow of one hip and moved inward, exploring the sensitive skin of his companion's inner thigh with his tongue, gently grazing it with his teeth.
One hand trailed feather light along the inside of the other leg, as he teased and touched the first with his mouth. Sitting back up, Christian placed his hands on both of Rowan's hips, balancing on them. He watched Rowan as he lowered his head and wrapped his lips around his partner's erection. He teased it lightly, swirling his tongue around the tip before sliding it further into his mouth. Cris paused, enjoying the smooth hard feel of it. He sucked gently, tasting every inch of it with his tongue, taking his time and hoping for plenty more encouragement.
The hand in his hair was a tender gesture, Cris paused his attentions to smile briefly against the skin he had been kissing. Sliding further down onto Rowan's legs, he ran his lips over the hollow of one hip and moved inward, exploring the sensitive skin of his companion's inner thigh with his tongue, gently grazing it with his teeth.
One hand trailed feather light along the inside of the other leg, as he teased and touched the first with his mouth. Sitting back up, Christian placed his hands on both of Rowan's hips, balancing on them. He watched Rowan as he lowered his head and wrapped his lips around his partner's erection. He teased it lightly, swirling his tongue around the tip before sliding it further into his mouth. Cris paused, enjoying the smooth hard feel of it. He sucked gently, tasting every inch of it with his tongue, taking his time and hoping for plenty more encouragement.
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
As Christian traveled downward Rowan had to move his hand away from the blond hair, twisting that one into the bed covers on his other side and writhing as far as could with Christian pinning him down. As his partner's teeth and mouth warmed the sensitive skin on the inside of his legs Rowan gave voice to several gasps and long sighs.
Christian sat up, then, and it was obvious what he intended by the way he positioned himself. "Yesss," Rowan hissed, letting the word out in a halfway tormented sigh.
Christian's bright blue eyes rose to meet Rowan's. Rowan raised himself up slightly on his elbows, the better to see Christian, unable to look away as his mouth closed over Rowan's erection. At the feel of gentle suction Rowan closed his eyes and let his head fall back, his muscles tensing as he did his best to resist the urge to thrust himself further into Christian's warm, wet mouth.
He moaned an expletive in Irish, the sound coming out a low guttural growl at the end as his fingers once more dug into the cover on the bed.
Christian sat up, then, and it was obvious what he intended by the way he positioned himself. "Yesss," Rowan hissed, letting the word out in a halfway tormented sigh.
Christian's bright blue eyes rose to meet Rowan's. Rowan raised himself up slightly on his elbows, the better to see Christian, unable to look away as his mouth closed over Rowan's erection. At the feel of gentle suction Rowan closed his eyes and let his head fall back, his muscles tensing as he did his best to resist the urge to thrust himself further into Christian's warm, wet mouth.
He moaned an expletive in Irish, the sound coming out a low guttural growl at the end as his fingers once more dug into the cover on the bed.
Christian Bern
13 years ago
Christian received the motivation he was looking for, though if Rowan had muttered an instruction or preference he didn't do it in a language Cris understood. It didn't, however, sound like such advice. He might ask for clarification, later, much later.
Repositioning himself slightly so that he didn't need to balance with his hands, Christian continued his slow methodical tasting of the firm smooth flesh in his mouth. He brought one hand up to cup the soft sac beneath Rowan's erection, gently massaging it with his thumb. His fingertips moved further down pressing on the space below. Cris moved his other hand up to join his mouth, slender fingers wrapping around the base of Rowan's firm shaft, sliding along it in strong steady strokes.
[Mmm, I love the taste of you.] Christian punctuated his sending with more enthusiastic movements, sucking, licking, and stroking. His head bobbed up and down on top of his companion as he increased the pace. [And hearing you. So...should I take my time or is there something else you want?] He paused completely for a moment, looking mischievous and waiting for an answer, sent or spoken; though Cris would admit to loving the hoarse quality of those earlier unintelligible words.
Repositioning himself slightly so that he didn't need to balance with his hands, Christian continued his slow methodical tasting of the firm smooth flesh in his mouth. He brought one hand up to cup the soft sac beneath Rowan's erection, gently massaging it with his thumb. His fingertips moved further down pressing on the space below. Cris moved his other hand up to join his mouth, slender fingers wrapping around the base of Rowan's firm shaft, sliding along it in strong steady strokes.
[Mmm, I love the taste of you.] Christian punctuated his sending with more enthusiastic movements, sucking, licking, and stroking. His head bobbed up and down on top of his companion as he increased the pace. [And hearing you. So...should I take my time or is there something else you want?] He paused completely for a moment, looking mischievous and waiting for an answer, sent or spoken; though Cris would admit to loving the hoarse quality of those earlier unintelligible words.
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
The torment did not stop; Rowan didn't want it to. If anything, it increased as Christian readjusted himself and brought both hands into play. Rowan bit down into his lip and groaned as a flood of sensation overwhelmed him and threatened to overtake him completely.
It was further compounded by the combined sound and feeling of Christian's voice in his head, the warm tenor incredibly intimate in this manner. Rowan had to distance himself for a moment, for there was no way to formulate a coherent response while he was panting and stifling a whimper of need.
Christian gave him a moment to respond when he paused. Rowan raised his head, looked at that beautiful face, and tried to focus his response.
"If you... keep that up... 'm done," Rowan warned, his voice as slurred as if he were still suffering under the influence of last night's overindulgence. "Want... you."
How they managed, Rowan didn't care. But he'd be damned if he didn't get a chance to attend to Christian as well. As it was, he could hardly believe he found himself the recipient of this intense, focused attention. Dropping his head back once more he attempted to control himself.
[However you like it,] he responded, finally formulating a similar response to Christian, [I want you to take me.]
His words, hopefully, left very little doubt as to the nature of that desire. Rowan was open to just about anything and enjoyed conforming to his partners' wishes. But if asked, as Christian had, he often preferred the submissive role. Christian had merely to express a desire, and Rowan would do his best to fulfill it. As far as Rowan was concerned, there were no boundaries he wouldn't cross at the moment. His attention was focused raptly upon Christian and he was eager to do to him what he was currently doing to Rowan.
It was further compounded by the combined sound and feeling of Christian's voice in his head, the warm tenor incredibly intimate in this manner. Rowan had to distance himself for a moment, for there was no way to formulate a coherent response while he was panting and stifling a whimper of need.
Christian gave him a moment to respond when he paused. Rowan raised his head, looked at that beautiful face, and tried to focus his response.
"If you... keep that up... 'm done," Rowan warned, his voice as slurred as if he were still suffering under the influence of last night's overindulgence. "Want... you."
How they managed, Rowan didn't care. But he'd be damned if he didn't get a chance to attend to Christian as well. As it was, he could hardly believe he found himself the recipient of this intense, focused attention. Dropping his head back once more he attempted to control himself.
[However you like it,] he responded, finally formulating a similar response to Christian, [I want you to take me.]
His words, hopefully, left very little doubt as to the nature of that desire. Rowan was open to just about anything and enjoyed conforming to his partners' wishes. But if asked, as Christian had, he often preferred the submissive role. Christian had merely to express a desire, and Rowan would do his best to fulfill it. As far as Rowan was concerned, there were no boundaries he wouldn't cross at the moment. His attention was focused raptly upon Christian and he was eager to do to him what he was currently doing to Rowan.
Christian Bern
13 years ago
The sound of Rowan's halting words expressing his desire made Christian's pulse race. Hearing that he was wanted, stated so plainly and honestly, was overwhelmingly erotic and the sight of his companion arching and straining beneath his mouth and hands made him hard, aching with his own lust filled need.
Christian nodded his understanding of Rowan's mentally sent request. Hearing it made his heart skip a beat, and start up again,pounding a furious rhythm against his chest at the remembered sound of clearly stated longing. [You have but to ask.] His mental voice was light but his gaze was intent, hungry with the wish to fulfill Rowan's request.
With a final lingering kiss to the tip of his companion's erection, Cris pulled away. He scooted backward and looked through the nightstand by the bed for the little tube that was in there... somewhere. Finding it, he crawled back to his partner, placing himself between Rowan's long legs.
Christian noted with surprise that his fingers shook slightly as he fumbled with the tiny cap. He had not felt this much desire for someone in a very long time. Squeezing the cool gel onto his fingertips, Christian raised himself up on his knees so that Rowan had a clear view of him as he slowly coated his own erection in long lazy strokes. He regarded his companion as his hand worked. [I want to feel you around me.] Cris leaned down and gently teased Rowan's opening with slick fingers. [I want to watch you as I come inside you.] With that declaration, he guided himself so that he slowly entered his companion, moving gently until he was buried fully inside. There he waited with strained patience for Rowan's readiness for him to continue.
Christian nodded his understanding of Rowan's mentally sent request. Hearing it made his heart skip a beat, and start up again,pounding a furious rhythm against his chest at the remembered sound of clearly stated longing. [You have but to ask.] His mental voice was light but his gaze was intent, hungry with the wish to fulfill Rowan's request.
With a final lingering kiss to the tip of his companion's erection, Cris pulled away. He scooted backward and looked through the nightstand by the bed for the little tube that was in there... somewhere. Finding it, he crawled back to his partner, placing himself between Rowan's long legs.
Christian noted with surprise that his fingers shook slightly as he fumbled with the tiny cap. He had not felt this much desire for someone in a very long time. Squeezing the cool gel onto his fingertips, Christian raised himself up on his knees so that Rowan had a clear view of him as he slowly coated his own erection in long lazy strokes. He regarded his companion as his hand worked. [I want to feel you around me.] Cris leaned down and gently teased Rowan's opening with slick fingers. [I want to watch you as I come inside you.] With that declaration, he guided himself so that he slowly entered his companion, moving gently until he was buried fully inside. There he waited with strained patience for Rowan's readiness for him to continue.
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan attempted to gather himself while Christian backed away momentarily. He closed his eyes, sucked in a deep breath, and let it out slowly before opening them again. He felt Christian's weight shift, felt the mattress move slightly and then the other man's warmth between his legs as he returned.
Rowan watched with undisguised hunger and jealousy as Christian's hand stroked his own shaft, caressing the member Rowan wanted to feel himself, that he found himself coveting with eager greed. As Christian's fingertips toyed with him Rowan lifted his hips, locking one leg around the slim waist and pulling gently, insistently.
The voice in his head was wildly erotic, leaving no question as to Christian's desires. Every molecule in Rowan's body strained toward him as he moaned another half-hissed "yes" of assent. He groaned at the feel of Christian's gentle penetration, gripping at the covers, the pressure nearly enough to undo him right there in that moment.
As he clamped down hard on that feeling, determined to save it for a more appropriate moment, Rowan sighed and moaned together. [Yes,] he responded simply. [Fill me.]
He wrapped his other leg around Christian's back, higher than his other one, just beneath Christian's shoulder blades, using both legs to lever himself against his partner, pulling Christian in closer, or trying to. He watched Christian intensely. [Come for me. Now. Please.]
His request was gentle but firm. Softness could wait. He wanted Christian with shameless abandon. Wanted everything. All of him. And it showed as he dragged in a ragged breath. [I need you, Christian.]
The emotion was raw, new, and unexpected. Rowan was taken off guard by it but he accepted it just the same. There was something here. And he was going to grab it and hold it for as long as he could.
Rowan watched with undisguised hunger and jealousy as Christian's hand stroked his own shaft, caressing the member Rowan wanted to feel himself, that he found himself coveting with eager greed. As Christian's fingertips toyed with him Rowan lifted his hips, locking one leg around the slim waist and pulling gently, insistently.
The voice in his head was wildly erotic, leaving no question as to Christian's desires. Every molecule in Rowan's body strained toward him as he moaned another half-hissed "yes" of assent. He groaned at the feel of Christian's gentle penetration, gripping at the covers, the pressure nearly enough to undo him right there in that moment.
As he clamped down hard on that feeling, determined to save it for a more appropriate moment, Rowan sighed and moaned together. [Yes,] he responded simply. [Fill me.]
He wrapped his other leg around Christian's back, higher than his other one, just beneath Christian's shoulder blades, using both legs to lever himself against his partner, pulling Christian in closer, or trying to. He watched Christian intensely. [Come for me. Now. Please.]
His request was gentle but firm. Softness could wait. He wanted Christian with shameless abandon. Wanted everything. All of him. And it showed as he dragged in a ragged breath. [I need you, Christian.]
The emotion was raw, new, and unexpected. Rowan was taken off guard by it but he accepted it just the same. There was something here. And he was going to grab it and hold it for as long as he could.