forum The Strangers in the Palace (Closed)(Fantasy)

Started October 31, 2021 by @LovelyRose

tune

(it would be funny, but it's definitely too soon lol)

"We can burn it afterwards." he replied softly. "Soak the paper in water to make it illegible, and then burn it to destroy the remnants." he gnetly stroked Arquis's cheek, trying to soothe the anxious nobleman that he was sitting with. "I promise, darling, we can make sure no one else will read it." they knew this whole thing made their partner so very anxious and frightened, and he wanted to do everything he could to alleviate that fear. He didn't want Arquis to become as incomprehensible as he had been only a few minutes ago. It had quite honestly been frightening to watch.

Ari nodded a little, shooting Honey a quick smile. "Alright. I'll probably grab a scarf and coat for myself as well, then." he replied, heading towards the door of the bathroom but not knocking quite yet. He didn't quite know what to say, when he did knock. What was the proper thing to say, the proper way to ask if the two were alright in there?

(yeah haha)

"No one else will read it," Arquis repeated slowly. His head felt empty, as if his rambling had stolen every single one of his thoughts and shoved them out. All he could summon up was that he didn't want to be on the bathroom floor any longer. He tried to move his legs a bit, maybe see if he could get himself standing, but they didn't really cooperate. That was alright. He would make do with what he had. He shifted forward until he was sitting in Rin's lap, then did some adjusting. Their arms were around his midsection; his back was to their stomach; his heels were brushing their calves.

"Perhaps," he murmured, though once again, it was just an echo of what they'd been saying earlier. He turned his face and kissed his partner's chest. Throughout all of that, all the moving and repositioning, his eyes had stayed closed.

——

"Okay. Just, uh, yeah. Meet me at my room and all."

Honey gave an awkward wave before fleeing out the door. He hurried to his room and looked over what he was wearing. Atrocious. His hair and clothes were rumpled from being thoroughly slept on. He also kind of smelled like Arquis, which was off putting. Not because he smelled bad, but it was kind of strange nonetheless. The blond changed into a pair of cute, soft flannel pajamas—Myr had only ripped the collar of the top, meaning they were still wearable—and a fluffy coat. He quickly rubbed some brown sugar perfume on his wrists and neck. Myr had broken the bottle, but some of the liquid had remained in the bottom of the bigger piece, and Honey hadn't wanted it to go to waste.

Once he was done, he sat on his bed in what he hoped was a casual position, crossing one leg over the other. He hoped Ari didn't mind that he was wearing pajamas. They were a size too big for him, so the sleeves hung over his hands. It wasn't exactly the most attractive outfit, but he thought it'd be okay for cuddling. If that was what Ari wanted to do, of course. He didn't want to assume, even if that’s what it’d sounded like.

(sorry for the wait! I'm on vacation right now and my brain has kinda been dead from exhaustion)

"We can burn it afterwards to make sure no one else will ever read it." he said softly, stroking his hands lightly against Arquis's sides to try and soothe him. He could feel Arquis's ribs through the nobleman's shirt. He wished he could not, but they knew it was a conversation for later. Not now, not when Arquis was already so upset and bothered by everything that had happened. It would be too difficult. "If you decide you are alright with that, anyway."

Ari knocked quietly on the door to the bathroom. "Are you two alright in there?" he called. "You've, ah, been in there a while, and I just wanted to check in and make sure everything was alright." he ran his hands through his hair, sighing faintly and hoping everything was alright.

(it's okay! :) hope you're having a nice vacation!)

Arquis had been starting to relax when Ari knocked, and all of his progress was lost in an instant. He flinched away from Rin so forcefully that he banged his shoulder into the bath. Instead of focusing on the slight stinging pain, however, he stared wide-eyed at the door. Dread had settled like a cold, hard stone into the growing pit in his stomach.

"I did not say anything," he whispered. It came out ragged, like he'd been panting for air after a marathon. "But then, perhaps in my ramblings alone I said too much." Even when he heard Ari speak, it didn't seem to register as him. He hunched over, cradled his head in his hands, and groaned out a quiet, "No. No, please."

——

Honey uncrossed his legs and flopped back on his bed with a sigh. He didn't know why he'd assumed Ari would join him almost immediately. Checking on people often took time. The blond rolled onto his side, tugged a pillow into his arms, and gave it a squeeze. He'd much rather be hugging Ari, but the pillow would have to do. As soon as he thought that, he went red. That was embarrassing. It wasn't like he and Ari were officially dating, even if they'd been on a few dates. But he definitely got the whole tongue-tied, flustered, stomach-in-knots feeling when he was near him, the one that guaranteed a crush.

"Why does everything have to be so complicated?" he grumbled, tossing the pillow away.

(thanks! I am!)

Rin gently smoothed his hands along Arquis's sides, trying to sooth him. "We're fine, Ari. Just having some…well. It's fine. You and Honey can go do something else, if you would like. Arquis and I need some alone time, I think." he kissed the side of Arquis's head, wincing faintly at how panicked the nobleman was about all this. "I've got you, darling." he whispered. "You're alright."

Ari could hear Arquis's faint whispering, though he could not quite catch the words. At Rin's, he exhaled. "Right. Alright. Uh, good luck. See you later." he took a few quick steps back and away, and then headed out of the room, closing the door behind him. He went to his room first, grabbing some winter clothing and also changing into more comfortable clothes, and then headed to Honey's room, knocking on the door with his coat, scarf, hat, and gloves draped over his arm.

Arquis struggled and pulled away from his partner. Abruptly, he stood, then went to the door and threw it open. Nobody was there. The realization seemed to unnerve him deeply. He put his hands over his face again and let out a sound that could've been a laugh or a cry.

"I- I think I need some- I need to-" He yanked at the collar of Rin's sweater. It suddenly felt like it was a million degrees in bathroom, though perhaps that was partially the result of humiliation. He'd been acting so strange in front of his poor partner, and he didn't even have the strength to explain why. He lowered his hands fully to offer them a very weak smile. It fell in an instant, and he came back over to his partner wearing an apologetic look instead.

"I am so sorry, it is just so very hot. I think I need some air. I feel a bit- I am lightheaded, and-" He was speaking so fast that his words ran together. "I need air, I need- could we go outside? Or open the window in the bedroom, or- it is stifling, and I-"

——

Honey practically leapt of the bed when Ari knocked and raced to the door. He paused right before it to compose himself, then twisted the handle. When he saw Ari, he beamed.

"Hey, handsome. I see you're ready for the roof." He reached over and tapped the clothes hanging on his arm. "I'm still kinda surprised that it's this cold this early on in the year. Usually it takes a few more weeks, but we've been getting tons of snowstorms and stuff, haven't we? Oh well. Here, c'mon, come inside. I've gotta get some shoes on."

(sorry for the wait again!!)

"It was just Ari." Rin said softly, getting up and gently supporting Arquis. "We should not go outside right now, but ah, how about we go out to the bedroom and you sit down on the bed and I open the window?" they kept their arms wrapped around Arquis, supporting him as they manuevered over towards the bed. "I've got you, darling. Everything's going to be alright." he kissed Arquis's cheek, trying to soothe him a little bit more.

Ari grinned at him, running his hands through his hair in a quick nervous gesture. "I'm surprised too, but this will be fun. And if we get too cold, we can always come back inside, if we need to." he replied, fiddling for a moment with the clothes hanging on his arm.

(you're good!)

Arquis allowed Rin to move him towards the bed, and when he was there, he practically collapsed onto it. He tugged at his sweater and used it to fan himself. It was better now that they weren't in that tiny bathroom, but he still felt like he'd been trapped in an oven. His skin was damp from sweat, and his hair was sticking to his temples.

"Will it ever be different?" he asked, somewhat to himself. Then, just a hint louder, "I do not want to live like this forever. I do not want you to, either. All of this stress, all of this worry. My disorder, my issues, my panic—it is all too much. When is our situation going to turn around? Will it? Are we doomed to be unlucky forever? Perhaps I should have stayed."

——

Honey knelt, slipped his feet into some practical shoes, and laced them up tightly. While heels or sandals might be more glamorous, he needed something that he could climb in. He didn't want to risk falling, and he didn't know how slick the roof would be. It was best to be the safest he possibly could.

"Yeah. I'm sure we can think of some ways to warm ourselves up while out there, though." He grinned as he stood and stretched. "Mm. Hope the view's pretty out tonight. Would hate to bring you all the way up there for nothing."

"I know, love." he said softly, opening the window to allow some air into the room. "We are going to be alright, Arquis. It's just…things are stressful right now. That's all. They'll get better." at least, he hoped they would. It would not be fun if things never got better, but he had hope that they would. They couldn't be bad forever.

Ari smiled again, putting on his coat and buttoning it up. "I'm sure the view will be lovely, Honey." he replied. "After all, you'll be there." his smile turned into a faint smirk as he gave Honey a teasing look, though he did mean the words. He finished buttoning his coat, but didn't put on his scarf or mittens yet.

Arquis stared over Rin's shoulder at the patch of night sky visible behind them. His lover's form was silhouetted by stars. The nobleman stood and approached him, then wrapped his arms around their middle. He pressed his cheek to his shoulder. His lips grazed their neck, lighter than silk, and he sighed against his skin.

"Sometimes I wonder what I did to deserve this." It wasn't clear what he was referring to. He could've been talking about his health, Muria's attempt at taking his life, or the way he was holding Rin. He didn't clarify. A gust of air came in through the window, rattling the shutters, and he shivered. He was finally starting to cool down.

——

"Aw, well. Aren't you just a delight," Honey purred. The compliment might've been cliché, but he appreciated the honesty in Ari's tone. He strutted over and gave him a peck on the cheek. His own face was going quite red, and he fanned himself as he hurried off to the door. He was really starting to wish he'd worn something more glamorous than pajamas. As nice and cozy as they were, he felt a bit guilty. They were way too plain. He could do a lot better, but he was kind of sleepy, and he knew dressing up right then would make him feel like a doll.

"I have nicer nightclothes than this," he mentioned, trying to keep his tone casual. "Some really pretty stuff, stranger. Maybe someday you'd like to see it?"

He wrapped his arms close around Arquis, rubbing his back gently and pressing a kiss to the side of his head. He was careul not to touch Arquis's hair, with how it had been falling out earlier. He didn't want to accidentally pull any more of it out of his partner's head. That wouldn't be any good. "Deserve what, my love?" he asked softly, not wanting to assume the wrong thing by what Arquis was saying.

These past few weeks had been so full of ups and downs. They cared deeply for Arquis, in a way that almost frightened them. It had all happened so fast. It had all happened so fast. It was a lot to think about, a lot to try and process. Arquis was such an amazing, yet flawed person. They supposed that anyone was, but still. Anyone could be flawed, of course. Arquis's did not detract from who he was as a person, and yet he had no idea how to help with this eating disorder, how to help with whatever had happened with his father, how to help with anything currently happening. This wasn't his country, and he didn't know how it worked.

Ari blinked at Honey's mention of different nightclothes, trying to figure out what Honey meant. "It…I…your nightclothes are your business." he said slowly, brows drawing together a little bit. "Not mine. I mean, if…if you would like to show me them, then I suppose so, btu…" he stammered for a moment, then exhaled sharply, frustrated with his own inability to not sumble over the words. "Sorry. I don't know what you're asking me, Honey." he looked over at the blond. "If…nightclothes are just pajamas then…it does not matter what they look like to me. If…if you mean nightclothes that are more…revealing, then…I have no interest in…"

"This second chance at life," Arquis whispered. His throat felt tight, and despite the cold air on his skin, his cheeks were still hot. He swallowed. His eyes darted around the room, ensuring that nobody was listening, before closing. Here, in his partner's embrace, he was safe. "This second chance with you, my heart."

He felt he'd probably deserved everything else that had happened to some degree. Maybe not the cruel comments about his body when young, or the horrific things he'd been taught about his identity, but the rest of it was warranted. The intense anger, frustration, and bitterness from Quirisa; Muria's attempt at his life; the isolation from his friends and peers; the stress of his position in the Palace. Even the bullying from the masses. He'd done horrific things in his past, and he should pay for them in every possible way.

As he thought that, though, a part of him wanted to scream. Hadn't he suffered enough? When would it end? He'd endured asthma and panic attacks, frequent nightmares, years of tremendous social anxiety, a disorder that had destroyed his body, and so much more.

——

Honey sighed. It seemed he was very skilled at finding the worst possible thing to say. Killing the moment was becoming his specialty. Maybe Myr had been right; so far, he was pretty bad at traditional dating.

"I don't know what I was asking, either, I guess. I just, uh. I know you're not into the whole, y'know," he gestured wildly, then let his hands drop to his sides. His bad wrist twinged. "But I feel really underdressed. You're here in your nice coat and scarf, and I'm just in plain pajamas. So, I thought that I might offer something to- to-"

He wasn't sure how to phrase it. If he was being honest with himself, there wasn't a way to put it that painted him in a flattering light. Everything he came up with was self-deprecating or just pathetic.

"To sweeten the deal," he finished lamely. "It was the only thing I could think to offer on the spot. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, I just- I kind of said the first thing that sprang to mind. Show you that I wanted to spend more time with you, in a weird sorta way? That what I'm wearing now doesn't mean that I'm not interested. And that I could be a lot better for you in the future? I don't know. I should- I should stop talking. Um. Yeah."

He hesitated for a long, long moment, trying to think of a response to Arquis's words. "I…I do not know what we did to deserve each other, my love. Maybe nothing. Maybe we just gained each other, somehow." he said softly, rubbing Arquis's back gently. He gave the nobleman a gentle smile. "I think tonight you should go to bed early, darling. You need to rest." he kissed Arquis's cheek, the gesture soft and sweet. "And, tomorrow, that specialist will be here to help with your, ah, food issues." he hoped that whoever the person was would be able to help. Arquis dearly needed it, and Rin was not sure what to do to help, only that what they had been doing had not really been working.

Ari listened quietly, then shook his head. "You don't need to change, Honey. I don't mind that you're just in pajamas. What you're wearing does not matter overly much to me. Yes, if you're in something lovely I will compliment you on it, but it doesn't matter to me if you are not." he said, running a hand through his hair and hoping that that made sense to the blond standing across from him.

Arquis thought about their words carefully, melting against him when he felt their kiss. He, in turn, kissed down his neck, then up to their lips, giving them one last peck. When he pulled away to look at his partner, his expression was one of love. It softened his sharp edges, smoothed the crease in his brow.

Maybe Rin was right. Maybe the world didn't work the way he'd been taught, that he needed to earn or deserve love. It was like a gift, and he appreciated it with every ounce of his being.

"Of course," he said, then repeated, "of course. You are right. Rest will be imperative for tomorrow." He took a few steps towards the bed and paused, turning back to his lover. As if the idea was somewhat scandalous, he blushed and asked, "Will you join me?"

——

Honey was an odd mix of embarrassed and pleased. Embarrassed, because Ari had said before that he didn't want to pick the blond's outfits, yet he'd made that comment anyways. Pleased, because Ari was so wonderfully kind, and he was a little awestruck that he'd been given a chance to go out with him.

"Okay. Sorry. I didn't mean to make things weird, I just, uh, well. Like I already said. But thank you," he said softly. "I hope I haven't made you uncomfortable. I know you told me that I should choose clothes that make me happy, but I guess I'm still a little insecure about that."

He smiled at Arquis's kiss, leaning into him a little bit. "Mm…of course I will, my darling lover." they replied in response to Arquis's question. "I will join you. I love you, darling." he followed Arquis to the bed, settling beside him and reaching out to hold onto him. "Get some rest, love." he almost didn't know what to say, but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

Ari smiled, shrugging a shoulder. "Mm, it's fine. You're welcome, Honey, and I meant it when I said that. Choose clothes that make you happy, Honey. Don't, uhm, don't try to dress to make me or anyone other than you happy. It doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is that you like the clothing you wear." he knew that maybe that had not quite sunk in to Honey's mind, but he hoped it would someday.

Arquis yawned and nuzzled into their chest. He kissed his favorite spot, smiled, then kissed it again, feeling a rush of warmth wash over him. Rin calling him their love was such a small, intimate show of affection. It made his imagination kick into action, and he blushed as he thought of what they'd done in the bath.

"I had another dream about you," he said shyly. His palm skimmed over his chest, coming to rest on their stomach. "You, Honey, and Ari were all there, and we were going to—well, I believe we were, I was never quite sure—the beach. You all looked so happy."

His head, which had risen so that he could look in Rin's eyes, fell back against their shoulder. He felt sleep beginning to take him, but he fought it. Soon, but not yet. Not quite yet. They might only have so much time together.

——

"Some days it's kinda hard to know what I like," Honey replied. He tried to say it casually, but there was too much emotion in his tone. He swallowed and looked down.

"Sometimes I think I like dressing pretty, but sometimes it's too much. I don't like dressing casual, but it's usually a lot easier, and it's comfortable, so maybe I do? It's hard to tell. All of this is just so confusing. It was a lot easier when- when-"

How was he supposed to finish that? When men told him what to do? When he didn't have to think for himself? When he didn't get a choice? All of that might've been true, but it was horrible to think, much less say. He sighed and pushed the toe of his shoe against the carpet.

"Sorry. That's all- that's the kinda stuff I should- that's why I need therapy and shit, I know. It's a lot." He shifted awkwardly. "Do you still wanna go? Won’t blame you if your answer’s changed.”

Rin hummed, listening to Arquis's words. "That does sound fun, lovely." he said, rubbing Arquis's shoulder gently with his hand. "But what about you? Were you happy too?" he had not missed that Arquis had said everyone else seemed happy, but had said nothing about himself. They didn't like that. It meant, maybe, that Arquis didn't care about his own feelings, and he wanted Arquis to be happy too. Even in dreams. Maybe especially in dreams.

Ari cocked his head faintly, taking in Honey's words. "I see." he said softly. "And my answer has not changed, Honey. I…I care about you, and I don't mind if you need to talk things through with me sometimes. It is only that I…I cannot do it all the time, because I'm simply not capable of…of…" he trailed off, trying to think of the words but unsure what he was triyng to say.

"Mm?" Arquis's lashes fluttered as he blinked. It took him a moment to process his partner's question. "Oh. Yes, I suppose I was happy. I am not sure that it matters much. It was just a dream, my dear. Not reality."

He yawned and rolled out of Rin's arms so that he could turn off the lights. Hints of starlight came in through the window on the far wall, but the room was otherwise pitch black. The nobleman smiled as he entwined himself with his lover once more. Technically, there was no major difference between them being in the light or dark, but it felt different. It felt private. He kissed his neck and placed his hand over their heart.

——

Honey held up his hands, nodding frantically. "No, no, trust me. I get it. I totally get it. Not your fault. There's only so much a person can handle, and, like, we've just met. It's too much. I know it is. So, let's just, uh, take it, and," he pantomimed throwing something to the side. "There. Outta sight, outta mind. We don't gotta talk about it anymore tonight, I promise."

He didn't know what to do. No matter how much he tried, it seemed like he'd always slip up. He just wanted Ari to like him. For not the first time—and probably not the last, either—he wondered why he couldn't have had a normal life. It was his fault. He'd made bad deals in the past, had gone way too deep into debt. And then, once he'd finally escaped, he'd chosen his career. He'd done this to himself.

He shook his head, clearing the thoughts away. "Uh. I guess we should get going?"

(sorry! school started up recently for me and i've been working)

Rin held onto Arquis, letting things subside into silence in the dark. He was quiet for a long moment, rubbing his shoulder gently as he held onto their partner. "Go to sleep, my love." he whispered, kissing the side of Arquis's head and just holding him. "I love you, sweetheart." he said in a soft tone. "And we are going to be alright." they shifted the blankets a little, pulling them over the obth of them, and settling in beside Arquis so that they could both go to sleep.

Ari gave him a soft smile, letting Honey ramble. "Yeah. We can get going." he took a step down the hallway, and realized he didn't know where he was going. He let out a soft, awkward laugh, running a hand over his hair. "I, uh, don't know which way we are going." he said, shaking his head a little and looking over at Honey wwith an embarrassed smile. "So…lead the way." he gestured vaguely along the hallway, waiting for Honey to take the lead.

(that's alright! there's never any rush, just wanted to give a reminder!)

Arquis tried to do as they asked, letting his tired eyes close and his head drop against his pillow. He kept one arm draped around their middle. His hand stayed over their heart. After a few minutes of shifting around, he pulled his partner closer and kissed his shoulder.

"Mm. Cannot seem to sleep." He flashed a soft smile at his partner, though he didn't think they'd see it in the dark. "I suppose that is what happens when you take a rather long nap. My apologies, love. You must be quite tired. But if you are not too worn out, then perhaps we could, ah…"

——

Honey nodded and took the lead as Ari had suggested. It wasn't that far of a walk to the ladder that accessed the roof. They kept it in a small storage closet under a hatch that was almost always locked. The last thing they needed was for some overeager patrons to get a little too adventurous and tumble off the roof. The only reason there was a hatch up there in the first place was so that someone could occasionally go up and clean. Having too much snow, dead leaves, or dust up there was bound to lose them customers.

The blond pulled out his set of spare keys when they got to the closet, climbed the ladder, and popped the hatch. Immediately, cold air came rushing in. He shivered and shoved the keys in one of his pockets. Then, he lifted his arms, placed his elbows firmly outside, and hauled himself up. There was some ice on the roof that he hadn't been expecting. It made it a little hard to grip, but he still managed. He stuck his hand through the hatch to help Ari, if he needed it.

(alright! Sorry again tho lol)

Rin let out a soft, slightly tired hum when he heard Arquis's words. "Mm, darling." he replied, eyes flickering open. "What is it you are wanting?" he asked, reaching over to gently pull Arquis closer, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. "I'll do whatever you like, provided it doesn't require me to leave the room." he was tired, and while he was perfectly willing to stay up with Arquis, he didn't want to leave the room. They hardly wanted to leave the bed, really, if they were being honest, but they would if Arquis dearly wanted them to.

Ari followed him, eyes studying everything as he passed by it. He followed Honey up the ladder, gladly taking the young man's hand so that Honey could haul him up it. He blinked curiously as his head popped up out of hte hatch, taking in the view of the roof, of the bits of snow and ice, the wind brushing past and the stars twinkling overhead. He was very glad for his coat and scarf now, and he huddled into them as he came all the way out of the hatch.

Arquis blushed when Rin brought him closer, though they likely wouldn't be able to see it. He slid his hands from their chest to their hips and stroked his thumbs along the edge of his shirt. There was a shyness to the gesture. Even when his fingertips did brush skin, he kept his touch soft and light, like he was handling fine silk.

"Ah, no, love. Nothing that would make you get up." He leaned in until their lips were just inches apart. They'd done it many times already, but his heart still fluttered when he thought of kissing. "You have taken such wonderful care of me, my heart. I was wondering if I could, um, repay the favor? We do not have to do anything strenuous, I know you are very tired, but may I kiss you?"

——

Honey, too, was quite cold. Once he'd helped Ari up, he shut the hatch. He could easily open it again when he needed to, he just didn't want to let the inn's warm air out. Heating was expensive.

There weren't that many flat parts of the roof that were safe to sit on. It was lucky he'd been up there before; if he hadn't, he doubted he would've found anywhere suitable. He did know of one spot that was nearby, and began to make his way to it on his knees. He made sure to keep one hand around Ari's back as he went so that he wouldn't slip and fall. The Cecilia Rouge wasn't that big of a building, but falling from two stories would do some serious damage. Not that he knew from personal experience, of course. He'd never actually jumped off of the roof. But that didn't mean he'd never thought of it.

That was a grim thought. He shook it away. He was here to have a nice time with Ari, and that was exactly what he was going to do. After reaching the safe spot, he sat and stretched his legs out in front of him. The sky really was beautiful at night. So beautiful that it almost made him forget how cold he was.

He let out another tired, sleepy hum, kissing Arquis and pressing faintly into their lover's touch. "Mm, darling, what do you intend to do to me?" he questioned with a soft laugh, keeping his arms wrapped around Arquis. "I think that must be my first question, really." his voice was low and sleepy, but not exhausted. Not just yet. He was loathe to leave the bed, of course, but he didn't need to fall asleep just yet.

Ari sat down beside Honey, snuggling close to him without quite thinking about it. It was cold, and Honey was warm. Ari's coat was thick and warm, but that didn't mean he wouldn't welcome another warm body beside his, sharing heat and helping each other to stay warm while they looked up at the stars together. He exhaled softly, looking up at the stars that stretched across the dark expanse of the sky.

"Anything you desire, my love," Arquis replied in a whisper. He cupped their face in his hands and returned the kiss. It wasn't exactly intense, but it wasn't super soft, either. The nobleman wanted his partner to feel his love, his passion, his want. He moved one hand up into their hair and stroked through it. The other hand trailed back down to his hip. He continued what he'd been doing earlier, running his thumb along the hem of his shirt.

He withdrew after a moment to catch his breath and check in on his partner. His cheeks were hot as a stove.

"We could cuddle," he offered, "and I could hold you, or we could kiss, or we could, ah, do something else entirely. If that is what you want. I know you are very tired, my dear, and cuddling sounds just as good to me as anything else."

——

Honey smiled to himself and, without bringing his gaze away from the night sky, reached for Ari's closest hand. When he found it, he gave it a squeeze and then kissed his wrist. He had the urge to throw caution to the wind and pull Ari into his lap. Not for any sort of intimate purpose, of course. It was just that the idea of having him so close was incredibly appealing. But for now, it seemed he'd have to leave it at a kiss. He didn't want to cross any boundaries.

"Just trying to warm you up," he joked as he lifted his head. He finally looked at his date. There were thousands of stars reflected in his eyes, and it made them look like they were sparkling. "Can't have you freezing on my watch, handsome."