He allowed himself to get lost in Elluin's eyes for a moment, sat practically in his lap, held close to his chest like this… He felt safe for arguably the first time in quite a long while. "This is so nice," he whispered. "I- I missed you so much," he laughed as he repeated the statement once again. "This… this is going to be so good." Any doubts he might've had were soothed by the sheer determination in Elluin's gaze, the excitement in his eyes only fueling Gray's own. "Of course I want to do this with you. El, I want to do everything with you." He laughed softly, taking their hand in his gently and running his thumb over their skin slowly. "Can I kiss you?" He asked softly under his breath. This situation seemed more intimate, and Gray was always worried about crossing some sort of line in these sorts of things.
Elluin laughed his light laugh, but kept his eyes drilled into Gray's, analyzing every sparkle of color, each streak of black and the unsure excitement they saw there. He would convince Gray yet that together they were stronger, but in each passing moment, Elluin allowed his determination to relax into an expression of contentment.
"I missed you so much, too, Gray. We'll do a lot of amazing things together as one." He breathed quietly into their silence, but raised his eyebrow a little at the gentle question that he barley heard. "Of course you can." Their noses and foreheads were already connected and touching, and the Elf found it pretty silly Gray wanted to ask anyway. He rose his hand and cupped it onto his jaw, tracing it back with his lithe fingers.
He didn't doubt that Elluin was right. Even if they failed at first, they'd just have to try again. This wasn't something that either of them were willing to give up on; Gray knew that his lover wanted it just as much as he did. It was such a wonderful mental image that they had to try and bring it back to life.
Gray smiled softly, closing the slight bit of distance between them after only a short moment of thought. He let his eyes flutter closed, gently setting his hands on Elluin's waist. And it was everything he'd been craving for so very long. He didn't think he'd ever get over the fact that he was finally back. That everything was getting back to normal after all these years. "I love you," He murmured into the kiss, fighting another grin.
It would take a lot of work from everyone involved, but as their lips locked into a kiss, and Elluin's eyes floated shut to enjoy it, it felt as if a promise between them was locked in. They had kissed many, many times prior to this moment, but this time was different than those. The other times were of desperate acts of love, some simply in passing, yet this one locked them into something more passionate and trusting. It felt good to enjoy it again.
Elluin was not able to fight back their grin and laugh at Gray's words, his eyes opening to crinkle affectionately and pulling Gray up into a hug.
"I love you too, Gray. You're so sweet, you know." Elluin repeated this to his Human companion all the time, mostly due to a lack of a better word. They set their lips onto Gray's again in another caste kiss, then leaning up to push one to his forehead.
Gray melted into the kiss, easily moving in time with his lover as if nothing had changed. Pulling back just enough to indulge his laughter, he leaned against their shoulder for a moment as they embraced. He sheepishly accepted the compliment, humming softly in acknowledgement before sitting back up to allow for more kisses. "We don't have to worry about the water getting cold, do we?" Gray spoke between kisses, a soft smile gracing his features as Elluin peppered kisses over his skin. The warmth from both the water and the Elf under him were both a pleasant change, and he basked in the combined heat they both provided.
He idly wondered in the back of his mind if Voron could hear them from here. Assuming he was still standing guard outside the bathhouse, was that possible? "Do you think Voron can hear us?" He spoke hesitantly after a moment, unsure of whether or not that was a stupid question.
Elluin leaned his head against Gray's as they hugged and pressed against each other, smiling a little as he nuzzled close. "Mm, no we don't. The springs are heated and foltrated magically by the warlocks who live around this area. We have the nicest springs in the town," Elluin boasted with a soft tinge of pride in his voice, despite not being very patriotic when it came to his race. They pressed a kiss to Gray's head and pulled away at the second question to look over their shoulder, "hmm" ing thoughtfully.
"I'm not quite sure. We're pretty far away from the front, since I picked the farthest one back, and we've been talking pretty quietly. I bet we're safe from his nosy self." He laughed softly once again, running his fingers through Gray's drying hair.
Gray listened intently, awed by how different everything in the city was. Readjusting slightly on Elluin's lap, he laughed. Just the image of tall, intimidating and cold Voron being nosy- pressing his ear to the door, maybe- was greatly amusing to him. As if he would overhear anything juicy anyways.
He pressed a kiss to Elluin's jaw with a content sigh and a smile. "We should just …stay like this forever." His voice was slightly muffled, his head leaned on Elluin's shoulder as he peppered their skin with soft, loving kisses. He slouched down slightly, dipping further into the warm water and the bubbles left over from the soap. The air smelled like lavender, the sweet scent stronger closer to the bubbles.
"Voron was always the nosy guy," Elluin hummed affectionately, his head tilted as he watched Gray slip down away from him, grinning. "He and I pretty much grew up here, and he watched me go into scholar and I, watching him go into the military. I'm surprised he stayed here, though." Elluin sunk with him so they were face to face, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead in return for all of the other kisses to his neck and shoulder. "He was such a nosy Elf. He was the type to be involved, even as we pursued our own paths. He had a lot of friends, but he was demanding and strong. A lot of people looked up to him as a leader. Now he possess a seat with the board since he's the head of the military. He's very intelligent, but each Elf has their flaws." Elluin laughed as he relaxed again, letting his hair float outwards as he sunk deeper. "We're all like family, though, like the older Elves. We grew up together, but most left this city a while ago."
Gray listened to their stories with genuine interest, having always loved to hear more about where Elluin was from, their past; anything he would talk about, really. He could talk about grass for hours on end and Gray would listen the entire time, enjoying their voice at the very least. …And hearing embarrassing things about Voron, who Gray had only seen so stoic and cold was definitely entertaining as well. Maybe he could bring it up later, that could be amusing if he did it right.
He sunk under the water for a moment, scrubbing any remaining dirt and mud from his hair, re-emerging a few seconds later directly in front of Elluin, draping his arms around their shoulders and tugging him closer, laughing before pressing another soft kiss to his lips.
Elluin watched Gray submerge after his winded speech, laughing to himself at the scrubs to his scalp. He remained practically sitting on the ground of the springs watching his Human companion affectionately, letting his eyes soften as he just observed and watched. Gray was certainly one of the most interesting Humans he had ever met, simply oozing personality and nobility. Everything about him was interesting and captivating, making Elluin (a scholar bent on learning and always looking for new things) never being able to take his eyes off of the Human.
He had zoned out a little in his admiritions and thoughts, so when he was doused in water by the Human hopping out of the water, a slight gasp left his lips before he was grasped into a kiss, laughing with Gray against the contact of their lips.
"You got me all wet again, Gray," Elluin mumbled as he hugged the other back with a warm grin.
Gray laughed, leaning into the hug. “You’re in a bath, love, did you not expect to get wet? Or did you mean in a different way?” He chuckled at his own suggestive joke, leaning in to press another light kiss to Elluin’s cheek. “Maybe Voron will be entertained by listening in on us, in that case,” he teased lightly.
Satisfied that he’d gotten all the soap and dirt scrubbed from his hair, Gray finally allowed himself to relax and just enjoy the moment. The lovely, fancy bathhouse, the love of his life beside him… yeah. Everything was going to be okay. He hummed softly before leaning in closer and peppering quick kisses over their face with a wide smile, ending with a slightly longer, loving kiss to their lips before pulling away with a laugh.
Elluin gasped with a soft blush, pushing on him and his sly jokes. "Gray, stop saying that! I wasn't expecting you to hop out so suddenly." His eyes rounded, his cheeks still reddening thanks to all of the teasing. The Elf, despite being outwardly stoic and always curious like others of his kind, and it took an exponential amount of time for Elluin to feel such things around Gray. They laughed with the other as he pulled away, still flushed dark with embarrassment.
"The steam is getting really warm, isn't it?" He pulled his hands off of Gray to rub under his hair to rub at his ears instead. It felt nice to enjoy his presence, but getting embarrassed so quickly over small teasing showed how lonely he felt without the other. Elluin wrapped his arms around Gray as they both relaxed again, grinning nervously. "You're really coming out swinging with the teases, huh? Just like the old days."
"Mhm, if you're sure." Gray laughed. "…You're all red," he pointed out with an amused grin, lightly poking Elluin's cheek as he relaxed into their arms. "As if I haven't said much worse to you before- or better, depending on how you look at it. Unless I need to… refresh your memory, perhaps?" He grinned mischievously up at the Elf, teasing him relentlessly as they fell easily back into their old rhythm.
"Mm, it is. We can go ahead and get out, if you'd like?" Gray was thoroughly clean now, not to mention almost giddy from the time with Elluin after so long without it. Not to mention that his appetite was beginning to come back, and he could go for a meal now. But of course the water was nice as well, so if Elluin wished to stay for a bit longer, he would hear no complaint from Gray, that was for sure.
From over Gray's shoulders, basically looping his arms under his armpits to cover his reddened cheeks and shy facial expressions. "You don't need to refreshen anything, Gray, I remember really well." His cheeks somehow grew warmer under his long fingers and pale hands as he reflected on even their sultriest of moments together, and the things Gray dared let leave his royal mouth.
"Mmh, yeah, let's go, I bet you're hungry." Elluin unfurled his arms from Gray and faced the wall after walking a couple feet forward and heaved himself out of the water. Sparkling droplets fell off of his arms and body onto the soft ground of the springs as his muscles visibly worked under his shoulders to get him up. He swung himself up and grabbed up their towels.
"I'm beginning to get my appetite back, yeah." Gray watched in a near stupor as Elluin pulled himself out of the water, skin flushing slightly as he traced their movement. With their introverted and scholarly nature as well as their slim build, it was easy to forget that they were strong as well. He'd never understand how he'd gotten so lucky in the sense that his affections were returned. Gray followed after him a moment later, hoisting himself out of the water with a slight shiver. Even with the warm steam in the air, the heat that the water had provided was still greatly missed as he stepped toward the towels. He took his with a gracious smile and made quick work of drying himself off as best he could, leaning forward slightly and ruffling the towel through his hair.
"Seems like you're getting your appetite back in other regards too," Elluin responded with his cheeks still flushed scarlet as he himself dried off quickly. He stepped away to allow Gray to dry off, averting his eyes as he slipped on his long blue and grey robes, once again covering his slender body disappearing behind the silken cloth, as well as the under garments he had been wearing prior. He glanced back at Gray briefly and stepped closer to the entrance, calling out to Voron in what Gray could recognize as Elven.
Voron gruffly responded and continued speaking in their native tongue, and a pack of clothes were passed between the Elves.
"Alright," Elluin started as he stepped over to Gray again, "Voron said he found some traveler's clothes that they recovered from a Human somewhere. They're clean, he assured me, but if you feel something suspicious don't be afraid to tell me."
Gray laughed, tucking his towel around his hips in the meantime. "Mm, well there are some things that I can never get enough of," he mused. He listened to the two Elves speak for a moment in curious confusion, only recognizing the tongue as Elven after a moment or two. It wasn't often that he heard Elven spoken in a casual manner, quite used to the language being reserved to books and professors back home. Of course he'd head a few words along his travels, but never from anyone that was genuinely interested in talking to him.
He took the pack of clothes, glancing down at them before looking right back up. "I'm sure they'll work just fine. Thank you, love." He folded his towel neatly and set it on the bench, slipping on the clothes. They fit rather well, though that was to be expected with Gray's average height and build.
Elluin busied themself with folding the towels and putting them in a bin that seemed designated for dirty things. Elluin then rummaged around in his robes, mumbling under his breath, and pulled out a small piece of string that was pure white in quality. He dropped it onto the pile afterwards and pulled out a slim piece of metal shaped as a moon with gleaming green rocks in it. He murmured something again and the towels flashed a bright green, floated up, and settled back down on the benches, sparkling clean and fluffed out.
"You'd think they'd check more often in here," Elluin commented as he repocketed the tiny moon and turned back to the Human, smiling. "I really don't like casting magic, but I try my hand at it occasionally. Some aspects of the bathhouse are extremely complex spells. I read about them a while ago." His eyes widened a little as he looked down at the steaming, crystal blue water.
Gray watched the actions unfold in front of him, still as stunned as the first time he’d seen something like it. He doubted he’d ever get to a point where he didn’t hold an immense respect for spellcasters of all sorts. The craft itself was just so mystical and extravagant that it demanded respect even when practiced by the kindest, quietest person.
“Makes you wonder what kinds of things you could get away with hiding in here.” He grinned, adjusting his shirt. It was a bit short on him but the higher waist on the pants made up for that just fine. Perhaps that was how they were designed? Regardless, Gray was glad to be back in something both clean and familiar to him. “So. Food?” He surprised even himself with the appetite that he had now that his anxiety had dissipated- sure he’d known it was likely affecting his hunger a bit, but now able to feel exactly how much, it was somewhat astonishing.
Elluin didn't use his learned spells all that often even while he was around those of his own race. Gray had seen it enough that the Human was aware of this fact about Elluin, but Elluin simply thought it took fun away from certain aspects of research. Through his holy symbol he was able to cast minor healing spells, a spell to light up a room, and obviously several housekeeping things that assisted in everyday life.
The Elf rolled his eyes as he padded back over, but bent down to press a gentle kiss to Gray's forehead. "Yes, food, my love." He took his hand and started leading the way, paying mind to his strides as he took him back to the front, where Voron was leaning up against the wall holding a small knife and twirling it between his fingers.
"It's about time, yeah?" Voron grunted gruffly, standing up straight with a slight nod, catching the knife firmly by its hilt.
Gray smiled widely, getting up on his tip-toes to lean into the gentle kiss. He’d always loved affection of any sort, and after so long not only apart from Elluin but also completely on his own for the most part, his love for it was rushing back full force. He twined their fingers together and headed over to the door where Voron stood with a slight skip in his step, squeezing Elluin’s hand lightly in one last small show of affection.
A bit awkwardly, Gray used his free hand and fiddled with the neck of his shirt. “Should I, uh. Do I need to worry about being discreet this time around?” He felt a bit anxious speaking up about it, but he felt it was an understandable worry. He’d walked here huddled under a cloak and needing to be careful about even looking up, after all. He’d assumed he’d need to cover himself somehow on the way back as well- it made sense, after all, given where he was.
(sorry for the sudden disappearance! the semester just ended where i am, and it was a bit of a rough transition.)
Elluin squeezed Gray's hand back with a small smile down at him, moving his hand up and around his shoulders as Voron surveyed them sharply. Elluin squeezed his fiance close in a protective sort of way, almost tucking the other man into his robes to hide him if necessary.
"I haven't really seen anyone on my trek around to find your clothes," Voron said after thinking for a few moments. "You should be okay, but I can't predict the weirdos around here who don't sleep at this time, especially if they're scholars. But the most the scholars will do is ask you a bunch of questions." He rolled his eyes at the idea of the sect of elves, despite standing in front of one.
Elluin shook out their head and wrapped the purple cloak around Gray's shoulders, buttoning it from behind the Human in an act of service. "You should be okay, but Voron is right. We can't predict what the other Elves will do with the news that you're here. I don't want to risk it with you." He pulled the hood up and set his hands firmly down on his shoulders again, glancing up at Voron, who shook his head at them.
"Yeah, that's your choice I guess. I'll lead you back." He gestured for them both to follow him, then started leading the way towards Elluin's home.
(It's all good! Glad to see you back, don't push yourself too much ^^)
Though slightly embarrassed to show such affection in front of Voron, he supposed the Elf had seen the two of them show much more intense displays of affection already. Still, he flushed slightly as he leaned into Elluin’s touch. Hooding slowly as he listened to the two, he accepted the cloak with a glance back at his fiancé and a cheeky smile. “Better safe than sorry, I get it,” He added cheerily. Probably too cheerily given the circumstances, though he quickly edged into a more serious mindset once they headed out of the building. He understood what was at risk here. Even if they were just among Elven scholars, anyone else seeing him would be… not good. Worse than bad, probably. He didn’t want to be too much of a liability during his stay here, and while it couldn’t exactly be helped, he wanted to ease Voron and Elluin’s worries as best as he could.
He didn’t look around too much this time, keeping his gaze firmly planted on the dirt underfoot and the pair of shoes leading him. He only looked up a couple times along the walk back, mostly to reassure himself that he was still following Voron in the correct direction or that he wouldn’t run into anything. …Or, admittedly, when he was particularly curious about something they were passing. He kept those glances up to a minimum, though, and was always careful to shroud himself in the hood around his shoulders when he did.
Elluin had allowed Gray to walk forward in front of him, his footsteps light and inaudible behind the group. He still felt on edge about some other Elf finding out about Gray and reporting it to those above them, leading to a big long case that would take weeks and probably eventually end in Gray's death in order to preserve the safety of this little town. If one was looking at the Elf's long features, they'd be able to see worry and fear visible on them; his concerns with Gray dying was admittedly much higher than a bunch of scholars and soldiers having to move town, but it would hold up their plans as well. Their plans to help with the war, to create a new life… It would just be best to leave as soon as possible, hand-in-hand.
"Alright, we're here," Voron growled as he stopped in front of Elluin's house again, crossing his arms curtly as he peered down. "I can ask Dionga to stand post if you need someone to watch over you, but otherwise you should be fine if you stay inside and keep your blinds shut. I have things to do, so Elluin can reach me if you absolutely need to reach me of all people."
"You won't tell anyone about him, right, Voron?" Elluin asked, stepping forward and setting a hand on Gray's shoulder. "We'll be gone as soon as I pack and… Gray's better. Then you won't have to worry anymore."
Voron squinted at Elluin, visibly thinking. "Fine. I won't tell anyone, despite me having to. It is my responsibility, but.. I don't know what it is about you two. I don't want to get in the way of whatever you have going on. It's strange, to say the least."
Gray listened to the Elves converse for a moment, mildly amused. Voron seemed so cold and distant, though that couldn’t be the case given that he was watching over the two of them willingly. He pondered that thought for only a moment before he tuned back into the conversation, glancing up at Elluin. He hadn’t truly considered that the guard would tell someone about his presence. If he was going to, he would’ve already done so, right? He’d had many opportunities so far, whether he’d wanted to turn him in or kill him, he could’ve already done so easily.
Gray almost began to give a joking response, but quickly put a stop to that. As understanding as Voron was being in this situation, he had a feeling a joke would not go over very well. Instead, he just nodded and smiled gratefully. “Thank you.” He gave the Elf a look of as much relief as he could muster, hoping that conveyed everything he needed to say. As soon as he turned, he looked up at Elluin. “He likes us,” he murmured with a sly grin.
