[ The touch is enough to stop his fidgeting--how could he resist holding hands with Arthur? G'raha immediately returns the gesture, clasping Arthur's hand in both of his his. ]
Nay. [ He shakes his head. ] For all the possibilities I had fantasized about, I can say whole-hardheartedly that this is better simply because it's real.
[ He smiles, feeling his stomach do a flip with just that particular way Arthur looks at him. The subtle smile, the softness in his gaze all directed at him. His heart has never felt so full. How can he possibly be worthy of this wonderful man? ]
You never cease to amaze and surprise me and I...would not have it any other way, Arthur Inkwell. You have my heart as well and I vow to hold yours with all the care and devotion that it deserves.
[ Well, after such a sweet declaration, how can he not kiss him? Arthur leans in to capture G'raha's lips, all warmth and overflowing affection. He'd be sorry for the PDA, but surely if the Warrior of Light has earned anything in his service to the star, it's the right to be gross with his boyfriend in public for a bit. ]
[ Are they in public? It's hard to pay attention to anyone else in the room when Arthur is there, but that is something of a side-effect G'raha has been suffering from for a while now. He is only too glad to return the kiss in kind. Kissing his boyfriend--
--only to hear a clearing of throat behind them. Pulling away, G'raha finds that some drinks have arrived. ]
O-oh! Yes, thank you.
[ Is he ashamed? No way. Everyone's got to be insanely jealous at the moment and for all his own insecurities, G'raha can do nothing but beam up at the Viera, a little amused. ]
You make it so easy to forget where and when I am at times.
[ It’s awfully easy to get lost in G’raha, he’s found, and as nice as this little dinner date is, there is a part of him that longs for them to have some proper alone time so he can get lost in full. ]
There is a lot of city to see yet, but I wonder if you might indulge me first.
[ Why is it still so strange to think that the feelings Arthur instills in him might be fully experienced and felt in turn?
If only G'raha were privy to those thoughts, he would forgo the tacos for something else. Or, well, he would be a bit flustered at first, but still. It isn't as if his thoughts of Arthur have been entirely wholesome. Look at the man? (The freckles kill him.)
But he is still in his immediate honeymoon stupor. ]
Anything-- [ He answers, mayhaps a bit too readily. ] Whatever you would like or suggest.
[ Oh, G'raha. Always so eager to please... it is endearing, that readiness, though Arthur does hope it can mellow a bit with time. He would prefer them to be equals in this endeavor, and G'raha is very much allowed to tell him no. ]
Let me get it out before you go agreeing.
[ He gives G'raha a little admonishing bop on the nose with a finger. ]
I was hoping you might stay with me tonight. In my room.
[ The bop on his nose makes G'raha wrinkle it instinctively, though only for a second. He honestly cannot imagine Arthur suggesting or asking something of him that he would be opposed to. Just like this! Of course he would want to stay with--
Arthur.
In his room.
...
In his room.
Oh.
G'raha's eyes widen as the true meaning of Arthur's request sinks in. Oh. His tail immediately starts swishing animatedly behind him. This--this is...definitely something he is very, very, very interested in. Gods, something he would not have imagined being able to ask of Arthur before he was able to properly ask him out but--but they crossed that bridge, didn't they? Arthur accepted him wholly right from the start, mayhaps understanding all of G'raha's wishes better than G'raha had been able to voice them. ]
[ Though he is definitely blushing a bit, there is a shine to G'raha's red eyes not unlike the kind he gets when he is particularly excited about something he'd discovered or accepting a very exciting adventurous proposal. And let's be honest, is this not the greatest adventure? (Terrible, terrible comparison.) ]
If you would-- [ Wait, no. Stop that. Arthur wouldn't have said as much if he didn't mean it. ] --I mean, I--...I would be honored. Truly, I would like...nothing more.
[ Arthur isn’t trying to set a record for breaking G’raha’s brain several times in one day, but it seems he’s well on his way to doing so, regardless. He watches the turn of the gears in his beloved’s head until it all sort of snaps into place and he realizes what he’s being asked.
The enthusiasm with which he responds is nearly enough to tempt Arthur into giving up on their meal and dragging him back to the For’ard Cabins right this moment. Gods, he is perfect. ]
Good. I very much look forward to having you all to myself.
[ No world-ending catastrophes, no onlookers. Just the two of them. ]
[ He may not be trying to, but he's definitely got the top score thus far. Of course, for as much as a foodie as G'raha has become, the prospect of what awaits is decidedly more distracting. Despite all the scenarios and practice G'raha had presumably taken in his own mind and the confines of his private chambers over the years, it is Arthur who says all the right things and leaves G'raha wholly swept up.
He cannot say he's upset, though. Far from it. The butterflies in his stomach make him feel all too giddy. He does manage to swallow down on some of his excitement quite literally and give voice to his own desires-- ]
And I, you, Arthur.
[ Arthur. Alone.
Gods, he may need this drink for a myriad of reasons.
Even as the food arrives, G'raha finds his attention drifts elsewhere. There is a six fulm tall feast to be had, after all. He takes a hefty drink of his very fruity, and blessedly cold beverage. That does help a little bit to cool his, um. Well, you know. ]
[ Arthur is sincerely considering the merits of getting their meal to go at this point, the air between him and G'raha gone electric at the mere suggestion of spending the night together. He'd be lying if he said he hadn't thought about it, hadn't run some private fantasies of his through his head.
The real thing is like to be so much better.
Ah... but then the food shows up and it's far too late to ask for a baggie or a box. They should really cool down. ]
Hm? [ Oh, the drink. ] 'Tis made with strawberries and mezcal, if I am not mistaken.
[ Goodness, he would kind of like nothing more. Athough now abandoning the table does feel a little rude to their welcoming hosts. He will have to settle for...enjoying the food and preparing himself for what is to come. If he can ever really be prepared. He knows well all Arthur will subvert all his day dreams in the best ways possible.
G'raha licks his lips, but not before taking another hearty sip from the drink. The cool blended sweetness falls pleasantly down his throat, the slight tang from the mezcal hitting the back of his tongue. ]
It's delicious. I wouldn't mind--
[ A few more? ]
--well, another time, mayhap.
[ He definitely does not plan on ordering more.
G'raha does ask what the names of the various pieces are, if Arthur knows, and is equally interested in what Arthur likes the best. (More important Inkwell Lore.) But as they sample the food, he does pivot a bit in his own chair so that his knee presses up gently to Arthur's lower thigh. ]
[ Hopefully things in Tural are settled enough for now that they'll have plenty of time to come back and have some drinks again, to properly enjoy the food and the atmosphere when they're not so preoccupied.
He watches G'raha lick his lips, utterly distracted, and mentally kicks himself for not dragging him back to the inn first thing.
Well, live and learn. ]
We'll be back, I'm sure.
[ He mostly ordered tacos — whatever it was Wuk Lamat tried to share with them before Bakool Ja Ja squashed it all beneath his feet. And they are good, just the right amount of heat and spice, fresh veggies, the whole package.
Ah, but he stills mid-bite when G'raha's knee presses to his leg, ears perking and eyes flicking downward. ]
You are... making it quite difficult to focus on dinner.
[ The tacos are delicious and G'raha is finding he quite enjoys the pickled onions as well. They had a nice crunch and sourness that really compliments the sweetness of the sauces. Commentary he might have otherwise if not for the fact that he'd rather be eating-- ]
...My apologies.
[ Except G'raha doesn't sound too sorry, mostly just sheepish as he gives Arthur a little more space under the table. He slurps loudly on his fruity drink. ]
[ Arthur’s gaze lands on G’raha’s face and holds there for a few moments, watching him, the way his lips curve around the edge of his glass. “Overeager” he says, and Arthur can’t help but feel that’s something of an understatement.
Ah, to hells with it. ]
… Wait here.
[ He offers no explanation as he rises from his seat, dipping back into the restaurant proper to exchange a few words with the proprietor. Arthur comes back a moment later with a small brown bag and a bit of waxed paper to wrap their food in. ]
[ G'raha does a bit of a double-take when Arthur gets up. Though he's told to wait, there is a moment where G'raha wonders if he has crossed a line in his excitement. Gods, the last thing he wants to do is mess this up...
G'raha puts the drink back down and turns in his chair, following Arthur to the counter--and then is filled with instant relief when he sees what his boyfriend is coming back with. Relief mixed with that growing excitement. Overeager is really only the beginning. ]
Are we?
[ Though he asks, G'raha is already up out of his seat and grabbing a few plates to start stowing away the food. ]
I'm certain this will be just as delicious later.
[ For what it's worth, G'raha does try to help package things appropriately, though he realizes rather quickly that the drinks likely can't come with. So he does the only logical thing one can do in this situation--
[ It seemed the sensible thing to do, instead of plodding through the whole meal and pretending that their thoughts weren't elsewhere. They can keep the leftovers as a snack for later, but right now, all Arthur wants is the other snack right in front of him.
He'd half-resigned himself to just leaving the drinks behind, but then G'raha up and chugs his, startling a laugh out of Arthur.
Yeah, sure, why not? A bit of liquid courage for what's to come. (Though, he's certain they'll be fine.) He tips his own glass back, downing the rest of the contents, and then he's grabbing G'raha by the hand to tug him across the beach to where the For'ard Cabins await. ]
[ They paid for it, right? Waste not! And it's actually that thought that finally hits G'raha as their feet hit the sand. ]
Oh, wait--payment?
[ Granted, he's not really slowing down because...it's Arthur. And despite his own code of honor, he would much rather put in an IOU at this point and render payment in the morning.
Gods, in the morning. Could he really go all night--
Ignore the flush. It's clearly the drink.
They pass others who are enjoying the breeze and the sunset, but G'raha's gaze keeps darting between Arthur and the cabins. He had been offered lodgings there as well, but he suspects they're going to Arthur's room. Twelve, he wants to go to Arthur's room. He can still fondly recall the time spent sharing dinner with their comrades back at the Annex--but it had still been Arthur's then. And that made it even more special. ]
[ By which, he means he tried to pay when he requested a bag to put everything in and was told not to worry about it, to the surprise of absolutely no one. For once in his life, Arthur didn’t feel like arguing the matter.
Arthur doesn’t notice G’raha turning red, but that’s only because he has his gaze set squarely ahead at their destination. If he turns to look at him now, the last of his willpower will surely crumble and he’ll make a scene right here on the docks. Thankfully, he does not turn around, and they make it to Arthur’s room without incident – though the moment they are both inside and the door shut behind them, all bets are off.
Their food is left on the nearest flat surface as Arthur turns to crowd into G’raha’s space, backing him against the cabin door. One hand comes up to alight on the miqo’te’s chin, tipping his head up. ]
I do not think you fully understand how much I want you.
[ Of course it's taken care of. Arthur is so good at everything he does, including sneakily taking care of the bill. One less thing to worry about, which only means that G'raha will have to treat him next time.
He doesn't even have a moment to take in all that is Arthur's room--his home away from home for the past few months. No matter how curious he is, all that matters about is that it's Arthur's and the man himself quickly takes up every bit of G'raha's field of vision. His back hits the door as he gazes upwards, his tail thumping against the hollow wood. ]
Oh...
[ He swallows, but he's smiling, boldly putting one hand at the small of Arthur's back. ]
If it's but an onze of how much I desire you, then I may.
[ There's just a short moment of consideration before he reaches out to cup the other man's face and pushes upwards onto his toes to try and steal Arthur's lips in a kiss. ]
[ Arthur is already starting to bend to meet him when G’raha gets up on his toes, and there is an undeniable eagerness in the way Arthur kisses him, lips parting nearly instantly to seek to take the kiss deeper.
He’s trying his very best not to be too much too quickly, but hells, they had all that time on the beach to let their imaginations run wild, it’s proving a difficult task. Arthur’s whole world has narrowed to the man in front of him, how he smells, how he tastes, the delightful softness of his lips.
[ An eagerness that is returned tenfold. G'raha's eyes fall shut as he allows the touch, the taste, and the scent of Arthur to be his North Star. He wants nothing more than to consume and to be consumed, his wildest fantasies all fleeing in the face of this perfect reality.
There's barely a moment of hesitation before G'raha parts his lips, aiming to meet Arthur's tongue with his own. Gods, it's been such a long time since he was this close to someone. He's only hoping that his now twenty-something year-old body remembers the dance moves better than his century-old mind.
His heart, thankfully, meets somewhere in the middle, pushing back against most of his worries with the simple fact that he would stumble upwards to meet Arthur on any plane. He grips the back of Arthur's shirt, both to give himself something to hold onto and to boldly hitch it up one entire ilm. Too soon? ]
[ Please, if anything, Arthur wishes G’raha would hurry up and strip him faster. Though, he does understand that his boyfriend is a century and some change out of practice, so he’s trying his best to let G’raha set the pace.
But that doesn’t mean he can’t give him a little encouragement.
Loath as he is to break their kiss, especially since they’ve just begun to taste one another, he does, pulling away only slightly. Blue eyes sweep over G’raha’s face, slightly luminous in the shadow cast by their closeness. The only trace of what the Light of the First had done to him. ]
Please… explore me however you like. I want to feel your hands on me.
[ He ducks in to resume their kiss, though pauses just long enough to add as almost an afterthought, ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Nay. [ He shakes his head. ] For all the possibilities I had fantasized about, I can say whole-hardheartedly that this is better simply because it's real.
[ He smiles, feeling his stomach do a flip with just that particular way Arthur looks at him. The subtle smile, the softness in his gaze all directed at him. His heart has never felt so full. How can he possibly be worthy of this wonderful man? ]
You never cease to amaze and surprise me and I...would not have it any other way, Arthur Inkwell. You have my heart as well and I vow to hold yours with all the care and devotion that it deserves.
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--only to hear a clearing of throat behind them. Pulling away, G'raha finds that some drinks have arrived. ]
O-oh! Yes, thank you.
[ Is he ashamed? No way. Everyone's got to be insanely jealous at the moment and for all his own insecurities, G'raha can do nothing but beam up at the Viera, a little amused. ]
You make it so easy to forget where and when I am at times.
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[ It’s awfully easy to get lost in G’raha, he’s found, and as nice as this little dinner date is, there is a part of him that longs for them to have some proper alone time so he can get lost in full. ]
There is a lot of city to see yet, but I wonder if you might indulge me first.
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If only G'raha were privy to those thoughts, he would forgo the tacos for something else. Or, well, he would be a bit flustered at first, but still. It isn't as if his thoughts of Arthur have been entirely wholesome. Look at the man? (The freckles kill him.)
But he is still in his immediate honeymoon stupor. ]
Anything-- [ He answers, mayhaps a bit too readily. ] Whatever you would like or suggest.
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Let me get it out before you go agreeing.
[ He gives G'raha a little admonishing bop on the nose with a finger. ]
I was hoping you might stay with me tonight. In my room.
1/2
Arthur.
In his room.
...
In his room.
Oh.
G'raha's eyes widen as the true meaning of Arthur's request sinks in. Oh. His tail immediately starts swishing animatedly behind him. This--this is...definitely something he is very, very, very interested in. Gods, something he would not have imagined being able to ask of Arthur before he was able to properly ask him out but--but they crossed that bridge, didn't they? Arthur accepted him wholly right from the start, mayhaps understanding all of G'raha's wishes better than G'raha had been able to voice them. ]
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If you would-- [ Wait, no. Stop that. Arthur wouldn't have said as much if he didn't mean it. ] --I mean, I--...I would be honored. Truly, I would like...nothing more.
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The enthusiasm with which he responds is nearly enough to tempt Arthur into giving up on their meal and dragging him back to the For’ard Cabins right this moment. Gods, he is perfect. ]
Good. I very much look forward to having you all to myself.
[ No world-ending catastrophes, no onlookers. Just the two of them. ]
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He cannot say he's upset, though. Far from it. The butterflies in his stomach make him feel all too giddy. He does manage to swallow down on some of his excitement quite literally and give voice to his own desires-- ]
And I, you, Arthur.
[ Arthur. Alone.
Gods, he may need this drink for a myriad of reasons.
Even as the food arrives, G'raha finds his attention drifts elsewhere. There is a six fulm tall feast to be had, after all. He takes a hefty drink of his very fruity, and blessedly cold beverage. That does help a little bit to cool his, um. Well, you know. ]
--Oh! This is delightful. What is this?
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The real thing is like to be so much better.
Ah... but then the food shows up and it's far too late to ask for a baggie or a box. They should really cool down. ]
Hm? [ Oh, the drink. ] 'Tis made with strawberries and mezcal, if I am not mistaken.
[ Fancy margarita. ]
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G'raha licks his lips, but not before taking another hearty sip from the drink. The cool blended sweetness falls pleasantly down his throat, the slight tang from the mezcal hitting the back of his tongue. ]
It's delicious. I wouldn't mind--
[ A few more? ]
--well, another time, mayhap.
[ He definitely does not plan on ordering more.
G'raha does ask what the names of the various pieces are, if Arthur knows, and is equally interested in what Arthur likes the best. (More important Inkwell Lore.) But as they sample the food, he does pivot a bit in his own chair so that his knee presses up gently to Arthur's lower thigh. ]
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He watches G'raha lick his lips, utterly distracted, and mentally kicks himself for not dragging him back to the inn first thing.
Well, live and learn. ]
We'll be back, I'm sure.
[ He mostly ordered tacos — whatever it was Wuk Lamat tried to share with them before Bakool Ja Ja squashed it all beneath his feet. And they are good, just the right amount of heat and spice, fresh veggies, the whole package.
Ah, but he stills mid-bite when G'raha's knee presses to his leg, ears perking and eyes flicking downward. ]
You are... making it quite difficult to focus on dinner.
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...My apologies.
[ Except G'raha doesn't sound too sorry, mostly just sheepish as he gives Arthur a little more space under the table. He slurps loudly on his fruity drink. ]
I may be a little overeager.
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Ah, to hells with it. ]
… Wait here.
[ He offers no explanation as he rises from his seat, dipping back into the restaurant proper to exchange a few words with the proprietor. Arthur comes back a moment later with a small brown bag and a bit of waxed paper to wrap their food in. ]
We are taking the rest of this to go.
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G'raha puts the drink back down and turns in his chair, following Arthur to the counter--and then is filled with instant relief when he sees what his boyfriend is coming back with. Relief mixed with that growing excitement. Overeager is really only the beginning. ]
Are we?
[ Though he asks, G'raha is already up out of his seat and grabbing a few plates to start stowing away the food. ]
I'm certain this will be just as delicious later.
[ For what it's worth, G'raha does try to help package things appropriately, though he realizes rather quickly that the drinks likely can't come with. So he does the only logical thing one can do in this situation--
He chugs it. ]
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He'd half-resigned himself to just leaving the drinks behind, but then G'raha up and chugs his, startling a laugh out of Arthur.
Yeah, sure, why not? A bit of liquid courage for what's to come. (Though, he's certain they'll be fine.) He tips his own glass back, downing the rest of the contents, and then he's grabbing G'raha by the hand to tug him across the beach to where the For'ard Cabins await. ]
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Oh, wait--payment?
[ Granted, he's not really slowing down because...it's Arthur. And despite his own code of honor, he would much rather put in an IOU at this point and render payment in the morning.
Gods, in the morning. Could he really go all night--
Ignore the flush. It's clearly the drink.
They pass others who are enjoying the breeze and the sunset, but G'raha's gaze keeps darting between Arthur and the cabins. He had been offered lodgings there as well, but he suspects they're going to Arthur's room. Twelve, he wants to go to Arthur's room. He can still fondly recall the time spent sharing dinner with their comrades back at the Annex--but it had still been Arthur's then. And that made it even more special. ]
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[ By which, he means he tried to pay when he requested a bag to put everything in and was told not to worry about it, to the surprise of absolutely no one. For once in his life, Arthur didn’t feel like arguing the matter.
Arthur doesn’t notice G’raha turning red, but that’s only because he has his gaze set squarely ahead at their destination. If he turns to look at him now, the last of his willpower will surely crumble and he’ll make a scene right here on the docks. Thankfully, he does not turn around, and they make it to Arthur’s room without incident – though the moment they are both inside and the door shut behind them, all bets are off.
Their food is left on the nearest flat surface as Arthur turns to crowd into G’raha’s space, backing him against the cabin door. One hand comes up to alight on the miqo’te’s chin, tipping his head up. ]
I do not think you fully understand how much I want you.
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He doesn't even have a moment to take in all that is Arthur's room--his home away from home for the past few months. No matter how curious he is, all that matters about is that it's Arthur's and the man himself quickly takes up every bit of G'raha's field of vision. His back hits the door as he gazes upwards, his tail thumping against the hollow wood. ]
Oh...
[ He swallows, but he's smiling, boldly putting one hand at the small of Arthur's back. ]
If it's but an onze of how much I desire you, then I may.
[ There's just a short moment of consideration before he reaches out to cup the other man's face and pushes upwards onto his toes to try and steal Arthur's lips in a kiss. ]
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He’s trying his very best not to be too much too quickly, but hells, they had all that time on the beach to let their imaginations run wild, it’s proving a difficult task. Arthur’s whole world has narrowed to the man in front of him, how he smells, how he tastes, the delightful softness of his lips.
Gods, he really should have done this sooner. ]
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There's barely a moment of hesitation before G'raha parts his lips, aiming to meet Arthur's tongue with his own. Gods, it's been such a long time since he was this close to someone. He's only hoping that his now twenty-something year-old body remembers the dance moves better than his century-old mind.
His heart, thankfully, meets somewhere in the middle, pushing back against most of his worries with the simple fact that he would stumble upwards to meet Arthur on any plane. He grips the back of Arthur's shirt, both to give himself something to hold onto and to boldly hitch it up one entire ilm. Too soon? ]
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But that doesn’t mean he can’t give him a little encouragement.
Loath as he is to break their kiss, especially since they’ve just begun to taste one another, he does, pulling away only slightly. Blue eyes sweep over G’raha’s face, slightly luminous in the shadow cast by their closeness. The only trace of what the Light of the First had done to him. ]
Please… explore me however you like. I want to feel your hands on me.
[ He ducks in to resume their kiss, though pauses just long enough to add as almost an afterthought, ]
My darling.