the end is nigh - what a relief
1
It was part of them, this teasing back and forth, the ebb and flow that came so easily, soothed the other. She couldn’t help it, nor the shiver that coursed through her when that low growl reached her ear. Her lower lip caught between her teeth as she’d flash him a look of defiance. He knew better than to offer her a challenge, especially with how his breath danced along her neck.

Leaf leaned into the crook of his neck, lips planting a series of soft kisses along towards his ear. Her hands reached to hang around his elbows, seeming on a path to his shoulders. Yet as her lips drew close to his ear, Leaf quietly voiced, [color=#0074d9]“Gotta catch me first, my Prince.” [/color]

A palm nudged his elbow upwards, her body sinking to sweep herself under and clear of him and the tea. Leaf snickered. Feet drawing one pace, then two paces ahead, while her head spun back over her shoulder.
Sebastian should have known better than to usher a challenge of any kind to her. Watching in the low light as she grinned at him. That clear look of defiance not something new to him. Maker help him, what had he just unleashed. He could have given in, admitted she called his bluff, but as the words tickled his ear again he let out an involuntary growl in response.

Do I? he asked in reply; eyes following her as she slipped any grip he might have had.

The snicker drew him to move, long easy strides in her direction. An angle for a grip to spin them and pull her along toward the bed. Does this count? he'd ask if he had the grasp, the pull toward the large bed in the room. And if he could leverage, he'd twist their positions again, pushing her down toward the plush comfort beckoning them. Or is this more to your preference, Aoife?

A wicked smirk would pull at the corners of his mouth, almost as if a switch had been flipped within him. The wells of his youth, of playing such games with others decades in the past.
A laugh followed after her snicker, eyes glancing behind her to find him hot on her heels. The advantage of height and nimble footing had her caught quickly. His hand snatched out, pulling, turning them where he willed. There was no firm resistance, only pitiful tugs and giggling as answer from Aoife. Yet now his bluff had been called, curiosity had taken over.

Gravity upended before she could dwell further. Calves hit the frame of the bed, laughter switching to a yelp of surprise as her balance tipped backwards, sinking into the blankets and mattress. Everything came sharply into focus with his words. The bed, his leaning over her. Leaf’s throat went dry, her breath caught unsure of what to say at first with this more direct Seb.

Her cheeks flushed, their rosy hue deepening further as she found herself outmatched. Her previous confidence faltered and Leaf stammered. [color=#0074d9]“I.. heh, I…eh… I don’t.. Um… know.”
[/color]

[color=#0074d9]Stop fucking laughing.
[/color]

[color=#c14700]I can’t help it. How?
[/color]

[color=#0074d9]We are not talking about this.
[/color]

There was an audible gulp and Leaf closed her eyes, awaiting ridicule. After a short breath to compose herself she calmly added.[color=#0074d9] “This.. this is where I admit. I've. I’ve never.."[/color] she laughed, wishing she had the ability to be invisible, beginning to draw her hands back to cover her face.[color=#0074d9] “I…I don't know, is what I'm saying. I know... but I.. eh.. haven’t...beenwithanyone,Sebastian.” [/color]
A switch had been flipped within Sebastian, a flicker of a flame once long though snuffed out renewed. It had been all too easy to give chase to her, as clearly it seemed she wanted to be caught. As any resistance she might have given was backed by giggles.

It changed in an instant, again, when she yelped. But no words came as he stared down at her on the bed. The string of wobbled words, a clear struggle to say exactly what was in her mind. The grin on his lips had dropped as he watched her, carefully and intently. Keen to figure out what, exactly, she was attempting to convey.

Until the bomb dropped. An awkward, mirroring laugh, escaped his lips. Disbelief clear in the strained tone of the sound. Maker... He whispered under his breath, scarcely able to believe it. You can't be serious, Aoife... can you?

No sooner would either of them have time to acknowledge what was happening, than Tofa had removed herself from the pile of pillows. Annoyed at having been woken up, she stormed her stubby legs over toward Aoife with the intend to smack her in the face with her raised paw...
Leaf’s hands brushed over her face with a groan as he stuttered a laugh. She didn’t know what was worse, that her skin was on fire with embarrassment or that he didn’t quite believe her, that it was another joke of hers. Perhaps other times yes, but not with something this.. Intimate. Sucking in a breath she pulled her hands back through her hair before gripping the edge of the bed.

[color=#0074d9]“Seb…”[/color] there was a small smile, but it faltered as something swiped at her head from behind. [color=#0074d9]“Hey!”[/color] her upper body whipped around, eyes finding Tofa and all irritation evaporated with the Pandalopes expression. The following chuckle broke the tension created by her mortifying admission. Though her cheeks still refused to abate the flushed colouring.

[color=#0074d9]“Sorry, T,”[/color] stretching her hand out to offer a pet, Leaf ventured to continue what she was going to say. [color=#0074d9]“I… never had feelings for someone strong enough to go there. Then… when I did he.. well he had a throne to take and I.. ended up stuck in hell.”[/color] Reaching up, she’d take his hand in hers, Tugging him to sit next to her, thumb running over his knuckles. [color=#0074d9]“My head and heart were all over the place then. Now they’re not.” [/color]
Too late did Sebastian realize what was happening with Tofa. His delayed lunged for the pandalope sent his hands colliding with Aoife's instead. He flushed slightly, awkwardly retracting his hand to watch as Tofa lapped up the attention. All manner of the previously assertiveness that had been switched on faded in the moment.

Between Aoife's revelation and Tofa's interjection, the moment had faded. A more level sense returning as he took the time to listen, allowing her to take his hand and move him as she wished. Tofa gave a huff before stomping away, making herself scarce.

As Aoife explained, Sebastian gave a somewhat understanding nod. Sometimes he regretted not taking that leap, inviting her back with him when he took the crown. Maybe she'd not have the tagalong demon she did now, maybe she'd not have gone through hell alone.

Maybes. Might have been. Could have happened. None of that mattered now. They'd made it through everything life had thrown at them, forced upon them, and were here. Now.

Now was the important. That once maybe had shifted into a reality, more than he could have even imagined.

Aoife... He lifted their hands up, shifting his grasp and placing a gentle kiss on her palm. My heart has never wavered, and I think my head has finally caught up. He gave a light chuckle. He gave her palm another kiss, before shifting that hand onto his cheek and flashing her a smile. Tell me what you want, I'm yours.
It seemed to be a running theme of theirs. Forever interrupted or a moment spoiled by some random event, a quiet, perfect moment seemed to elude the pair. Tofa’s swipe and heavy padded departure were just another unlucky, but endearing part of their story. Perhaps it just hadn’t been their time, and now that both had made headway on their respective journey’s fate had decided, now was their moment, Tofa-swipes and all.

Still, as he called her name, the Champion winced though soon relaxed, feeling further reassured that her admission wasn’t laughed at or scorned by the soft kiss to her palms and his own confession. His chuckling pulled forth her own, her palm softly settling across his cheek when guided, thumb drawing a careful sweep across skin. It pained her that she had caused him worry by leaving suddenly. [color=#0074d9]“I’m glad. Happy I’m not too late either and some dull as a rock noble was sent your way.”[/color] Snickering a little, Aoife drew closer, lips brushing against his softly.

[color=#0074d9]“Well, you’ve already bathed, as have I. Perhaps tomorrow, but how about… some cuddles, maybe steal some kisses… I have wondered about them,”[/color] the admission catching her off guard, causing her face to flush and Leaf to chuckle awkwardly. Ugh, she was not good at this and jostled a shoulder, [color=#0074d9]“just see how far we get before I embarrass myself further. Somewhere, Bella and Varric are laughing like pair of hyenas.”[/color]
For the briefest of moments, a snicker came that matched her own. Though quickly silenced by her lips. He gave her a slightly smug grin. Much to the dismay of many, I could not be swayed. A chuckle. Though not for the lack of trying.

Sebastian gave a light hum at her words, contemplating. Whoever said one was allowed a single bath in a day? He gave her a flash of a grin. But we shall do whatever it is you desire. I am aware I... perhaps have more experience.

He shifted slightly, arranging himself further up onto the bed and gave a tug to her hand, encouraging her to follow. And opening his arms in an invitation for her to cuddle up closer. Your hyenas need not know this part. He said after a long moment, offering a wink, then: I won't tell them if you won't.

@Aoife Hawke
Some tried, but our joint stupidity seemed to work in our favour. They each had other responsibilities that monopolised their time, their focus.

A smirk widened across her face until Leaf couldn’t suppress the giggle any longer. There was the true rogue behind the veil. Her hand came up to brush through his wet hair, lips pursing at his words. Maybe together in the morning. I know you’ve taken the day for rest so.. pausing to nibble at her lip, fingers coiling around a lock of his hair. Her shoulders shifted, not quite shrugging, but the nervous excitement brimmed underneath.

Experience yes, but I do have an imagination, Seb. She’d chuckle gently, her grip in his hand squeezed with his gentle tug to later follow. This was familiar. Nestled deep in his arms brought back all the times she had found shelter in, care, compassion and importantly, the peace of home. I don’t plan on telling those hyena’s shit and if you do, her head tilted upwards towards him, her body turning to hover over him some. I whoop your butt, Prince or not.

@Sebastian Vael
Sebastian let out a slight chuckle. On, my dear Aoife, your imagination doesn't even begin to cover the possibilities. He flashed her a devious grin, but said no more. Let that imagination try for overtime.

When he felt her head tilt up, he shifted slightly to look down at her. He then gave an ever so slight shake of his head. I would never. They don't talk to me anyway. He shrugged slightly, then chuckled and pulled her close to hug her tightly.

Now that they were here, he didn't want to let go.

Besides, he spoke up after a few moments. I'm quite certain I could give you better reasons to want to do that.

@Aoife Hawke
There was a definite beat or two before her cheeks began colouring a deep shade. Mouth opened and closed without a word but a slight whine in protest. Shifting to lean over him some, a mock frown played across her face. Meanie. That might come back to bite you. She did have Isabella and Varric in the past, yet he was right, without ever being intimate with someone, there were limits to her imagination.

Her fingers idly reached to play with the ties of his shirt, a small distraction from how their bodies pressed against each other, how he squeezed her deliciously against him. Leaf squirmed, quickly finding herself not caring how the others didn’t speak much, not without her involvement anyway. She found just being next to him, watching him relax into the bed while her hands toyed with his shirt ties and the other brushed the locks of damp hair out of his face.

Do you now, she’d tease with a soft chuckle. What if I bruised it? I’m not a good healer, besides, I think you’d enjoy this more than an ass whooping. Using his hand to steady her, Leaf shifted and within a short turn, slipped a leg over to straddle him comfortably, quietly proud of herself for the unusual forwardness. Now you can definitely say, I won’t play fair.

@Sebastian Vael
Sebastian couldn't help letting a smirk twitch at his lips. I'm counting on it. A twinkle of mischief lingering in his gaze as he looked at her.

Despite lacking contact with many of their old comrades from back in the day, it didn't bother Sebastian too much. He and Varric never really got along when he'd been viscount in Kirkwall. To say nothing about Aveline's clashes with him. Merrill was probably the only one beyond Aoife and Bethany that he had much contact with. And it was, well, it was just fine that way. Better now that Aoife would remain a constant in his life - or so he hoped she would.

He'd allowed his eyes to drift closed, enjoying the feeling of her messing with his hair, his tunic. He didn't open them again immediately when she spoke, feeling the thrum of her soft laugh. It wasn't until he felt her movement that he popped his eyes open, surprised to see where she'd positioned herself.

Arching a brow, he gave her a lazy grin. My, my. A chuckle of his own rumbled deep in his chest. I'd expect no less. A pause. A widened grin. Are you going to show me what you want of me, then?

@Aoife Hawke
There was a thrill that went through her as she watched his grin widen. Aoife leaned in closer, Or maybe, I’ll just keep you guessing, she whispered, her voice low and teasing.

Now above him she began nibbling her lower lip, enjoying the sensation of him underneath her. Maybe, she’d answer, fingers twirling the ties of his shirt until they’d loosened, her touch lingering briefly on the fabric as it parted to reveal the skin beneath. What if I want everything? Her touch became bolder, heart racing as she began to slide both hands over his chest, parting the shirt and exploring the contours of muscles, lingering over scars and scrapes of his troubles.

Her cheeks flushed again, the deepening shade the result of her enjoying how their skin glided against each other. Leaning down, Leaf pressed her lips to his for a soft, lingering moment, every touch, caress, kiss melting the troubles they faced from her mind. She’d pull away eventually to rest her forehead against his taking a moment to catch her breath, Show me how to love you.

@Sebastian Vael
The more things progressed, the more Sebastian tried not to let his mind drift. To think that this might just be a dream he'd wake from any moment. That suddenly he'd need to rise, that she'd be gone still, and he'd need to face the world alone.

It wouldn't be a bad dream, of course, but no. No. This was real. This was happening. She was his, and he was hers. Now until the end of their lives.

Sebastian let her explore, mostly falling to putty under her touch. A happy smile on his lips, though slightly restrained - not wishing to appear too overly eager.

His eyes had fallen shut, fluttering closed as he enjoyed her lips, the soft kisses. Only when a pause came, followed by her words, did he open his eyes once more. Tipping his head slightly, he kissed her cheek and continued to smile.

Anything for you, Aoife.

And he'd do as asked. Gently, slowly, helping her explore and showing her exactly what sparked excitement. But he'd pause occasionally to check in, see what she wanted, how she wanted to continue. And he'd give her whatever was asked of him, show her whatever she desired.

@Aoife Hawke