He'd made an attempt to roll himself over that went nowhere- maybe a little more than five to come down, settle back into his skin. Scraps of him were coming back and not one of them were useful as any kind of mask- leaving the surprise at Bull's consideration, his kindness somewhat naked on his face.
He did this for his lovers, true- and he didn't think less of anyone that did not do the same for him; it simply wasn't what was done. You had Zevran, you set him aside and moved on with your day. He handled himself. ]
[ Something riled itself at the back of his brain, irrationally angry. Acting like this meant he wasn't used to it, but he'd damn sure acted like he'd been handled rough before in the past, at least consensually. Which meant whoever did hadn't stuck around afterwords. Says a lot about whoever it was, however many of them there were. Enough for there to be a precedent for it.
But he doesn't let that anger show. In fact he smirks, shaking his head and patting his arm gently. ]
You're going to need a minute. We'll worry about it then, alright?'
[ Another scrap- the edges of a mask he can't quite grasp, but enough for him to manage a tentative- apprehensive smile. Were they not done? He could, if pressed and given time to rest, do more for Bull. He wouldn't mind it- in fact he'd enjoy it.
But-
He sinks back onto the sheets, moving his arms up enough to cross them under his chin, eyes careful and still faintly adoring on Bull. Still floating enough for that to show. ]
[ Not unusual. He'd taken a lot, almost without flinching, and it was to be expected that he hadn't quite come down off of that high just yet. He wasn't going to rush him, either. As soon as he was clean the towel was tossed back onto the dresser, and Bull found himself absently stroking Zevran's hair.
What? It was hard not to. Bull was a very tactile individual, and it was good to keep that connection going a while longer. At least right now. ]
[ Zevran blinks lazily, stretching a little to feel all the new aches and twinges Bull's left him before sighing, nosing into the hand stroking his hair. It was fine and silken- he took great pains to ensure it was so. About as much as he took to be sure he was always presentable, always attractive.
It was why he'd been bought.
But such open appreciation makes it worthwhile.
Little by little scraps come back. Common, at least, returns when he reaches up to squeeze Bull's wrist. Just to touch him, now that he can. ]
[ Bull chuckles as Zevran's fingers catch against his wrist, though it doesn't deter him from continuing to tangle his finger in his hair. Seems to be doing a pretty good job of coaxing him back around, anyway. ]
Get that itch scratched, did you?
[ Because that's generally what it is. Or curiosity. Or any number of reasons that really don't have much to do with him at all. But hey. Long as everyone's having a good time. ]
[ That should be more alarming than it is. He'll come back around to that thought when he isn't so comfortably sated and such things can linger; for now everything else seems irrelevant.
That restless tension in him has been neatly and deftly unwound. Bull knows what he is about.
Zevran's thumb swipes back and forth on Bull's skin, an idle caress. ]
[ He hadn't expected his throat to be so dry, afterward. Then again he hadn't expected much of anything other than a good, hard ride. Everything else has been a lovely surprise.
Feeling a little more coordinated he shifts to rest on his side, tugging Bull's hand close enough to press a chaste kiss into his palm.
[ The corner of Bull's mouth twitched, his thumb shifting to trace the edge of Zevran's lips, before drawing away. The pitcher was still there, still cold as ice, and a clean tankard wasn't all that difficult to find amidst the various items strewn about. Organized chaos. He knew where it all was, that's what mattered.
When he returned to the bed's edge, he waited for Zevran to find a comfortable position to sit up into before handing the drink over. ]
You'll want to rest for a little bit, before you head out. Provided you don't mind the company. Didn't seem like you did.
[ Zevran smiles against the pad of Bull's thumb- something smaller and sweeter than his usual practiced smirks. Broken down like this he's at his most honest, even if he's coming back into his skin.
His pleasantly sore skin, rolling over to sit up doesn't happen without a faint groan. Maker, that was a ride. ]
I do not mind it- I simply am unaccustomed to it? [ He takes the glass and a careful sip before shrugging. ] But I do not mind it. This is...pleasant.
[ Used to them not sticking around. As he thought. But it's not a thing to pry into, not and ruin a perfectly good afterglow. ]
Kicking people out on their ass after sex isn't really my thing. Especially good sex.
[ And with a please rumble he's shifting up, stretching out on the bed and letting out a quiet, relaxed little huff of breath. Yeah. Just taking it easy for a while isn't the worst idea in the world. ]
Good is an understatement. I don't think I could stand if I tried.
[ He would in a moment or two, though. But for now leaning against Bull and sipping water without any of that frantic tension knotting up his spine or shoulders for the first time in months? He may wish it to linger a little while longer. ]
[ Not that it appears a complaint, by any means. It looks like they both got what they wanted out of the encounter, so chalk it up to a win. Good job, go team. Chuckling to himself, Bull's gaze strays to a few loose stones in the wall, letting in a little breeze that has the tapestry still clinging overhead fluttering quietly. ]
It's not always that involved. Just in case you were wondering.
[ It's a good sort of tingling numbness, a warm aching throb that works through him as he settles back into his skin. Definitively worth the hour of waiting and that coiling anticipation. As anxious as he'd been? It made everything after all the more intense. ]
Oh? I'm curious what made you chose this tack, then.
Seemed like what was needed. Couldn't tell right off downstairs, but soon as I got up here? I had a few ideas.
[ One hand lifted, waving idly. ]
That's how sex is back home. Sometimes it's this ritualistic thing, really gets bone-deep and leaves you a little lighter afterwords. Sometimes it's just an in-and-out, itch-scratching sort of deal. Depends on the situation. And the person.
Odd- when I spoke to Sten about sex he refused to answer. Then again he was a singularly focused Qunari.
[ Members of the Beresaad, it seemed, lived differently than Ben Hassrath. ]
I am not certain if I can call what we just did ritualistic- well there was bloodletting so perhaps- but I do feel...lighter. Better. Not so much an itch scratched but a weight I wasn't entirely aware of carrying carved out and tossed through the window.
They're not normally very talkative with outsiders to begin with. That's not a surprise.
[ That's right. A Sten had traveled with the Hero of Ferelden. Brought back all sorts of interesting intel from what he'd heard. But that's business. Or politics. Either way, not very good pillow talk. ]
Mmhm. That's how it can be, if you're doing it right. Taps into little nooks in your head you didn't even know about. Bondage in particular's pretty useful when you're having to juggle a lot in your head. You get to let go.
[ Bull's head turns, that eye regarding Zevran quietly. ]
[ A singularly stoic individual, Sten. Save for around kittens. And cookies. And Valor. how Jonas earned his respect, Zevran was uncertain- he never bothered asking.
Still, he sets thoughts of that particularly bloody road aside, finishes his water, and settles against Bull's side. If he had known how warm Qunari could be he'd have attempted to share Sten's Bedroll rather than Alistair's. ]
...I suppose. [ A beat, a sigh. ] I am unaccustomed to being in any one place so long. Being hunted by the Crows leaves such a tactic unwise. I am less accustomed to being known or recognized by anyone that isn't trying to kill me. Here I am known by name if nothing else- here people have come to know me and it...itched. Under the skin. Masks are easy enough to hold when you only know someone for a day or so.
[ With Zevran migrating closer, it was easy to drape an arm down, toying absently with the ends of his hair. Because he could, mostly, because the texture was pleasing and the motion equal parts soothing and affectionate. ]
Start wondering when the other shoe's going to drop, when someone's finally going to plant that knife in your back. That feeling, I know.
More or less. Though by now if they haven't been able to kill me they'd likely attempt to drag me back to Antiva City to be judged there.
[ He grimaces, nuzzling his cheek into Bull's shoulder. That was a possibility, not a certainty. This is far more pleasant a thing to focus on, the heart under his ear, the hand in his hair. ]
The coin would be good enough for most. I figure it is only a matter of time.
Tell you what. That happens, I'll come fish you out again. Free of charge.
[ Bull chuckles, fingers straying to run along the curve of Zevran's back in slow, lazy lines. They'd have to be ballsy to try and sneak into the Inquisition, all to extract one rogue assassin.
And it sounded like Zevran had himself a few people that might object to that on a personal level. ]
Varric would have a field day. He said he's been looking for new material lately.
[ He's done more for less. Hell, gave his eye for a punk Vint kid he didn't even know, because it happened to be the right thing to do. Zevran laughed, but Bull knows where his own masks falter.
He doesn't leave people behind. Not like that. Not ever again. ]
I could give him my life's story- there's certainly material enough there to make at least five books- not including the blight business.
[ If he can joke about that- he's well settled in his skin. Though he finds himself oddly reluctant to uncurl from Bull's side just yet, too comfortable. He ought to examine the thought. Later, perhaps. ]
They truly would not know what to do when faced with your like. It would be something to see.
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no subject
Date: 2016-01-24 07:36 am (UTC)He- what?
He'd made an attempt to roll himself over that went nowhere- maybe a little more than five to come down, settle back into his skin. Scraps of him were coming back and not one of them were useful as any kind of mask- leaving the surprise at Bull's consideration, his kindness somewhat naked on his face.
He did this for his lovers, true- and he didn't think less of anyone that did not do the same for him; it simply wasn't what was done. You had Zevran, you set him aside and moved on with your day. He handled himself. ]
Che cosa?
no subject
Date: 2016-01-24 07:53 am (UTC)[ Something riled itself at the back of his brain, irrationally angry. Acting like this meant he wasn't used to it, but he'd damn sure acted like he'd been handled rough before in the past, at least consensually. Which meant whoever did hadn't stuck around afterwords. Says a lot about whoever it was, however many of them there were. Enough for there to be a precedent for it.
But he doesn't let that anger show. In fact he smirks, shaking his head and patting his arm gently. ]
You're going to need a minute. We'll worry about it then, alright?'
no subject
Date: 2016-01-24 07:59 am (UTC)[ Another scrap- the edges of a mask he can't quite grasp, but enough for him to manage a tentative- apprehensive smile. Were they not done? He could, if pressed and given time to rest, do more for Bull. He wouldn't mind it- in fact he'd enjoy it.
But-
He sinks back onto the sheets, moving his arms up enough to cross them under his chin, eyes careful and still faintly adoring on Bull. Still floating enough for that to show. ]
no subject
Date: 2016-01-24 08:12 am (UTC)What? It was hard not to. Bull was a very tactile individual, and it was good to keep that connection going a while longer. At least right now. ]
Someone's feeling good, huh?
[ That smile crooks a little higher. ]
no subject
Date: 2016-01-24 08:17 am (UTC)[ Zevran blinks lazily, stretching a little to feel all the new aches and twinges Bull's left him before sighing, nosing into the hand stroking his hair. It was fine and silken- he took great pains to ensure it was so. About as much as he took to be sure he was always presentable, always attractive.
It was why he'd been bought.
But such open appreciation makes it worthwhile.
Little by little scraps come back. Common, at least, returns when he reaches up to squeeze Bull's wrist. Just to touch him, now that he can. ]
That...was marvelous.
no subject
Date: 2016-01-24 03:48 pm (UTC)[ Bull chuckles as Zevran's fingers catch against his wrist, though it doesn't deter him from continuing to tangle his finger in his hair. Seems to be doing a pretty good job of coaxing him back around, anyway. ]
Get that itch scratched, did you?
[ Because that's generally what it is. Or curiosity. Or any number of reasons that really don't have much to do with him at all. But hey. Long as everyone's having a good time. ]
no subject
Date: 2016-01-24 06:53 pm (UTC)[ That should be more alarming than it is. He'll come back around to that thought when he isn't so comfortably sated and such things can linger; for now everything else seems irrelevant.
That restless tension in him has been neatly and deftly unwound. Bull knows what he is about.
Zevran's thumb swipes back and forth on Bull's skin, an idle caress. ]
I feel less like an overwound spring, yes.
no subject
Date: 2016-01-24 07:10 pm (UTC)Good. Feel like that drink yet?
[ If not, he's perfectly content to ease back and luxuriate in the moment. Depending on Zevran's preference, he's welcome to stay or go, as he likes.
Bull's got no problem continuing to bask for a while longer, yet. ]
no subject
Date: 2016-01-24 07:22 pm (UTC)[ He hadn't expected his throat to be so dry, afterward. Then again he hadn't expected much of anything other than a good, hard ride. Everything else has been a lovely surprise.
Feeling a little more coordinated he shifts to rest on his side, tugging Bull's hand close enough to press a chaste kiss into his palm.
Not starting anything but- affectionate. ]
Thank you.
no subject
Date: 2016-01-24 07:47 pm (UTC)When he returned to the bed's edge, he waited for Zevran to find a comfortable position to sit up into before handing the drink over. ]
You'll want to rest for a little bit, before you head out. Provided you don't mind the company. Didn't seem like you did.
no subject
Date: 2016-01-24 07:56 pm (UTC)His pleasantly sore skin, rolling over to sit up doesn't happen without a faint groan. Maker, that was a ride. ]
I do not mind it- I simply am unaccustomed to it? [ He takes the glass and a careful sip before shrugging. ] But I do not mind it. This is...pleasant.
no subject
Date: 2016-01-24 08:09 pm (UTC)Kicking people out on their ass after sex isn't really my thing. Especially good sex.
[ And with a please rumble he's shifting up, stretching out on the bed and letting out a quiet, relaxed little huff of breath. Yeah. Just taking it easy for a while isn't the worst idea in the world. ]
no subject
Date: 2016-01-24 08:25 pm (UTC)[ He would in a moment or two, though. But for now leaning against Bull and sipping water without any of that frantic tension knotting up his spine or shoulders for the first time in months? He may wish it to linger a little while longer. ]
no subject
Date: 2016-01-25 06:30 am (UTC)[ Not that it appears a complaint, by any means. It looks like they both got what they wanted out of the encounter, so chalk it up to a win. Good job, go team. Chuckling to himself, Bull's gaze strays to a few loose stones in the wall, letting in a little breeze that has the tapestry still clinging overhead fluttering quietly. ]
It's not always that involved. Just in case you were wondering.
no subject
Date: 2016-01-25 06:43 am (UTC)[ It's a good sort of tingling numbness, a warm aching throb that works through him as he settles back into his skin. Definitively worth the hour of waiting and that coiling anticipation. As anxious as he'd been? It made everything after all the more intense. ]
Oh? I'm curious what made you chose this tack, then.
no subject
Date: 2016-01-25 06:58 am (UTC)[ One hand lifted, waving idly. ]
That's how sex is back home. Sometimes it's this ritualistic thing, really gets bone-deep and leaves you a little lighter afterwords. Sometimes it's just an in-and-out, itch-scratching sort of deal. Depends on the situation. And the person.
no subject
Date: 2016-01-25 07:06 am (UTC)[ Members of the Beresaad, it seemed, lived differently than Ben Hassrath. ]
I am not certain if I can call what we just did ritualistic- well there was bloodletting so perhaps- but I do feel...lighter. Better. Not so much an itch scratched but a weight I wasn't entirely aware of carrying carved out and tossed through the window.
no subject
Date: 2016-01-25 07:19 am (UTC)[ That's right. A Sten had traveled with the Hero of Ferelden. Brought back all sorts of interesting intel from what he'd heard. But that's business. Or politics. Either way, not very good pillow talk. ]
Mmhm. That's how it can be, if you're doing it right. Taps into little nooks in your head you didn't even know about. Bondage in particular's pretty useful when you're having to juggle a lot in your head. You get to let go.
[ Bull's head turns, that eye regarding Zevran quietly. ]
You looked like you could use that.
no subject
Date: 2016-01-25 07:26 am (UTC)Still, he sets thoughts of that particularly bloody road aside, finishes his water, and settles against Bull's side. If he had known how warm Qunari could be he'd have attempted to share Sten's Bedroll rather than Alistair's. ]
...I suppose. [ A beat, a sigh. ] I am unaccustomed to being in any one place so long. Being hunted by the Crows leaves such a tactic unwise. I am less accustomed to being known or recognized by anyone that isn't trying to kill me. Here I am known by name if nothing else- here people have come to know me and it...itched. Under the skin. Masks are easy enough to hold when you only know someone for a day or so.
no subject
Date: 2016-01-26 03:46 am (UTC)[ With Zevran migrating closer, it was easy to drape an arm down, toying absently with the ends of his hair. Because he could, mostly, because the texture was pleasing and the motion equal parts soothing and affectionate. ]
Start wondering when the other shoe's going to drop, when someone's finally going to plant that knife in your back. That feeling, I know.
[ Seheron. It never really left. ]
no subject
Date: 2016-01-26 03:55 am (UTC)[ He grimaces, nuzzling his cheek into Bull's shoulder. That was a possibility, not a certainty. This is far more pleasant a thing to focus on, the heart under his ear, the hand in his hair. ]
The coin would be good enough for most. I figure it is only a matter of time.
no subject
Date: 2016-01-26 04:14 am (UTC)[ Bull chuckles, fingers straying to run along the curve of Zevran's back in slow, lazy lines. They'd have to be ballsy to try and sneak into the Inquisition, all to extract one rogue assassin.
And it sounded like Zevran had himself a few people that might object to that on a personal level. ]
no subject
Date: 2016-01-26 04:22 am (UTC)[ He crackles a soft laugh, now there. There was a fine mental image. ]
That is the stuff tales are made of.
no subject
Date: 2016-01-26 04:40 am (UTC)[ He's done more for less. Hell, gave his eye for a punk Vint kid he didn't even know, because it happened to be the right thing to do. Zevran laughed, but Bull knows where his own masks falter.
He doesn't leave people behind. Not like that. Not ever again. ]
no subject
Date: 2016-01-26 04:51 am (UTC)[ If he can joke about that- he's well settled in his skin. Though he finds himself oddly reluctant to uncurl from Bull's side just yet, too comfortable. He ought to examine the thought. Later, perhaps. ]
They truly would not know what to do when faced with your like. It would be something to see.
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