[Waver leans up to press his lips against Iskandar's jaw. He sighs content as his husband's arms wrap around him, squeezing tight, just listening to the soothing beat of the other man's heart. The afterglow has left him in an indolent mood, pleasure humming through him and leaving him only with the desire for continued closeness.]
We're due another shower aren't we? [That said they're sweaty and the mess Waver's made of them is starting to get... disgusting. The motivation for getting up and getting clean is starting to mount. Waver's voice lilts up with anticipation.] It could use a good scrub. And a very thorough brushing.
[It's a ritual Iskandar loves and an expression of love, care, and family for Waver, especially the brushing. It reminds him of Gray who would similarly fuss over his locks. No matter how long Iskandar spends on it, it always leaves him warm and content inside. It's time just for them to be together and enjoy each other's presence. They haven't had enough of it lately; Waver intend to bask in the experience.]
[Iskandar is quick to agree though less eager to actually move. He's way too comfortable still. He tilts his head down chasing after the lips he's just felt on his jaw. He can never have enough of Waver. A thousand times he can say this and it would never stop being true. Not only his lips. Not only his body, even though he adores it completely. The whole of him. The way he moves, how he speaks, the way his eyes darken when he thinks and how they light up when he smiles. His smile, rare as it is. Iskandar could swear he falls in love with him anew each time his husband smiles.
How extravagantly generous gift is this time, their time together.]
But we would have to move to get there.
[Or they could teleport. Even if Iskandar doubts in his ability to hold his focus on such task for long enough. His mind is still hazy with the kind of blissful grogginess that belongs to late mornings after an especially rich feast... and that comparison feels suddenly entirely appropriate. For a feast it was, and a marvellous one at that. Even if he is not drunk on wine but on pleasure of an entirely different sort.]
Bother. [A reluctant groan of protest. The same type of groan Waver makes when he has to get up in the mornings and go run (yes, he has to now. Gods fight and their shinki rely on them to be able to do just that. There's a reason he's gained some muscle.) and their shared futon is just too cozy. He still wants to cuddle.] We would have to do that. But this is so nice...
[He smiles as Iskandar's lips capture his. He holds their kiss, making it slow and sweet. He falls in love again and again a thousand fold. All the little things, even the frustrating things - like the sheer impossibility of Iskandar ever following a set of directions from a package - right alongside the big things.]
I'd teleport us, but we'd probably end up in the snow outside, rather than the shower right now. Or worse. [Teleporting right after or during sex? Dicey. There was that one incident that their shinki, well the shinki that aren't soulless, still rib them about.] Damn. Just a few more minutes? Then we do something about this?
[The thrill of r at the end of the word sends a shiver down his spine. Iskandar chuckles. No words can describe how alluring is his husband when he's sleepy like that. And that is a very familiar type of groan.
Dragging his love out of bed is not an easy feat. Especially in the morning. The litany of grumbling and complaining can continue all the way to the shower. It has become such a ritual that Iskandar would be rather shocked if it ever ceased. This sacrifice to his godly position has one side effect that Iskandar is so happy with he's willing to shut up in the morning and refrain from harassing Waver for all his grumbling. His husband was always beautiful but getting some exercise certainly helped raise that to the level of spectacular.]
I'd rather not. It was already freezing when we left the restaurant. I don't want to even try to guess what is the temperature outside now.
[Iskandar gasps with mock horror. Don't remind him of the pond accident. This was a very special disaster.]
Five minutes. Then we move.
[It's hard to say if Iskandar himself will be more reliable in keeping that condition than Waver. He's still way too comfortable where he is.]
[The trials of a morning person dealing with a night owl and the divine levels of patience needed to put up with such a sleepyhead, indeed. Not that he's been such a night owl lately; all the extra work has been knocking him out early on the regular.]
Mmmmmph. [Waver pretends to give it some thought, shuddering playfully.] Too bloody cold. It's agreed. We're not chancing it.
[Even Heroic Spirits have limits! No need for an even more special disaster. Their shinki will find out and they won't hear the end of it.
Waver's fingers slide up Iskandar's chest.]
Mmmmmm... alright... just five minutes...
[Slow, lazy kisses and caresses follow as Waver stays close, comfortably nestled in Iskandar's strong arms. Waver's thoroughly come around to Iskandar's declaration of sex being one of life's greatest pleasures, and that includes the afterglow. This soft affection and connection as they bask and come down from the high is just as good as the throes of pleasure itself. Waver continues to listen to their hearts beat - a steady thump in unison - and is filled with sudden gratitude that his has been allowed to come back to life.]
[They both have divine levels of patience when it comes to each other vices. Iskandar adores this sleepyhead of his too much to ever seriously protest. Even when said sleepyhead is making them late because he just can't wake up. Mornings are suffering for Waver and Iskandar doesn't want to add to that.
Just five minutes more is a spell he's intimately familiar with.
But then Waver very rarely berates him for that one bottle of wine too many. It did happen, and not on one occasion, that Iskandar came home absurdly drunk and Waver did not say a word. Just steered him to bed and let him sleep it off. He saved his opinion for the morning when they could have an actual conversation. They both tend to agree that Iskandar's impulse control is not exactly stellar. Especially when it comes to alcohol.
Now he lets himself sink into bliss. Sex is wonderful - Iskandar's lust for his husband's body is insatiable - but all those moments after are as precious. All the times he can just hold him, hear his heartbeat, his breath steady and calm. To know that nothing can take away his love from him this time. Not sickness, not death, nothing. Waver is his for all eternity. He chuckles between the kisses and pulls Waver even closer.]
[Waver's lips curl into even more of a smile and he leans up into another kiss. Five minutes pass - is it really just five minutes? - while the mess between them cools and steadily becomes more and more uncomfortable. That shower and the promised hair washing tempts.
Finally it inspires Waver to move and tug Iskandar with him.]
So much for five minutes. [He stretches like a cat, lazy and not moving fast, and then gets to his feet. There's a bit of a wobble - Waver's foot catching his discarded underwear and sliding out from under him, before he regains his footing. He muffles a small, satisfied yawn. Someone may have zoned out in bliss.] We better get to it.
[Iskandar doesn't mind little discomfort when weighing it against holding his husband close just a few moments longer. So it's his turn to groan with disappointment when Waver finally sits.]
I'd wager that it might have been the longest five minutes in recorded history.
[Does he make any sense? Probably not. He's too occupied watching Waver stretch and yawn. Just... enjoying the view.]
Mhhm...
[He has maybe a three seconds of realisation that they'd better clean at least some of this mess before someone trips over it before it's chased by another thought. Tomorrow. They don't have to do it now. What they should do, and more precisely what he should do, because Waver is already on his feet, is move. Iskandar shakes his head and drags himself up to it on the couch. He shudders suddenly feeling so much colder without that other warm body to keep him comfortable.]
Yes, love. [He blinks several times just to keep himself awake; not even trying to hide his yawn.] I'm coming.
[A minute more and he would have fallen asleep. Something tells him that's what they will be doing for the rest of the night. No stargazing or anything. Sleeping.
That's that other thing they didn't get enough lately.]
Mmmm... even longer than that five minute wait at the gate when we boarded the plane?
[Teasing.
Again, nothing but first class for Iskandar while flying. With his height, coach would have been a nightmare. But there had to be a snag somewhere and that snag was the plane being ready for boarding at the terminal. The only thing that had kept Waver from being frazzled was that they didn't have any connecting flights to worry about.]
Much more pleasant, though.
[Speaking of pleasant, watching Iskandar move is an enticing sight all of its own. If he were more energetic, he'd be tempted to do more than simply enjoy the view. He toes the clothing to one side. There. It's a mess in one place. Chances of them - okay, Waver, it always seems to be him - going flying as they go rummaging around the cabin half asleep for coffee - now dramatically lessened.]
I'll get the water running. [YAWN. More slow blinking.] Are all the hair products in the bathroom already?
[He's fuzzy on that point. It's very much looking like sleep is going to be winning over stargazing or anything else... even watching television in bed. There's a nag in the back of his mind to check in with their shinki before they do via the video chat feature of their phones, but it probably can be left to the morning as well. What he's feeling over his bonds is nothing out of the ordinary, and Iskandar would have said if it was otherwise on his ends.]
Ha! About that ... no. [Iskandar scratches the back of his neck. Look, maybe he got just a little too exasperated there. It is not that often that he has a chance to fly aboard an actual airplane.] Definitely not longer than that one.
[Fortunately, he's got better things to think about now. He gets up and stretches, yawning completely without restraint now.]
Yes, a lot more.
[A quick scan of the surroundings confirms what he already suspected. They must finish unpacking. This is utter chaos. He chuckles seeing Waver casually slide the discarded garment to the side with his foot. A lot better.]
Go ahead.
[Forgive him, he's staring. You're too adorable when you're sleepy, love]
No, I just took out the basics.
[Iskandar curses mentally. He found the shampoo earlier, and their toiletries, but there should be another bag with all the other hair products. The one he specifically packed into a different place in case not all of their luggage arrived with them as it should.]
I'll join you in a minute. I just need to get the rest.
[Where, in the darkest depths of Tartarus, had he stuck the other bag?]
[There's soft chuckling. At least Iskandar had enjoyed the flight, long as it was. A good long read, a hand held game, fairly decent inflight movies - there was plenty to pass the time when Iskandar wasn't looking out the window. Gordius Wheel doesn't travel so high.]
The return flight will be better that way. Hopefully.
[They're both staring. There's another tiny yawn as Waver turns, giving Iskandar a good view of his backside, and saunters to the bathroom.]
I'll get the water a nice temperature, then, in the meantime.
[There's the slight creak of a tap and the steady patter of the shower starting up a few minutes later. The slight sound of protest in the bathroom says it all. Waver just got jolted awake by a blast of cold water. Iskandar doesn't need to see to know his husband's face has suddenly gone sour as he fiddles with the taps for something more pleasant. He knows how he is when he's forced to wake up too suddenly.]
[It is true he spent most of the time when it wasn't pitch black dark yet glued to the window. Books, movies, games, that was later. How could he not? The view from above was unbelievable. Never before he saw land, cities and rivers almost unrecognizable, from such height.
Iskandar's eyes follow Waver as he leaves for the bathroom. He moves only when he can no longer see his husband. He chuckles hearing the protests, half expected them given none of them is exactly fully awake. He heard those kinds of yelps before. Surprisingly, somehow he finds that other bag almost instantly. Exactly where he remembered packing it. It's a bit baffling he couldn't find it before dinner but then his mind was on other things then so maybe that's not so surprising after all.
Having acquired what he was looking for Iskandar follows Waver to the bathroom. He taps on the glass before joining him in the shower.]
I've read that long flights are terrible for the hair. [He wraps his arms around Waver's waist and leans down to kiss his neck. It has only been minutes but he already yearns to touch him.] So I brought something special.
[Waver is covered in suds with his hair plastered down his back by the time Iskandar taps on the glass, a washcloth in his hands. Scrubbing himself down to remove the earlier evidence of their activities and probably giving a hell of an unintentional show while he's at it. The water is pleasantly temperate (not hot) and the Caster is luxuriating in it.
He smiles as Iskandar's arms wrap around him and his husband leans down to start kissing his next and hums as his own arms come up and he brings up the washcloth to begin sudsing up Iskandar's back. Really it's as much as an excuse to get his hands all over his king as much as to start cleaning him up.]
You read right. They're awful, especially in coach. [Which they thankfully avoided. Though Iskandar was curious to see what the other classes were like, and got a good look at cattle car class during the stretch where he got up to stretch out. There's a nostalgic chuckle.] Gray used to fret whenever we got off a red eye seeing me. She didn't fare too well either.
[Hoods and long hauls in economy do not mix. Period.]
Special? [Smiling up, curious.] What did you bring? Or is it a surprise?
[The water is indeed the ideal temperature. Clear evidence that contrary to that first shock Waver was able to tame the alien faucet arrangements. Iskandar chuckles feeling Waver's hand reaching to his back. It might not be the most efficient way of cleaning themselves but it definitely is pleasant. Now that they are not in a hurry they can opt for pleasant. Which is exactly what he intends to do.]
Oh, that I can understand completely. There's a lot to fret about.
[Iskandar might have never met Waver's young apprentice and almost-a-daughter but from all the tales his husband shared with him, he knows he'd have liked her very much.
One thing he and the girl shared was an appreciation for Waver's hair. He has a feeling she would have agreed with him being constantly on the lookout for new products to keep them in good shape. Which brought him back to the topic in question.]
Nah, no surprise at all. Just something I got recommended when I admitted to the cashier lady that we'll be going on an international flight.
[Because he is himself Iskandar can't resist talking with all sorts of people. Sometimes it doesn't but most of the time it works to his benefit.]
It's a hair mask, 90% aloe plus some exotic algae. [He had tried a similar product in the past to rather disappointing result.] Of course, there are many of those but I have been recommended a very specific brand. [The lady had marvellous hair so it was easier for Iskandar to believe her advice to be valuable.]
[Waver smiles as he works the cloth in slow circles from Iskandar's ribs, down his flank, and to his hip. The hotel soap has a certain scent to it that's hard to place... fresh. Almost powdery on the nose. Like fresh linen.
Different than the soaps they use at home. Iskandar was known to treasure incense, perfume, and spice in history, and a text could go on about his and his army's love affair with saffron. The trend continues into modern day. Iskandar always smells good, especially after a shower.]
At the salon supply store? [Cashier lady.... cashier lady... they've come across many cashier ladies. At the market (grocery shopping for their household is always an entertaining affair). At various other stores and restaurants. At the sex shop where Waver can't help but dissolve into an embarrassed mess every time they set foot in it. Wherever they go, Iskandar has no trouble striking up a rousing conversation.] Or was it when we were shopping for luggage? Or...?
Wait. I think I know the one. At the international currency exchange, right? [Long, glossy, silk for hair.] That's what you were talking about, huh? [Waver had been distracted by passport matters at the time.] I was wondering how she got it that way.
[Any moment he might think Waver is not paying attention, he'll be dead wrong. The lady wrote down the recommendation on the back of the exchange receipt, they chatted for a moment and she bid him a good flight. It wasn't that long but still Waver noticed. Iskandar forever marvels how observant his husband is. Nothing escapes him.]
You were busy with the passports and there was no line behind me so I didn't hurry and chatted with her for a while. You must agree she had splendid hair.
[Not unlike certain someone. Iskandar is sure she must have noticed that while he was chatting with her, he was also checking how Waver was doing. So she could have guessed the conditioner won't be for him. He was already content that he told her about their plans. He'd be even more content if the recommended product truly turned out as miraculous as described.]
Not as splendid as yours, of course.
[He wraps a strand around his fingers. There are so many things he loves in Waver but his hair are certainly very high on that list.]
Hm, I might be imagining things but they do seem a bit drier after the flight.
[He might. He is also plenty distracted by the most welcome of distractions. The washcloth is tickling his skin and next time he'd opt for a different choice of soap but it all matters little. As much as Iskandar loves to touch his lover, he equally enjoys being touched by him. There is grace in the subtle movements of his hands, long, elegant fingers, his wrists. It is mesmerizing.]
[Managing a classroom and detective work trained that ability to split his attention well. It comes in handy in his godhood. And yes, Waver was paying attention particularly there. He didn't know if he had to call Iskandar over to help in the continuing saga of getting all the documentation established in order to get a passport and then go through everything required to obtain that pain in the ass piece of credentials that allowed a person to get through airports and borders.
Given they were non-native to the world gods, establishing everything was hellishly difficult (and of questionable legality, let's be honest). But even gods could get tripped by a lack of the right paperwork these days.]
Close though. [There's a slight smile as he accepts the complement, even though there's an internal and somewhat visible struggle with the instinct to immediately self depreciate. Be kinder to yourself. That's the mantra.] She obviously gives hers a lot of care.
The cabin was pretty dry. It's probably not. Your skin also feels like it got parched a little.
[Those elegant fingers sweep the washcloth along the front of Iskandar now, lingering strokes along his abs. Sweeping lower carefully. Both of them are probably still sensitive after their last bout of lovemaking.]
They might. I haven't had a chance to see their full program of events yet. But there's a good chance of it.
[There's a lot of outdoorsy offerings, transport to a nearby winter sports resort, an icebreaker cruise... but that's on the adventure side and had all the fanfare on the website when he was looking through what the resort had to offer. The quieter, more intimate activities didn't have the same level of advertisement, but all they had to do was ask to find out.]
That would explain why I felt so itchy on the last part. I swear, I thought I've got bitten by some insects while we still were in Japan.
[He doubts mosquitos could survive at any airport. Not with all the air conditioning, filters and UV lights. It might have been only mild irritation but it was still annoying, contributing to his overall restlessness. Maybe he should invest in some balm for the return trip. But that's a thought he has before his attention gets redirected.
Iskandar growls, catching the hand sliding down his body, keeping it in place for a brief moment before releasing. Sensitive, yes, but also very willing to repeat the act that had made him so. Maybe not this very moment, for at this moment he is still content, his hunger satiated, like a lion fresh from the feast. But it takes a few deeper breaths before he can to continue the conversation. It also makes him chuckle as he realises leaning down to kiss Waver's neck - and reach for the shampoo at the same time - how little it takes to ignite his hunger anew.]
We should definitely check that tomorrow then.
[Iskandar's initial plan was to wash Waver's hair not to make love in the shower but now he doesn't rule out either option. Still, hair washing goes first. He did not hunt this special conditioner, and most likely brutally overpaid buying it in an airport shop, for it to sit on the bathroom shelf now.]
Ugh. That sounds maddening. Maybe they've left something complementary in the cabin that can deal with any lingering itch.
We should get some lotion when we hit Helsinki on the way back. I didn't manage to get a one way flight on the way back, so we're going to be in the air longer returning.
[He will help rub it in of course. Waver will not pass up an opportunity to get his hands all over Iskandar regardless, and speaking of just that...
Waver's eyes darken in sudden interest as Iskandar catches his hand and keeps it there for a moment while his husband growls. There's another slow sweep of his hand before he relents for the moment, pressing into Iskandar as he pushes up on his feet for a moment, baring his neck more kisses. There's a throaty purr as he angles to capture his King's lips for a few of his own.]
We're both impossible, aren't we?
[He's not sure if it's because of how wonderful Iskandar is, or if his own sex drive has always been this way when not suppressed by depression, but they're well matched in hunger. But he's more looking forward to the intimacy and comfort of this particular ritual. Later. Nothing says they can't make love in the shower after if they feel up to it then.]
Tomorrow. Yes. [He hums.] Just be warned that I'm not a very practiced dancer. You might end up with some sore toes by the end of it.
[He might have the same agility stat as Iskandar, but physicality and co-ordination is a skill that's always an ongoing learning exercise, be it in fighting or dancing.]
Bah! It's just irritating. Nothing for you to worry about.
[Lotion might be a good idea. Getting help applying it is even better...
That alone speaks of where his mind is going at the slightest provocation. And not only his as Waver pushes back at him in response, exposing more of his beautiful neck for Iskandar to ravage. As his purr matches Iskandar's in hunger, every thrill of them flooding his veins with fire, making his body tremble with need. Iskandar lets himself get lost in their kiss.
But this flare-up of passion is as short-lived as it is pleasurable and sudden. It's time will come. Later. Still, Iskandar smiles when they part. Impossible, huh?]
We are but my husband is irresistible. What's your excuse?
[He releases Waver from his embrace without regret. What's to come will be as enjoyable albeit in a completely different manner. He opens to shampoo bottle, pours some on the palm of his hand, and then starts to gently massage it into Waver's scalp. It's not one of the aggressively foaming ones, that's rarely an indicator of quality and when it comes to his husband's hair, Iskandar won't tolerate anything even mildly inferior. Only the best things for his love.]
Hm, doubtful. You're clearly exaggerating. [Iskandar chuckles. We're not trying to enter competition, love. Just enjoy some music.] I don't know any modern dances but music is music. It can't be hard or people would stop doing it.
[There's a shiver of absolute want. Waver settles down back on his feet, pleasure thrumming through him thanks to the kiss, with lingering traces of heat thanks to that flare up of desire.]
Mine? The usual. My husband is being devastatingly handsome, charming, and alluring as always. How can I ever resist?
[There's a content sigh as Waver presses into his fingers like a cat seeking more scritches. This is always relaxing and pleasurable. It's going to take some time as he has a lot of hair to be scrubbed, but honestly that makes it better.]
Maybe I just need the right partner, then.
[Relenting with a smile. You've been warned. You know he can be a klutz.]
I think it depends on the dance, though. [He doesn't know - his knowledge is limited to the occasional episode of... er, Dancing with this or that, and his own fumbling attempts at ballroom while people snickered and he tried to figure out the moves and be a little less of an embarrassment. He's serious about the toes.] Some of them have fancy footwork. [... like fighting can have fancy footwork, his mind supplies.] ... aaaah, we'll figure it out.
[That shiver doesn't go unnoticed. Impossible? Yes. Utterly, completely hopeless. And he rather preferred it stayed that way.]
I see. Then we both have completely valid reasons and it simply cannot be helped.
[Iskandar snickers as he works his way slowly down from Waver's forehead to the base of his neck and then up again. Behold his flawless logic.]
It might be.
[Yes, he knows, but darling, you're light as a feather and he's sturdier than most people. He'll live.]
Remember when we went to Peru? I really liked the music they had there.
[Peru. For all the creepy disappearances, the masks, the cultists, air so thin you could barely breathe there, Iskandar liked one thing. All the people dancing on the street. Young and old. Tango, pasodoble, and a few other that he didn't have the faintest clue what they were.]
[With a chuckle, and not thinking about the obvious cause of forgetting. He remembers. A massive ayakashi spider (and hopefully they won't encounter any here without their shinki, the biggest risk they're taking for this desperately needed vacation.) that was incredibly troublesome to Rend. The way Iskandar had been affected, the way Waver wasn't picking up cultist magic, and the long talk they had after about many things. Waver had truly thought his memories were influencing Iskandar; it hadn't helped that Eirene looks practically identical to Hishiri, something that had come up as the conversation progressed.
Air so thin that he had been winded easily despite the Caster upgrade hadn't been fun either.
But Peru had been fascinating culturally. Lush. And the music had been very catchy.]
We'll have to find out. [There it is. Iskandar has his heart set on dancing. So one way or another, they're going dancing.] But if I had to guess, it's probably some kind of ballroom.
[Waver groans in pleasure as Iskandar keeps massaging from his forehead to the base of his neck and back again.]
Mmm... that feels so good. [And now there's fingers rubbing his tension spots.] Especially right there.
[He's been so stupidly jealous. He knew it was stupid and yet he couldn't help it. It wasn't fair to neither of them. Not to Waver, not to his shinki. But they talked about it because that's what they do. Since the moment of Waver's ascension, there was nothing hidden, no secrets between them. Iskandar preferred it that way.
It didn't mean they had to tell each other everything. Not all things must be shared. There were details of their days, prayers, errands, that would be too boring to do so. Still, most often then not they told each other about how each of them spent their day anyway.]
You think so? [He hopes not. He saw how ballroom looks. Too much complication for too little or close to none physical contact. Completely not his style.] I hope it's nothing as formal.
[Iskandar shakes his head at how predictable Waver's reaction is. He gets him every time in the same spot but today it's worse than ever.]
Now, now. Don't squirm. I've got you.
[He rubs the offending spots with his thumbs applying pressure evenly in small circles.]
I really need to take care of you more often. I swear you've got knots for muscles.
[Iskandar moves his hands lower to massage Waver's neck and shoulders. They really need to take breaks more frequently. No matter what mayhem unfolds in both of their Temples. This is not healthy.]
Mmmmm... [Probably. But then again, he's only familiar with what's common in Mage Society.] Same.
... [Oh? Is he? Maybe a little.] ...
Hmph. Hard to when you're determined to make me a puddle on the floor.
[A bit of performative grumbling - made very weak by the moan his voice tapers into. Did he mention that feels good? It feels very, so very, good. But Waver holds still obediently.]
You've more than enough of your own that I want to work out. These last few months...
[Giving his husband massages is a great pleasure (the injuries when he overdoes it, Servant healing or not, not so much...) especially after training. That said, Waver? Waver is the one that shows the stress far more easily.
They've circled back to the topic they were talking about earlier, though. How they need more time together. How frantic the last few months have been. It going to get worse. With the Olympics for instance coming to Japan, prayers will be on the increase, and that doesn't count for their steadily increasing popularity.]
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Date: 2020-04-20 07:58 pm (UTC)From:We're due another shower aren't we? [That said they're sweaty and the mess Waver's made of them is starting to get... disgusting. The motivation for getting up and getting clean is starting to mount. Waver's voice lilts up with anticipation.] It could use a good scrub. And a very thorough brushing.
[It's a ritual Iskandar loves and an expression of love, care, and family for Waver, especially the brushing. It reminds him of Gray who would similarly fuss over his locks. No matter how long Iskandar spends on it, it always leaves him warm and content inside. It's time just for them to be together and enjoy each other's presence. They haven't had enough of it lately; Waver intend to bask in the experience.]
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Date: 2020-04-26 07:18 am (UTC)From:[Iskandar is quick to agree though less eager to actually move. He's way too comfortable still. He tilts his head down chasing after the lips he's just felt on his jaw. He can never have enough of Waver. A thousand times he can say this and it would never stop being true. Not only his lips. Not only his body, even though he adores it completely. The whole of him. The way he moves, how he speaks, the way his eyes darken when he thinks and how they light up when he smiles. His smile, rare as it is. Iskandar could swear he falls in love with him anew each time his husband smiles.
How extravagantly generous gift is this time, their time together.]
But we would have to move to get there.
[Or they could teleport. Even if Iskandar doubts in his ability to hold his focus on such task for long enough. His mind is still hazy with the kind of blissful grogginess that belongs to late mornings after an especially rich feast... and that comparison feels suddenly entirely appropriate. For a feast it was, and a marvellous one at that. Even if he is not drunk on wine but on pleasure of an entirely different sort.]
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Date: 2020-04-26 07:49 pm (UTC)From:[He smiles as Iskandar's lips capture his. He holds their kiss, making it slow and sweet. He falls in love again and again a thousand fold. All the little things, even the frustrating things - like the sheer impossibility of Iskandar ever following a set of directions from a package - right alongside the big things.]
I'd teleport us, but we'd probably end up in the snow outside, rather than the shower right now. Or worse. [Teleporting right after or during sex? Dicey. There was that one incident that their shinki, well the shinki that aren't soulless, still rib them about.] Damn. Just a few more minutes? Then we do something about this?
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Date: 2020-04-29 08:10 pm (UTC)From:Dragging his love out of bed is not an easy feat. Especially in the morning. The litany of grumbling and complaining can continue all the way to the shower. It has become such a ritual that Iskandar would be rather shocked if it ever ceased. This sacrifice to his godly position has one side effect that Iskandar is so happy with he's willing to shut up in the morning and refrain from harassing Waver for all his grumbling. His husband was always beautiful but getting some exercise certainly helped raise that to the level of spectacular.]
I'd rather not. It was already freezing when we left the restaurant. I don't want to even try to guess what is the temperature outside now.
[Iskandar gasps with mock horror. Don't remind him of the pond accident. This was a very special disaster.]
Five minutes. Then we move.
[It's hard to say if Iskandar himself will be more reliable in keeping that condition than Waver. He's still way too comfortable where he is.]
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Date: 2020-04-30 04:48 am (UTC)From:Mmmmmph. [Waver pretends to give it some thought, shuddering playfully.] Too bloody cold. It's agreed. We're not chancing it.
[Even Heroic Spirits have limits! No need for an even more special disaster. Their shinki will find out and they won't hear the end of it.
Waver's fingers slide up Iskandar's chest.]
Mmmmmm... alright... just five minutes...
[Slow, lazy kisses and caresses follow as Waver stays close, comfortably nestled in Iskandar's strong arms. Waver's thoroughly come around to Iskandar's declaration of sex being one of life's greatest pleasures, and that includes the afterglow. This soft affection and connection as they bask and come down from the high is just as good as the throes of pleasure itself. Waver continues to listen to their hearts beat - a steady thump in unison - and is filled with sudden gratitude that his has been allowed to come back to life.]
Love you...
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Date: 2020-05-01 03:04 pm (UTC)From:Just five minutes more is a spell he's intimately familiar with.
But then Waver very rarely berates him for that one bottle of wine too many. It did happen, and not on one occasion, that Iskandar came home absurdly drunk and Waver did not say a word. Just steered him to bed and let him sleep it off. He saved his opinion for the morning when they could have an actual conversation. They both tend to agree that Iskandar's impulse control is not exactly stellar. Especially when it comes to alcohol.
Now he lets himself sink into bliss. Sex is wonderful - Iskandar's lust for his husband's body is insatiable - but all those moments after are as precious. All the times he can just hold him, hear his heartbeat, his breath steady and calm. To know that nothing can take away his love from him this time. Not sickness, not death, nothing. Waver is his for all eternity.
He chuckles between the kisses and pulls Waver even closer.]
Love you more.
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Date: 2020-05-01 07:32 pm (UTC)From:Finally it inspires Waver to move and tug Iskandar with him.]
So much for five minutes. [He stretches like a cat, lazy and not moving fast, and then gets to his feet. There's a bit of a wobble - Waver's foot catching his discarded underwear and sliding out from under him, before he regains his footing. He muffles a small, satisfied yawn. Someone may have zoned out in bliss.] We better get to it.
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Date: 2020-05-01 11:50 pm (UTC)From:I'd wager that it might have been the longest five minutes in recorded history.
[Does he make any sense? Probably not. He's too occupied watching Waver stretch and yawn. Just... enjoying the view.]
Mhhm...
[He has maybe a three seconds of realisation that they'd better clean at least some of this mess before someone trips over it before it's chased by another thought. Tomorrow. They don't have to do it now. What they should do, and more precisely what he should do, because Waver is already on his feet, is move.
Iskandar shakes his head and drags himself up to it on the couch. He shudders suddenly feeling so much colder without that other warm body to keep him comfortable.]
Yes, love. [He blinks several times just to keep himself awake; not even trying to hide his yawn.] I'm coming.
[A minute more and he would have fallen asleep. Something tells him that's what they will be doing for the rest of the night. No stargazing or anything. Sleeping.
That's that other thing they didn't get enough lately.]
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Date: 2020-05-02 02:55 am (UTC)From:[Teasing.
Again, nothing but first class for Iskandar while flying. With his height, coach would have been a nightmare. But there had to be a snag somewhere and that snag was the plane being ready for boarding at the terminal. The only thing that had kept Waver from being frazzled was that they didn't have any connecting flights to worry about.]
Much more pleasant, though.
[Speaking of pleasant, watching Iskandar move is an enticing sight all of its own. If he were more energetic, he'd be tempted to do more than simply enjoy the view. He toes the clothing to one side. There. It's a mess in one place. Chances of them - okay, Waver, it always seems to be him - going flying as they go rummaging around the cabin half asleep for coffee - now dramatically lessened.]
I'll get the water running. [YAWN. More slow blinking.] Are all the hair products in the bathroom already?
[He's fuzzy on that point. It's very much looking like sleep is going to be winning over stargazing or anything else... even watching television in bed. There's a nag in the back of his mind to check in with their shinki before they do via the video chat feature of their phones, but it probably can be left to the morning as well. What he's feeling over his bonds is nothing out of the ordinary, and Iskandar would have said if it was otherwise on his ends.]
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Date: 2020-05-05 08:44 pm (UTC)From:[Fortunately, he's got better things to think about now. He gets up and stretches, yawning completely without restraint now.]
Yes, a lot more.
[A quick scan of the surroundings confirms what he already suspected. They must finish unpacking. This is utter chaos. He chuckles seeing Waver casually slide the discarded garment to the side with his foot. A lot better.]
Go ahead.
[Forgive him, he's staring. You're too adorable when you're sleepy, love]
No, I just took out the basics.
[Iskandar curses mentally. He found the shampoo earlier, and their toiletries, but there should be another bag with all the other hair products. The one he specifically packed into a different place in case not all of their luggage arrived with them as it should.]
I'll join you in a minute. I just need to get the rest.
[Where, in the darkest depths of Tartarus, had he stuck the other bag?]
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Date: 2020-05-09 08:45 pm (UTC)From:The return flight will be better that way. Hopefully.
[They're both staring. There's another tiny yawn as Waver turns, giving Iskandar a good view of his backside, and saunters to the bathroom.]
I'll get the water a nice temperature, then, in the meantime.
[There's the slight creak of a tap and the steady patter of the shower starting up a few minutes later. The slight sound of protest in the bathroom says it all. Waver just got jolted awake by a blast of cold water. Iskandar doesn't need to see to know his husband's face has suddenly gone sour as he fiddles with the taps for something more pleasant. He knows how he is when he's forced to wake up too suddenly.]
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Date: 2020-05-24 03:44 pm (UTC)From:Iskandar's eyes follow Waver as he leaves for the bathroom. He moves only when he can no longer see his husband. He chuckles hearing the protests, half expected them given none of them is exactly fully awake. He heard those kinds of yelps before. Surprisingly, somehow he finds that other bag almost instantly. Exactly where he remembered packing it. It's a bit baffling he couldn't find it before dinner but then his mind was on other things then so maybe that's not so surprising after all.
Having acquired what he was looking for Iskandar follows Waver to the bathroom. He taps on the glass before joining him in the shower.]
I've read that long flights are terrible for the hair. [He wraps his arms around Waver's waist and leans down to kiss his neck. It has only been minutes but he already yearns to touch him.] So I brought something special.
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Date: 2020-05-26 06:24 am (UTC)From:He smiles as Iskandar's arms wrap around him and his husband leans down to start kissing his next and hums as his own arms come up and he brings up the washcloth to begin sudsing up Iskandar's back. Really it's as much as an excuse to get his hands all over his king as much as to start cleaning him up.]
You read right. They're awful, especially in coach. [Which they thankfully avoided. Though Iskandar was curious to see what the other classes were like, and got a good look at cattle car class during the stretch where he got up to stretch out. There's a nostalgic chuckle.] Gray used to fret whenever we got off a red eye seeing me. She didn't fare too well either.
[Hoods and long hauls in economy do not mix. Period.]
Special? [Smiling up, curious.] What did you bring? Or is it a surprise?
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Date: 2020-05-30 08:37 pm (UTC)From:Oh, that I can understand completely. There's a lot to fret about.
[Iskandar might have never met Waver's young apprentice and almost-a-daughter but from all the tales his husband shared with him, he knows he'd have liked her very much.
One thing he and the girl shared was an appreciation for Waver's hair. He has a feeling she would have agreed with him being constantly on the lookout for new products to keep them in good shape. Which brought him back to the topic in question.]
Nah, no surprise at all. Just something I got recommended when I admitted to the cashier lady that we'll be going on an international flight.
[Because he is himself Iskandar can't resist talking with all sorts of people. Sometimes it doesn't but most of the time it works to his benefit.]
It's a hair mask, 90% aloe plus some exotic algae. [He had tried a similar product in the past to rather disappointing result.] Of course, there are many of those but I have been recommended a very specific brand. [The lady had marvellous hair so it was easier for Iskandar to believe her advice to be valuable.]
proving my membership in the order of senile turtles
Date: 2020-06-17 07:06 am (UTC)From:Different than the soaps they use at home. Iskandar was known to treasure incense, perfume, and spice in history, and a text could go on about his and his army's love affair with saffron. The trend continues into modern day. Iskandar always smells good, especially after a shower.]
At the salon supply store? [Cashier lady.... cashier lady... they've come across many cashier ladies. At the market (grocery shopping for their household is always an entertaining affair). At various other stores and restaurants. At the sex shop where Waver can't help but dissolve into an embarrassed mess every time they set foot in it. Wherever they go, Iskandar has no trouble striking up a rousing conversation.] Or was it when we were shopping for luggage? Or...?
Wait. I think I know the one. At the international currency exchange, right? [Long, glossy, silk for hair.] That's what you were talking about, huh? [Waver had been distracted by passport matters at the time.] I was wondering how she got it that way.
it's a noble and ancient order
Date: 2020-06-17 10:20 pm (UTC)From:[Any moment he might think Waver is not paying attention, he'll be dead wrong. The lady wrote down the recommendation on the back of the exchange receipt, they chatted for a moment and she bid him a good flight. It wasn't that long but still Waver noticed. Iskandar forever marvels how observant his husband is. Nothing escapes him.]
You were busy with the passports and there was no line behind me so I didn't hurry and chatted with her for a while. You must agree she had splendid hair.
[Not unlike certain someone. Iskandar is sure she must have noticed that while he was chatting with her, he was also checking how Waver was doing. So she could have guessed the conditioner won't be for him. He was already content that he told her about their plans. He'd be even more content if the recommended product truly turned out as miraculous as described.]
Not as splendid as yours, of course.
[He wraps a strand around his fingers. There are so many things he loves in Waver but his hair are certainly very high on that list.]
Hm, I might be imagining things but they do seem a bit drier after the flight.
[He might. He is also plenty distracted by the most welcome of distractions. The washcloth is tickling his skin and next time he'd opt for a different choice of soap but it all matters little. As much as Iskandar loves to touch his lover, he equally enjoys being touched by him. There is grace in the subtle movements of his hands, long, elegant fingers, his wrists. It is mesmerizing.]
I wonder if they organise a dance night here.
no subject
Date: 2020-06-19 08:44 pm (UTC)From:Given they were non-native to the world gods, establishing everything was hellishly difficult (and of questionable legality, let's be honest). But even gods could get tripped by a lack of the right paperwork these days.]
Close though. [There's a slight smile as he accepts the complement, even though there's an internal and somewhat visible struggle with the instinct to immediately self depreciate. Be kinder to yourself. That's the mantra.] She obviously gives hers a lot of care.
The cabin was pretty dry. It's probably not. Your skin also feels like it got parched a little.
[Those elegant fingers sweep the washcloth along the front of Iskandar now, lingering strokes along his abs. Sweeping lower carefully. Both of them are probably still sensitive after their last bout of lovemaking.]
They might. I haven't had a chance to see their full program of events yet. But there's a good chance of it.
[There's a lot of outdoorsy offerings, transport to a nearby winter sports resort, an icebreaker cruise... but that's on the adventure side and had all the fanfare on the website when he was looking through what the resort had to offer. The quieter, more intimate activities didn't have the same level of advertisement, but all they had to do was ask to find out.]
no subject
Date: 2020-06-21 12:53 pm (UTC)From:[He doubts mosquitos could survive at any airport. Not with all the air conditioning, filters and UV lights. It might have been only mild irritation but it was still annoying, contributing to his overall restlessness. Maybe he should invest in some balm for the return trip. But that's a thought he has before his attention gets redirected.
Iskandar growls, catching the hand sliding down his body, keeping it in place for a brief moment before releasing. Sensitive, yes, but also very willing to repeat the act that had made him so. Maybe not this very moment, for at this moment he is still content, his hunger satiated, like a lion fresh from the feast. But it takes a few deeper breaths before he can to continue the conversation. It also makes him chuckle as he realises leaning down to kiss Waver's neck - and reach for the shampoo at the same time - how little it takes to ignite his hunger anew.]
We should definitely check that tomorrow then.
[Iskandar's initial plan was to wash Waver's hair not to make love in the shower but now he doesn't rule out either option. Still, hair washing goes first. He did not hunt this special conditioner, and most likely brutally overpaid buying it in an airport shop, for it to sit on the bathroom shelf now.]
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Date: 2020-06-21 11:24 pm (UTC)From:We should get some lotion when we hit Helsinki on the way back. I didn't manage to get a one way flight on the way back, so we're going to be in the air longer returning.
[He will help rub it in of course. Waver will not pass up an opportunity to get his hands all over Iskandar regardless, and speaking of just that...
Waver's eyes darken in sudden interest as Iskandar catches his hand and keeps it there for a moment while his husband growls. There's another slow sweep of his hand before he relents for the moment, pressing into Iskandar as he pushes up on his feet for a moment, baring his neck more kisses. There's a throaty purr as he angles to capture his King's lips for a few of his own.]
We're both impossible, aren't we?
[He's not sure if it's because of how wonderful Iskandar is, or if his own sex drive has always been this way when not suppressed by depression, but they're well matched in hunger. But he's more looking forward to the intimacy and comfort of this particular ritual. Later. Nothing says they can't make love in the shower after if they feel up to it then.]
Tomorrow. Yes. [He hums.] Just be warned that I'm not a very practiced dancer. You might end up with some sore toes by the end of it.
[He might have the same agility stat as Iskandar, but physicality and co-ordination is a skill that's always an ongoing learning exercise, be it in fighting or dancing.]
no subject
Date: 2020-06-22 06:10 am (UTC)From:[Lotion might be a good idea. Getting help applying it is even better...
That alone speaks of where his mind is going at the slightest provocation. And not only his as Waver pushes back at him in response, exposing more of his beautiful neck for Iskandar to ravage. As his purr matches Iskandar's in hunger, every thrill of them flooding his veins with fire, making his body tremble with need. Iskandar lets himself get lost in their kiss.
But this flare-up of passion is as short-lived as it is pleasurable and sudden. It's time will come. Later. Still, Iskandar smiles when they part. Impossible, huh?]
We are but my husband is irresistible. What's your excuse?
[He releases Waver from his embrace without regret. What's to come will be as enjoyable albeit in a completely different manner. He opens to shampoo bottle, pours some on the palm of his hand, and then starts to gently massage it into Waver's scalp. It's not one of the aggressively foaming ones, that's rarely an indicator of quality and when it comes to his husband's hair, Iskandar won't tolerate anything even mildly inferior. Only the best things for his love.]
Hm, doubtful. You're clearly exaggerating. [Iskandar chuckles. We're not trying to enter competition, love. Just enjoy some music.] I don't know any modern dances but music is music. It can't be hard or people would stop doing it.
no subject
Date: 2020-06-23 09:00 pm (UTC)From:Mine? The usual. My husband is being devastatingly handsome, charming, and alluring as always. How can I ever resist?
[There's a content sigh as Waver presses into his fingers like a cat seeking more scritches. This is always relaxing and pleasurable. It's going to take some time as he has a lot of hair to be scrubbed, but honestly that makes it better.]
Maybe I just need the right partner, then.
[Relenting with a smile. You've been warned. You know he can be a klutz.]
I think it depends on the dance, though. [He doesn't know - his knowledge is limited to the occasional episode of... er, Dancing with this or that, and his own fumbling attempts at ballroom while people snickered and he tried to figure out the moves and be a little less of an embarrassment. He's serious about the toes.] Some of them have fancy footwork. [... like fighting can have fancy footwork, his mind supplies.] ... aaaah, we'll figure it out.
no subject
Date: 2020-06-23 11:49 pm (UTC)From:I see. Then we both have completely valid reasons and it simply cannot be helped.
[Iskandar snickers as he works his way slowly down from Waver's forehead to the base of his neck and then up again. Behold his flawless logic.]
It might be.
[Yes, he knows, but darling, you're light as a feather and he's sturdier than most people. He'll live.]
Remember when we went to Peru? I really liked the music they had there.
[Peru. For all the creepy disappearances, the masks, the cultists, air so thin you could barely breathe there, Iskandar liked one thing. All the people dancing on the street. Young and old. Tango, pasodoble, and a few other that he didn't have the faintest clue what they were.]
I wonder what is popular here.
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Date: 2020-06-24 06:37 pm (UTC)From:[With a chuckle, and not thinking about the obvious cause of forgetting. He remembers. A massive ayakashi spider (and hopefully they won't encounter any here without their shinki, the biggest risk they're taking for this desperately needed vacation.) that was incredibly troublesome to Rend. The way Iskandar had been affected, the way Waver wasn't picking up cultist magic, and the long talk they had after about many things. Waver had truly thought his memories were influencing Iskandar; it hadn't helped that Eirene looks practically identical to Hishiri, something that had come up as the conversation progressed.
Air so thin that he had been winded easily despite the Caster upgrade hadn't been fun either.
But Peru had been fascinating culturally. Lush. And the music had been very catchy.]
We'll have to find out. [There it is. Iskandar has his heart set on dancing. So one way or another, they're going dancing.] But if I had to guess, it's probably some kind of ballroom.
[Waver groans in pleasure as Iskandar keeps massaging from his forehead to the base of his neck and back again.]
Mmm... that feels so good. [And now there's fingers rubbing his tension spots.] Especially right there.
no subject
Date: 2020-06-26 04:11 pm (UTC)From:It didn't mean they had to tell each other everything. Not all things must be shared. There were details of their days, prayers, errands, that would be too boring to do so. Still, most often then not they told each other about how each of them spent their day anyway.]
You think so? [He hopes not. He saw how ballroom looks. Too much complication for too little or close to none physical contact. Completely not his style.] I hope it's nothing as formal.
[Iskandar shakes his head at how predictable Waver's reaction is. He gets him every time in the same spot but today it's worse than ever.]
Now, now. Don't squirm. I've got you.
[He rubs the offending spots with his thumbs applying pressure evenly in small circles.]
I really need to take care of you more often. I swear you've got knots for muscles.
[Iskandar moves his hands lower to massage Waver's neck and shoulders. They really need to take breaks more frequently. No matter what mayhem unfolds in both of their Temples. This is not healthy.]
no subject
Date: 2020-06-26 07:24 pm (UTC)From:... [Oh? Is he? Maybe a little.] ...
Hmph. Hard to when you're determined to make me a puddle on the floor.
[A bit of performative grumbling - made very weak by the moan his voice tapers into. Did he mention that feels good? It feels very, so very, good. But Waver holds still obediently.]
You've more than enough of your own that I want to work out. These last few months...
[Giving his husband massages is a great pleasure (the injuries when he overdoes it, Servant healing or not, not so much...) especially after training. That said, Waver? Waver is the one that shows the stress far more easily.
They've circled back to the topic they were talking about earlier, though. How they need more time together. How frantic the last few months have been. It going to get worse. With the Olympics for instance coming to Japan, prayers will be on the increase, and that doesn't count for their steadily increasing popularity.]
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From:i stole the ingredients from korean aloe balm i have at home... no mysterious algae though
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From:time skip? do you want them to forget about the bracelet so they can both have ominous dreams?
From:Let's do it!
From:ominous dreams then
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