jikan_rpg | ✵ [Jan Catchall] Hope is not pretending that troubles don't exist.

[it does take a moment or two longer for Dohalim to answer, and when he does, Red Wine is met with a sideward glance, before he shakes his head]

Do I ever want to talk?

[of course, he's back to his roundabout ways of answering the other man's questions; it's almost expected at this point. yet another thing he feels guilty about, leaving the man to pry him open yet again for another answer. he lets out a sigh, pressing his face into Red Wine's chest. at least he's honest with his own question]

I've always come out alright, in the end, yes?

Mm.

[Does he ever want to? No, but that doesn't mean that he won't if Red Wine needles him enough. Sometimes he does. Sometimes he just lets it lie. He brushes a few curls of hair back off Dohalim's face and his fingertips linger around the shell of his ear.]

You know why that is. [Because Red Wine stops. Because he stops, even if Dohalim doesn't ask for it. It would be easy for the Food Soul to utterly break this man if he wanted to and the both of them know it. If he wanted to, he could hurt him.]

Do... I'm only asking because I care about you.

[the Food Soul's words has Dohalim's stomach to flip flop, though he tries to push that feeling away, for now. a part of him is happy that someone cares enough to make sure he's okay, but at the same time... and he'll be pushing that thought away, as well]

...I know you do.

[and that's what makes it worse. that's what makes the guilt cut deeper than it already has. he could ask Red Wine to stop, the both of them could put an end to whatever they have between each other, to carry on their lives as just friends, but he just can't let go of this. he enjoys the intimacy with the other man as well as his company, and he can't help but want more of it]

If you must know... It is simply... Me being me.

[still as vague an answer as ever, of course]

Just you being you, hm...

[He thinks he knows enough about Dohalim by now to understand what that implies despite how vague it is, but he still sighs softly as he tugs the man in closer to himself and presses a kiss to the top of his head. Red Wine looks up at the ceiling quietly then, curling a hand over Dohalim's shoulder and lightly rubbing his thumb over warm skin.]

Getting your head stuck in the past again then, is it?

[Not at all out of the ordinary. He snags the edge of a blanket to tug it over the two of them, just up to their hips.]

We can talk about something else. Ask me something instead, if you like.

When am I never not?

[and it's something he truly needs to work on. eventually. at least he's willing to admit it to himself, but only because he's around someone who, at this point, knows him more than most people (even his own companions back home) does.

a question to ask Red Wine... what could he ask that wouldn't get a deflective answer? he knows the man to be the more private sort, and unlike himself, the Food Soul does way better to keep his private life hidden from those that aren't privy to knowing. not that Dohalim minds, of course, he's in no position to demand such a thing from him. and while he's curious, all the same, Dohalim doesn't like prying. perhaps it's a walking on eggshells approach, not wanting to anger the man by asking so many questions to begin with, but...

well, Red Wine is offering, isn't he?

he offers the man a cheeky grin as he looks up at him]

Hm... What's your favourite colour?

[he knows that isn't exactly what Red wine means, but he can't help but be a bit of a goblin, right now. hopefully, it'll lift the mood a little bit]

[True enough, when is he ever not? Red Wine is used to it by now, as well as being used to how damned evasive the man could be. He doesn't take it personally, as much as he'd like Dohalim to just... talk. It isn't all about the talking. Most of it is that he wants the other man to feel better for longer than it takes for him to orgasm.

He returns the grin flashed his way with a smile and shifts to kiss Dohalim's forehead.]

My favourite colour? Purple.

[Easy question. He rubs his thumb along the dip between his companion's shoulderblades.]

What's yours?

[an easy question, but it's one that Dohalim had never really thought about, himself. it's so hard to choose just one, when an entire colour spectrum could paint a beautiful picture. every colour could be delicately picked for a particular mood, and could tell a story words may never be able to. but, then again, he might also be thinking too much about it.

then again, the only time he'd been able to dress himself in anything other than white was when he descended to Dahna. not even just dress, but to see colours in their natural splendor...]

It's so hard just to choose one. I appreciate the blue sky on a clear day, the different shades of greens in my realm, and the different colours of flowers the gardeners would plant in Viscint, especially. I even appreciate the browns and grays of the rock formations.

[he pauses as he catches himself, realising the tangent he'd just been on]

But, I suppose that doesn't answer the question, does it.

It doesn't, but I can't lie and say I didn't expect that kind of answer from you.

[Dohalim, who never gives a straight answer to anything the first time it's asked... of course he wouldn't be able to answer something like 'what's your favourite colour' with a simple reply. Red Wine turns his head to press a lingering kiss to the man's hairline, smiling slightly against it.]

If you don't have a favourite, it's fine to say. There is a lot to choose from, after all...

[He cups his hand against Dohalim's jaw then, just lightly, and tips his head up to kiss his lips warmly.]

Or maybe it changes from one moment to the next. Do you have a favourite right now?

It's not that I don't have a particular favourite... I think I just have an appreciation for the entire colour spectrum. I come from a place where the only time you see such vibrancy is in a painting, or a picture, or artificial gardens, but to witness them organically, one can't help but bask in their brilliance.

[Dohalim was lucky to have like minded Renans in his court who shared the same sentiments, but he wasn't, and still isn't, sure if it's to the same extent. he smiles gently into the kiss, a smile that widens slightly at the question]

Hm... At this particular moment...

[sliding a hand up, Dohalim twists a lock of Red Wine's hair in between his fingers gently]

...Purple. Or, perhaps, a certain rich, deep red.

Ah... hm. [Red Wine's lips curve up into a smile and he catches hold of Dohalim's hand to bring it to his mouth and kiss it. The gesture lingers, his pale hands wrapped gently around the one pressed to his lips as his eyes dip closed for a moment. He smiles, then pulls that same hand down to clasp it against it against his chest. Despite the undeniable fact that he is nothing close to human a heartbeat still thrums strongly there.]

Flattery will get you everywhere.

[Because Red Wine is, after all, a terribly vain person.]

You do have a certain way with words.

There are some who would argue that flattery doesn't, but I'll concede the point.

[Dohalim glances down at their hands for a moment, his thumb rubbing gentle circles along Red Wine's skin. perhaps it's the endorphin rush finally starting to settle, or maybe it's something more (as he vehemently refuses to believe that actual feelings are involved here), but he feels truly content to lie here with the man.

leaning in, he presses a soft kiss against Red Wine's collarbone, smiling against the pale skin, before peeking back up at him, his own eyes starting to melt into the same deep red as Red Wine's]

As for my words, years of practice and careful meticulousness when it comes to pleasing the people is par for the course for my former station. However-- [he kisses his collarbone again] --What I'm saying is the truth, whether it's flattery or not.

[there's a certain fondness in his voice, soft, and affectionate]

People who would argue that it doesn't don't know how to have fun.

[He catches a curl of hair between his fingers as Dohalim's head dips down and he feels the warm press of lips against his collar. The contact tingles out across his skin in a warm wave and he sighs out a breath, letting the curl slip through his fingers until it falls free.]

Then I should thank whoever provided your extensive education, my lord. [Red Wine hums in amusement. The affection he can hear is mirrored in his own voice, softening the edges of the deep and honeyed tones. The Food Soul can sound so haughty without even trying, as if such a thing is natural to him, but not right now.]

But I think... [He steers Dohalim up to kiss him on the mouth. A warm, chaste thing.] Flattery or not... [Another kiss, one that lingers a bit longer.] I could stand to hear a little more.

[if it were any other time, any other context, being called by his lordship would be something Dohalim would reject and brush away, not wanting to be reminded of who he was and his past failures and transgressions. however, it coming from Red Wine, someone who'd won his affection, it does warm him up ever so slightly, for some reason, so he doesn't correct him. perhaps it's the playfulness in his voice.

there's a small smile hidden in those kisses as Dohalim kisses Red Wine back; he does like these moments as they both settle and calm down, with the small signs of affection traded between the both of them. he just feels so normal and carefree...]

How shall I flatter you more, then?

[shifting up onto his elbow, he uses his free hand to pin the other man down in bed as he leans up over him, before peppering his face with light kisses. he's feeling particularly affectionate today]

Shall I wax poetic about every part of you? Of your beauty and grace? Or shall I praise your skills in bed, and how little you could do to me before I melt under your fingers?

[as he speaks, and if Red Wine is paying attention, the very tips of Dohalim's hair darken ever so slightly; something that he, himself, hasn't caught just yet]

[Red Wine never says no to flattery, particularly when that flattery is sincere. When it comes to Dohalim he knows that every honeyed word out of the man's mouth is exactly what he's feeling and sometimes it seems to be the only time he actually gets a straight answer out of him about anything.]

You could...

[He captures one of those darkening curls between his fingers, tugging on it gently. It's not a firm enough grip to pull the man's head in closer to him but perhaps he'll catch his meaning regardless.]

Which do you think I'd like to hear first?

[his eyes flick to the hand tugging at a lock of his hair (and finally noticing the purple hue they're starting to take on), picking up on what Red Wine wants as he leans in just a little more. now, what compliments to lave Red Wine in... humming to himself, he leans in for another chaste kiss]

I think... You'd like to hear of how looking into your eyes is like drinking in the rarest wine; I find myself being drawn in by your gaze alone. The dulcet tone of your voice is like the sweetest music to my ears, music that I cannot get enough of. Your hair is like the darkening sky as the sun sets, yet vibrant in its darkness and like a comforting blanket.

[sliding a hand up, Dohalim brushes some of Red Wine's hair out of his face with gentle fingers]

Your kisses... Hm... Like miracles. Like a medicine to my veins, a balm that soothes the soul.

[As Dohalim is no doubt very aware of by now, despite his undoubtedly kind heart Red Wine is a very vain and prideful person. He doesn't so much as blush when the compliments start, because of course he deserves each and every single one of them.

But he does smile, leaning up to steal another of those quick, gentle kisses.]

How poetic. [He says, and he slides one hand around the back of the man's neck to pull him in for another kiss. This one he holds for longer, sinking into it and closing his eyes.]

Do I get to compliment you as well?

[Dohalim is absolutely aware of how vain and prideful Red Wine can be (honestly, just by looks alone, it isn't hard to see why), and while it may be vexing to some, it's the soft moments like this that make up for it. he smiles into the kisses given to him, reveling in the softness that always seemed to follow their wild romps.

as they finally pull away, he tilts his head slightly to gently nuzzle Red Wine]

Mm, I wouldn't mind a compliment or two.

[a part of him would probably still vehemently disagree with whatever Red Wine says, but he's slowly starting to learn to accept said compliments. there has to be some truth to them, after all]

Ah, just one or two? Then I shall have to be selective in my choices.

[Even though Dohalim always refuses, always disagrees, Red Wine continues to compliment him. The Food Soul sees him in a vastly different way to how he sees himself and that much has always been clear, but Red Wine also believes that Dohalim's way of looking at himself is entirely warped.

He moves the man's hair back from his face, cupping along his jaw and stroking the side of his thumb over Dohalim's cheek bone.]

I could talk about how your eyes remind me of honey or precious amber, how easily I can fall into them, or how you can light me up with a single touch. [His fingers comb slowly through the man's hair, the curls slowly tumbling between them.] That your beauty could put some Food Souls to shame.

[His head tilts just slightly as his body shifts into a more comfortable position.]

I could tell you... that you are the first mortal I have ever allowed to be with me like this.

[while Dohalim does disagree with the compliments Red Wine gives him, sometimes he does enjoy listening to them. or, perhaps, he just likes listening to Red Wine's voice. he did compliment it, after all, and with a voice as smooth as the Food Soul's, it might not come as too much of a surprise]

You're as charming as ever. I sincerely doubt I could be more beautiful than a Food Soul.

[his words are fond as he settles down on top of Red Wine comfortably, still leaning over him. the deep purple that had started at the tips of his hair creep up along his wavy locks; he doesn't pay too much mind to it, not when Red Wine throws that out to the wind. there's a curiosity he just can't shake, wanting to know more, wanting to know why that is]

Though, you've caught my curiosity. What makes me so special?

Mm...

[He moves his fingers through Dohalim's hair a few more times and lets that softly hummed out sound hang in the air between them while his dark eyes move over the other man's face. The delay in answering isn't because the response might be upsetting or unpleasant, but...]

Is it strange if I say I don't know? [Red Wine murmurs, shaking his head.]

I don't know. I only know that you are... immeasurably special. [Not just in that way, but gods, in so many other ways besides.] You are extraordinary, to have captured me like this.

[It's less a compliment and more an observation, but delivered so warmly that it could be taken as either. He pulls Dohalim down to kiss him again.]

Every time I'm with you... [He says then, the words coming out so softly in the small gap between their lips when the kiss breaks.] Every time, it feels like I'm standing on the edge a precipice, looking down... wondering how it might feel just to fall.

[if Dohalim were honest with himself, he almost expected some sort of haughty answer, a mirthful one, one they could both chuckle about before he himself tells the other man just how ridiculous and charming he's being.

but to hear something more emotional and raw, soft spoken as if they were sharing secrets with each other, chaste and sweet. to see this side of Red Wine surprises Dohalim, but, needless to say, it's not unwelcome. he knows very few people get to see the rounded edges that make the Food Soul; he has to consider himself lucky.

however, as Dohalim looks deep into those eyes as they pull away from the kiss, he has to wonder if what he's saying is what he is thinking he's saying, especially with how their conversation went during the holiday party. like falling... Red Wine did mention it, when talking about Pretzel...

and honestly, who's to say that he, himself, doesn't feel the same way? maybe not like falling, but the fluttering feeling in his stomach and in his heart do paint a very real and clear picture. a romantic at heart who's never felt such a way about someone like he has for Red Wine, he has to wonder if it's exactly what he's thinking.

how frightening.

but Dohalim smiles softly, brushing his lips against Red Wine's before speaking again]

Perhaps... It may not be so bad. To fall, I mean.

[It would have been easy to dismiss the question with a jovial answer, but Red Wine is in a mood to be honest about his feelings. The prideful and boastful way that he goes about his day to day life isn't entirely a front, but nor is it all there is to him. Dohalim already knows how gentle he can be, how soft-hearted, but they have never had a conversation quite like this.

He doesn't really catch on to the connection between what he said at the party and what he says now, but the connection is there none the less. Like falling, both then and now, and he doesn't mind either occasion.

Ah, how frightening, indeed...

The soft kiss tingles against his lips and he smiles a little at Dohalim's reply, bringing a hand up to slide it over his shoulder and grip lightly against the firm muscle.]

It might not. But you know... [Idly, he thumbs at the warm skin under his hand.] It's far more fun if you're not doing it alone.

[the flush creeping up on Dohalim's cheeks is ignorable for now as his smile widens slightly; he never would have known he'd be able to feel this happy again. the contentedness that falls over him, not unlike sitting outside in the park with his friends again, playing their violins and enjoying each other's company. those were the only times he felt any sort of happiness, but this... this is different. it's that and so much more; it's like an ever filling cup he can't stop drinking from.

Red Wine's company alone and any unspoken words between them is enough. enough that he can hold whatever feelings he has for the man close to him, and not fear ruining what they have by saying something out of pocket. but when he says that, Dohalim can't help but feel his heart skip a beat for a moment; suddenly he feels like he's also toeing that edge, shifting ever closer. it's a leap of faith, but is it one he's willing to take? perhaps, like he's said himself, it may not be so bad to jump, especially with Red Wine]

Hm...

[slipping a hand between them, Dohalim rests it gently over the other man's chest, right over his heart]

I think... I'd like it. Falling with you.

[For all the rough ways that Red Wine might handle Dohalim physically, he has always been gentle with the man's emotions. In those times when he would push him to his limits, there was always a point where he would stop and make sure he felt all right, that it wasn't too much...

In hindsight, he was foolish for thinking that he could keep his heart out of this entirely, but how deeply and how swiftly he had fallen for this man had surprised even him.

Red Wine's pulse beats strong and solid under Dohalim's hand, and he presses his own against it to hold it to his chest. He smiles, warm and soft, and he doesn't need to say the words themselves to understand what the two of them had just confessed.]

I think I'd like that, too. [And then he pulls him in, his free hand pushed into Dohalim's hair and gripping gently at it. The kiss he presses to the man's lips isn't really like any other he has given him before. It's heated but gentle, soft with a touch of desperation about it. Still holding that one hand to his chest he slides his free arm around the other man's shoulders, gripping lightly against the skin with his fingertips.]

You truly are a marvel.

[it's almost like an explosion in his chest as he hears those words, to have his feelings seemingly reciprocated. it's more than just a desire for Red Wine's company, it's nearly a burning need to be by his side. but there's also a softer side to it, one that blooms within and warms him, one that causes more of those fluttering butterflies in his stomach.

is this what love is like? Dohalim had read many a poetic piece on the subject, and had even talked to not only Red Wine, but some others about it. if it is, he almost doesn't want to be too hopeful about it, as if he's worried that it might slip from his fingers; he doesn't want to lose this feeling. for the first time in so long, he's truly happy, and while frightening as it is that it could be gone in an instant, he holds the warm feeling close to his heart.

as he kisses the Food Soul, he matches it with his own gentle desperation, not wanting this moment, and feeling to end. there's still that blooming feeling in his chest even as they pull away, a small smile on his lips at Red Wine's words. but before he could say anything back, in the corner of his eye he sees an odd thing; rose buds entwining themselves in his wavy locks, blooming into the fullest miniature red roses. a flush creeps up on his cheeks as he reaches up with his free hand to carefully pluck at the delicate petals, before huffing out a soft laugh, shaking his head]

I suppose these say more than any words I could say, right now.

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