[ Rolling over is an improvement. A small one. He mixes carefully, something potent and thick. Something bitter, though he knows Cacao won't mind that. Then into a small cup it goes, and he brings it over to the bed. Sits on it to scoot himself up into Cacao's side, taking his hand to put the small cup into it. ]
Drink, and you will sleep. Dreams will not chase you, your grief with not follow. For a time. It is all I can offer you.
[ That makes him lift his hand and cup Cacao's face, stroking one nail against his skin. ]
I said I would stay by your side, my King, for as long as you would have me. Sleep is but a short moment of that time. Of course I will stay. Drink. [ Soft, low, hypnotic. ] Let your thoughts crease. I will guard you, stay with you.
[ He gently takes the cup to set it aside, then moves to climb onto Cacao, sit himself upright. There's nothing sexual about it. Because he reaches down with both hands to curl them along his jaw, nails scratching. ]
I said I love you. Should I be exhausted of you when you are in need? That would not be love, but a mere game.
... Alright. Do you remember? How Felicity did things, I mean-
( their girl made a point of not using magic in the kitchen, so if cacao ever observed her, he at least has an idea of how she kept things still or used leverage. regardless, lily is probably going to hover, but she'll try not to. )
[ He strokes his fingers against Cacao's face and jaw, letting the tips trail along his skin. Soothing - for him - touches. Pitches his voice soft and humming. ]
The darkness is warm, and soft, and quiet. Let yourself sink into it. You will not dream, you will not think here. Nothing will come to you while here. It is comfort, it is love. Sleep, Dark Cacao Cookie. I will be here upon you waking.
Oh, I have learned I shall never be a good king... but~
[ He moves with Cacao, using his tail to wrap around Cacao to help him move so he's on his back in the couch, and Affogato is straddle over him. ]
I am wickedly wonderful with my hands. And my tongue. And I'm afraid my position didn't allow me to use either the way I wanted.
[ Plus like this he can shed the rest of his robes properly, wiggling around on Cacao's hips deliberately but also to get the skirting off properly. Sighing a there when it's done, then pressing his knees in tight against Cacao's sides, holding himself down tight against him.
And deliberately rolls his hips, a slow rather sinuous movement as he lets his fingertips ghost over Cacao's abdomen, his eyes tracing over the scars. He knows that one there, this one, that one's new and he leans down to drag his tongue over it. ]
I wish that was the only thing I was here for. I...
( ... she buries herself into his shoulder. )
I love you. I love both of you, please don't doubt that. But with what Vanny's endured... I've come to the conclusion that it is for the best that I leave for a bit longer, until he can re-balance himself.
[He nods. It makes sense, even if his heart hurts knowing there is turmoil between them.
But there has always been a history between them he will never be part of. Not as a lover, a husband, a friend or a fellow Hero. A deeper understanding hand in hand with a dark gulf- both sides of their relationship hidden from him.
It makes him feel a little lonely, sometimes. But also he knows him being outside it means he can be the rock both of them often need. It's a duty he accepts fully.]
Of course... do not think for a moment I would turn from you simply because Vanilla has returned. We... have our own bonds now, do we not?
[This past few months have been hard, but they have been special too.]
Page 20 of 22