[ The aftermath of the... sandworm adventure... leaves them all in horrible need of a bath.
It's a mark of how spontaneous and easygoing Neuras is that he only wrinkles his nose when he sees and smells them — "Good golly! Have you all been through some creature's bowels?" "The entire digestive tract, yes." — then waves them off, already grabbing a mop to address their detritus. Heismay, who is somewhat dusty perhaps but not quite at the level of being drenched in stomach acid and undigested particulates, begins (somewhat surprisingly) the task of wiping down any surfaces they may have touched. Hulkenberg, being Hulkenberg, grabs the shower stall immediately, and is unlikely to emerge for at least an hour.
Will volunteers to stay dirty for a while and let Strohl bathe while he cleans their shoes, but there's somehow something too sad about the mental imagery of it — the elda of the group, relegated to staying unwashed, on his knees on the deck, polishing the shoes of a nobleman — so a short talk ends that suggestion. Instead, Strohl suggests, they can simply share the bath. They can both get clean at the same time that way.
Will assumes that Strohl didn't really think the whole thing through.
It's impossible not to notice how red he's gotten now that they're both naked, Will's back nestled against Strohl's chest, in the bath.
The bath cask is made of a type of wood that preserves heat well, so they can theoretically soak for hours. They likely won't need that amount of time, though. Will has the faint feeling that Strohl's appetite for cleanliness is going to be one of the only things sustaining him through the embarrassment for the next few minutes.
Fully aware that he's teasing his friend and lover somewhat, Will leans back against Strohl and coyly asks: ]
[ It made perfect sense to suggest bathing together. At least, it did before they settled in the bath cask at long last. Will waiting to use it after everyone else was out of the question, and he obviously couldn't bathe with Hulkenberg, which meant that they had only one solution, since he wouldn't leave Strohl to wait in prolonged misery, either. Thankfully, his smaller frame should work to their advantage.
Should...
Strohl imagined that they would talk comfortably while washing themselves clean, as they do during any activity, from honing their weapons to sharing a bed, but he can barely move without rubbing against Will with every shift of his limbs. Touching each other isn't usually a problem, of course — it's just that he can't help the way his body reacts to it, to having Will pressed so close, soft warm skin gleaming wet. Droplets of water slide down the slope of Will's shoulders, drawing Strohl's gaze there.
Soaking in the bath cask should be pure bliss, but it's gotten much too hot in here... Strohl wouldn't be surprised if he were heating up the water by now. And Will most definitely isn't as innocent as he sounds!
Squirming in place a little, Strohl swallows to steady his breathing. They're here to bathe. They're both very excited to be here for that reason, finally rid of the grime and the awful stench that clung to them for far too long. ]
Bit hard to reach anything, right? Sorry... Here, tip your head forward, and I'll do it for you.
[ Gladly and gratefully, and he lifts one hand to find their bar of soap, the other nearing Will's hair, brushing it out of his eyes. ]
[ For all that Strohl is having something of a nervous breakdown, Will, by contrast, seems to be having the time of his life. He giggles pleasantly as he submits to Strohl's care, leaning forward as he's been bid to, letting the clemar gather up his hair and begun scrubbing out its oils with the soap. Their bar of soap has a charming citrusy fragrance to it, one that suits the both of them well, and sits nicely on the natural smells of their skin afterward (Will knows this from experience, and several intimate nights curled up with his nose in the crook of Strohl's neck). ]
Ah, I'm being so spoiled!
[ He says this despite the fact that he himself asked for this kingly treatment. Will holds himself still, but one can somehow sense, just by looking at him, that if he were a paripus, his hypothetical tail would be wagging.
He's keeping his hands to himself, resting his palms on his knees... for now. ]
Just kidding. I'll help you wash your hair, too, once you're done.
[ Will's joking helps, winning him a chuckle, and Strohl is determined to gather his wits and think nothing but appropriately clean thoughts until they're done. He knows that Will doesn't take issue with any of the less clean ones, especially whenever they have the privacy — relatively speaking — to enjoy themselves together, but it doesn't seem right to give in to those desires in a spot that the others use to bathe, too. As inviting as the smooth expanse of Will's skin looks...
Later! Clean thoughts! Strohl concentrates on the lather between his palms, fingertips working the suds and their fresh scent into Will's hair, massaging his scalp while they're at it. ]
I've nothing against spoiling you, you know. You're always there for me... For us all.
[ And to be honest, now that he has Will's hair to wash, it's getting easier to compose himself and fully appreciate the bath. It's so soothing that he's relaxing thanks to his task, loath to see it end. ]
So, here's your chance, Captain. What can I do to spoil you properly?
[ His thumbs pass Will's ears, smoothing the locks of hair tucked behind them around each shell. Trailing lower, they rub the nape of Will's neck. ]
[ Clean thoughts! Will could tease a bit more, but no, he sees the logic in having clean thoughts at the moment: out here in the open, anyone could hear and see them get up to mischief in the bath cask, but the others are usually simply polite enough to avert their gazes when they know someone is bathing on the back deck.
As things stand, he's content to simply let Strohl work at the lather in his hair for a while. It's a nice feeling, Strohl's strong fingers and neatly-kept nails scratching lightly at his scalp and gathering his short locks into place. His thumbs work light pressure into Will's forehead and scalp, trailing down to the back of his neck; Will feels absolutely beloved. ]
You could... mmm... [ An absolutely endearing, sweet giggle — ] You could keep doing that...?
[ There's no other place, he knows — no other place in the country where he, an elda, would get such warm, indulgent treatment from a highborn clemar nobleman. But what does it matter? On their runner, they're all equals, and secretly, Will knows that no one else in the world will love him the way that Strohl loves him. ]
That feels really nice... Get my shoulders, too?
[ Their Captain is a sweet young man, but he certainly has a skill for issuing orders. Sometimes he doesn't quite seem to be aware of the ways in which he gets a little bossy when the opportunity presents itself. (But that's not so bad, is it, for a man who will someday be king?)
He rolls his shoulders slightly in an effort to loosen them up, but he doesn't have to — Strohl will undoubtedly do that for him. ]
I think I slouch a little when I read. I know it's bad for my back, but I can't seem to stop.
[ They probably need to mind Heismay's keen hearing now, don't they? Strohl tells himself that, very firmly, although it shouldn't do any harm to kiss the back of Will's neck after rinsing the soap from his hair, soon. Until then, he's more than happy to give his friend and lover a shoulder rub — to his ears, Will's request doesn't have the sound of a demand, nothing imperious, and to his heart, Will is Will. He wants this himself anyway, the chance to spoil Will in any way he can, pleased to know that he really can, and that it feels good for Will. If that makes him strange in the eyes of this world, so be it.
Strohl's hands settle on Will's shoulders, taking their time there, focused on the knots of tension that they come across. Steadily, Strohl presses the pads of his fingers against Will's taut muscles, humming under his breath, thoughtful. ]
Maybe you could do with something to lean against. [ The way Will was leaning against Strohl earlier, for example. ] Or a daily massage.
[ Both of which Strohl could — and would — provide. As if to volunteer himself for just that with his efforts, he rolls his thumbs into Will's shoulders again, palms squeezing around them. ]
[ True, they do need to mind Heismay — particularly as he's only been just recently added to their crew, and he isn't out of the clear yet, in terms of redeeming his name — but he's seemed reasonable enough, thus far. Even so, what does it matter if the eugief happens to be aware that Strohl and Will have the sort of friendship where one kisses the other's neck while they share a bath? Well, so long as they don't do anything too untoward out here, anyway...
Yes, this is the sort of world in which their love would be judged, somewhat less because it is between two men and more because it is cross-tribal — but aboard their runner, the only law is that which they themselves agree to follow, so Will has no qualms about being semi-publicly in love with his Strohl, at the moment. His mind only lingers on the ways in which Strohl is indulging him: the young clemar's loving hands wring out every last knot of tension in his spine, lingering over his tense shoulders, working them through a gentle pain that soon turns into loosened pleasure.
Soon, Will feels relaxed and pliant in the water, his limbs heavy for the way that he isn't bothering to keep them up. The more that Strohl touches him, the more addicted to that touch he feels. He knows he shouldn't think about it, not out here, but he can't help but imagine what those hands might do running over other parts of his body, diving down between his legs...
...No, no! Not like this! ]
And you'd do that? Be my reading chair?
[ Can't get distracted! Must think clean thoughts! Will turns his head over his shoulder for a slightly awkward kiss on the lips, but he gets what he wants, all the same. Giggling, he turns back, not quite leaning back yet for the fact that he's still wearing a crown of suds. ]
And my masseuse... Oh, harder there, please — that's good...
[ ...Well, that moan he just let out is not going to help either of them think clean thoughts. Perhaps they should just hurry and get their bodies clean so that they can continue this massage... elsewhere.
[ It takes every bit of willpower that Strohl possesses to keep to his resolution to think only the cleanest of thoughts in the bath, what with Will making sounds like that, pleading for more, right after giving him a kiss. Will isn't even teasing him this time, is he? Not intentionally... Yet he has Strohl leaning closer, eager to compensate for the angle and let their lips meet, and Strohl's mind strays from its clean path, drifting to visions of Will moaning in his lap, his hands rubbing more of Will, not just Will's shoulders—
Later, Strohl reminds himself before other parts of him enjoy those images too much. He tries to picture Heismay's ears again, not because the eugief seems the sort to be especially scandalized by anything that he might or might not overhear on the runner, but because Strohl does want to be considerate.
Straightening up, he pokes the tip of one forefinger at the heap of foam adorning Will's head. The water ripples as he stirs, lapping at their bodies. ]
Neither did I. It must be you, bringing it out in me. That settles it, doesn't it? I'll be your reading chair, your masseuse... And I won't let anything sneak up on you while you've your eyes closed in the bath.
[ Except for Strohl himself, whispering his promise into Will's ear before he plants a kiss on the back of Will's neck now, both hands resting on Will's shoulders once more. He'll move on to washing the suds from Will's hair in a moment. ]
[ Strohl is so irresistible. Not for the first time, Will muses to himself that the man probably doesn't even know how appealing he is. It's the way his hands feel on Will's shoulders, warm and adoring and firm with their adoration; it's the way his voice sounds before he kisses the back of Will's neck, as if the whole of his loyalty can be reduced to an absurd promise to be Will's reading chair. One day, when the prince is king again, Will thinks, I hope there is still space in this world for me to still have a reading seat in Strohl's lap.
Always one step behind him, his loyal general. Always his hope, always his strength.
Will turns around and gives Strohl another kiss. ]
...Whenever I waver, you're here for me. Do you know that? I think you have more faith in me than I have in myself... and I adore you for it.
[ Anyway! Clean thoughts! Will bounces slightly from side to side in the bath cask, humming. A slightly funny thought has seized him; he laughs before he explains himself. ]
I should hope nothing sneaks up on us in the bath, though. Can you imagine what would happen if Neuras honked that siren of his right now? I guess we'd have to fight in the nude...
[ The kiss stays chastely affectionate, just the warmth of their lips brushing again, long enough for Strohl to smile into it before Will speaks. Strohl's gaze, steady on Will, is soft with the adoration he feels for his friend and lover in turn. Maybe all the talk of reading chairs and massages sounds as though they're joking around, but he really means it — he wants to be there for Will to lean on. The thought that Will thinks of him as that sort of steadfast pillar, despite Will's strength, means the world.
And Strohl opens his mouth to declare that he'll always be by Will's side, tempted to steal one more kiss, but he stops to let Will share his sudden amusement. His eyes widen. Now he's imagining what would happen if the siren's honking were to interrupt them, something attacking the runner.
Quiet, he throws a glance around, listening for any suspicious sounds nearby. ]
Looks like we're safe, but you're right. We'd better hurry. Close your eyes, then, and I'll rinse your hair.
[ He does it gently, right hand pouring clean water over Will's head until the last of the lather is gone, while the left combs its fingers through Will's hair. ]
[ ...Is he actually worried that monsters will attack the runner while they're naked? They need to talk about how easily Strohl gets anxious...
(He really does! All the time! In battle! Come on, Strohl!)
Nevertheless, Will cooperates with getting his hair rinsed, closing his eyes to avoid any mishaps with the water, then turning around to quickly and briskly wash Strohl in turn. (Strohl's fluffy shock of platinum blond hair always amuses Will — something about the way it looks when it's wet always reminds him of the fluffy cows milling about the fields in Martira.) He's careful about sudsing up Strohl's scalp — even more careful around his sensitive horns, which can get more attention later, once they're out of the bath.
All this being said: they get out of the bath. They get dressed, quickly but lightly, for bed. Hulkenberg still seems to be in the shower; Heismay is still in his self-imposed prison near the strategy table, but Neuras has furnished him with a blanket. So, as they scurry towards their bunks, Will curls his fingers mischievously around one of Strohl's much larger ones, whispering: ]
[ No nasty surprises cut their bath short to catch them in their state of undress, and they both emerge wonderfully clean, smelling of soap instead of... well. Their sandworm adventure. Finishing a little faster to have more time together before going to sleep didn't make the bath any less pleasant; Strohl appreciated Will's touch, too. Relaxed after Will's fingers scrubbed his hair, he actually feels ready to climb into bed with Will for the two of them to make themselves comfortable there, even if they could stay up to talk while tending to their blades first.
Strohl turns the hand caught in Will's grip over, clasping Will's, leading him to his bunk. His other hand reaches out to stroke through Will's hair, fluffier as it dries. ]
Mine this time.
[ He waits for Will to lie down, joins him close behind, and props himself up on his elbows. The look he gives Will is still filled with fondness. ]
What will it be? The massage where we left off, or a book?
[ The bunks look small from the outside, but there's actually enough room in each of them for both Strohl and Will to comfortably sit together upright in one, and sleep together if need be, too. Will, for his part, dives for Strohl's bedding immediately and without shame, rolling in the sheets like some kind of ferret or small rodent; when he settles, it's with his cheek and nose firmly burrowed in Strohl's pillow. Shamelessly, he takes a deep breath of Strohl's sheets, swinging his legs at their knees very happily, toes curled with contentment. ]
Mmmm... smells like Strohl... ♥
[ It's just one of those things he says sometimes, in a tone too-knowing, to get his beloved friend flustered, and because the look in Strohl's eyes is so fond that Will impishly knows that he could get away with murder and still have Leon Strohl da Haliaetus by his side. Giggling, Will rolls onto his stomach and gazes at Strohl with equal fondness. He looks very cute indeed when he's being coy like this, his body temptingly open to touch, but in a way that almost seems like a trap. Like when a cat's rolled onto its stomach to display its soft belly. ]
Maybe both?
[ He's being spoiled. His own fantasy novel is in his bunk, and it wouldn't be too terribly difficult to reach over into it and grab it, but instead of doing that, Will looks over at the corner where Strohl has laid out some of his supplies; this includes some books that he's been reading, apparently having picked them up in Grand Trad during one of their last supply runs. ]
Hmm, what have you been reading? Your books are different from my books...
[ Smells like Strohl, huh? Luckily, it must be a good smell, for Will to sniff the bedding as though he has waited for this moment, rolling around in the sheets until they probably smell of Will himself, too. Though flustered enough to turn pink, Strohl huffs out a laugh, utterly charmed. Will really resembles a cute small animal like this... Maybe he'd collect acorns and curl up into a little fluffy ball.
Anyway, he's in position for the massage, within reach, but they could read together before that, since Will seems interested in Strohl's chosen books. ]
Both it is. I thought we'd read more of your book, but if you want to read one of mine, we can do that instead.
[ Strohl moves toward his belongings to pick up the stack of books there, bringing them closer for Will to see each title. Expectantly, waiting for Will's verdict, he watches Will's expression. ]
To be honest, I've been searching for books that my parents once mentioned.
[ It would have been well within Will's capacities to simply reach over to the stack of books, but Strohl, in his infinite consideration, brings them over to Will for examination instead. Will smiles; he never gets tired of basking in Strohl's sweet care, and he murmurs his thanks as he accepts the books and turns them over to read their spines. There's a book on proper weapons care, not unexpected... a history of the kingdom, perhaps a new interest of Strohl's given the objective of their journey... a common fiction novel, which is somewhat unexpected, but then Will sees that it's about a man seeking to avenge his father's death, and then it isn't very unexpected at all.
Will's expression doesn't give away much of his thoughts, but his gaze is soft and impossibly fascinated, as if he's never seen anything more interesting. The way that it always is, when he's with Strohl. ]
Books that your parents mentioned? [ He blinks, sweetly owlish. ] What sorts of books were those?
[ Will looks so cozy, having made himself comfortable — even his toes seem delighted! (Somehow, that's especially cute every time...) Strohl is glad that fetching the books doesn't disturb any part of Will's little nest, with Will only needing to move to take them once they're right in front of him. It's nice just to be here like this for a while, side by side.
Strohl's own gaze is soft and impossibly fascinated, too, captivated by Will, touched by what he sees, looking at Will's face.
He knows that he must have picked out a fairly predictable selection of books, but Will gives each title his full attention, seeming as interested in learning more about Strohl's interests as he does in reading his novel. That's hardly a surprise, though, considering how often and how generously Will is an attentive listening ear, a pillar to lean on himself.
He's doing that right now, in fact, isn't he?
Rubbing the back of his neck, Strohl leaves his hand there. ]
Books to hone one's mind and heart, you could say. I'm sure I've a long way to go...
[ Strohl gazes so softly and intently at Will's face that the elda almost feels a little flustered. By this point, though, he's grown used to the sensation of Strohl's gaze on him — has periodically felt those warm eagle=like eyes on him ever since they first met in the state army recruitment center — so now Will only smiles back, feeling bashful and even a bit dopey... utterly and completely in love.]
Your mind and heart are plenty honed already, I'd say.
[ Strohl is so close, and so handsome. Will can't help himself from poking two places as he speaks — Strohl's forehead, and his chest, to indicate mind and heart respectively. ]
So wise. [ Poke. ] So tender. [ Poke. ]
[ A little giggle, as he rolls onto his side, abandoning the temptation of reading books in favor of the equally delicious temptation of touching Strohl. ]
You're everything that I could ask for and more. If everyone in the world were like you... we'd be closer to my idea of a utopia.
[ The pensive look on Strohl's face gives way to a smile. Poked in the forehead and chest, very meaningfully, he's not so much caught off-guard than figuratively swept off his feet, so full of affection for Will and so moved by his love's faith in him that he doesn't know what to do with himself for a good long moment. He's far from perfect, but Will's words touch him deeply.
He does know that Will wouldn't take his remarks as fishing for reassurances. Once again, Will is just there for him whenever he wavers, too.
Cupping Will's cheek, Strohl strokes it with his thumb, becoming a reading chair postponed for now. ]
Well... I think more people could stand to be like you. I'm glad to have you by my side, and you'll always have me beside you.
[ Now he voices that pledge — and then, it's his turn to give the tip of Will's nose a light poke. ]
[ Will smiles into that touch to his cheek, squeaks at the touch to his nose. This only makes his soft cheek fill out Strohl's palm even better, all the more so when he nuzzles into his beloved's hand. He's just so touchable, so pettable, so sweet. For someone who is normally almost completely buttoned up, clothed down to his very gloves, Will certainly has a knack for reacting to all of Strohl's little touches with the utmost joy. ]
Oh? And how are you going to spoil me this time?
[ He has an inkling of exactly what Strohl means, though. Lolling on his side, Will kisses Strohl's palm directly before rolling back onto his stomach, cheek now planted against that pillow of Strohl's he apparently finds so sweet-smelling. Over his shoulder, he shoots Strohl a slightly sly, playful look. ]
[ Every pleased reaction on Will's part feels incredibly rewarding, and Strohl can't resist running his thumb over the curve of Will's cheek one more time, and tracing Will's lower lip from corner to corner. His palm tingles with warmth where Will kissed it like a rabbit nudging him with a twitching nose. Then he withdraws his hand, letting Will burrow into his pillow again, ready for him to become his beloved's masseuse. ]
That's what I was hoping to keep up now.
[ Stretched out on his stomach, glancing up at Strohl, Will's entire posture is an invitation that Strohl is only too happy to accept as before. And here in the bunk, there's definitely nothing that can sneak up on them, and they can take advantage of the space, a full-body massage instead of just a back rub in store.
And there's no reason not to enjoy less than clean thoughts...
Strohl leans over Will, still starting with Will's shoulders, hands placed there to work their way down Will's back. Slowly, he rubs little circles along Will's spine through his shirt, lower and lower, now that he can reach more of Will than he could in the bath cask. ]
[ Will sighs, melting into the mattress beneath them as Strohl's hands begin to work their magic once again on his body. Wonderful little circles of pressure inch their way down to his lower back again, lingering right between the shoulder blades where he tends to hold the most tension from his hunched-over reading sessions. Part of him wishes he had his shirt off to better feel Strohl's beautiful hands on his skin, but then, the flip side of that argument is that this slightly muted, cushioned sense of pressure is just as enjoyable.
This time — he, too, has been eager for this! — there's no reason for him to not indulge in his less-than-clean thoughts. What if Strohl's hands went lower, what if Strohl touched him there, or there, or...
Will loses himself in lovely little thoughts like this as he relaxes fully, surrendering to gravity, and lets himself let out a half-voiced, long, pleased sigh, nearly a moan. ]
You're sooooo good to me...
[ He mumbles this, eyes drooping. Strohl is now one step closer to having a cute flattened Will in his bed. ]
[ Turning Will into a relaxed puddle is exactly what Strohl wants to accomplish. Unlike the bath out in the open, they don't have to hurry, free to luxuriate in the massage, and that includes making Will moan in every kind of pleasure. Strohl listens for Will's sighs, smiling to himself. It feels a little like he has the upper hand this time!
Speaking of hands, his are warm as he pushes them beneath Will's shirt, fingers wandering up Will's back, and then down again, all at the same indulgent pace. He leaves a kiss on Will's ear, another one on Will's neck. Reaching the base of Will's spine, Strohl slides his palms from Will's hips along the sides of Will's legs, little by little, until they pass Will's ankles.
Will's bare feet are next: Strohl takes one in hand first, supporting it to begin pressing his thumbs into its sole. They've had another very long day, trudging through muck and across sand, and he's sure that Will can feel it all over. ]
[ Ah, this is heavenly... even sensual. Strohl's bare hands sliding up his shirt, over his naked skin, in no rush whatsoever...
Could this, too, be paradise? Sometimes Will always feels as if he's racing the clock, urgently trying to move as fast as possible and do too many things at once, all for the sake of rescuing the prince. It's Strohl who always reminds him that things don't have to be that urgent, that they can take things slow... that those warm, sturdy hands working magic into his muscles make Will's nerves feel as if they're alive with liquid pleasure.
He lets out a little sigh as Strohl gets to his feet. They really did walk around all day...
Will generally does a good job of keeping his feet soft and free of cracks and scrapes, but even his small, soft feet have been chafed red in a few places. His toes seem to have suffered the worst of the damage today, particularly along the "knuckles" where his metatarsals begin... but they still curl and tense with pleasure as Strohl draws a warm line of pressure through the sole and arch of one of his feet. His toes are very small and cute — almost grapelike in how they bunch together... ]
Ah... even there...?
[ He'd thought that maybe Strohl would only stick to the soft, fleshy parts of his body that would be fun to touch. But of course, Leon Strohl da Haliaetus does not do things by halves. ]
[ The way Will's toes curl like that is really cute... It probably shouldn't be so easy to picture him as a fluffy kitten with plush little paw pads, but somehow it's far too easy to do just that! Just like the mental image of him collecting acorns...
It's good to feel Will relax more and more, even if he seems surprised that his feet are the focus of the massage now. The bath has left his skin softer, nice and warm. Strohl's fingers move from toe to toe, rubbing each one between them, his touch lighter wherever he notices the reddened areas of Will's skin. ]
Especially here.
[ Strohl doesn't stop, though he briefly lifts his gaze to look at all of Will. After each toe is massaged, the rest of Will's foot receives the same tender attention from end to end before it's his other foot's turn. ]
Your feet have to work hard every day, right?
[ Will hasn't complained, but they must have hurt. ]
[ So Will protests, and that may be true — but then, their captain does do a little more walking every day, doesn't he? When their runner arrives in town and the others get to rest, Will's usually up and about running around the cities of Euchronia, buying supplies for their adventures and picking up new requests from the populace.
He'd never complain — he loves doing it — but this, this is... this makes everything feel so worth its while...
Strohl rubs right through Will's tension, rubbing him into perfect relaxation. Soon, Will's legs are limp in Strohl's lap, his kittenish paw pads well and truly relaxed beneath the clemar's diligent fingers. All of his usually squirrelish energy has apparently left him and found solace in his pillow. This, too, is cute... ]
[ Fair enough, they all work hard, and so do their feet, but it's no exaggeration that Will's are almost constantly on the move! Even when they aren't on the road or venturing into perilous places, he's often talking to the people around town or visiting market stalls and shops. Knowing that makes it a real triumph to have him lying still here, melting into the bedding in contentment.
Satisfied that he hasn't missed a single spot, Strohl lets Will's right foot stay pillowed upon his lap, fully massaged, and takes the left between his hands. Again, he starts by kneading the sole of Will's foot before his touch concentrates on each toe for a while. ]
Good. I do want to leave you feeling properly spoiled by the end, after all.
[ Strohl murmurs his reply, eyes lowered while he resists glancing up from his task and at Will once more for now. He might be running out of places to massage, but he'd like to keep going, draw out Will's pleasure. He wouldn't mind doing this until Will falls asleep, actually — it'd be a shame to disturb him when he looks so comfortable. Just holding him in his cozy nest then would be nice, too. ]
[ When Will's habit of curling his toes (he's a little ticklish) has been worked right through and both of his feet lay perfectly relaxed in Strohl's lap, the young elda sighs contentedly, burying his face fully in Strohl's sweet-smelling pillow, and makes a soft sound of assent. Oh, he feels properly spoiled, well and truly spoiled. If he has one remaining wish, it's that he couldn't give Strohl this same pleasure, but perhaps he will another night.
He's not quite fully asleep just yet, but he seems about halfway there. His neck, his shoulders, his arms, his legs, his feet — all of these things have been tended to, and he feels happily pliant, like some strange gelatinous creature out of the depths. (He does have a knack for running into those.)
He moves his cheek a little on the pillow, shifting his limbs just slightly. Ah... maybe he wants his beloved to join him? Or just continue rubbing him into a boneless mess — that's an option, too. ]
...St'hl...
[ Ah. Well, if nothing else, he still knows how to call his beloved Strohl's name. ]
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It's a mark of how spontaneous and easygoing Neuras is that he only wrinkles his nose when he sees and smells them — "Good golly! Have you all been through some creature's bowels?" "The entire digestive tract, yes." — then waves them off, already grabbing a mop to address their detritus. Heismay, who is somewhat dusty perhaps but not quite at the level of being drenched in stomach acid and undigested particulates, begins (somewhat surprisingly) the task of wiping down any surfaces they may have touched. Hulkenberg, being Hulkenberg, grabs the shower stall immediately, and is unlikely to emerge for at least an hour.
Will volunteers to stay dirty for a while and let Strohl bathe while he cleans their shoes, but there's somehow something too sad about the mental imagery of it — the elda of the group, relegated to staying unwashed, on his knees on the deck, polishing the shoes of a nobleman — so a short talk ends that suggestion. Instead, Strohl suggests, they can simply share the bath. They can both get clean at the same time that way.
Will assumes that Strohl didn't really think the whole thing through.
It's impossible not to notice how red he's gotten now that they're both naked, Will's back nestled against Strohl's chest, in the bath.
The bath cask is made of a type of wood that preserves heat well, so they can theoretically soak for hours. They likely won't need that amount of time, though. Will has the faint feeling that Strohl's appetite for cleanliness is going to be one of the only things sustaining him through the embarrassment for the next few minutes.
Fully aware that he's teasing his friend and lover somewhat, Will leans back against Strohl and coyly asks: ]
...So, can you help me wash my hair?
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Should...
Strohl imagined that they would talk comfortably while washing themselves clean, as they do during any activity, from honing their weapons to sharing a bed, but he can barely move without rubbing against Will with every shift of his limbs. Touching each other isn't usually a problem, of course — it's just that he can't help the way his body reacts to it, to having Will pressed so close, soft warm skin gleaming wet. Droplets of water slide down the slope of Will's shoulders, drawing Strohl's gaze there.
Soaking in the bath cask should be pure bliss, but it's gotten much too hot in here... Strohl wouldn't be surprised if he were heating up the water by now. And Will most definitely isn't as innocent as he sounds!
Squirming in place a little, Strohl swallows to steady his breathing. They're here to bathe. They're both very excited to be here for that reason, finally rid of the grime and the awful stench that clung to them for far too long. ]
Bit hard to reach anything, right? Sorry... Here, tip your head forward, and I'll do it for you.
[ Gladly and gratefully, and he lifts one hand to find their bar of soap, the other nearing Will's hair, brushing it out of his eyes. ]
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Ah, I'm being so spoiled!
[ He says this despite the fact that he himself asked for this kingly treatment. Will holds himself still, but one can somehow sense, just by looking at him, that if he were a paripus, his hypothetical tail would be wagging.
He's keeping his hands to himself, resting his palms on his knees... for now. ]
Just kidding. I'll help you wash your hair, too, once you're done.
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Later! Clean thoughts! Strohl concentrates on the lather between his palms, fingertips working the suds and their fresh scent into Will's hair, massaging his scalp while they're at it. ]
I've nothing against spoiling you, you know. You're always there for me... For us all.
[ And to be honest, now that he has Will's hair to wash, it's getting easier to compose himself and fully appreciate the bath. It's so soothing that he's relaxing thanks to his task, loath to see it end. ]
So, here's your chance, Captain. What can I do to spoil you properly?
[ His thumbs pass Will's ears, smoothing the locks of hair tucked behind them around each shell. Trailing lower, they rub the nape of Will's neck. ]
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As things stand, he's content to simply let Strohl work at the lather in his hair for a while. It's a nice feeling, Strohl's strong fingers and neatly-kept nails scratching lightly at his scalp and gathering his short locks into place. His thumbs work light pressure into Will's forehead and scalp, trailing down to the back of his neck; Will feels absolutely beloved. ]
You could... mmm... [ An absolutely endearing, sweet giggle — ] You could keep doing that...?
[ There's no other place, he knows — no other place in the country where he, an elda, would get such warm, indulgent treatment from a highborn clemar nobleman. But what does it matter? On their runner, they're all equals, and secretly, Will knows that no one else in the world will love him the way that Strohl loves him. ]
That feels really nice... Get my shoulders, too?
[ Their Captain is a sweet young man, but he certainly has a skill for issuing orders. Sometimes he doesn't quite seem to be aware of the ways in which he gets a little bossy when the opportunity presents itself. (But that's not so bad, is it, for a man who will someday be king?)
He rolls his shoulders slightly in an effort to loosen them up, but he doesn't have to — Strohl will undoubtedly do that for him. ]
I think I slouch a little when I read. I know it's bad for my back, but I can't seem to stop.
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Strohl's hands settle on Will's shoulders, taking their time there, focused on the knots of tension that they come across. Steadily, Strohl presses the pads of his fingers against Will's taut muscles, humming under his breath, thoughtful. ]
Maybe you could do with something to lean against. [ The way Will was leaning against Strohl earlier, for example. ] Or a daily massage.
[ Both of which Strohl could — and would — provide. As if to volunteer himself for just that with his efforts, he rolls his thumbs into Will's shoulders again, palms squeezing around them. ]
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Yes, this is the sort of world in which their love would be judged, somewhat less because it is between two men and more because it is cross-tribal — but aboard their runner, the only law is that which they themselves agree to follow, so Will has no qualms about being semi-publicly in love with his Strohl, at the moment. His mind only lingers on the ways in which Strohl is indulging him: the young clemar's loving hands wring out every last knot of tension in his spine, lingering over his tense shoulders, working them through a gentle pain that soon turns into loosened pleasure.
Soon, Will feels relaxed and pliant in the water, his limbs heavy for the way that he isn't bothering to keep them up. The more that Strohl touches him, the more addicted to that touch he feels. He knows he shouldn't think about it, not out here, but he can't help but imagine what those hands might do running over other parts of his body, diving down between his legs...
...No, no! Not like this! ]
And you'd do that? Be my reading chair?
[ Can't get distracted! Must think clean thoughts! Will turns his head over his shoulder for a slightly awkward kiss on the lips, but he gets what he wants, all the same. Giggling, he turns back, not quite leaning back yet for the fact that he's still wearing a crown of suds. ]
And my masseuse... Oh, harder there, please — that's good...
[ ...Well, that moan he just let out is not going to help either of them think clean thoughts. Perhaps they should just hurry and get their bodies clean so that they can continue this massage... elsewhere.
With a contented sigh: ]
I didn't know your hands could work such magic.
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Later, Strohl reminds himself before other parts of him enjoy those images too much. He tries to picture Heismay's ears again, not because the eugief seems the sort to be especially scandalized by anything that he might or might not overhear on the runner, but because Strohl does want to be considerate.
Straightening up, he pokes the tip of one forefinger at the heap of foam adorning Will's head. The water ripples as he stirs, lapping at their bodies. ]
Neither did I. It must be you, bringing it out in me. That settles it, doesn't it? I'll be your reading chair, your masseuse... And I won't let anything sneak up on you while you've your eyes closed in the bath.
[ Except for Strohl himself, whispering his promise into Will's ear before he plants a kiss on the back of Will's neck now, both hands resting on Will's shoulders once more. He'll move on to washing the suds from Will's hair in a moment. ]
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Always one step behind him, his loyal general. Always his hope, always his strength.
Will turns around and gives Strohl another kiss. ]
...Whenever I waver, you're here for me. Do you know that? I think you have more faith in me than I have in myself... and I adore you for it.
[ Anyway! Clean thoughts! Will bounces slightly from side to side in the bath cask, humming. A slightly funny thought has seized him; he laughs before he explains himself. ]
I should hope nothing sneaks up on us in the bath, though. Can you imagine what would happen if Neuras honked that siren of his right now? I guess we'd have to fight in the nude...
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And Strohl opens his mouth to declare that he'll always be by Will's side, tempted to steal one more kiss, but he stops to let Will share his sudden amusement. His eyes widen. Now he's imagining what would happen if the siren's honking were to interrupt them, something attacking the runner.
Quiet, he throws a glance around, listening for any suspicious sounds nearby. ]
Looks like we're safe, but you're right. We'd better hurry. Close your eyes, then, and I'll rinse your hair.
[ He does it gently, right hand pouring clean water over Will's head until the last of the lather is gone, while the left combs its fingers through Will's hair. ]
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(He really does! All the time! In battle! Come on, Strohl!)
Nevertheless, Will cooperates with getting his hair rinsed, closing his eyes to avoid any mishaps with the water, then turning around to quickly and briskly wash Strohl in turn. (Strohl's fluffy shock of platinum blond hair always amuses Will — something about the way it looks when it's wet always reminds him of the fluffy cows milling about the fields in Martira.) He's careful about sudsing up Strohl's scalp — even more careful around his sensitive horns, which can get more attention later, once they're out of the bath.
All this being said: they get out of the bath. They get dressed, quickly but lightly, for bed. Hulkenberg still seems to be in the shower; Heismay is still in his self-imposed prison near the strategy table, but Neuras has furnished him with a blanket. So, as they scurry towards their bunks, Will curls his fingers mischievously around one of Strohl's much larger ones, whispering: ]
Mine or yours tonight?
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Strohl turns the hand caught in Will's grip over, clasping Will's, leading him to his bunk. His other hand reaches out to stroke through Will's hair, fluffier as it dries. ]
Mine this time.
[ He waits for Will to lie down, joins him close behind, and props himself up on his elbows. The look he gives Will is still filled with fondness. ]
What will it be? The massage where we left off, or a book?
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Mmmm... smells like Strohl... ♥
[ It's just one of those things he says sometimes, in a tone too-knowing, to get his beloved friend flustered, and because the look in Strohl's eyes is so fond that Will impishly knows that he could get away with murder and still have Leon Strohl da Haliaetus by his side. Giggling, Will rolls onto his stomach and gazes at Strohl with equal fondness. He looks very cute indeed when he's being coy like this, his body temptingly open to touch, but in a way that almost seems like a trap. Like when a cat's rolled onto its stomach to display its soft belly. ]
Maybe both?
[ He's being spoiled. His own fantasy novel is in his bunk, and it wouldn't be too terribly difficult to reach over into it and grab it, but instead of doing that, Will looks over at the corner where Strohl has laid out some of his supplies; this includes some books that he's been reading, apparently having picked them up in Grand Trad during one of their last supply runs. ]
Hmm, what have you been reading? Your books are different from my books...
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Anyway, he's in position for the massage, within reach, but they could read together before that, since Will seems interested in Strohl's chosen books. ]
Both it is. I thought we'd read more of your book, but if you want to read one of mine, we can do that instead.
[ Strohl moves toward his belongings to pick up the stack of books there, bringing them closer for Will to see each title. Expectantly, waiting for Will's verdict, he watches Will's expression. ]
To be honest, I've been searching for books that my parents once mentioned.
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Will's expression doesn't give away much of his thoughts, but his gaze is soft and impossibly fascinated, as if he's never seen anything more interesting. The way that it always is, when he's with Strohl. ]
Books that your parents mentioned? [ He blinks, sweetly owlish. ] What sorts of books were those?
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Strohl's own gaze is soft and impossibly fascinated, too, captivated by Will, touched by what he sees, looking at Will's face.
He knows that he must have picked out a fairly predictable selection of books, but Will gives each title his full attention, seeming as interested in learning more about Strohl's interests as he does in reading his novel. That's hardly a surprise, though, considering how often and how generously Will is an attentive listening ear, a pillar to lean on himself.
He's doing that right now, in fact, isn't he?
Rubbing the back of his neck, Strohl leaves his hand there. ]
Books to hone one's mind and heart, you could say. I'm sure I've a long way to go...
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Your mind and heart are plenty honed already, I'd say.
[ Strohl is so close, and so handsome. Will can't help himself from poking two places as he speaks — Strohl's forehead, and his chest, to indicate mind and heart respectively. ]
So wise. [ Poke. ] So tender. [ Poke. ]
[ A little giggle, as he rolls onto his side, abandoning the temptation of reading books in favor of the equally delicious temptation of touching Strohl. ]
You're everything that I could ask for and more. If everyone in the world were like you... we'd be closer to my idea of a utopia.
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He does know that Will wouldn't take his remarks as fishing for reassurances. Once again, Will is just there for him whenever he wavers, too.
Cupping Will's cheek, Strohl strokes it with his thumb, becoming a reading chair postponed for now. ]
Well... I think more people could stand to be like you. I'm glad to have you by my side, and you'll always have me beside you.
[ Now he voices that pledge — and then, it's his turn to give the tip of Will's nose a light poke. ]
Wasn't I supposed to spoil you?
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Oh? And how are you going to spoil me this time?
[ He has an inkling of exactly what Strohl means, though. Lolling on his side, Will kisses Strohl's palm directly before rolling back onto his stomach, cheek now planted against that pillow of Strohl's he apparently finds so sweet-smelling. Over his shoulder, he shoots Strohl a slightly sly, playful look. ]
I was really enjoying that back rub earlier...
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That's what I was hoping to keep up now.
[ Stretched out on his stomach, glancing up at Strohl, Will's entire posture is an invitation that Strohl is only too happy to accept as before. And here in the bunk, there's definitely nothing that can sneak up on them, and they can take advantage of the space, a full-body massage instead of just a back rub in store.
And there's no reason not to enjoy less than clean thoughts...
Strohl leans over Will, still starting with Will's shoulders, hands placed there to work their way down Will's back. Slowly, he rubs little circles along Will's spine through his shirt, lower and lower, now that he can reach more of Will than he could in the bath cask. ]
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This time — he, too, has been eager for this! — there's no reason for him to not indulge in his less-than-clean thoughts. What if Strohl's hands went lower, what if Strohl touched him there, or there, or...
Will loses himself in lovely little thoughts like this as he relaxes fully, surrendering to gravity, and lets himself let out a half-voiced, long, pleased sigh, nearly a moan. ]
You're sooooo good to me...
[ He mumbles this, eyes drooping. Strohl is now one step closer to having a cute flattened Will in his bed. ]
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Speaking of hands, his are warm as he pushes them beneath Will's shirt, fingers wandering up Will's back, and then down again, all at the same indulgent pace. He leaves a kiss on Will's ear, another one on Will's neck. Reaching the base of Will's spine, Strohl slides his palms from Will's hips along the sides of Will's legs, little by little, until they pass Will's ankles.
Will's bare feet are next: Strohl takes one in hand first, supporting it to begin pressing his thumbs into its sole. They've had another very long day, trudging through muck and across sand, and he's sure that Will can feel it all over. ]
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Could this, too, be paradise? Sometimes Will always feels as if he's racing the clock, urgently trying to move as fast as possible and do too many things at once, all for the sake of rescuing the prince. It's Strohl who always reminds him that things don't have to be that urgent, that they can take things slow... that those warm, sturdy hands working magic into his muscles make Will's nerves feel as if they're alive with liquid pleasure.
He lets out a little sigh as Strohl gets to his feet. They really did walk around all day...
Will generally does a good job of keeping his feet soft and free of cracks and scrapes, but even his small, soft feet have been chafed red in a few places. His toes seem to have suffered the worst of the damage today, particularly along the "knuckles" where his metatarsals begin... but they still curl and tense with pleasure as Strohl draws a warm line of pressure through the sole and arch of one of his feet. His toes are very small and cute — almost grapelike in how they bunch together... ]
Ah... even there...?
[ He'd thought that maybe Strohl would only stick to the soft, fleshy parts of his body that would be fun to touch. But of course, Leon Strohl da Haliaetus does not do things by halves. ]
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It's good to feel Will relax more and more, even if he seems surprised that his feet are the focus of the massage now. The bath has left his skin softer, nice and warm. Strohl's fingers move from toe to toe, rubbing each one between them, his touch lighter wherever he notices the reddened areas of Will's skin. ]
Especially here.
[ Strohl doesn't stop, though he briefly lifts his gaze to look at all of Will. After each toe is massaged, the rest of Will's foot receives the same tender attention from end to end before it's his other foot's turn. ]
Your feet have to work hard every day, right?
[ Will hasn't complained, but they must have hurt. ]
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[ So Will protests, and that may be true — but then, their captain does do a little more walking every day, doesn't he? When their runner arrives in town and the others get to rest, Will's usually up and about running around the cities of Euchronia, buying supplies for their adventures and picking up new requests from the populace.
He'd never complain — he loves doing it — but this, this is... this makes everything feel so worth its while...
Strohl rubs right through Will's tension, rubbing him into perfect relaxation. Soon, Will's legs are limp in Strohl's lap, his kittenish paw pads well and truly relaxed beneath the clemar's diligent fingers. All of his usually squirrelish energy has apparently left him and found solace in his pillow. This, too, is cute... ]
Oooooh... that feels good...
[ He seems really happy... ]
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Satisfied that he hasn't missed a single spot, Strohl lets Will's right foot stay pillowed upon his lap, fully massaged, and takes the left between his hands. Again, he starts by kneading the sole of Will's foot before his touch concentrates on each toe for a while. ]
Good. I do want to leave you feeling properly spoiled by the end, after all.
[ Strohl murmurs his reply, eyes lowered while he resists glancing up from his task and at Will once more for now. He might be running out of places to massage, but he'd like to keep going, draw out Will's pleasure. He wouldn't mind doing this until Will falls asleep, actually — it'd be a shame to disturb him when he looks so comfortable. Just holding him in his cozy nest then would be nice, too. ]
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He's not quite fully asleep just yet, but he seems about halfway there. His neck, his shoulders, his arms, his legs, his feet — all of these things have been tended to, and he feels happily pliant, like some strange gelatinous creature out of the depths. (He does have a knack for running into those.)
He moves his cheek a little on the pillow, shifting his limbs just slightly. Ah... maybe he wants his beloved to join him? Or just continue rubbing him into a boneless mess — that's an option, too. ]
...St'hl...
[ Ah. Well, if nothing else, he still knows how to call his beloved Strohl's name. ]