[ 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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no subject
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...
no subject
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.
no subject
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?
no subject
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...
no subject
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.
no subject
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?
no subject
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...
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
[ 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... ]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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. ]