[If only Aether knew just how much he already warms Vanitas' bitter heart... Especially when he gets all mushy and sappy.
So too does Vanitas enjoy the weight of the ring on his finger, the subtle tightness of it squeezing him like a mini hug from Aether. A careful reminder that his lover is here for him, through thick and thin. Something to be grateful for.]
Don't I know it... [He is the drama king, after all.
It's true that just standing around being sappy isn't feasible. But that just means they'll have to get comfortable elsewhere and do something fun together. Seeing where they're going, more color floods Vanitas' cheeks. It's hardly the first time they've been intimate, or even the third or forth. But this feels extra special after the ring.]
I'd like to do something you'd enjoy. Though I'm at a loss as to what that might be... [He's so serious all the time that finding things to do during their downtime can be difficult. But he knows they'll figure out something. At the kiss, he wraps his arms around Aether and hugs him close, sighing softly into it.]
[They all know how much Vanitas loves theatrics and exaggerations. He brings the chaos, he makes things happen. Seeing him so subdued thanks to Aether's affections is definitely refreshing. Even more considering that his lover isn't shy about seeking intimate moments or teasing Aether about it and now he's here, blushing bright when they end up in bed together.
Aether hums into the kiss, keeping it easy as they share the closeness. His own skin may be always warm, but now it feels extra warm, with a soft shade of red spreading on his cheeks as they part from their affection.]
I'm always enjoying the time with you. [His voice is soft and fond.] Is it really that difficult to think what you'd want to do with me?
[Perhaps one of the reason he gets so flustered with Aether is because he longs for the chance to let his other sides show. To not be constantly "on", performing and putting up a mask so that others will see him how he wants. Here, with Aether, he can be this version of himself. Someone who feels embarrassment just as intensely as he does other emotions.
One of them being happiness, which overwhelms him as they kiss, leading him to sigh with contentment as they part and he bumps foreheads.]
Good. I'd hate to think I bore you. [Something he doubts would ever happen.] It... kind of is. I never had much free time, you know. Back home. I was always chasing the next lead on curse-bearers, or furthering my revenge.
[He gently bumps their noses as they foreheads meet, smile sunny.]
You could never bore me. [They both know that!] Always so busy, I see. We can try many things: playing chess, fishing, exploring, looking up at the stars... [He laughs.] Hmm, some of them we can't do here or right now.
[He presses a hand to Vanitas' face, gently stroking his heated cheek.]
But I enjoy small moments with you, too: dancing with you, the way you hum soft tunes, when you brush my hair or pet my wings, when you cook something for me, when we can cook together, when I can see you falling asleep by my side and waking up still there...
[Small, silly things that make him incredibly happy. He's just a sap!]
I cherish every moment, every kiss, every touch we share. [His voice is brimming with fondness, with tender love.] I will always treasure them all.
[It's like Aether radiates warmth through his kindness, always sharing it with others so that they might never feel sadness.]
If you say so. [He finds that doubtful, but for now won't push the issue.] I haven't played chess in ages... [He sounds a touch wistful saying that; the last time he played was probably back when he was a child.] We'll have to pick something to do every week in order to get through them all.
[Leaning into the touch, he sighs with contentment.]
...haha. You really do just like my company, don't you? Well, I admit to being the same way for you. It doesn't matter what we're doing, be it simply sitting together or making love or talking just as we are now... They all make me feel pleasant.
[Which is to say, Aether makes him happy.]
Aether... You know I'll give you any of those at a moment's notice, yeah? [He would definitely since back when he was being tortured and that feather gave him enough hope to hold on.] Just so long as you can still find happiness in other things as well. I don't want you to desperate when I'm unavailable, after all.
Sounds like something we should absolutely do. [He smiles all the more.] We can do something different every week. I can think of many more things we could try.
[All the moments just with his lover.]
Of course I do. Everything feels right when I'm with you. [He searches for Vanitas' hand, the one with the ring, and brings it to his lips once more, kissing it.] It... feels like I found my home by your side and isn't one the happiest when they can return home?
[That's what he thinks.]
I know and I'm always thankful for that. [His lips press against fingers, then the tips, each one getting its own little kiss.] Don't worry. I know that I'm surrounded by people who care about me. I know that I can trust them and it makes me happy to have you all.
[He sighs a little, gaze distant for a moment.]
I'm lucky and I feel like I don't appreciate it enough.
[The gesture is one that Vanitas accepts readily, a smile upon his lips.]
Sounds like a plan, in that case. I know it'll never be boring with you around. And I promise to give it some thought so we're not just doing things you think up. Maybe we can find somewhere picturesque and draw or paint.
[Trying new things and digging up old hobbies seems like a great way to spend time together.]
Heh, it can't be everything, can it...? [Cue the playful skepticism. Though it turns into a bashful blush at the gesture of kissing his hand.] That's very true. I think. [He's never really had a home to return to, honestly...]
I'm glad to know you're aware of that. You have so many friends, it's hard for me to believe I'm anything special among them. [It's the self-loathing talking again, but rather than dwell on it, he simply smiles softly at each of those kisses.] Don't worry. I'm sure if anyone appreciates their friends, it's you. You don't take people for granted.
Everything... when we're together. [Not when he's pushed away or when feelings are hurt, but when they're in tune like right now, everything fits like pieces of puzzle.]
Hm... Maybe you're right. [Another grin, this time a little shier.] But right now I want to show you how much I appreciate you. Surely, there must be something you'd wanted to try or do with me. I'm accepting everything. [He moves Vanitas' hand to hide a little behind it.] Unless it's something extreme, then I'm not making any promises. [His tone is teasing.]
[He may have a photographic memory, but his hand-eye coordination and the skill necessary isn't something he really possesses. He never had much opportunity to practice over the years. Never had a normal childhood where he could spend doodling and drawing.
Nodding, he smiles faintly.]
Together... [It's... nice, being like this, he has to admit. Especially once Aether turns shy and bashful. It's so cute. Just like he knows he himself can be pretty adorable when flustered. They're all like that, including Vince. Though he's a lot harder to unnerve.]
Alright then. No need to worry. I won't push you into doing anything you're uncomfortable with. That's not my style. I'll save the raunchy stuff for when me and Vince play together. Instead, you and I can do something tamer, but just as enjoyable. I still want to make your feathers into jewelry; maybe you could help, and we can have matching accessories. [He likes that notion. Just spending time together doing something relaxing.]
[He laughs, remembering all the silly Paimon drawings he's made or the picture of the teapot he did for Kaveh's lessons, much to the architect's confusion as the theme was "home".]
Together. [He repeats with a smile, like he wants Vanitas to remember he's there for him, always. But then he's silent at the other's words, taking a moment to respond:]
That sounds nice, but... I have an idea of something I want to do first. [He nuzzles against Vanitas' hand, before smiling some more.] It's your birthday, so I want you to relax... A lot has been happening lately. [Too much, honestly.] So how about a massage?
[The irony would be if they're both terrible, honestly. Though teapot = home would throw Vanitas for a loop as well, at least until it was explained.
With a hum of acknowledgment and appreciation, he nods. He has no problem letting Aether do as he pleases, whatever that entails. Because Vanitas trusts him implicitly.]
Alright then. Let's hear it. [Head tilted a bit to one side, he regards his lover with a warm expression. One that shows surprise at the suggestion. But it's not a bad thing, clearly; he chuckles, tail swaying in contentment. It's a fine gesture, one he likes quite a bit.] So long as you don't mind, I'll happily submit to your careful touches. You're always so warm, I imagine that would be heavenly, heh.
[Aether gives his lover a warm smile, before pulling away slightly, hand moving to the collar, slowly proceeding to remove Vanitas' shirt.]
I'm glad you have this much trust in me. [He responds, then leans down, placing a small kiss to the other's collarbone, then to the middle of his chest as he works on unbuttoning that shirt.] I'll make sure it's worth your time.
[As much as he would love to kiss some more, he has to pull away completely, sitting beside his lover. His hands reach for Vanitas' to help him up.]
You won't need this... [He says with a small grin pushing the shirt down from Vanitas' shoulders, exposing his torso, beautiful even in its scarred form.] Lay down on your stomach and get yourself comfortable for me, okay?
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So too does Vanitas enjoy the weight of the ring on his finger, the subtle tightness of it squeezing him like a mini hug from Aether. A careful reminder that his lover is here for him, through thick and thin. Something to be grateful for.]
Don't I know it... [He is the drama king, after all.
It's true that just standing around being sappy isn't feasible. But that just means they'll have to get comfortable elsewhere and do something fun together. Seeing where they're going, more color floods Vanitas' cheeks. It's hardly the first time they've been intimate, or even the third or forth. But this feels extra special after the ring.]
I'd like to do something you'd enjoy. Though I'm at a loss as to what that might be... [He's so serious all the time that finding things to do during their downtime can be difficult. But he knows they'll figure out something. At the kiss, he wraps his arms around Aether and hugs him close, sighing softly into it.]
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Aether hums into the kiss, keeping it easy as they share the closeness. His own skin may be always warm, but now it feels extra warm, with a soft shade of red spreading on his cheeks as they part from their affection.]
I'm always enjoying the time with you. [His voice is soft and fond.] Is it really that difficult to think what you'd want to do with me?
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One of them being happiness, which overwhelms him as they kiss, leading him to sigh with contentment as they part and he bumps foreheads.]
Good. I'd hate to think I bore you. [Something he doubts would ever happen.] It... kind of is. I never had much free time, you know. Back home. I was always chasing the next lead on curse-bearers, or furthering my revenge.
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You could never bore me. [They both know that!] Always so busy, I see. We can try many things: playing chess, fishing, exploring, looking up at the stars... [He laughs.] Hmm, some of them we can't do here or right now.
[He presses a hand to Vanitas' face, gently stroking his heated cheek.]
But I enjoy small moments with you, too: dancing with you, the way you hum soft tunes, when you brush my hair or pet my wings, when you cook something for me, when we can cook together, when I can see you falling asleep by my side and waking up still there...
[Small, silly things that make him incredibly happy. He's just a sap!]
I cherish every moment, every kiss, every touch we share. [His voice is brimming with fondness, with tender love.] I will always treasure them all.
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If you say so. [He finds that doubtful, but for now won't push the issue.] I haven't played chess in ages... [He sounds a touch wistful saying that; the last time he played was probably back when he was a child.] We'll have to pick something to do every week in order to get through them all.
[Leaning into the touch, he sighs with contentment.]
...haha. You really do just like my company, don't you? Well, I admit to being the same way for you. It doesn't matter what we're doing, be it simply sitting together or making love or talking just as we are now... They all make me feel pleasant.
[Which is to say, Aether makes him happy.]
Aether... You know I'll give you any of those at a moment's notice, yeah? [He would definitely since back when he was being tortured and that feather gave him enough hope to hold on.] Just so long as you can still find happiness in other things as well. I don't want you to desperate when I'm unavailable, after all.
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Sounds like something we should absolutely do. [He smiles all the more.] We can do something different every week. I can think of many more things we could try.
[All the moments just with his lover.]
Of course I do. Everything feels right when I'm with you. [He searches for Vanitas' hand, the one with the ring, and brings it to his lips once more, kissing it.] It... feels like I found my home by your side and isn't one the happiest when they can return home?
[That's what he thinks.]
I know and I'm always thankful for that. [His lips press against fingers, then the tips, each one getting its own little kiss.] Don't worry. I know that I'm surrounded by people who care about me. I know that I can trust them and it makes me happy to have you all.
[He sighs a little, gaze distant for a moment.]
I'm lucky and I feel like I don't appreciate it enough.
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Sounds like a plan, in that case. I know it'll never be boring with you around. And I promise to give it some thought so we're not just doing things you think up. Maybe we can find somewhere picturesque and draw or paint.
[Trying new things and digging up old hobbies seems like a great way to spend time together.]
Heh, it can't be everything, can it...? [Cue the playful skepticism. Though it turns into a bashful blush at the gesture of kissing his hand.] That's very true. I think. [He's never really had a home to return to, honestly...]
I'm glad to know you're aware of that. You have so many friends, it's hard for me to believe I'm anything special among them. [It's the self-loathing talking again, but rather than dwell on it, he simply smiles softly at each of those kisses.] Don't worry. I'm sure if anyone appreciates their friends, it's you. You don't take people for granted.
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Then you can see how bad I am at drawing.
[He's not perfect at everything he does!
At the scepticism, Aether grins.]
Everything... when we're together. [Not when he's pushed away or when feelings are hurt, but when they're in tune like right now, everything fits like pieces of puzzle.]
Hm... Maybe you're right. [Another grin, this time a little shier.] But right now I want to show you how much I appreciate you. Surely, there must be something you'd wanted to try or do with me. I'm accepting everything. [He moves Vanitas' hand to hide a little behind it.] Unless it's something extreme, then I'm not making any promises. [His tone is teasing.]
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[He may have a photographic memory, but his hand-eye coordination and the skill necessary isn't something he really possesses. He never had much opportunity to practice over the years. Never had a normal childhood where he could spend doodling and drawing.
Nodding, he smiles faintly.]
Together... [It's... nice, being like this, he has to admit. Especially once Aether turns shy and bashful. It's so cute. Just like he knows he himself can be pretty adorable when flustered. They're all like that, including Vince. Though he's a lot harder to unnerve.]
Alright then. No need to worry. I won't push you into doing anything you're uncomfortable with. That's not my style. I'll save the raunchy stuff for when me and Vince play together. Instead, you and I can do something tamer, but just as enjoyable. I still want to make your feathers into jewelry; maybe you could help, and we can have matching accessories. [He likes that notion. Just spending time together doing something relaxing.]
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[He laughs, remembering all the silly Paimon drawings he's made or the picture of the teapot he did for Kaveh's lessons, much to the architect's confusion as the theme was "home".]
Together. [He repeats with a smile, like he wants Vanitas to remember he's there for him, always. But then he's silent at the other's words, taking a moment to respond:]
That sounds nice, but... I have an idea of something I want to do first. [He nuzzles against Vanitas' hand, before smiling some more.] It's your birthday, so I want you to relax... A lot has been happening lately. [Too much, honestly.] So how about a massage?
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[The irony would be if they're both terrible, honestly. Though teapot = home would throw Vanitas for a loop as well, at least until it was explained.
With a hum of acknowledgment and appreciation, he nods. He has no problem letting Aether do as he pleases, whatever that entails. Because Vanitas trusts him implicitly.]
Alright then. Let's hear it. [Head tilted a bit to one side, he regards his lover with a warm expression. One that shows surprise at the suggestion. But it's not a bad thing, clearly; he chuckles, tail swaying in contentment. It's a fine gesture, one he likes quite a bit.] So long as you don't mind, I'll happily submit to your careful touches. You're always so warm, I imagine that would be heavenly, heh.
[Angel jokes, haha...]
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I'm glad you have this much trust in me. [He responds, then leans down, placing a small kiss to the other's collarbone, then to the middle of his chest as he works on unbuttoning that shirt.] I'll make sure it's worth your time.
[As much as he would love to kiss some more, he has to pull away completely, sitting beside his lover. His hands reach for Vanitas' to help him up.]
You won't need this... [He says with a small grin pushing the shirt down from Vanitas' shoulders, exposing his torso, beautiful even in its scarred form.] Lay down on your stomach and get yourself comfortable for me, okay?