III. The Knowing

[madaboutit]

Lunch came and went, full of pages and her sweet voice, though Sweeney enjoyed them at a distance. In the chair instead of on the bed, he patiently shared her time until the afternoon grew late, and he excused himself, taking the older tray with him. It seems like it will be the pattern; one tray always left behind for her to keep what is still useful.

Dinner arrives, but he doesn't. A woman in flowing robes brings the meal, but she only steps in enough to put it on the ground, not bothering to collect anything. She doesn't speak or make eye contact.

Breakfast is the same.

When midday arrives, so does Sweeney, tray in hand. This time, however, he's not wearing his vest, only his simple, pale shirt. He crosses without hesitation, setting the tray on the end of the bed before crouching to rearrange the older things into a more efficient stack to take with him.

"I didn't mean ta leave you waitin'," he starts without segue. Sweeney's eyes remain low, but the apology in his voice is a little heavier than it would normally be, if the issue was simple tardiness.

The Collaring
Upping the Sexuality Game
Shared Bath
Bathing Ritual

Comments

[madaboutit]

Well, eventually that's the goal, right? Not for him, but for her to feel comfortable in her sexuality. If she feels sexy, she'll be sexy. It's all about Belief.

"This is 'bout me learnin' what makes you feel good."

Whatever that means.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

"But..." She feels like a fool just asking this, vulnerable. "I suppose, I'm unsure what I'm supposed to do when I feel good."

[madaboutit]

Hm. A beat passes, and he brings her hand up a little more so he can kiss her palm. Then Sweeney guides it down to rest against his chest.

"Hopefully, ya'll tell me so I can do it again."

[whatsinfrontofyou]

His mouth is a little wicked, isn't it? Teasing her like this. Her fingers curl against his chest, wanting more and not entirely sure how to ask.

"That..." She says softly.

[madaboutit]

Leaving her hand on his chest, he turns his so he can run the back of his knuckles down the side of her forearm to her elbow. Sweeney wets his lip, debating the course forward.

"Do you want more?" he whispers.

The inflection suggests 'increased intensity' instead of 'a continuation of the same sort of thing'.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

"I do want that."

She leans closer, drawn by the anticipation of just that.

"But I wonder if it's a good idea."

[madaboutit]

He bows his head, his voice dipping even lower.

"What are ya afraid will happen?"

Sweeney's curious to hear her thoughts and concerns. They're almost as important as knowing how she Wants.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

"It seems destined to leave at least one of us frustrated."

And probably both.

[madaboutit]

Sweeney presses his lips before making a confession of the obvious.

"I don't need ta touch ya ta be that."

The aching throb in his prick serves as a near-constant reminder.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

"So why do it?"

Vex can't help but be flattered. She can't help but be turned on, too, but she doesn't see any particularly satisfying end to this for either of them.

[madaboutit]

For lots of reasons. Because it's his job. Because it's laying the groundwork for what they have to do together. Because it creates intimacy that helps breed trust. But one thing stands out.

"'Cause it's worth it ta make you feel good."

[whatsinfrontofyou]

That seems exceptionally unfair.

"You know you might not be the only one frustrated."

[madaboutit]

"Well..." Sweeney wets his lip before tipping his head in concession. He's mindful not to make contact when he does. There's an easy solution to that particular dilemma.

"...you e'er touch yerself?"

[whatsinfrontofyou]

"I... have." She admits slowly, glancing away. She's not usually put in a position to be uncomfortable about it. Not like this. Faeries, it seems, are far more open about the topic of sex.

Or maybe just concubines being trained.

[madaboutit]

Thank fuck. Sweeney's glad she can't see the relief in his face. Taking a moment to swallow, he offers a couple solutions.

"How 'bout...it gets too much fer you, an' ya don't want me ta see, I'll face the door." Or just leave, but he's guessing that might not be the goal.

"Or cover my eyes with a sash, so you know I wouldn't be peekin'."

[whatsinfrontofyou]

"There's not much privacy here," Vex says, glancing toward the open grill that forms the far wall of her room, driving home the fact she's in a cage. Not that there's been other visitors—only one serving woman, and only when Sweeney couldn't appear—but it's still a concern.

"And it's not really the same, is it?"

[madaboutit]

"Course it's not the same," he admits wistfully, leaning in just a touch more, as if an expression of how he wants to rub up on her.

It's not like he doesn't want to fuck her. Or hell, have it be his fingers inside her. Sweeney slowly exhales. It's harder to do something about the privacy issue, at least, in the immediate. A thought appears, unexpectedly.

"We can go back ta the tub." Not ideal or overly comfortable, but at least she'd be out of line of sight.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

Vex's fingers on his chest walk higher, considering the solution.

"I suppose that is an option." Even if it's not ideal. "Is it too late to ask for more?"

It's not really a comfortable solution, but it's the best she has without changing the terms of their agreement further.

[madaboutit]

"No," he murmurs with a private smile before exhaling warm, against her ear.

"It's not too late." Sweeney inhales again, as if in preparation. Just in case.

"If that's what ya want."

But she'll have to say it.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

Her eyes close and she tenses, her whole body lighting up with expectation. There's a moment of hesitation, nails pressing into his skin, as she struggles with the awkwardness of admitting it. As though it makes her submissive somehow.

Or needy.

But his mouth is close to her ear and she can feel the warmth coming of him.

Her mouth is dry when she finally finds the words. "I want more."

[madaboutit]

Sweeney's also grateful that she can't see the way he winces; the unyielding metal confines cruel to his flesh that's so desperate to swell. He takes a beat to focus his resolve.

Then he turns just enough to trace the tip of tongue over the gentle point of her ear.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

The reaction to that is immediate, Vex sliding her arms over Sweeney's shoulders. She manages not to pull herself closer, not to press against him in ways that would be beyond what she'd offered and without a doubt even harder on him. Her head tilts, though, almost instinctive as she offers more of her ear and neck.

[madaboutit]

He'd expected a response--hoped for one--but this is not what he'd planned for. There's a quick stutter as his breath catches when she secures herself around him. Fucking hell. The offering can't go unanswered though, so he curls and draws a slow flick of his tongue across a couple inches of her neck, just beneath her ear. Then he chases it with a soft, cool pass of air over the moistened skin.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

"That," she says, her voice growing husky, though she probably doesn't need to. The way her breathing changes and she shivers delicately communicates more clearly than her words. "There."

[madaboutit]

She may not need to, but she still should do it. The exercise is as much about her communicating as it is about both of them learning.

In the wake though, Sweeney pauses, his mouth away from her skin. He starts to unwrap his hand and guide the braid down her back. Two seconds later, his other hand reaches around her, and they work in unison, loosening the tie and carefully undoing the plait.