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Lux had waited for Mearc to text them, and showed up not very long after that--had they been lurking in the neighborhood somewhere? Maybe. They make their way up to Mearc's apartment door, shifting their weight between their feet nervously. Wearing casual clothes, as if they'd been out running--so lurking might be likely. The new flashy ring isn't on their finger, but their hands still have some traces of paint stains here and there, hard to notice unless you look close with how dark their skin is. They're also holding a small bouquet of flowers--all orange and pinks, with tiger lilies being the main flower.
They take a deep, deep breath, then knock lightly on the door.
Mearcstapa answers the door, smiling slightly at the sight of Lux, drinking in the sight of them. "Have you eaten, yet? If not, I have some leftovers I could warm up. Pizza or chinese food, whichever you'd like." Practical details first, before the flowers that are the colors of Lux in love, Lux aroused, Lux in the afterglow. "And shoes off at the door, please."
Lux smiles back, but they don't bother holding back the nervousness that is wound up in their body. "Hey." They step inside, nudging their shoes off a second before he even asks--scooting them to the side against the wall neatly before turning to face him. "Um, nah, I haven't eaten. I wasn't sure if we were... doing dinner or not. Left overs works, though. Um... pizza?" They fidget anxiously with the stems of the bouquet, then holds them out towards Mearc.
"It's pineapple with barbecue chicken." He takes the bouquet, and buries his nose in it for a moment, freckles going red as he does a big ole' sniff. "They're beautiful. I think I have a vase for them in the kitchen, too."
"That sounds amazing." Lux's smile warms as they watch him, hands stuffing into their hoodie pockets. "I... wasn't sure what sort of flowers you liked, so I just... picked out ones I like. And--uh. Tiger lilies. Tigers... Kitten..." They shrug lamely.
"I mean, I don't really have people bringing me flowers often. I don't know that I have favorites." He leads them to the kitchen, finding a glass vase and filling it with water before gesturing at the fridge. "Have at the pizza or anything else you find in there that looks good."
Like the jug of chocolate milk in the door of the fridge. Or the Peeps creamer nearing its expiration date. Or the slice of cake from a local bakery in a clear container. Things anyone could have incidentally, really. There's also a six pack of beer in the bottom, toward the back, but it's not Jack's preferred brand; it looks like a good quality chocolate stout.
"Do you... like flowers? I'll bring you flowers more if you do?" They follow into the kitchen, watching him a moment before opening the fridge, crouching to poke through things. They eye the cake, but end up pulling out the chocolate milk and pizza, popping open the box to grab a slice cold to nom at. "S'good."
He sets the flowers on the kitchen table, before taking a seat. "I like knowing there's things that make you think of me. Like these tiger lilies. I like knowing I have a space in the back of your head."
"It's... more than just the back of my head." They hesitate, then grab a glass for the milk, dragging them and the pizza over to the table, sitting down. They take another quick bites of pizza before setting it aside in the box, looking towards Mearc.
"I know." He watches them quietly for a moment, eyes raking up and down all of them. Taking in those paint-stained fingers, and the points of their ears, and the exact color of their glow.
They're currently yellow. No trace of green. But it's a slightly dimmer yellow than their default vibrancy, the color wavering and pulsing a little, further betraying their nervousness.
Lux rubs a hand over their knee, glancing down at the table, finding it hard to look at Mearc when he's staring so intently. "How've you been?"
"Better. Everyone gave me a lot of hell for how I was treating myself, so I've taken a couple days mostly for myself. Thinking, working on a new Youtube video--Jack inspired this one. He's gotten good enough to pick my front door in under five minutes."
They nod slowly, puffing out a breath. "Good. You needed it." Their eyes lift back to him, smiling. "Yeah? That's great. Whats the new video about?"
"Locksport as meditative practice and meditative focus. I stopped short of doing a lockpicking ASMR." He chuckles.
"Oh, huh." Their lips quirk upwards. "You'd be good at it, I bet. Your voice is relaxing."
"Do you still spend time listening to my videos, when you can't be here?"
They glance aside, lights flashing softly pink. "Mm... Yeah. Never stopped watching them."
"That's sweet." He nods, resting his chin on his hands. "Let me know, by the way, when you're ready to actually talk."
"...As ready as I'll ever be," Lux murmurs, gaze lifting again and lingering on him, more resolute.
Mearcstapa nods quietly. "Alright, then. As far as I can determine, we both have the goal of figuring out how to make this relationship work, despite the trouble we've run into. That's accurate?"
Lux bobs their head quickly. "Yeah. Definitely."
"Alright. Teagan...helped me work something out last night, about...where the problem in the promise I Sealed might have actually been. I asked you not to lie to me. But what hurt then wasn't just that it was a lie, it was that it was a lie about me, and about us. That's something I still am not willing to accept, lies about us. But you're Winter, and I need to understand that you're going to have secrets. I've been Winter. I know what it's like, and me asking you not to lie was unreasonable." He makes a vague gesture in the air. "There's a line there, somewhere."
Lux watches him, listening intently. There's a flicker of surprise when Teagan is mentioned, but it fades into focus again. "That... makes a lot of sense. And I agree. If it's something that involves... you, or us... Who we are, our relationship--I wouldn't ever keep that from you, Mearcstapa."
"I know that. And I need to trust that, without a promise in place. That is my part in this, now. Fighting back the parts of my mind that are hurting, and uncertain and that don't know how to trust completely."
"Okay." Lux chews at their lip. "How can I help with that?"
"That's something I'm still working out. I didn't know if you would have any ideas for it." He looks a little sheepish as he steals Lux's piece of pizza and takes a bite.
Their brows knit together, thinking for a moment. "I don't... know that there is some... instant fix to that. I just... have to prove to you that I'm willing to be open with you. That I'm not trying to hide who I am--or who you are. I think that's... going to take time, unfortunately." Lux licks their lips. "I can--I dunno. If it'll help, but... I can give you the truth, right now. Anything you ask--about me, my past. Or what I remember, or--anything. I'll answer truthfully...?"
"That's not necessary, right now. And I don't think I could bring myself to dig, at this moment. It would be a cruelty, because I do have questions about your past, but using this to get answers about them...it's not right."
"Okay." Their shoulders sink a little, staring down at the table in thought for a few seconds. "...I could show you the radio? You... already know. It--might be um. Something to show I trust you, at least? Which--doesn't exactly make you trust me, but... Maybe as an olive branch."
Also, forgot to mention... Then again, it might not be noticeable at first, cause Winter--but Lux's mantle is stronger. The white flares that occasionally shine off of them are a little brighter, and now reflect the cold colored lights of an aurora borealis.
How funny. Mearc's is also stronger, because apparently that's what this polycule does when in distress: go back to the season. Mearc's causing that feeling of being watched from across the room, the prickle down the back of one's neck from being stared at.
"Lux. Stop for a second. I don't need you to do anything immediate here. This isn't something where you need to prove yourself to me, all at once. I do have something I'm going to ask of you, but that's more a symbolic act of making reparation for the promise broken, something to do so I can formally forgive you. And that's not going to be a thing you do here and now."
"...Okay." Lux says, a little quieter. The idea of waiting and not being able to rush in and just fix things is obviously scary, but their determination hasn't faded. "Then... I don't know, Mearcstapa. Other than just... making the effort to be more open with you. Talking to you more. About--hard things. I mean... I already try to do that, about things that impact our relationship, but--I can try to do that more with... how I'm feeling?"
"Right. That will help. I think...this thing will mend, in time. And we'll go back to being a kitten chasing a bright hummingbird." He places a hand on the table, palm up.
Lux reaches out to grip Mearc's hand, meeting his eyes. "I really hope so..."
And that's when Mearc leans in for the lightest, most hesitant kiss. It is gentle and soft and unsure.
The Bright One leans in without hesitation. It's a struggle to keep it just soft, a slight tremble felt through Lux--but he returns it gently anyway, pulling back whenever Mearc does.
"I've missed you. When did you become so central to my life? I must have blinked and missed it, the moment I feel so deeply in love with you." He squeezes Lux's hand.
Lux pulls back and opens their eyes, which rapidly start to well up with tears. Their breath catches, lifting Mearc's hand to grip between both of their's, pressing their lips to it. It's the first time Mearc has ever seen them cry while radiating a soft pink glow, which is maybe enough to reassure him that they're tears of relief and joy. "I missed you too," Lux chokes out, before pressing their lips again to his wrist, unable to say anything else for a few moments.
And Mearc pulls Lux to their feet, so he can wrap himself around them tightly, holding back his own tears, just barely, his freckles going bright and red all at once.
Lux pretty much jumps up to their feet, arms wrapping around Mearc tightly enough to lift him up off the ground for a moment, holding him desperately close. "Thank you. Thank you," they murmur several times over again, pressing their face into his neck and hair. Then, "I love you so much."
Mearc simply holds on, when lifted and held and loved. "Oh, good. Otherwise this would all be very awkward." Trying to defuse the situation around his own tears threatening him.
They let out a soft broken chuff-huff against his hair, kissing softly at the side of his head a few times before they pull back, hands lifting to cup his cheeks, thumbs brushing over the freckles tenderly. "I know exactly when I feel deeply in love with you, Kitten."
"When is that?" His voice is low and uncertain.
"The night of the fashion show." They smile softly. "When we came back here, when I was... needing to reboot. Watching you drag your whole computer in here so you could play that weird alien game, then watching you play while I had my head in your lap. That's the first time I've ever felt safe and loved by someone. Without having any expectations or... feeling like I had to be on. Just... treasured and wanted for me. I remember just... watching you, while you were focused on the game, and thinking how cute you are, and how kind and patient, and so much more than I deserved. And occasionally you'd look down and smile and you'd rub my back, and each time it felt like my heart was going to jump up out of my throat."
"That's when?" He seems a little awestruck by the idea. "Oh, Lux. I didn't understand at the time, how much that meant to you. But it was precious, to have you there. Even if you didn't understand, the fact that you wanted to be by me, while I was doing something like that...it was special. I don't usually go babbling about games to people."
Lux smiles wider. "I loved it." Another soft amused huff. "I didn't understand half of what you were saying, but being able to be comfortable like that with someone? With you? I never thought I'd be. You didn't judge me or look down on me, you just... were there. And you wanted me there even when I was at my lowest."
"Because I want you, not just your bright and shiny, not just your good moments, not just when you're being quick and clever. I want all of you." Beat. "Though not in any sense precluding Jack also getting all of you. It's a function of depth of intimacy, not ownership."
A couple more tears fall down their cheeks before they lean in to kiss him again, soft and tender, hands sliding up into his hair to grip gently. "I feel the same way about you, Mearcstapa," they murmur. "I want all of you. Not just when you're active and being useful and mature and smart. I want you when you're just rambling about nerdy video games while I cuddle you, and when you're spooning me and mumbling in your sleep against my ear, and when you're lounging around eating chocolate covered pretzels in adorable PJs, and all the million other moments that I treasure with you."
"...I don't mumble in my sleep, do I?" He reddens warmly at the thought, a blue blush spreading across his cheeks.
"Just a bit. Sometimes." Lux bites their lip. "Like... in those moments right after you've fallen asleep, when you're clinging to me and drifting off. It's the cutest sounds ever."
"Oh no. I will never live that down if it gets out." A pause, then he leans in and gently bites Lux's lip, too.
"Your secret is safe with me. Though you keep spending the night with Jack..." Their lips quirk upwards, then shivers a little at the bite. Their fingers curl a little tighter around his hair, but they don't return the nibble or react otherwise. They're clearly uncertain about pushing things--leaving the ball in Mearc's court.
"Before we...enthusiastically reaffirm our connection. We should talk about the task I have for you. It's...not something that's a punishment, it's more a symbol, something to...mark that you and I are good, even after this. Does that make sense?"
Lux breathes in deeply, then nods, forcing themself to pull back, hands dropping to rest on Mearc's arms. "Yeah. That makes sense."
"I'd like you to find and acquire, through whatever means you see fit, a piece of carpeting that is at least six foot by six foot square. It must be colorful patterned carpeting, ideally UV reactive, like the sort you find in a bowling alley or an old arcade, with a very loud pattern. You don't have to do it alone, but you must be alone when you bring it to me. Any questions?"
Blink... blink...
That was clearly not the request Lux had expected. Granted, they didn't really know what to expect, but...
Their lips twitch upwards again into a slow, lop-sided grin. "Okay. That's... so you. To clarify, I have to steal this from somewhere, right?"
"Any means you see fit. Which means stealing is not your only option, but it is on the table." That lopsided grin is met with one of Mearc's own, his freckles going green as he takes in Lux's reaction.
Lux's mind is clearly churning away, and they're smiling broadly now. They actually seem excited. "Naw, fuck that, I'll steal it--you deserve that more than just buying something online or something. That's hella lame. Baby, I'm going to find you the brightest most eye-searing UV carpet in the city."
"I know you will." There's a pause, as he tries to decide whether to save the reveal or not, before he grins and spills. "And I'll hang it in my bedroom as a trophy, and pin the pictures I take of you and Jack on it, where no one else will get to see."
They blink, eyes widening with excitement. "Really?"
"Really-really. Though if you're stealing it, I may need to steam clean it first. Who knows where it'll have been? What, did you think the UV reactive thing wouldn't relate to the blacklight in my bedroom?"
Lux smirks, running hands down Mearc's arms, then settles them on his hips. "I'll make sure to give it a good steam wash before I bring it. That way you don't gotta do any work--can just put it up. Mm... I'll love that." A beat pause. "Wait--sexy pictures? You've taken sexy pictures of Jack?"
"Not quite sexy. Yet." He grins. "Though he's started sending me hot selfies, because he's the world's dirtiest cocktease."
Lux snorts. "Fuck, he sure can be. Yet? So... you see you two getting there?"
"That ball is entirely in his court at this point." Mearc laughs warmly.
They nod, looking thoughtful for a moment, then puff out a soft breath. "Well, that's between you two. So long as you're both happy."
"Be happier once we're back to...not normal, nothing about any of this is normal, but I'd like to feel stable, again." He takes one of their hands, feeling the texture of dried paint on it with his fingertips.
Lux nods, looking down at their hands. "I... miss us. All of us being together. Cuddling and sleeping beside both of you? It's... precious. I hope... we can get back to that place. Where we're all comfortable together."
"I don't think that will be hard. Jack's...put in a lot of work toward getting to know me and how I work, and vice versa. We'll be okay. I'm certain of it."
"Good." They lift his hand to kiss again, then smiles softly. "Is there anything else I can do..? Anything else you want to talk about?"
"...can I hold you, tonight? Even if this isn't fully a resolved thing? I miss your warmth."
Lux nods quickly. "Babe, whatever you want from me, I am more than ready to give it. But--if you just want to hold me, that... sounds amazing."
"I could even boot up a video game, and babble at you again. I just...I want your skin against mine. I've missed that."
They smile warmly. "I'd love that. I can sit on your lap with your arms around me while you play?"
"That sounds...perfect." He puts the rest of the pizza away, and leads them off to the bedroom.
Lux helps, tucking away the milk as well before following. They tug off their hoodie and shirt, then pants--but leave on the underwear. They'll help move the computer into the bedroom as well, if Mearc wants.
Mearc, meanwhile, slips off his shirt and changes into some sushi pajama pants some dork brought him, before setting up the computer to the TV in the bedroom. "More aliens, or something a little quicker and flashier?"
They grin when they see the PJ pants, but don't comment. "Hmm... I liked the aliens, but maybe show me something different? I want to see what else you like playing."
They wait for Mearc to sit and get settled, then crawls in to sit between his legs. Slumping down to lean comfortable back against his chest, squirming to get into the perfect spot. They let out a content sigh, eyes closing to just savor the moment.
Mearc loads up Slay the Spire. "This is a deckbuilding roguelike strategy game, where you pick one of four characters and battle enemies as you climb up an evil tower. When you defeat enemies, you get more cards for your deck."
"Huh." Lux peers at the TV, head tilting to rest their cheek against his upper arm. "Okay, uh. Not sure I'll be able to make too much sense of it right away, but I'll try to catch on as you play."
"So the four characters are the Ironclad--a damned warrior who hits hard and has a lot of 'I hurt myself to hurt you more' effects, the Silent--who does poisons and a lot of card draw, the Defect--who has power orbs that can protect itself or harm enemies, and the Watcher--a monk who can use mystical stances. Which do you want to see me play?" He uses the hand not on the controller to scratch Lux's scalp gently.
Lux melts from the scalp scritching, snuggling back into Mearc's chest. "Hmmm... Let's... go with the Defect? They sound cool." Their hand rests against Mearch's thigh, caressing just above the knee.
"Alright." He loads up a new game with the Defect, building a deck that revolves around Powers and Darkness orbs, pausing every once in a while to lavish a little attention on Lux, because the game's not real-time at all, and he can set down the controller to pet on his partner whenever he wants.
The Bright One is genuinely curious about the game, and tries to keep up--but strategy just isn't their strong point. Their suggestions are mostly focused on random spontaneity and whatever cards are prettier. If the cards vary like that, anyway. The moments of attention are clearly appreciated--and returned, as Lux occasionally half-turns to nuzzle and kiss at Mearc's neck. From time to time they get distracted just tracing lines between freckles with a fingertip, playing connect the dots.
"Do you... want to talk about other stuff?" Lux eventually murmurs, glancing up at him. "I want to keep my word, and be open about things. But if you want to keep things just... chill and light for the rest of the night, I don't mind just doing this."
Some of the cards are very pretty, and the monsters in the game look interesting, at least.
Mearc glances down at Lux, thinking before answering the question. "I want to talk, but I don't want to...hunt. I'm a little tired. Jack pointed out that I've basically spent a week or so punishing myself because you weren't mad at me and I felt that someone should be. I don't have the energy to chase right now. But I do want to talk."
Lux considers a moment, then nods. "Okay. I won't make you chase. I can be the one doing the talking, while you play? Update you on how things have been going lately."
"Sure. That...yeah, that sounds pretty good. What have I missed in your life?" He picks the controller back up.
Lux puffs out a breath, gathering their thoughts for a moment while nuzzling into him. "Okay... fuck. It feels like it's been a lot. Um... I went on that date with Aaron, a little over a week ago? Like... right before everything blew up."
"Yeah? And how did that end up going?" There's a pause, as Mearc pulls his weighted blanket up to help cover Lux, so their legs aren't cold.
"Mm, I love this blanket." They tug it up further and snuggle in against Mearc contently. "It went really well. Like... really slow? Which is weird and nerve wracking for me. All we did was kiss, and even it was just... like a peck. But I liked it. He's so shy and adorable. We mostly just talked, about our lives and work... We went to dinner, then walked his dog and then I walked him home. He's really sweet, but doesn't really know what he wants--so we're just taking it slow and figuring it out as we go? I think there's a lot about me that he just... doesn't know how to deal with. Like me being poly, and me not being jewish or religious at all. And he's maybe ace, but isn't sure? And being younger than him. Though--age is a fuck, so I'm not really younger than him. But he thinks I am."
"I'm trying to give him the space to decide what he needs and wants. In the meantime though... it's good. We've been texting a lot. Going to go on another date next Friday." Lux smiles up at him. "I was really worried about like... not being able to tell him things? But, um. I actually think he might be not-human? Or not completely human. I was trying to ask him if it was okay that I don't tell him everything about me, and my life--and he said it was fine and he understood and was... in a similar place. Mentioned something about secret societies and miracles..."
"Ah. Well, there's plenty of things he could be." He pauses. "I just had the weirdest mental image of like, a werewolf Aaron still wearing his yarmulke and nothing else, oh god get it out of my head."
"...Werewolf Aaron?" Lux blinks, then snorts loudly, head turning to press to his chest. "I was trying to not take it to weird places! That's all your fault." They grin up at him, amused. "I'm not pressing too much. Maybe I'll learn eventually--but right now I'm good with things." They pause a beat. "It's weird. Like... not intense like how I feel for you and Jack. But he makes me happy and I think he's happy. So for now, it working okay."
"I mean, we know he's not a vampire, I've seen him during daylight hours." Mearc laughs. "Besides, blood is very not kosher."
"Oh god. Yeah, definitely not a vampire. Which I'm grateful for. Not sure I could date one of them. Friends is fine, but... Eh..." Their head shakes.
"So that's where things are with Aaron. I'll let you know how the date goes." They chew their lip a little. "Um... Have you spoken very much with that guy Gallowglass..?"
"I saw him over lunch today. It seems like he's successfully dislodged his head from his ass. Which is nice. We talked a little about the idea of me getting a tattoo, and I met a friend of his--not a changeling--who wants to learn how to pick locks."
"Oh." Lux blinks, a little caught off guard. "That's... good. So you're like... friends now?"
"On friendly terms, at least. Why?"
"We've... fuck. Been on a fucking roller coaster the past week." Their nose wrinkles. "We're good now. Kind of. But he didn't... react very well to seeing me the first time..." Lux looks at Mearc's arm, tracing freckles along his skin. "I... reprogrammed him. A lot. So many times I actually remember him. He, erm, kinda punched me in the face the first time we met--though it wasn't really his fault. I hit him first."
"I knew about him punching you. I ran into him shortly after that. That's why I sent Sturm in your direction that night, specifically." Mearc gestures to indicate a closed loop, or something about causation.
"...Oh. That... makes sense." They peer up at him, then lean up enough to kiss his chin. "Thank you, for that. Sturm helped a little. Seeing him really... fucked me up. A lot." They grimace. "I'm still kind of fucked up, to be honest. But at least we're not at each other's throats anymore."
"He...seems to be settling. I think he was hung up on a few things. Like he hadn't realized that his past criminal record isn't such a barrier to work, if someone builds him a new identity with clean papers. So now he's actually finding ways to work toward his goals, knowing that won't all be hanging around his neck."
"...Yeah. I think him... working towards goals and having a direction to become the person he wants to be helps him. Feeling like he... has an identity and purpose." Lux falls quiet for a minute or so, looking sideways towards the TV to watch him play. "He told me the other night that... he was so upset because..." Their lips purse. "Because I wasn't green when he saw me. And--seeing me made him feel... like he used to be, before I reprogrammed him. It made him feel weak and... without an identity? He compared it to just being smoke. Without form. And some part of him wanted me to be green to... to make him feel like a person again... And I think that fucked him up too. Made him hate himself for wanting that..."
"I bet that also really fucked with you, to hear that. That there was someone who wanted that from you, instead of the person you've grown to become since all that."
"...Y-yeah." Lux swallows, their voice more strained. "The worst thing is... when he told me that... there was a moment when part of me wanted to--wanted to go green, and see if I could..." They trail off, eyes closing. "See if I could control him. I hated myself for thinking that. And he was just--ugh, being so nice and supportive and telling me I wasn't the green light anymore. And I felt awful because... I am? Underneath everything. I can choose to be different, choose to be better, but it's still... there. He doesn't get that."
"But you didn't do it. That counts for everything here. It's not about never having the bad thoughts, Lux." Mearc shifts so he can kiss their eyelids. "It's about responding to them properly, and you did that. You held yourself back, and I'm proud of you."
"Mm..." Their eyes stay closed for a few seconds after the kiss before opening to look back up at him. "I... guess that's true. I just... feel guilty, still? Every time I look at him, that temptation is there... And he obviously really wants to be friends. He says we have some... fucked up trauma bond or something. Which... I guess we do? But I'm not sure I can be the sort of friend he needs. Or wants. Yet, anyway."
"That makes sense. Would it be weird for you if I got a tattoo from him? He has a neat art style, really good for animals, in particular."
Their head shakes. "No. It wouldn't be weird. I talked to him about getting one too." They smile slowly. "A hummingbird."
"...I was thinking about a kitten myself, so that tracks. Also, apparently his shop can get UV ink on special order." Mearc smirks.
"Oh shit." Their eyes widen. "A UV ink tattoo would be amazing! I bet it'd glow all the time. Hm... probably would me, too... Shit, I want a UV ink one too..." Their head tips to kiss at his bicep, then nip gently as they think. "We can... go together to get it done?"
"I am food again, huh?" He's grinning at the nip, though. "I'm in. I want to see how hard it is for you to sit still that long."
"I can if you're there," Lux murmurs softer. Then their lips twitch upwards. "You can always tie me up..."
"Not in public like that. Which reminds me, can you go over to my dresser, and open the upper lefthand drawer for me?"
Lux snorts softly, nipping again lightly. "I was joking!" They pause, blinking curiously, then crawls out of Mearc's lap to hop up and open the drawer, peering inside.
It's a drawer with random accessories--a couple packs of bobby pins, one of them in glittery colors and the other plain brown. Neckties. A few tactical hairclips (https://www.amazon.com/Tacticlip-Tactical-Multitool-Barrettes-Multi-Functional/dp/B07BZC849V) And in one corner, a familiar pink paracord bracelet. There's a soft snapping sound as Mearc unclips the black one. "Here, trade me out?"
They freeze when they see the pink bracelet, staring a moment before they snatch it out. They're beaming a smile at him when they turn around, and practically tackle him back onto the bed. Leaning in to kiss him on the lips, then leans back on their knees, tenderly clipping the pink bracelet onto his wrist. Their fingertips brush along his wrist after, and they lean down to kiss the pink cord.
Mearc's hand shifts so he can put two fingers under Lux's chin, tilting their head up to look at them quietly. "I am yours, Lux."
Their eyes lift, glowing soft and pink as they stare back at him adoringly. "And I'm yours, Mearcstapa. I'm going to do everything I can to make sure you never want to take this off again..."
“Good. Because this one looks better, anyway. Pink is a good color.” He laughs, and he leans in for a deeper, heavier kiss, slow and warm and reacquainting himself with Lux.
"It so does. It looks great on you." They brush a hand over the braided cord, briefly--then they're melting into the kiss, letting out a soft pleased sound against his lips. They lean in closer, resting their hands lightly against Mearc's sides. There's eager passion there, a potent need, but they don't push things further--giving all of themself, and all the control, to Mearc.
What happens next is slow and gentle and uncertain in places, but also tender. Mearc slowly carefully takes that control and uses it to make up for lost time, every single touch loving and gentle. It’s the sort of night for that.
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