EUDAEMONIA

MULTIMUSE BLOG FOR HONKAI: STAR RAIL AND GENSHIN IMPACT CHARACTERS run by bella

[eudaemcnia]

#EUDAEMCNIA ─── a multimuse blog run by a BELLA. private, selective, independent, oc-friendly. containing muses from honkai: star rail & genshin impact. (genshin characters currently suspended) ft. AVENTURINE.  read rules before interacting ! carrd is still a work in progress

[eudaemcnia]

stream/4.4 spoilers under the cut

I'm a bit sad archer, cú and saber aren't returning under the same masters as they were summoned before not gonna lie but I'm looking forward to seeing them again. I'm hoping Rin and Archer have a bit more to talk about than Saber and Archer did, especially if he remembers the fifth Grail war again like he did in penacony. I wish for a little more from these fiends.

in my heart, aven and archer are still buddies

also did the stream imply ratio summons hertini as his servant? hilarious, if so.

[kushtibokt]

Figures.

[eudaemcnia]

-----we should all practice blocking and moving on. it's easier on your psyche!

[eudaemcnia]

@spurhill replied

Since they’re busy Caster is gonna go ahead and reach into Emiyas pocket for one of the rocks Setanta put in there.

---hey, those are his stones thank you very much. put them back

[eudaemcnia]

Caster is here, belatedly, but rather than swindle some cheesy bread he simply presses himself against Archer's back with a small yawn; a hand raises just enough to gently hold onto the red fabric at his waist, but it seems as though he simply wants to exist nearby, forehead resting gently against the back of Emiya's.

Sleepily, his free hand tucks between Archer's arm and waist to sit in front of him, palm up, and he presents the charming man with a little firework show of magic. Delicately colored sparks popping softly in the form of flowers.

A bouquet, just for him.

Mornings  usually  saw  him  productive;  if  he  wasn't  exercising  or  showering  right  after  then  he  was  heading  off  to  the  cafeteria  to  work  and  usually  didn't  have  time  to  linger  in  places  talking  to  anyone.  That  said,  exceptions  always  existed  and  Archer  had  never  found  a  rule  he  couldn't  bend  a  little,  even  his  own.  And  Cú  Chulainn  was  easily  someone  he  bent  them  for  without  much  issue.

He  paused  when  he  felt  him  against  his  back,  a  familiar  scent  invading  his  personal  space  but  his  complaints  were  quickly  swallowed  when  he  heard  that  yawn  behind  him.  Something  about  it  felt  too  sweet  to  muddle  with  his  usual  grumpiness,  even  if  the  thought  alone  had  him  feeling  flustered  but  his  warmth  against  his  back,  his  scent,  the  way  he  held  onto  him  all  spelled  something  too  delicate  to  brush  away  with  his  usual  brash  words.  Instead,  his  hesitation  provided  enough  time  for  caster  to  conjure  those  fireworks  before  him  and  his  eyes  lit  up  at  the  display  of  magic,  following  every  spark  and  every  light  until  it  formed  the  shape  of  petals  and  stems  that  took  his  breath  away.

His  heart  squeezed,  just  slightly,  in  his  chest  and  his  fingers  reached  up  to  delicately  brush  against  the  bulbs  of  the  flowers,  testing  their  form  and  just  how  delicate  they  were  before  he  simply  slumped  back  against  him,  his  other  hand  gently  grasping  his  wrist  and  pressing  it  to  his  stomach  until  he  could  effectively  trap  himself  in  Cú's  arms.  ❛  They're  gorgeous,  thank  you.  ❜

[eudaemcnia]

a certain lancer has fallen to boredom, which means that sooner or later he was bound to end up bugging archer again. in this case, he made his way behind him outside of the kitchen, eager fingers grasping his waist on both sides and offering an appreciative squeeze. along with it, the warrior's head settled atop emiya's shoulder, then turned to ensure his lips brushed against his ear. ❛  archer — you're free, right ? let me whisk you away for a bit. ❜

He  wasn't  always  holed  up  in  the  cafeteria  so  for  once  he  could  easily  be  caught  unawares  without  being  annoyed  by  an  interruption.  Not  that  he  would  be  nowadays  -  Cú  quickly  became  a  welcome  sight  in  his  day  and  he  often  hoped  he  would  come  and  interrupt  whatever  he  may  be  doing.  That  he  would  catch  him  just  as  he  was  leaving  was  also  to  be  expected  though  but  his  hands  felt  warm  and  familiar  on  his  waist  by  then  and  he  easily  lost  a  smirk  when  he  felt  his  hands  pull  him  back.

That  said,  his  voice  against  his  ear  had  a  shiver  run  down  his  spine  and  the  archer  quietly  hummed  in  response,  his  head  tipping  backwards  to  search  for  that  brilliant  ruby  gaze.  ❛  And  where  do  you  plan  on  whisking  me  to?  ❜  He  questioned,  fingers  reaching  to  bury  in  that  blue  hair  of  his  as  his  smile  still  played  fondly  on  his  lips.  ❛  What  if  I  am  busy?  ❜

[eudaemcnia]

lancer has come to give archer puppy eyes until he gets affection, too.

It  was  almost  like  clockwork  that  the  lancer  would  appear  as  soon  as  someone  else  got  a  crumb  of  attention.  But  rather  than  be  annoyed,  the  archer  let  out  an  endeared  sigh  and  offered  Cú  the  same  type  of  pull  apart  bread  as  he  made  his  younger  counterpart,  although  unlike  the  saber,  he  was  also  given  a  little  forehead  smooch  before  he  was  sent  on  his  way.

[eudaemcnia]

Sétanta is here and he has decided to give Mr Archer one (1) kiss on the cheek and a flower. He will also request some cheesy bread.

It  was  adorable  that  the  little  saber  always  brought  some  kind  of  offering  whenever  he  came  asking  for  snacks  when  Archer  would  have  made  him  whatever  he  asked  for  just  because  he  was  usually  so  respectful.  Still,  as  that  kiss  on  the  cheek  was  offered  and  the  flower  presented,  Emiya  sighed  softly  and  ruffled  Setanta's  hair,  completely  endeared  by  his  antics  and  set  the  single  flower  in  a  small,  thin  vase  he  found  among  the  many  things  cluttering  the  kitchen.  Unfortunately,  though,  he  wasn't  the  type  to  settle  for  anything  mediocre  so  Setanta's  requested  snack  comes  quite  a  bit  later;  a  decadent,  soft  and  buttery  bread  was  kneaded  for  the  little  one,  then  shaped  into  a  pull  apart  bread  with  each  section  stuffed  with  cheese  and  then  glazed  with  herbal  butter  before  baked  in  the  oven.

Truly  spoiling  the  adorable  menace  as  he  was  always  meant  to  be  spoiled.

[eudaemcnia]

Saber's most loyal knight, Bedivere, is here to proposition Archer. He catches him in the hall, politely and gently intercepting him with a friendly wave.

"You are the one Mine King considers a friend, yes? I would very much like to get along with you as well, so please, accept this as a token of gratitude for giving her the most gracious gift of companionship." He presents the Archer with a box, in side of which is an incredible tea set.

"Perhaps, if you would find it agreeable, you and I could speak again some time. I believe it would be quite the joy to know you."

@spurhill

It  was  perhaps  one  of  the  more  awkward  experiences  he  made  in  Chaldea;  after  all,  he  only  remembered  some  small  bits  and  pieces  of  the  Holy  Grail  War  that  held  him  as  a  master  but  one  of  the  more  distinct  memories  was  failing  to  protect  Saber.  Having  a  greater  understanding  of  summoned  servants  now  that  he  was  one  didn't  lessen  that  uncomfortable  feeling  he  felt  whenever  he  thought  of  her  death  and  the  one  that  roamed  the  halls  of  Chaldea  now  did  not  remember  their  pact  nor  him  ever  being  her  master  which  was  why  he  found  Bedivere's  declaration  of  friendship  to  be  so  awkward.

It  would  be  rude  of  him  to  dismiss  that  gift,  however,  especially  when  it  came  from  one  of  the  knights  he  found  the  most  palatable  of  the  bunch.  As  an  outsider  looking  in,  Bedivere  seemed  the  most  sensible  and  grounded  of  the  bunch  so  despite  his  mild  discomfort,  he  accepted  the  box  with  a  polite  bow  of  his  head  and  examined  the  set  within.  His  awkwardness  only  grew  with  the  expert  craftsmanship  he  noticed  and  briefly  he  glanced  aside,  as  if  looking  away  from  that  display  of  sincere  gratitude  would  help  him  settle  his  thoughts  better.

  ❛  It's  my  privilege  to  be  someone  she  considers  a  friend.  ❜  He  said  with  his  gaze  returning  back  towards  the  knight  and  he  was  certain  his  failure  to  protect  her  would  have  had  her  most  loyal  companion  turn  his  sword  at  him  but  he  needn't  make  his  life  harder  than  it  already  was.  ❛  And  I  would  be  honoured  to  befriend  one  of  her  most  loyal  knights.  Perhaps  you  and  I  could  find  the  time  to  use  this  lovely  gift  together.  ❜

[eudaemcnia]

( yulan @ biyu )

[ txt : location of a coffee shop ] [ txt ] tmrw 1pm

[txt] ? [txt] k.

[ioronta]

despite   his   dislike   for   the   way   they   had   been   dancing   around   one   another,   he   had   humoured   it   for   a   reason.   people   were   plainly   more   complicated   than   mere   logic   ;   fear   needed   to   be   taken   into   account,   worry   skewed   reason,   emotions   swayed   choices   and   circumstances   impacted   the   entirety   of   everything.   a   small   shift   could   ruin   one's   decision,   even   one's   very   wants   or   needs,   and   aventurine   had   always   been   a   man   who   prioritised   weighing   the   value   of   a   gamble's   outcome   over   certainty,   no   matter   how   carefully   crafted   it   may   be.   being   clear   in   his   intentions,   pursuing   the   doctor   clearly   and   carefully   would   never   have   been   an   option   as   too   much   of   it   fell   outside   of   those   games   of   chance.   an   element   of   unpredictability   had   always   been   vital,   something   others   were   helpless   in   the   face   of   that   the   stoneheart   was   cursed   to   be   favoured   by.   that,   and   it   was   easy   to   brush   off   a   wager   rather   than   failure   or   rejection   when   one   plainly   bared   their   heart.

a   glimpse   at   his   heart   was   a   precious   sight   indeed,   then,   and   when   he   stared   at   him   after   his   cheek   had   been   kissed   he   silently,   just   for   his   own   benefit,   enjoyed   the   sight.   it   looked   like   surprise,   unmasked   and   sincere,   without   concern,   without   any   indication   that   he   may   simply   raise   his   shoulders   and   turn   his   head,   deciding   against   moving   closer   after   all.   he   awaited   his   reaction   after   that,   and   noticed   his   own   gaze   softening   significantly   when   his   palms   found   the   doctor's   cheeks   in   turn.   the   gentle   wave   of   relief   that   followed   was   faintly   unexpected,   but   thankfully   overshadowed   by   the   softness   he   felt   in   their   lips   finally   meeting.   one   hand   remained   in   place,   cradled   his   face   even   though   the   kiss   was   an   unmoving   one,   while   the   other   shifted,   his   arm   draping   around   the   gambler's   middle   and   settling   with   his   palm   against   his   lower   back,   both   to   keep   him   close   and   to   still   refrain   from   locking   him   in   place   entirely.

[eudaemcnia]

Throughout the years of knowing Ratio, he had been met with patience and kindness at every turn. Beneath his sharper words and stoic expression sat a heart that placed great meaning on his own well-being as well as those of others. A heart that wanted to see people and civilisations do better, that cared not only for the immediate community surrounding them but the general state of the universe. He didn't know anyone else that took such great care in the betterment of everyone's lives, regardless of status, planet or background and who better to care for his heart than the man who seemed so conscious of how fragile it was? He didn't trust that anyone else would take such careful care of his heart, of his mind and his comfort. Long before the fallout of Penacony did he get the feeling that the doctor cared about him in a way he would only call ill advised and truthfully, he didn't know when exactly his own feelings started to shift towards affection, too.

It started with trust, however, and at the time, it had scared him. He was a man who knew well enough how valuable such a thing was and how easily exploitable it was because of it. He remembered the day he had handed him the gun and forced it against his own chests, testing the very boundaries of that affection and trust he was building with him and he had regretted it shortly after - but all the more so in that moment. Ratio's affection seemed pure, seemed unshakable and untouchable, the trust he placed in him something worth treasuring and nurturing and he was glad they had reached a point where he felt comfortable and even safe with his arm wrapped around his middle. It wasn't about feeling constrained, it was about comfort then and there, about the ability to understand he was sharing himself with someone worth believing and in truth, it was a little relieving. For the first time in years, he felt like he had someone in his corner of the galaxy and he didn't brave the vast nothingness on his own so when Ratio returned the kiss, he exhaled in relief and parted them slowly, tentatively moving them against his to show he meant to be a little more to him.

[eudaemcnia]

Is that Xianzhou's Number One Assassin just strolling around Planarcadia and buying souvenirs or are your eyes just playing a trick on you?

[eudaemcnia]

a short response to an unwarranted ask answer for @ioronta

witch hat atelier manga spoilers beneath!

Of course he stayed up and awaited his return ; even knowing that Olruggio was somewhere safe, among good company, among friends would not deter him from naturally worrying for him and doubly so since the Silver eve festival concluded and everything seemed so uncertain and fragile. The four girl under his tutelage were his primary concern but despite his responsibilities as their master, he couldn't help being distracted by Olruggio's absence.

He knew he wouldn't be getting any restful sleep until his good friend would return in one piece so he idled his time away in the kitchen, preparing what he could for the breakfast in the morning, primarily making some homemade jam from the berries they had gathered the day before since he assumed Olruggio would not wish to indulge him in a midnight snack when he would return. He was just about done cooking the jam when he heard the front door open and with relief etched into his weary expression, he went into the foyer to greeting his friend, though he had not expected to meet him quite so drunk.

Of course his chided, out of relief as well as fondness when he approached him. He looked just about ready to collapse onto the floor and for that reason alone, Qifrey had been glad to stay up and meet him. Never mind how unbecoming it would be if the girls had found him passed out drunk in front of their front door, his back would surely protest such a hard and cold surface to fall asleep to. So he gladly acted as a crutch to him when he wrapped his arm around his shoulder and his own slinked around his waist. If he would be a little indulgent for once in his life, it would be alright, right? Olruggio would surely not remember the way he pulled him closer than necessary and held onto his waist with his fingers pressing against his lithe frame rather than just hovering nearby.

His heart ached with that familiar longing yet again. He kept him talking to distract himself from how close he was and because he found some small amount of amusement in the way he stumbled over his words and slurred his unfiltered responses. He didn't approve, of course, of just how drunk he was but there was no point in needlessly criticising him about it when it was hardly a habit and a mere indulgence, one he was participating in himself in that moment as he made his way to the top of the atelier.

Reaching his room was challenge enough with the way he stumbled over his own feet but Olly's bed rested on an elevated platform above his workshop and Qifrey had to wonder if he ever thought about drunkenly returning home when he designed it as such. He half dragged him up those narrow steps and already struggled with his poor eyesight without needing his added weight on top of it when he felt him nuzzling against his neck. Whatever words rested on his tongue were quickly silenced by his beard gently tickling that soft skin. It had hairs on the back of his neck stand at attention and he thought he felt the sensation travel through his arms, soft tingling reaching his fingertips just in time for his heart to squeeze painfully in his chest. In that moment, he knew that Olruggio was more drunk than usual - it went beyond those longing looks he saw from the corner of his eye, beyond the quiet fondness he often heard in his voice and especially beyond the quiet, tacit understanding they both shared about their relationship.

His lips found the back of his neck just in time for them both to reach the top of those stairs and Qifrey was reminded just why he was fighting so hard for his own survival. As Olruggio turned away from him to stumble into his bed, Qifrey stumbled down with him, though thankfully landed beside the bed frame, propped up against the mattress with one of his arms. His heart beat wildly in his chest; grief, longing and love all wrapping tightly around his lungs. As Olruggio fell asleep, his soft snores and breathing filling the silence of his workshop, Qifrey remained on his knees beside the bed, slowly gathering his wits, his guts, his thoughts.

This, like his past, like his future, was also stolen from him. An acknowledgment of Olruggio's affections shouldn't be the deepest knife that sank between his ribs and yet that singular, clumsy kiss felt like it was flaying his heart. His longing twisted in his stomach, churning painfully and his fingers rested on his mattress, outstretched towards him, wishing he could take his hand, wishing he could climb into bed with him and let him kiss his neck a thousand times over. Like every time he figured out his secret again and he was forced to wipe his memory clean, this, too made the roots within him recede as regret and pain washed away and out of everything, perhaps, that hurt the most.

--No, the realisation that Olruggio was hurting just as much as him certainly hurt the most. For all the painful longing he went through, at least he understood why he needed to hide away his feelings and why there always needed to be distance between them. Olruggio was, currently, once again blind to the truth but that didn't mean he was living life painlessly. As hard as it was for Qifrey to keep a distance, what was it like for Olly to do the same without any real reason? How often had he wanted to do something like that and how frustrated he had to be with Qifrey's continued silence?

He doubted he was frustrated at all, actually. Olruggio just wasn't that kind of man.

It took some time for him to gather himself and walk out of Olly's workshop but when he did, he did so with heavy steps and a heavier heart. He returned to the kitchen to bottle up the jam and clean the dishes and even after he had retreated into his room, he knew he wouldn't be getting much sleep, and what he did was plagued with dreams. One of kisses and branches, of happiness sprouting into trees and grief and sorrow instead engulfing someone else. When he woke up, he did so with a bitter heart but his apprentices were non the wiser to his solemn mood. And when Olruggio joined them in the dining area, he greeted him with a bright, bubbly smile that betrayed nothing of what happened the night before as if the witch himself was happy to help him play along with his excuse.

[tianshizi]

             ⊹  ࣪  ˖  ――  𝐓𝐇𝐄  𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍  𝐖𝐀𝐒  unexpected.  Perhaps  life  would  have  been  easier  for  him  if  he  had  forgotten  what  happened  over  seven  hundred  years  ago.  But  every  day  was  a  reminder;  from  walking  past  familiar  locations,  to  using  the  glaive  that  was  crafted  by  a  certain  man.  He  held  these  memories  despite  the  anguish  it  brought.  How  long  had  it  been  since  he  spoke  of  them?  𝐉𝐈𝐍𝐆  𝐘𝐔𝐀𝐍  leaned  back  into  the  cushion,  pondering  how  to  answer  the  inquire.  He  couldn't  fault  him  for  coming  to  him  for  answers  when  all  that  was  left  of  their  past  were  frivolous  fictional  plays,  displaying  exaggerations  of  the  truth.  All  written  accounts  had  been  erased  as  if  the  other  members  of  the  𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇  𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃  𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐓  hadn't  existed  to  begin  with.  For  what  it  all  came  down  to,  why  did  𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐃𝐄  want  to  know?

                            ❝  Before  I  answer,  tell  me  this.  Why  do  you                                  want  to  know?  Centuries  have  passed.  Is                                  opening  up  old  regrets  worth  it?  ❞

             ⊹  ―――  𝐉𝐈𝐍𝐆  𝐘𝐔𝐀𝐍  𝐇𝐀𝐃  𝐀𝐋𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐘  accepted  that  he  would  be  the  one  to  hold  the  history  of  his  old  𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒.  It  would  be  a  lie  if  he  said  that  he  didn't  miss  talking  about  the  days  of  his  youth.  Back  when  things  felt  more  simple  to  his  naive  mind.  How  he  kept  his  positive  outlook  during  a  far  driven  time,  he  didn't  know.  Perhaps,  he  never  registered  it  at  the  time.  But  that  quickly  chanced  after  the  sedition.  Realities  cruelty  made  itself  known,  and  he  couldn't  look  at  the  world  with  childish  wonder  any  longer. 

[eudaemcnia]

Memories  were  fickle  and  often  slipped  through  his  fingers  like  sand  no  matter  how  hard  he  tried  to  hold  on  to  some  of  them.  Too  many  centuries  had  passed  where  his  mind  was  being  eaten  away  by  the  mara,  too  many  thing  accelerated  the  process  while  the  few  fond  memories  he  had  he  guarded  like  a  feral  dog,  desperate  to  keep  them  from  being  snatched  away.  Kafka  and  her  persuasion  helped  tremendously  to  keep  the  mara  at  bay  but  the  Hunters  had  come  at  such  a  late  time  in  his  life,  much  of  it  was  lost.  He  remembered  her,  bright  star  that  she  was,  and  he  remembered  he  did  something  to  her  that  caused  the  downfall  of  all.  He  knew  he  harboured  Shuhu's  flesh  and  knew  he  had  inflicted  it  upon  himself  but  details  just  remained  out  of  reach.

Jing  Yuan's  question  had  him  stare  in  disbelief.  He  was  too  exhausted  to  really  argue  why  his  words  were  nonsensical  and  while  there  was  some  side  of  him  that  urged  him  to  be  sarcastic  with  someone  he  once  knew,  his  mind  just  felt  too  heavy.  He  breathed  through  his  nose  and  closed  his  eyes  with  the  exhale,  his  body  relaxing  into  the  seat  just  before  his  crimson  gaze  met  his  once  more.  ❛  The  regrets  are  there,  whether  I  want  to  open  them  is  not  part  of  the  discussion.  Shouldn't  you,  General  Jing  Yuan,  make  sure  the  villain  knows  what  crimes  he  has  committed?  ❜

[eudaemcnia]

caelin is, however, definitely not spared. he also gets drawn onto yulan's lap, though only once he makes his way close enough while he plays a few tunes on the piano. the aim is to set him sideways across his thighs, so that he can press a few kisses against his neck, jaw or lips while he lazily continues playing, attention visibly split, half directed at his lover and half at the instrument.

He  always  did  love  to  watch  him  play.  To  him,  there  was  nothing  sexier  than  someone  in  their  element  and  Yulan  truly  looked  like  he  was  at  his  best  behind  the  piano.  The  ease  with  which  those  skilled  fingers  danced  along  the  keyboard  in  melodies  he  didn't  always  recognize  seamlessly  blending  into  one  another  so  well  his  untrained  ear  could  easily  think  he  was  playing  just  the  one  song.  His  expression  was  less  constructed,  like  the  day  didn't  yet  have  the  time  to  remind  him  to  be  grumpy  or  bitter  and  he  loved  to  watch  whenever  a  smile  bloomed  around  his  usual  cigarette.

He  tried  not  to  disturb  him,  usually,  but  waking  up  to  the  sound  of  him  playing  the  piano  had  become  his  favourite  start  of  the  day  and  often  he  went  through  his  morning  routine  as  quickly  as  he  could  while  he  listened.  Like  always,  he  came  in  with  two  cups  of  coffee  -  each  brewed  separately  to  cater  to  Yulan's  strange  tastes  and  just  as  he  had  placed  the  two  cups  on  the  small  table  nearby,  silence  briefly  filled  that  room  and  Caelin  felt  hands  reach  for  his  waist.  He  grinned,  instantly,  though  didn't  expect  that  he  would  be  sat  upon  his  lap  and  those  fingers  would  move  past  him  to  continue  playing.  A  stunned  moment  passed  before  he  laughed  lightly  at  his  antics,  his  eyes  shining  with  mischief  and  his  fingers  pushed  through  the  vampire's  hair  first,  his  fingers  gently  tipping  his  head  back  to  claim  his  lips  in  a  consuming  kiss,  giving  him  no  room  to  try  and  focus  on  the  piece  itself  while  he  was  in  his  lap  and  instead  to  fully  distract  him  from  the  instrument.

His  tongue  sought  entry  past  his  lips,  his  fingers  pushed  down  his  warm  back  and  his  other  hand  slipped  shamelessly  underneath  his  shirt  to  trail  across  his  skin  and  even  slipping  beneath  the  band  of  his  trousers.

[eudaemcnia]

yulan has decided that mia is responsible for recharging his energy today. she is snatched, coaxed onto his lap and promptly slumped against. there is some level of effort being made to keep her upright so that the slumping may not be impeded, but he's otherwise on the verge of simple falling asleep with his head on her shoulder.

After  years  of  living  with  Sunbane,  she  had  come  to  accept  that  she  just  couldn't  predict  his  whims.  It  was  one  of  the  reasons  she  loved  him  so,  his  unpredictable  nature  kept  her  on  her  toes,  even  if  these  days  he  was  mostly  confined  at  her  (  their,  at  that  point,  really  )  estate  blissfully  living  out  their  old  age.  Still  he  found  ways  to  surprise  her,  like  he  did  that  day  where  he  wordlessly  dragged  her  away  from  her  wine  and  book  and  she  had  no  intention  to  protest  the  sudden  wish  for  affection.  She  liked  it  most  when  he  was  needy,  after  all,  demanding  to  be  around  her,  to  be  offered  affection  and  sweetness  even  if  such  things  would  never  leave  his  mouth.

She  knew  better  than  to  tease  him  for  it  but  a  gentle,  joyful  chuckle  did  escape  her  when  he  settled  with  his  head  on  her  shoulder.  It  won't  really  do,  that  position  would  make  her  stiff  and  uncomfortable  soon  enough  but  offering  a  few  minutes  of  indulgence  would  not  hurt  her.  She  would  soak  up  all  she  could  before  she  would  try  and  coax  him  to  lay  her  down  instead  ;  surely  it  would  be  more  comfortable  than  falling  asleep  holding  her  up.  For  the  moment  though,  she  let  her  fingers  trace  down  his  elongated  ear  and  move  into  his  dark,  silken  hair  until  her  fingers  skilfully  massaged  his  temple.  Playfully,  her  head  dipped  down,  teeth  teasing  his  neck  as  she  quietly  spoke  against  his  skin.  ❛  Lying  me  down  will  be  more  comfortable,  you  know.  ❜  She  hummed  and  let  her  long  nails  gently  drag  down  the  back  of  his  neck.  ❛  At  least  if  you  fall  asleep  we  won't  end  up  on  the  floor.  ❜