aftercare

[duke_of_illusions]

Barma wakes up an hour or so later, yawning.

Reaching to check on Al right away.

Comments

[al_truism]

Al just laughs, flushes when he realizes how silly he sounds.

"I feel drunk."

[duke_of_illusions]

"You probably are."

Informing him.

"It's the same idea."

[al_truism]

"The depressive element to it?"

He sets his cheek on Barma's shoulder.

[duke_of_illusions]

"Or the endorphins. The bubbly high. The slightly altered brain chemistry."

[al_truism]

"I don't feel very high right now," he admits. He's been somewhat quiet.

[duke_of_illusions]

"Still feeling it?"

[al_truism]

Al nods carefully, shutting his eyes.

"It'll be better soon," he tells him, hopeful.

[duke_of_illusions]

"The food will help."

Rubbing his side.

[al_truism]

Al stretches out, encouraging more of the rubbing, and obediently reaches for a few more bites.

[duke_of_illusions]

"What would you like to learn to cook first?"

Curious.

"Leek and sweetmeats with balsamic vinegar, or pears braised in red wine, with candied pecans. A bouillabaise fish stew, sweet and orange with saffron."

[al_truism]

"Fish stew. What's that word?"

It sounded like a sneeze to his ears. Still very country boy.

whoops so late

[duke_of_illusions]

"Bouillabaisse?"

Smiling.

"That takes a very long time to do well. Fragrant saffron, a good stock, five kinds of fish at least-"

<3

[al_truism]

"Where will we catch them?"

Because it takes fresh fish to make a very, very good meal.

[duke_of_illusions]

"The pond outside, or that aquarium if we're feeling dreadful."

Smiling.

[al_truism]

"The pond. Unless the fishes in the aquarium are tastier than they're supposed to be."

Al moves in close, gives him a soft little kiss.

[duke_of_illusions]

"No, but I have fond memories of that aquarium. That's where both Jacks had me, under the blue light."

[al_truism]

"Really?"

Al lifts an eyebrow, obviously imagining.

[duke_of_illusions]

"Mmhm. First time I've nearly ruined a sexual act by coming thirty seconds in since I was your age."

Laughing.

[al_truism]

"From what you've told me, it would have been very difficult not too," he murmurs, giving him a rare, almost lascivious look.

And then he breaks it with a smile, laughing- "I've NEVER done that, thank you."

[duke_of_illusions]

"Really? Then you're missing out."

Nuzzling at his shoulder.

"I'll make it happen, one day."

[al_truism]

"Consider it a challenge."

Al beams and stretches out, finally relaxing a little.

[duke_of_illusions]

"Have a little more of that soup."

Still fretting.

[al_truism]

"Yes, sir."

He lifts the saucer to his lips and sips at it. Probably improper, but he doesn't know better.

[duke_of_illusions]

Barma smiles, and reaches up to push a hand through Al's hair.

"Good work."

[al_truism]

"... I love it when you do that."

Al leans into it, nuzzling his fingers.