aftercare

[duke_of_illusions]

Barma wakes up an hour or so later, yawning.

Reaching to check on Al right away.

Comments

[al_truism]

"Where the fear was play," he clarifies.

[duke_of_illusions]

"Yes."

He agrees.

"But it's like any sort of unpleasant experience. Survive, experience, control."

[al_truism]

Al looks up at him, searching for more explanation.

[duke_of_illusions]

"Triumph. Feel."

Kissing his forehead.

"And now here you are."

[al_truism]

"... I focus a lot on the sex," he murmurs, relaxing.

"It's like it's... permission to enjoy everything else."

[duke_of_illusions]

"That's ultimately very limiting, in terms of pain."

He explains.

"Your body stops being able to be aroused, at a certain point of fear, at a certain point of agony."

[al_truism]

"I'm learning that," he whispers back.

It's freeing, in a way.

[duke_of_illusions]

"It isn't wrong to go past that point."

Stroking his thumb over his bottom lip.

[al_truism]

Al kisses the pad of his thumb, feeling utterly drained.

"Tell me pretty things?" he whispers, hazy but needing. "Good things, about the world, about you and me-"

[duke_of_illusions]

"I had a dream about the world we'll end up in."

He murmurs.

"You, and Negi, and me minding your children now and again. All reading together on the couch."

[al_truism]

"How many of them?"

Happy and dreaming, nibbling at Barma's thumb.

[duke_of_illusions]

"Two. A boy and a girl."

Smiling.

[al_truism]

Al's eyes are mostly shut, relaxing.

"Were they good?"

[duke_of_illusions]

"They were loud."

Teasing, nuzzling him.

[al_truism]

"Are you sure you aren't seeing Ed's kids?"

Al giggles, threading his fingers into Barma's hair.

[duke_of_illusions]

"No, they were yours."

Giving him a slow kiss.

[al_truism]

Al melts a little.

"You'll spoil them, I'm sure."

[duke_of_illusions]

"Completely."

He promises, sweetly.

[al_truism]

Al kisses him again, mostly for the contact and affection.

[duke_of_illusions]

"I need you."

Sweetly.

[al_truism]

"Have me," he whispers back.

[duke_of_illusions]

He leans in and kisses him again, still all slow and fond.

[al_truism]

Al wraps himself up in him. His pajama pants are still damp in places, which may make this uncomfortable.

[duke_of_illusions]

"Oh."

Moving to strip him out of them, cursing himself for forgetting.

[al_truism]

It seems to shock Al too, but he moves to help, fumbling a bit.

"Didn't even realize-"