[Riddle comes over at just the time promised and not a second later. It's always nice and comforting to see Hermes, and Caduceus as well. The dinner— a simple brocolli mushroom quiche and wine goes over well with Riddle.
The more time Riddle spends with Hermes, the more he's struck by just how lowly the man seems to think of himself. Sweet, soft-spoken Hermes always seemed somewhat... subdued, in a sense. Almost as if positive emotions eluded him.
Once dinner is done and food has had time to settle, it's time to go to Hermes' bedroom, except... whoops. He hadn't thought he'd drank that much wine, but it was rather easy to get distracted both by Hermes' words and looks.
There's a soft noise and a blush blooms onto his face when he's picked up, arms linking around Hermes' neck. There's definitely something about being picked up so effortlessly that has a roll of arousal warming his stomach— something that with the help of the wine isn't quite so unwanted as usual.
Once they're settled on the bed, Riddle's hand comes up, gently touching Hermes' face.]
I can't thank you enough for this, Hermes. Really... I think... you may be one of the kindest people I've ever known.
[He was honestly surprised that Riddle reached out to connect and he was rather touched that he seemed to trust him to be intimate with him in such a way. Was he feeling a bit nervous himself? Absolutely, but if Riddle needed him he was happy to help however he could.
Maybe he should've been more aware of the effect wine would have on the smaller boy, noticing his wobble as soon as they stood up, but he remedies it by scooping him up in his arms to bring him bed. When he sets him down he's careful not to overwhelm, to let Riddle make the first move.
He's taken aback at the touch to his cheek but it's truly his words that hit deep. Far deeper than he can articulate, those luminous green eyes of his going wide.]
You are more than welcome, Riddle...I am touched you think of me in such a way.
[To have a trait of his that had caused him such trouble back home be appreciated is something else. He leans into the touch with a soft smile.]
[That reaction earns a softened smile back from Riddle.]
Not at all. You really are a gentle soul.
[His thumb swipes back and forth over his cheek.]
I suppose it's even more extraordinary to me. For most students back at our college, such sincerity and authenticity was a rarity. There were very few students that you could look at and trust they were being forward with their intentions... And even fewer that you could trust with this sort of vulnerability.
[So to have earned such trust from a person coming from such a generally untrustworthy place is a big deal.]
I think... even in a more standard society, though, it's not something you can find with many people.
[Riddle shifts forward and briefly brushes his lips against Hermes', murmuring:]
[The weight of Riddle in his lap is incredibly real in that moment, his head reeling as he does his best to process the kiss coupled with those words - he was quite a special person.
But was he?
His first reaction is to deny it, but with his lips occupied he kisses him back gently instead. It has his heart racing, the press gentle and warm. He keeps his arm steady as he supports Riddle in place on his lap, lashes low when he finds himself staring back at him.
It wasn't as if Riddle had soul sight or could see even remotely the shape or color of the aether that made up his being, but there's something incredibly touching and flattering to have his soul of all things complimented. Especially when being special or standing out in his society was not something to be praised for.]
I am glad you think so...no one has ever said as much to me.
[It's his turn to touch him, tan slender fingers reaching up to card through his hair with a smile.]
[Riddle's nerves are greatly softened by the alcohol in his system; even this much would likely already have him feeling a little nervous. While perhaps not explicitly sexual in itself, sitting in one's lap was quite suggestive.
Yet, for now, Riddle is able to find himself at ease, welcoming the touches from Hermes.
He leans into that touch, and murmurs:]
Is that so...? Sounds like you're underappreciated.
[Feeling emboldened, now, he leans forward again, this time trailing soft kisses along Hermes' cheek, then jaw, then slowly down his neck.]
[Was he underappreciated? He never thought of it in that regard, but then again he didn't think highly of himself in the first place. He was conditioned not to, of course, but Hermes' lack of self worth was a bit lower than most. As his neck and jaw is kissed he can't help but sigh softly, eyes falling shut as he holds onto Riddle more firmly against him.]
Mayhaps...
[But it's hard to believe. He would much rather focus on Riddle instead right now so he does, letting his fingers trail down his spine. It's quite nice having him in his lap like this.]
[This is quite pleasant, and some distant part of him regrets that this can't be all there is to filling the quota. Gentle touches, soft kisses and quietly spoken words.
The word spoken has him pausing briefly, and he gently pulls away to regard Hermes quietly.
Eyes softened, the hand lingering on the other's face strokes slowly, reverently.]
[Ah. He really shouldn't have opened his mouth. Whenever he does he just makes things awkward or sad. He doesn't want Riddle to pity him, especially not right now when he's supposed to be making him feel good. The focus should be on his well-being, not Hermes' hangups.
His touch is so soft and gentle, holding a certain tenderness he's unfamiliar with. In a way it frightens him but in another it has him hopeful for something he can't put his finger on just yet.]
My apologies...I didn't mean to sour the mood.
[He offers up a smile to him; it's genuine but doesn't reach his eyes just yet.]
You are sweet to worry about me, but fret not. [That's where this is going isn't it?] This evening is to be about you.
[There's a gentle frown on his face as he considers Hermes. The hand on his cheek travels back to thread through the short black hair.]
It isn't your fault.
[Riddle is a natural worrier. It came with the territory of abiding by such strict guidelines. His mind was constantly firing and looking for even the slightest indication that something might be off.
And so it goes with others and their well-being, especially those who he'd formed an attachment to. Particularly when those people were so quick to dismiss their needs in favor of others'. It fired up something protective in him that said If you won't advocate on your behalf, then I will.
There's a small, playful smile at the last part.]
Says who? [And then, more seriously:] It wouldn't feel right to focus solely on me and my enjoyment... I'm sure you'd feel the same if the situation was reversed.
[Another brief kiss, before he continues:] It's one thing if you don't feel comfortable sharing those kinds of thoughts with me. It's another to put them aside in favor of pleasing me.
[It isn't his fault...but it feels like it is. It's hard to fight against his programming but with Riddle's comforting weight in his lap, looking at him with those bright blue eyes of his...it's hard not to believe him.
The kiss has his shoulders slumping as he relaxes, letting out a small exhale of breath from his nose. It wasn't as if Riddle was wrong - he absolutely would feel the same way if it was the reverse.]
You do have a point...forgive me I do not exactly have the best view of myself, so it is a surprise to me when others have a positive view of me.
[He offers him a small smile and a kiss in return.]
I am enjoying myself and always enjoy your company, so please do not think I am not.
[It's very apparent Hermes doesn't have a great opinion of himself... unfortunately so. Or... Perhaps it is fortunate? Riddle thinks he'd rather know than be unaware that a friend was struggling.
A soft exhale of his own at the kiss. There's a small smile as he continues petting Hermes' hair. He gives a gentle shake of his head.]
It isn't anything like that. You're my friend, Hermes, and I care about you. I want to know if things are bothering you... Both so I can better understand you and lend my support.
[Riddle truly is quite sweet. Sweeter than Hermes thinks he deserves, but then again he's trying to not get stuck in that mindset right now isn't he? Having his hair stroked is nice. It's a comfort that he wants to return so he does, fingers fiddling with soft red strands.]
Thank you. [His smile is more genuine now, a bit more light reaching his eyes.] I wish the same in return to you...and we ought to enjoy ourselves tonight, no?
[Riddle's eyes briefly close, head tilting gently into that soothing touch. At the words, he opens his eyes again, and smiles warmly at Hermes' smile. That's better.
The words that follow have him giving a slightly hesitant laugh— enjoy... he's not sure he'll be able to do that much. Right now it's nice, but when it comes to more intimate areas... mm.]
We'll see how it goes... Who knows? Maybe doing this with you is just what I need.
[With a slightly playful, flirtatious smile, he leans forward, letting his tongue run over Hermes' neck.]
If that were the case I would be rather delighted.
[He's left smiling as his eyes close at the sensation of Riddle's warm, wet tongue on his neck. It's delightful and sends a shiver of excitement straight down his spine. As much as he would like to kiss Riddle right now, he's content to let the other boy do as he pleases. If exploring his body in small ways like this was allowing him to feel comfortable then Hermes was happy to be of service in such a fashion.
Bodies were, ultimately, just bodies - it was a person's soul that mattered at the end of the day.
His hands run up and down Riddle'e sides, the touch light and playful as he enjoys the warmth and closeness of another body so close to his own.]
I am more than content to be of service to you, in whatever way I can be.
[So far, he isn't too anxious. Maybe it helps that he knows they aren't going all the way. Either way, he simply allows himself to enjoy Hermes' reaction to his actions for the time being.
One hand comes down and slides under his shirt, finding its way onto Hermes' abs. His fingers trace and admire the curves of the well-muscled body.
He hums his approval at the words, then pulls back, examining Hermes for a moment with a lazy smirk before he moves forward to capture his mouth in a kiss. Granted... he still doesn't have much experience with this, but he's willing to learn with Hermes helping to guide him.]
[Whether Riddle wants to go all the way or not is entirely up to him as far as Hermes is concerned. He's not exactly thinking about what the end result will be here. Rather he's focused on the present, focused on touching Riddle's body and the feel of his lips against his own. It isn't as if Hermes is some sex expert himself. He hasn't had many partners and before Duplicity had barely touched others even platonically. Luckily for Hermes he was a quick learner, even if he was still incredibly bashful when it came to intimacy, a soft moan slipping him as his chest is touched. At least with Riddle he knows he isn't entirely out of his league. He doesn't have to worry about messing up too badly.
As he's kissed a hand reaches up to cup one of those soft, pretty cheeks of his, thumb smoothing beneath his eye as he tilts his head to deepen the kiss ever so slightly. He doesn't dare add any tongue just yet, but if Riddle wants to be daring he keeps his own lips pliant for him.]
[Riddle instantly leans into that touch, welcoming the deepening of the kiss. He fully appreciates how slow Hermes is being, and rewards him by introducing that tongue, even if it causes his heart to beat a bit faster and his face to heat up.
And... giving he's sitting right on top of Hermes, it'll be impossible to miss the way his body subtly tenses and reveals his nerves. Of course Riddle doesn't try to bring attention to it... After all, he doesn't want Hermes getting the idea that it's him.
But it's entirely possible he may be trying a little too hard.]
[His tongue is a welcome addition as Hermes welcomes it eagerly, lips pliant as he lets Riddle explore and press against him as much as he wishes to. The hand on his cheek slides back, long fingers carding through his hair in a bid to encourage him further, his other hand settled firmly on his hip.
It's obvious with the way he tenses that he's nervous and who can blame him? Hermes certainly can't (nor would he) and when he breaks the kiss inevitably for a breath he's pressing their foreheads together gingerly, bright green eyes meeting blue.]
We can be as slow as you wish to be. You needn't feel the need to push yourself. I am in no hurry, Riddle.
[It isn't as if he has anywhere to go. He's Riddle's for the evening.]
[He lets out a slow breath when their foreheads touch and Hermes says that. He lets his eyes fall closed, and he leans into that comforting, solid presence.
After a moment, he murmurs:]
... I know.
[He trusts Hermes. He was far too gentle, too kind to be put off by something like inexperience.
After another breath, he moves back in, and speaks against his lips:]
Show me what you know?
[Before he closes the gap, his mouth and lips just as pliant as Hermes' had been.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Does this evening at your place work? Maybe around six?
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Would you like something to eat first? If you would like to be fed.
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[sdifmdkf so awkward]
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I will see you then.
[The smile in his voice can be heard.]
→ Spam
The more time Riddle spends with Hermes, the more he's struck by just how lowly the man seems to think of himself. Sweet, soft-spoken Hermes always seemed somewhat... subdued, in a sense. Almost as if positive emotions eluded him.
Once dinner is done and food has had time to settle, it's time to go to Hermes' bedroom, except... whoops. He hadn't thought he'd drank that much wine, but it was rather easy to get distracted both by Hermes' words and looks.
There's a soft noise and a blush blooms onto his face when he's picked up, arms linking around Hermes' neck. There's definitely something about being picked up so effortlessly that has a roll of arousal warming his stomach— something that with the help of the wine isn't quite so unwanted as usual.
Once they're settled on the bed, Riddle's hand comes up, gently touching Hermes' face.]
I can't thank you enough for this, Hermes. Really... I think... you may be one of the kindest people I've ever known.
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Maybe he should've been more aware of the effect wine would have on the smaller boy, noticing his wobble as soon as they stood up, but he remedies it by scooping him up in his arms to bring him bed. When he sets him down he's careful not to overwhelm, to let Riddle make the first move.
He's taken aback at the touch to his cheek but it's truly his words that hit deep. Far deeper than he can articulate, those luminous green eyes of his going wide.]
You are more than welcome, Riddle...I am touched you think of me in such a way.
[To have a trait of his that had caused him such trouble back home be appreciated is something else. He leans into the touch with a soft smile.]
You are kind to say as much.
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Not at all. You really are a gentle soul.
[His thumb swipes back and forth over his cheek.]
I suppose it's even more extraordinary to me. For most students back at our college, such sincerity and authenticity was a rarity. There were very few students that you could look at and trust they were being forward with their intentions... And even fewer that you could trust with this sort of vulnerability.
[So to have earned such trust from a person coming from such a generally untrustworthy place is a big deal.]
I think... even in a more standard society, though, it's not something you can find with many people.
[Riddle shifts forward and briefly brushes his lips against Hermes', murmuring:]
You're quite a special person.
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But was he?
His first reaction is to deny it, but with his lips occupied he kisses him back gently instead. It has his heart racing, the press gentle and warm. He keeps his arm steady as he supports Riddle in place on his lap, lashes low when he finds himself staring back at him.
It wasn't as if Riddle had soul sight or could see even remotely the shape or color of the aether that made up his being, but there's something incredibly touching and flattering to have his soul of all things complimented. Especially when being special or standing out in his society was not something to be praised for.]
I am glad you think so...no one has ever said as much to me.
[It's his turn to touch him, tan slender fingers reaching up to card through his hair with a smile.]
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Yet, for now, Riddle is able to find himself at ease, welcoming the touches from Hermes.
He leans into that touch, and murmurs:]
Is that so...? Sounds like you're underappreciated.
[Feeling emboldened, now, he leans forward again, this time trailing soft kisses along Hermes' cheek, then jaw, then slowly down his neck.]
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Mayhaps...
[But it's hard to believe. He would much rather focus on Riddle instead right now so he does, letting his fingers trail down his spine. It's quite nice having him in his lap like this.]
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The word spoken has him pausing briefly, and he gently pulls away to regard Hermes quietly.
Eyes softened, the hand lingering on the other's face strokes slowly, reverently.]
You don't believe that... do you?
[It's quietly asked without judgment.]
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His touch is so soft and gentle, holding a certain tenderness he's unfamiliar with. In a way it frightens him but in another it has him hopeful for something he can't put his finger on just yet.]
My apologies...I didn't mean to sour the mood.
[He offers up a smile to him; it's genuine but doesn't reach his eyes just yet.]
You are sweet to worry about me, but fret not. [That's where this is going isn't it?] This evening is to be about you.
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It isn't your fault.
[Riddle is a natural worrier. It came with the territory of abiding by such strict guidelines. His mind was constantly firing and looking for even the slightest indication that something might be off.
And so it goes with others and their well-being, especially those who he'd formed an attachment to. Particularly when those people were so quick to dismiss their needs in favor of others'. It fired up something protective in him that said If you won't advocate on your behalf, then I will.
There's a small, playful smile at the last part.]
Says who? [And then, more seriously:] It wouldn't feel right to focus solely on me and my enjoyment... I'm sure you'd feel the same if the situation was reversed.
[Another brief kiss, before he continues:] It's one thing if you don't feel comfortable sharing those kinds of thoughts with me. It's another to put them aside in favor of pleasing me.
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The kiss has his shoulders slumping as he relaxes, letting out a small exhale of breath from his nose. It wasn't as if Riddle was wrong - he absolutely would feel the same way if it was the reverse.]
You do have a point...forgive me I do not exactly have the best view of myself, so it is a surprise to me when others have a positive view of me.
[He offers him a small smile and a kiss in return.]
I am enjoying myself and always enjoy your company, so please do not think I am not.
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A soft exhale of his own at the kiss. There's a small smile as he continues petting Hermes' hair. He gives a gentle shake of his head.]
It isn't anything like that. You're my friend, Hermes, and I care about you. I want to know if things are bothering you... Both so I can better understand you and lend my support.
You really deserve nothing less.
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Thank you. [His smile is more genuine now, a bit more light reaching his eyes.] I wish the same in return to you...and we ought to enjoy ourselves tonight, no?
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The words that follow have him giving a slightly hesitant laugh— enjoy... he's not sure he'll be able to do that much. Right now it's nice, but when it comes to more intimate areas... mm.]
We'll see how it goes... Who knows? Maybe doing this with you is just what I need.
[With a slightly playful, flirtatious smile, he leans forward, letting his tongue run over Hermes' neck.]
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[He's left smiling as his eyes close at the sensation of Riddle's warm, wet tongue on his neck. It's delightful and sends a shiver of excitement straight down his spine. As much as he would like to kiss Riddle right now, he's content to let the other boy do as he pleases. If exploring his body in small ways like this was allowing him to feel comfortable then Hermes was happy to be of service in such a fashion.
Bodies were, ultimately, just bodies - it was a person's soul that mattered at the end of the day.
His hands run up and down Riddle'e sides, the touch light and playful as he enjoys the warmth and closeness of another body so close to his own.]
I am more than content to be of service to you, in whatever way I can be.
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One hand comes down and slides under his shirt, finding its way onto Hermes' abs. His fingers trace and admire the curves of the well-muscled body.
He hums his approval at the words, then pulls back, examining Hermes for a moment with a lazy smirk before he moves forward to capture his mouth in a kiss. Granted... he still doesn't have much experience with this, but he's willing to learn with Hermes helping to guide him.]
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As he's kissed a hand reaches up to cup one of those soft, pretty cheeks of his, thumb smoothing beneath his eye as he tilts his head to deepen the kiss ever so slightly. He doesn't dare add any tongue just yet, but if Riddle wants to be daring he keeps his own lips pliant for him.]
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And... giving he's sitting right on top of Hermes, it'll be impossible to miss the way his body subtly tenses and reveals his nerves. Of course Riddle doesn't try to bring attention to it... After all, he doesn't want Hermes getting the idea that it's him.
But it's entirely possible he may be trying a little too hard.]
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It's obvious with the way he tenses that he's nervous and who can blame him? Hermes certainly can't (nor would he) and when he breaks the kiss inevitably for a breath he's pressing their foreheads together gingerly, bright green eyes meeting blue.]
We can be as slow as you wish to be. You needn't feel the need to push yourself. I am in no hurry, Riddle.
[It isn't as if he has anywhere to go. He's Riddle's for the evening.]
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After a moment, he murmurs:]
... I know.
[He trusts Hermes. He was far too gentle, too kind to be put off by something like inexperience.
After another breath, he moves back in, and speaks against his lips:]
Show me what you know?
[Before he closes the gap, his mouth and lips just as pliant as Hermes' had been.]
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