[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.]
[Hermes can't say he knows Riddle all that well, but he's been in his company enough to realize he wears his heart on his sleeve. Having him volunteer at the Sanctuary has led him to figure out rather quickly he was the kind of person to take responsibility and blame himself if something under his care went wrong. They were traits Hermes could relate to, which is perhaps why he was fond of the boy.
He wanted to do right by him, if he could.
So when he's kissed and asked to show him what he knows he smiles against his lips, settling his hands on his hips to reposition him in his lap. He encourages him to straddle him, with a leg either side, his broad palm finding purchase at the small of Riddle's back. He kisses him with obvious intent, letting his tongue slip past his lips as a test to see just how much he could push and what would be overwhelming. Hopefully the new and improved position would work better for the two of them.]
[Riddle complies, letting himself be shifted as needed. His legs fold neatly on the bed, hands settling on either shoulder.
Under Hermes' guidance, he relaxes quickly. Not having to blindly continue to fumble from inexperience helps him greatly, in this case. He can simply focus on the other man's actions from the perspective of a student, learning without worrying.
And so, there's no tension when that tongue slips into his mouth. Riddle's own tongue reacts a touch just from the sensation. Otherwise, he only tilts his head slightly, widening his mouth just a bit to invite Hermes further.]
[He notices him relax and in turn that lets Hermes do the same as he deepens the kiss, encouraging Riddle to lean into the contact. He teasingly strokes his tongue up against the roof of the boy's mouth before moving to give his lower lip a light tug between his teeth. Soon he moves to kiss his jaw, leaving a trail of little pecks down toward his neck. It's there he carefully noses against him, letting his tongue dart out to give him a lick. He's just testing the waters after all, to see what Riddle is okay with.]
[Riddle makes a soft noise into the kiss, enjoying the sensations. He breathes a touch heavier when he tugs his lip and kisses his jaw. He shifts his head and allows full access, and gives a slight shiver at the tongue.
There is a bit of tension in his frame, however, mainly because what Hermes is doing is working so well that it's getting him worked up. So far, arousal continues to bring discomfort and anxiety.]
[He notices the attention, keen to address it but not point it out. Instead he lets his hands find Riddle's shoulders to massage them gently as he moves back to kiss his lips. He's small, far smaller than Hermes, and with a delicate frame...it makes the ancient's heart swell. What a precious creation he is indeed.
Hopefully he can work the tension out of him, to make him melt against him. It'd be rewarding to say the least. Hermes knows all too well how awful it is to feel anxious, especially during moments like this.]
The massaging is unexpected... and nice. After just a few seconds, he finds himself relaxing into the touch, shoulders lowering as he kisses Hermes back, face flushing red.
He's so... incredibly observant, so attentive to Riddle and it makes his heart flutter. He doesn't even have to say anything, and Hermes just wordlessly reassures him, just like that.
One hand comes down to run over his chest and abs, appreciating the muscle there. Appreciating... a lot about Hermes, really. He feels validated in his going to him for help... and very grateful.]
[If there's one thing Hermes is it's observant. He wouldn't have become Elpis' chief overseer if he lacked the ability to be mindful and aware of the needs of other beings around him. His approach to Riddle is no different in that regard and he receives his attention fully.
Being touched back in return is nice and pleasant, but he expects it would be considering the nature of the boy in his lap. Riddle has always been nothing but toward him. When he finally breaks the kiss for a bit of air he smiles against his lips, letting his forehead rest against his.]
[Hermes doesn't have to be told twice, the kiss he receives being enough of an answer. Eagerly he kisses Riddle back, deciding after a moment or two to tug the two of them down onto the mattress beneath him. It's a careful movement, one that has Riddle lying flush against his chest as he lays back against the bed. In this new position it'll give the boy control over what he wants to indulge in.
Hermes is happy to be at his mercy and wants to make that apparent.]
[Riddle easily goes with him, hands lightly grasping Hermes' shoulders as he does.
And for a moment, he pulls back with a soft gasp, and simply gazes down on Hermes for a moment. The shape of his face, the gentleness in his expression and those captivating, glowing eyes.
There's a fond, thoughtful gaze as he raises a hand to cup Hermes' cheek again. After a couple a moments, he says:]
[The compliment catches him off guard, those pretty, luminous green eyes of his widening in surprise. It isn't the first time someone has complimented his eyes before but to call them enchanting...
Heat immediately finds its way to his cheeks as he leans into the touch to his cheek subconsciously. It's impossible to not be weak to such an affectionate display, even if he feels he doesn't deserve it.]
[His thumb brushes over Hermes' cheek, and he leans down, pressing a kiss to his lips, then pulls back again, a thoughtful look on his face as gears start turning.]
Actually, I've been doing a bit of research and learning from Jamil.
[He takes a breath to steady himself.]
Maybe you'd be open to some... roleplay?
[...yeah, he couldn't quite look at Hermes in the end, there. But he said it without his voice faltering!]
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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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He wanted to do right by him, if he could.
So when he's kissed and asked to show him what he knows he smiles against his lips, settling his hands on his hips to reposition him in his lap. He encourages him to straddle him, with a leg either side, his broad palm finding purchase at the small of Riddle's back. He kisses him with obvious intent, letting his tongue slip past his lips as a test to see just how much he could push and what would be overwhelming. Hopefully the new and improved position would work better for the two of them.]
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Under Hermes' guidance, he relaxes quickly. Not having to blindly continue to fumble from inexperience helps him greatly, in this case. He can simply focus on the other man's actions from the perspective of a student, learning without worrying.
And so, there's no tension when that tongue slips into his mouth. Riddle's own tongue reacts a touch just from the sensation. Otherwise, he only tilts his head slightly, widening his mouth just a bit to invite Hermes further.]
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[He notices him relax and in turn that lets Hermes do the same as he deepens the kiss, encouraging Riddle to lean into the contact. He teasingly strokes his tongue up against the roof of the boy's mouth before moving to give his lower lip a light tug between his teeth. Soon he moves to kiss his jaw, leaving a trail of little pecks down toward his neck. It's there he carefully noses against him, letting his tongue dart out to give him a lick. He's just testing the waters after all, to see what Riddle is okay with.]
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There is a bit of tension in his frame, however, mainly because what Hermes is doing is working so well that it's getting him worked up. So far, arousal continues to bring discomfort and anxiety.]
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Hopefully he can work the tension out of him, to make him melt against him. It'd be rewarding to say the least. Hermes knows all too well how awful it is to feel anxious, especially during moments like this.]
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The massaging is unexpected... and nice. After just a few seconds, he finds himself relaxing into the touch, shoulders lowering as he kisses Hermes back, face flushing red.
He's so... incredibly observant, so attentive to Riddle and it makes his heart flutter. He doesn't even have to say anything, and Hermes just wordlessly reassures him, just like that.
One hand comes down to run over his chest and abs, appreciating the muscle there. Appreciating... a lot about Hermes, really. He feels validated in his going to him for help... and very grateful.]
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Being touched back in return is nice and pleasant, but he expects it would be considering the nature of the boy in his lap. Riddle has always been nothing but toward him. When he finally breaks the kiss for a bit of air he smiles against his lips, letting his forehead rest against his.]
How do you fare?
[Might as well check in with him, right?]
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Better... Thank you.
[He decides to show his appreciation by trailing kisses along Hermes' jaw.]
And you?
[There's no reason not to ask, even if Hermes doesn't seem to have the same difficulties that Riddle does.]
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I am glad to hear it. I am doing well. You are rather pleasant company to have.
[Quite pleasant indeed.]
I am more than content to continue what we are doing, but if you wish to try something please feel free or tell me. I will not mind.
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I'm glad you think so.
[Especially given that he's being so high-maintenance at the moment. The smile widens a bit, and he kisses the edge of Hermes' mouth in appreciation.]
Let's continue.
[That's said before he goes for a kiss once more, easily opening his mouth to Hermes again.]
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Hermes is happy to be at his mercy and wants to make that apparent.]
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And for a moment, he pulls back with a soft gasp, and simply gazes down on Hermes for a moment. The shape of his face, the gentleness in his expression and those captivating, glowing eyes.
There's a fond, thoughtful gaze as he raises a hand to cup Hermes' cheek again. After a couple a moments, he says:]
Your eyes are absolutely enchanting.
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Heat immediately finds its way to his cheeks as he leans into the touch to his cheek subconsciously. It's impossible to not be weak to such an affectionate display, even if he feels he doesn't deserve it.]
You think so?
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[His thumb brushes over Hermes' cheek, and he leans down, pressing a kiss to his lips, then pulls back again, a thoughtful look on his face as gears start turning.]
Actually, I've been doing a bit of research and learning from Jamil.
[He takes a breath to steady himself.]
Maybe you'd be open to some... roleplay?
[...yeah, he couldn't quite look at Hermes in the end, there. But he said it without his voice faltering!]
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