[ In the beginning Agreas would never have thought that any of this would turn out like this. He thought he'd just go along with whatever Elijah wanted for a while until the other would get bored of it and decide it's enough and destroy the evidence he was holding over Agreas' head. And even if Elijah was annoying and the things he wanted from Agreas were even more annoying than that.. despite him thinking that so intensely at the beginning, he found himself slowly, bit by bit starting to enjoy the better moments. Sure, Elijah lording himself over him was the worst, but whenever he did give Agreas what he liked, he found himself more and more often looking forward to the next time he'd get that.
It'd be easy to blame everything on the fact that sex with Elijah sure wasn't bad, but Agreas isn't one to deceive himself that much. He knew what was happening the moment he felt that it was happening - he started to fall for Elijah. Despite the fact that the other was selfishly using what Agreas cared about the most for his own gain, he found himself lingering a little bit more on the kisses, shoving his jacket at Elijah whenever the other started whining about it being cold out when they were in nature together and ordering food for the other whenever Elijah seemed too caught up in his last minute work.
It was something to mentally beat himself up over, because.. well, how could he be enough of a moron to fall for someone who was clearly just out to fuck him over? (In more ways than one, even.) But slowly Elijah himself started to get a little softer as well, and.. in the end he had even admitted that he loved Agreas too, that he wanted to give him anything he wanted, the same possessive touches becoming much softer, their bodies tangling up much closer and voluntarily under the sheets when they slept together at night.
Maybe it all makes a little more sense to himself if he thinks of Elijah as a cat. The guy is very cat-like, after all. He acts like he owns you from the very beginning, is completely smug and full of himself, sometimes demands a lot from you and then looks like he wants to be left alone the next, does whatever he wants in general.. but when it comes down to it, they do need someone to be there for them, and they do at least somewhat care about that person's feelings. Despite the fact that Elijah is very much human, the description still suits him a little too well. And with how naturally good with animals Agreas is, maybe a part of him couldn't help but fall for that cat-like part of Elijah.
Whatever the case is, it still doesn't change that he's here in this situation right now. Elijah had to finish some articles for his job and Agreas has grown - mostly through Elijah's actions, but still - to quite like being near the other, so instead of going off somewhere, he moved to lie down on a couch nearby where the other was working. He wasn't exactly planning on falling asleep at first though. Instead he pulled their new kitten onto his chest (the most physical proof of Elijah giving a shit about him, and the thing Agreas is the weakest for in this entire apartment- sorry, Elijah) and started gently playing with it, letting it chase his thumb across his torso.
Even Agreas can't occupy himself with that forever though, and with the stillness across the room other than the soft meowing of the kitten and Elijah typing away at his keyboard, it slowly started to lull him into sleep.
It's why he's been lying there on the couch asleep for a while now.. the kitten has even decided to make itself comfortable by curling up on top of Agreas' slowly breathing chest and purring happily. ]
[Agreas isn't the only one surprised at the situation he's found himself in.
Elijah can honestly say, at least to himself, that he doesn't regret any of the things he'd done to Agreas. He'd never try and defend or excuse his actions either though...he knows everything he did was entirely selfish and fucked up. There's no denying that, and there's no changing what he did. He can't even say he'd do things differently, if he'd had the chance. It'd still ended up with exactly what he wanted...Even more than just that. But...just because he doesn't regret his past actions, doesn't mean he's completely closed off to changing things now.
Besides...he'd already changed anyway, whether or not he'd wanted to. In fact, Agreas may have managed to change him even more than he'd done to the other. Not that they're changes his upset with.
Watching Agreas lay so close to him on the couch, and play with his little fuzzball of a cat...it'd made Elijah's heart feel lighter in his chest to a point where he'd felt embarrassed for himself- even if he'd shoved down any outward signs of it getting to him. It's not like he's afraid of the other knowing he cares...but showing genuine affection has never been something he's very good at, mostly because there's been so little of it in his life. So it's not something he wants to do involuntarily. If he's going to show Agreas signs that he cares...it's going to be on his own terms. When he wants it to be seen.
At least he had his article to turn his attention on, despite the other two making it harder and harder to concentrate while they'd been awake. But as much as it's easier to focus when he has space to himself, he can't deny...how much he likes seeing Agreas deciding to stay near him.
So he'd let the two of them stay there without a word- silently typing and staring at his screen the whole time.
And since Agreas has been a sleep for a while already...it'd been long enough for him to concentrate on finishing that article, at least. Now that he's finished, Elijah finally closes his laptop and sets it down on the table- turning his attention to wards the sleeping figure laying so close to him. The sight itself is one that conjures up memories- of when Agreas had pressed a hand to his face...and his lips...startling him completely. It's a memory that's always sharp in his mind, since it'd felt like such a turning point for him. Of when he'd finally, really started seeing Agreas in a different light.
Elijah slides off his seat and kneels on the ground next to Agreas- leaning over him and getting a better look at his sleeping face. Seeing him sleeping so soundly like that, and with a kitten on him...it's even easier to see the gentleness in the other's heart.
For some reason...gently touching Agreas's face had always felt like a strangely natural gesture for him, especially if he'd been trying to get the other's attention. Usually related to something more...genuine, and affectionate anyway (at least...that'd been the intent, even if it always didn't show through perfectly). Maybe because...he'd only done it after he'd started realizing his own feelings too. So that's what he does now- pressing one hand against the other's cheek to carefully tilt his head over...followed by moving closer, and pressing a soft kiss to Agreas's lips.
Once isn't enough for someone greedy like him though...and he tilts his head slightly- closing his eyes as he presses another kiss against him...and another...and another....and another...]
Edited (Dw cut off some of the comment??) 2016-06-27 04:10 (UTC)
[ It's not like Agreas is the lightest sleeper ever, but it would take a lot for anyone to not wake up at the way Elijah is kissing him. It doesn't happen instantly - the first few kisses are definitely while Agreas is still fully asleep - but as they keep going on, Agreas slowly returns to consciousness.
And.. well, maybe it's a little sad if you really think about it considering how their relationship started, but he already knows what's happening before he even has to open his eyes. There's only one person who kisses him at all, sure, but even if that wasn't the truth, there's only one person who kisses him this needily. If there was anyone else who did that, Elijah would never shut up and stop being petty about it, anyway.. if there's anything the other has been clear about, it's the fact that he doesn't want anyone else but him to do these kind of things with Agreas.
Not that he minds, though. Not anymore. Being kissed awake isn't really something that Agreas was ever particularly looking forward to having in his life, but there's something so familiar about this scenario that makes it feel nice. Mostly since he knows it's Elijah, and his heart already gave in to the other a long time ago, despite any logical reasoning. Even though a lot of it has at least evened out in the end, no matter how fucked up all of this started - the way he can feel one of Elijah's hands resting on his cheek so softly tells enough. Or the fact that Elijah was doing this to begin with while he was sleeping instead of just doing it whenever Agreas is awake.
Without bothering to open his eyes, Agreas starts kissing Elijah back. Mostly since he's too lazy to open them right now, although he'd be curious what kind of expression Elijah would be making right now.. but he thinks he'll be able to figure it out from the way the other is kissing him anyway. It's a little deeper and harder than the way Elijah was kissing him softly, but not hard enough to make it seem like he instantly wants more.. because instead of continuing the kiss or going to straight up making out, Agreas instead pulls his head back a little as he finally opens his eyes, moving one of his arms to secure the kitten in place and make sure it doesn't just fall off him. (Sorry, Elijah, but it's the one creature you aren't able to push out of Agreas' mind, no matter how hard you try.) ]
This is new.
[ There's even a small hint of a near-smile playing around his lips, mirrored a little more clearly in his tone. Agreas isn't one to be smug, or at least not as much as Elijah can be, but he can't help but feel it a little in this moment anyway. It's not very common for Elijah to display soft gestures so openly, not even now they've grown closer.. but that's exactly why he likes it. Although part of him falling for the other had been almost involuntary, part of it had also been the fact that Agreas was able to see the weaker sides of the other, the parts that made him seem like more than just someone after him no matter what Agreas himself thought about it. ]
[It's true that Elijah would absolutely throw a tantrum if anyone else ever tried to kiss Agreas. But he's also possessive enough that it'd be pretty hard for anyone else to even get close enough to do that. Still...there's something more behind now than just him being completely greedy about keeping the other to himself. Although that doesn't change the fact that he'd never want to share either.
Elijah pulls up a little too so he can see Agreas's face better a bit better.]
Is it?
[The answer to that is "yes". Yes it is.
While Elijah's kissed him plenty of times, he's never done it quite like this. The softer kisses themselves are still something that're a bit newer for the two of them anyway, and it's still a little rarer for Elijah to initiate them on his own. Especially for a situation like this. But that's just proof that they're starting to get more frequent- of Elijah's own free will too.
Still, that doesn't mean he'll be the type to turn into a complete sap over it. Hence, an answer like this-]
I wanted to kiss you. So I did.
[But even then, it's still obvious from his voice, and his expression that he's not being serious. There's not a trace of a harsh, or possessive tone to the words at all for a change, and it makes it sound like he's just being petulant in response to that hint of smugness to Agreas. And he absolutely is.
He rolls his eyes when Agreas secures his little kitten though. As annoying as it is to have to compete for attention with a tiny furball, Elijah did get that animal as a gesture to show that he does actually care about Agreas, and what Agreas cares about too. So he and the cat manage to tolerate each other, at the very least...But instead of getting onto the couch like he'd wanted to, Elijah simply leans onto him a little more- resting his face against Agreas's neck, and his hand down onto the other's shoulder.
His hand plays idly with the fabric of the other's shirt too- grabbing at it gently, and running it between his thumb and fingers. He presses a few small kisses to Agreas's neck too, but every one of his gestures are simply affectionate- there's nothing thirsty or possessive in them at all.]
[ It's almost surprising just how stark of a contrast this is how everything started. Because Agreas clearly remembers absolutely despising Elijah - even the training hasn't erased those memories from his mind. He reminds feeling so incredibly angry that Elijah would use the evidence of him going too far in protecting what he wants to protect against him.. mostly since animals and nature are the most important thing to him, and Elijah was putting being able to do whatever he wanted with Agreas - such a selfish and petty small thing - above something that important. He hated the other's possessiveness, his smugness.. practically everything from when this all first started.
But as he's staring at Elijah now, he can't feel any of those things anymore. Not even remotely. Especially with how the other guy is leaning against him like that, kissing him so.. sweetly, even if that feels like a weird word to use when it comes to describing anything Elijah does. Maybe the change in attitude is partially due to the way Elijah has been training him, sure, but Agreas can't help but consciously feel it has more to do with him just never noticing these sides to Elijah before. The sides of him that are a little more openly vulnerable, and sometimes just downright cute with how child-like that answer was to what he said.
Elijah is cute. A weird thought for sure, but Agreas can't deny that it shot through his head when looking at the other just now anyway.
Maybe it's why he feels like he should do at least a little more for the other here, now Elijah is being so good to him by his standards. (Agreas has started to respond better and better to actual rewards, even if that's not what Elijah is really doing right now.) He gently moves the kitten off his chest and on top of the back of the couch so it can keep lying there - and the moment he glances to know he's secured the animal well enough, he moves his arms to hoist Elijah up by his waist, pulling the other guy on top of him like he doesn't doubt Elijah wanted to end up. ]
Hmm-mm.
[ He can't help but let the half-teasing sound escape him though in response to what Elijah was saying.. how can he help pushing the other just a little bit when he's being this cute? It really is like watching a cat, and the thought of that only makes the other more endearing to him, considering how much Agreas loves animals most than most people.
By no means could you call him cruel though, so it's not like he's just going to mock the other for this. He wouldn't be opposed to seeing these kind of softer moments from Elijah, so why discourage it?
Letting one arm rest across the other's waist, Agreas' other hand moves into Elijah's hair - not taking any tight hold of it, more just weaving his fingers a little through the locks. ]
You can kiss me more if you still feel like it, you know.
[ Yes, he's purposefully making it sound like he's going along with Elijah's petulant antics. Look how good he's being. ]
[Child-like can be a good way to describe him, especially in a situation like this one. And especially because he feels way too satisfied when he sees Agreas pick up their kitten and move it over to make room for him. Even Elijah knows, abstractly, that it's ridiculous to be jealous over a cat...but he also doesn't care. He's always been the type to indulge in his petty jealousy and possessiveness anyway, which should be obvious enough.
But he at least has the decency to keep that much to himself right now- happy to settle down against Agreas and feel the other play gently with his hair.
He closes his eyes for a few moments- soaking in the warmth of the other body underneath him, and the softness of the movement against his head. For once, he hadn't actually been aiming for an end result like this...not that he's opposed to it, in any way. It feels nice too- enough to take those moments to appreciate it, before tilting his head and opening his eyes again.
There's a hint of the usual smugness on his face from that last statement. It's something that can be a little more subdued at times, but it'll never go away completely. That's just too much of an essential part of Elijah anyway.]
I do know. But I don't mind being reminded...Unless. This is your way of asking?
[It doesn't matter if it was supposed to be or not, it still ends with Elijah moving over to give the other another round of softer...and yes, sweeter kisses. Even Agreas's small hints of teasing can't veer him off from that course.
This isn't something he'd ever pictured when he'd first taken the other into his home, it's true. He'd never imagined kisses like these...ones that are simply gestures of affection. Kisses that aren't completely one-sided...that aren't full of lust. He's simply giving them to Agreas because he wants to kiss him, without any ulterior motive.
It's surprising just how content he feels with this too...and that he feels like he could get comfortable enough to fall asleep laying on the other like this. He rests his hand on Agreas's neck- his fingers gently curling around behind it, and rubbing small circles against it. But even then, there's not a trace of anything other than a surprising amount of tenderness.]
[ Even though it had been incredibly obvious before that Elijah wanted him - in a very possessively intense sense - Agreas never really understood why. Elijah was going through such lengths to try and get him to give in, but he never knew why him. Was it just because Elijah happened to get his hands on blackmail that specifically applied to him, or did he go out of his way to find something on him because he wanted him? But then what about him was it that Elijah would have wanted that other people don't have? There's a lot of questions that Agreas honestly doesn't care for finding answers to anymore. All of that is something that he's put behind him - it's the now that matters. And the Elijah that's lying on top of him, giving those sweet kisses, makes it a lot more clear why he wants Agreas specifically.. because he likes him. He can taste it on the other's lips in a way that he never was able to sense before.
This is something he likes much more than the way things were before, anyway. Elijah lying on top of him like this with Agreas' hand idly running through the dark locks feels a little like how you would just lie around or play with a cat, and it manages to bring forth every single bit of fondness Agreas carries in himself.
It makes it a lot easier to tease Elijah too.. not because he was particularly afraid of the other before - he's never been. Even when Elijah was holding the blackmail over his head, and even when he punished Agreas for not obeying him, he was always more of an annoyance than a real frightening threat. Agreas doesn't get scared easily to begin with. No, the reason that it's easier to tease Elijah is since it's always coming from a sort of fondness when it's Agreas. He's not the type to go out of his way to interact with other people, so him teasing someone says just as much about how much he likes them as physical contact does.
He has to wait until Elijah has planted more of the kisses against his lips, but when the other finally gives them a moment to breathe, his lips are definitely curling up. It's not as smug as the other can be at times since it still seems very relaxed and laidback. Maybe since it's so comfortable to lie here like this with the other. ]
You're being so cute today.
[ He knows Elijah won't like hearing that. He isn't stupid, and he's learned to know the other well enough by now to know at least that much.. but he can't help himself in this case. Elijah really is being so cute, being so pouty and petulant and giving him these sweet kisses. Isn't he at least allowed to call out the truth of what he's seeing here right in front of him now?
At least he doesn't just leave the other to suffer the embarrassment of that statement. After running his hand a little through Elijah's hair again, he moves his head slightly this time to be the first to plant a quick kiss on Elijah's lips. Maybe just to stiffle the very first bits of a possible protest to what he said, even if he wouldn't be able to block it all. ]
[In all honesty, Elijah might not've been able to give Agreas all the answers he'd wanted anyway. He had sought Agreas out specifically- that much is true. But as far as why he'd picked him...? It's not such a clear-cut answer. It's not as if he can't think of any reasons for why he likes Agreas...And even for his initial reasoning, he could still pick out a few things out. He does think Agreas is very attractive, although looks wouldn't have been a deal-breaker. Maybe it's more to do with his attitude...or maybe it's simply the fact that Agreas doesn't generally take to humans very easily... he's a difficult person, in some ways. And while Elijah might not fully admit to it...maybe a part of him wanted to make himself the one, human exception to a man who didn't generally care for them as a whole.
But even all of those answers laid out together...it still doesn't feel right. Like it's not a complete answer, and some of the reasons are a mystery even to Elijah himself. Of course that makes sense...human emotions are always messy, and complicated...Maybe it would've been stranger if he could spell it all out easily. It sounds ridiculous, even to him, but more than anything else, Elijah simply felt drawn to him at first.
Love at first sight? ...No. He's not the type to believe in that...and he is the type that had to grow into love. If he had to guess, it's probably more to do with his own instincts. Like he knew, subconsciously, that Agreas was the one for him.
And look at just how right he ended up being. No one else could've drawn out this side of him. No one else could've even drawn out a small fraction of it.
Everything he feels for Agreas is completely fresh...a new experience he's never had before, and never would have with anyone other than him. He's very sure of that much, at least. But it still makes Elijah feel...inexperienced...and deeper down, it makes him feel a little bit helpless too. But surprisingly enough, Agreas is still the type of person he can trust enough so that it doesn't really bother him either. That's exactly why he can lay here like this- curled up on the other man's lap, kissing him so softly...acting so different from usual...and still feel comfortable with it.
Even if he might not be too happy about being called "cute" for it. A scowl starts to form on his face as soon as that word is out in the air, and then it's gone again as soon as Agreas's lips meet his own. But even a kiss won't stop him from looking a little bit sour afterwards.]
In what universe do you think I'd ever want to be called cute?
[It's clear enough that he's only mildly annoyed...exactly like he is whenever Agreas teases him like this. Still, he could never get genuinely mad over it. Elijah knows enough to acknowledge that, in a way, it's a small privilege to be teased by Agreas like this. So of course, he can't help but like that aspect of it.
He sighs a little and settles back down- pressing his face against Agreas's neck to rest there.]
I don't need to take this from the guy who falls asleep on a couch with a cat on top of him.
[ That reaction sure isn't doing much to help Elijah's case. Sure, a lot of people might not exactly be inclined to call the other cute. Even Agreas knows.. Elijah can be petty a lot of the time, and he's by no means an entirely good person. Agreas maybe even knows it better than anyone else with what the other has put him through. But since they got closer, he got to see a lot of other things to the other as well. Things that probably no one else has seen. The small potential for Elijah to be good that Agreas managed to drag into full view.. the same thing that's caused them to be here like this right now, with Elijah lying - more or less, considering the frowning - peacefully on top of him. Without any bad feelings between the two of them.
Maybe noticing the possibility for it is what made him fall in love with the other. It's hard to tell, honestly. But no matter what the initial reason was, it still made them turn out like this, and like this Agreas can say without a doubt that Elijah is cute. The kind of cute that makes him want to keep the other close to him like this and practically snuggle up on the couch here.
(He knows that's not the word Elijah would ever use for it, but it's the reality in Agreas' eyes, and the other will just have to suck it up. Even though he doesn't voice the thought out loud.)
Instead he settles for moving his hand back to gently move through Elijah's hair, just like it was playing with it before. ]
Is that so bad? [ Not to Agreas, anyway. Yeah, his looks might make him seem tough and all, and his usual faily disinterested attitude towards others helps it along, but Agreas knows what he is. And he isn't afraid to admit he's a guy that loves cuddling cute animals. What's the joy in life if you can't even have that much, anyway?
The amusement is still clearly audible in his tone.. but it's a content kind of amusement. Like he could really lie here like this for a fairly long time without feeling any inconvenience. ] I could stay like this for a while too, you know.
[ He doesn't necessarily mean to draw the parallel, but it's still true on some level that this is very much exactly like how Agreas was playing with the kitten lying on him until he fell asleep before. But now is he's petting the fur of a cute kitten, but instead pulling his hand lazily through Elijah's hair as the other buries his face against Agreas' neck. He might as well be an oversized cat to Agreas - he feels the same kind of fondness right now, anyway. ]
[Agreas saying that they'd be snuggling would get a similar reaction to calling Elijah cute...But. Well, even Elijah can't deny that it's more or less exactly what he's doing right now. And it's not something anyone dragged out of him either. Agreas had been asleep, and he'd waltzed over on his own and did that all on his own. He almost hates how nice that hand feels moving through his hair...but he doesn't even have enough in him to get annoyed.
It's moments like these that really make him feel like he was the one trained by Agreas more than the other way around. But considering the way things are right now...he's content with that.
The Elijah who'd blackmailed Agreas and punished or rewarded him based on his behavior- that feels like a mindset he'd shifted out of almost completely. Not that he's an entirely different person now, but he knows he'd never be able to do anything to intentionally hurt Agreas ever again. Not ever. And while he can absolutely understand his past self...while he still thinks of Agreas as his, and wants to keep him all to himself...Elijah's still grateful for the change. He's grateful for all of this- even a small, peaceful moment like now...even if Agreas does end up bombarding him with cute words.
His head tilts into the other's hand a little bit, and he finds himself wishing again that he could be at least annoyed by it. Mostly because he's fairly certain he knows exactly what's going through the other's head after a comment like that. But he can't, and after a half-hearted groan, his voice comes out in a soft mumble right up against his lover's neck.]
No wonder that damn thing never gets off you.
[Aka...their kitten. The words sound way harsher than his tone, and it's obvious there's not actually anything malicious behind them at all. Honestly, he's mostly just phrasing it like that because there's no way he can just plainly say he's jealous of a cat.
Without waiting for a response, he presses his fingers softly against the other's neck- gently rubbing small, soothing circles against his skin. Even if he'll get made fun of a little more for it, it's fine. If Agreas is the one responsible for dragging out this side of him...then that means everything from that part of him belongs to Agreas too. Even this.]
[ Honesty, there's very little Elijah could do to ruin this moment. At least - with the way he is by now, anyway. Even though he's saying those harsh words, it has no real effect when Agreas is very well aware that the other is just being petulant as usually. Especially when he says them so softly too while lying here on top of him and moving to gently move his fingers across Agreas' skin without him doing anything to prompt it.
Even if Elijah will always be Elijah, Agreas is well aware the other has grown softer in his own way. The situation they're currently in is enough proof of it. It's why he can't help but smile a little bit, even as Elijah softly complains. It's cute in its own way. Elijah is cute. Even now it's a slightly funny thought.
At least the other might be pleased to hear Agreas letting out a low hum at the way Elijah is rubbing against his neck. It feels nice, after all. He's never been particularly affectionate before, but he just enjoys being with the other like this. Just them. Just quietly, just softly.
He can't help but poke fun at the guy on top of him though. One might say it's revenge for everything that Elijah did to him before he had a - at least partial - change of heart, but it's honestly just since Agreas can't help himself. It's like when he sees a cute animal, he just has to pet it and play with it since his heart is too soft for them compared to how it is for most people. And somehow Elijah has just wormed himself straight into the cute animal category of his heart.
The man leans his head forward a little to press a soft kiss against Elijah's head - first his temple, and then trailing more to the side until he finds the other's earlobe with his lips, pressing his teeth against it just lightly before letting go, but sticking close. ]
I see someone else who isn't complaining about staying on top of me.
[ Aka the bigger black petulant cat that is lying on top of him right now. ]
[No matter what he's saying, Elijah doesn't legitimately want to ruin the moment anyway. It's...almost unnerving to him- just how comforting all of this is. All of the contact...and hearing Agreas's humming while his fingers keep on moving along the other's neck. He never would've imagined himself enjoying any soft scene like this at all...and yet, here he is.
Although...being compared to an animal probably wouldn't be his favorite thing in the world, by contrast. But if it can get him a moment like this, he could at least tolerate hearing it. Maybe that's because, even if it's through Agreas seeing some animal-like qualities in him, it still ends up with Agreas being able to treat him like this. Even when he normally doesn't get so close to humans.
Elijah still doesn't move his head, but he nestles a little more into the other's neck when he feels the kisses and the gentle bite on his earlobe. The hand on Agreas's neck moves to blindly run up along the side of his face, and then through his hair.]
You do have the makings of a decent pillow.
[If he's going to be teased, he can at least give some minor teasing back. And there's no denying that Agreas is very comfortable to lay on. It's exactly why he couldn't get up now, even if he tried.
Honestly, as much as Elijah likes this, he still loves the idea of Agreas laying on top of him too. The other man is taller, and it creates the sense of him being completely covered by a warm embrace...which is exactly why he won't ask for it plainly. But he's happy enough just staying exactly the way they are too.]
[ Too bad that Elijah has ended up at a point where it's very, very hard for him to tease Agreas with something that actually gets to him. It's really odd compared to what he thought of the other before, but everything the other guy does is just so endearing at this point that it'd be really hard for Elijah to have even the slightest bit of impact on Agreas - well, it'd be hard as long as he doesn't go back to the way he used to treat Agreas before, anyway.
But like this.. he just loves all of this. Lying here with Elijah on top of him, gently touching him, teasing him just a little bit. Even though it's definitely not where he would ever have imagined himself being, he likes it. He always thought he'd just be by himself, never too interested in romance or anything of the sort and just content with fighting for the things he believed in. But by now he wouldn't give this up for the world. Living with Elijah like this is too nice to give it up for anything, for going back to the way he used to be. The kind of grumpy faces Elijah makes when the weather gets colder, the way Elijah sometimes suddenly touches him like he's either asking for attention or reaffirming that Agreas is really there with him.. it's all small things, but it's exactly the kind of stuff that makes Agreas' chest feel oddly light.
That's what it means to be in love, huh? It feels kind of ridiculous, but he likes it anyway. He feels a little ridiculous acting like this too, but it doesn't stop him from pressing a few more small kisses to the side of Elijah's head, happily humming in amusement at what the other is saying, before moving his head back down again to rest it against the couch and closing his eyes without actually falling asleep.
For a moment he just lies there silently, but then he slowly speaks up again. ]
Hey, Elijah. [ His hand moves across the other's back for a moment. ] If you could have anything right now, what would you want?
[ Not that the other hasn't made it very clear in the past what sort of stuff he expected from Agreas. But things have changed between the two of them since then - a lot - and he finds himself much more compelled to actually go the extra mile to help the other out now he isn't constantly forcing things Agreas doesn't want on him. (And part of it probably is still lingering after-effects from the training, but it's not like Agreas himself realises as much consciously.) ]
[To be fair, Elijah doesn't tease Agreas because he's expecting to get a reaction...but it feels like the only appropriate response to his teasing. But either way, he likes it too...everything about this.
Being in love with another person...isn't something he'd ever pictured for himself either. Doing anything romantic, or going out of his way for someone, or...just anything to do with it. But now that he does have it, he wouldn't trade it for anything. He'd never go back to the way he was before...and he'd never want Agreas out of his life.
He actually laughs softly against Agreas's neck at the question. It's funny if only because he can remember how badly he would've wanted to hear that not too long ago...He still does like hearing it now, but...it feels so much lighter.]
Nothing...I have everything I want already. Really.
[Which is true, honestly, and it even sounds sincere when he says it. He's always been content living in this apartment on his own, with a freelance job...But now his life really feels fuller with Agreas in it. Agreas is all he could ever want or need....And it's made him feel even happier with the way things are too...even sharing the apartment with their little kitten.
Except he knows why Agreas would ask him something like that...and it makes him feel a little warmer just thinking of it. Enough that he's glad his face isn't in plain view right now, since it's still at least a little embarrassing. But it gives him that same feeling from when he'd noticed Agreas doing little favors for him before...even just helping him around the house, or giving him a jacket when he was cold. And if Agreas wants to do something now for him too, Elijah can't turn it down.]
But...if I had to come up with something, I guess... Maybe I'd like it if we could.....I don't know. Go somewhere together? On a trip, I mean. I don't really know where, but...It might be nice.
[For some reason it feels embarrassing as hell- almost like he's some blushing newlywed asking his partner where to go on their honeymoon. But he really doesn't need it. He'd be just as happy staying exactly where he is right now...just on the couch on top of Agreas.]
[ It's almost a little weird to hear that answer to that specific question from Agreas. From Elijah of all people - the guy who would have been dying to get Agreas to do anything at all voluntarily for him before. But if anything, it's just proof of how much the other has grown, and one more reason that Agreas honest to god fell in love with him. It's not that Elijah is completely without his childish tendencies by now, but they've reduced so much that he can't help but feel oddly fond of the other when he thinks of that growth, to a point where Agreas plants a light kiss on top of the other's head, into his hair.
The next part makes him feel equally fond, and at least definitely not as embarrassed about it as Elijah feels right now. Ever since they've grown this close, Agreas hardly feels shame anymore at displays of affection - it's like once they broke through the barrier of him just thinking the other was an asshole and instead fell in love, all he wants to do at times like these when they're so close is display his affection for his grumpy kitten of a boyfriend. ]
Hmm. That'd be fun. [ Not that he doesn't agree with the sentiment that them staying like this is honestly just as great as them going somewhere far away or anything, but Agreas does like the idea of travelling. There's a lot of places he'd still like to see around the world, and although he always thought when he was younger that he'd just travel around the world someday by himself, by now he finds the idea of peeling himself away from Elijah for that long difficult. The other's training did have lingering effects, and feeling odd when Elijah isn't there is one of them, even though a big part of it is fuelled by love more than anything else by now.
Not that he intends to drag Elijah everywhere he wanted to go around the world.. he wouldn't do that to the other, at least. But making some trips together, just the two of them to some place where a lot of people might not even live.. he likes that thought. A lot. ]
Although we might want to avoid cold areas, huh?
[ Come on, he can't not make fun of Elijah when it comes to the other's disdain for the cold. It's not like Agreas likes the cold - although it's more like he's just indifferent to it, honestly - but the way Elijah starts grumping when the temperature starts dropping is oddly cute. And funny. It still makes him feel just as fond as anything else the other does, though, and it is true Agreas has sacrificed his jacket for Elijah plenty of times because of it. And it means he at least has enough common sense to not put the other through that kind of nightmare.
(His lips curve upward a little at the thought, though.) ]
[There are some childish tendencies about Elijah that'll never go away completely. They're just too ingrained into who he is as a person, and he's not exactly hellbent on changing them...He'll always be possessive more than any of the other traits though. But since Agreas is already his...and even loves him, no less...it's managed to tone that part of him down a lot.
Still, even as they're planning a trip together, and even though the thought of going somewhere cold makes his nose scrunch up in annoyance at the though, Elijah would still insist on going with him there too. The idea of Agreas going on a trip without him, even if he'd go by himself just...makes a twinge of jealousy pass through him.
Not because he's dying to go to some snow hell part of the world. It's simply that he wants to be wherever Agreas is...he doesn't want Agreas experiencing something major without him being there too. It's not like he can't ever handle being apart from him at all, but...that's more from a few hours to a couple of days at the most. When it's something that would be this much time? He'd endure the cold for it.
Elijah rolls his eyes though- knowing Agreas will never stop making fun of him for how much he hates the cold. Why wouldn't he hate it? Who likes being cold? The only thing even remotely good about it...is getting Agreas to warm him up.]
I could deal with it, if there's somewhere you really wanted to go.
[Except...maybe somewhere like the actual arctic. He'd have to legitimately bury himself in warm clothes.]
But I'd still definitely vote for someplace warmer for our first trip.
[Because there's no need to limit themselves to just one anyway, even if their second one couldn't be for a while...He likes the idea of looking forward to more of them.]
[ Agreas can't fully help himself when he hears that. He can even feel Elijah's face start to scrunch up a little with the way the other is resting against him - he doesn't even have to see it to know exactly what the other looks like right now. It's almost like his trademark expression everytime summer ends and the cold days start to kick in. And Agreas... well, he can't help but let out a soft laugh at the thought.
It's just way too cute. Honestly, it's almost ironic that Elijah was so intent on only showing his worst sides to Agreas at first and try to win him over with force when nothing could ever have worked as well as just having shown this from the start, just him being this cute. He's aware to a certain point though that his attitude towards Elijah isn't the only thing that's changed - Elijah himself has changed as well during their time together. He can't even imagine the Elijah who looked so smug whenever he knew he had the upper hand over Agreas being willing to cuddle with him on the couch like this.
The thought makes him pull the other a little closer against him. ]
I won't go anywhere you can't follow me without suffering. [ "Suffering" in the Elijah sort of way, anyway. Agreas rubs his nose against Elijah's head a little, like a small affectionate gesture that's way too soft for someone who looks the way Agreas does. ] Promise.
[ As funny as it would be, he's not actually going to drag his boyfriend over to the Artic. Elijah probably would never even want to get off the boat or plane. ]
I don't even want to think about how much you'd whine at me if I went off on my own.
[ Elijah is still possessive to that degree, anyway, and even though Agreas doesn't mind it, he's still aware of it. There's no way Elijah wouldn't clog up his phone's inbox with whiny messages about Agreas not being there - in a way that'd almost be kind of endearing to Agreas anyway. Elijah really acts like some sort of pet when you don't give him enough attention, maybe it's what Agreas ended up falling for with that soft spot in his heart for animals. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
no subject
It'd be easy to blame everything on the fact that sex with Elijah sure wasn't bad, but Agreas isn't one to deceive himself that much. He knew what was happening the moment he felt that it was happening - he started to fall for Elijah. Despite the fact that the other was selfishly using what Agreas cared about the most for his own gain, he found himself lingering a little bit more on the kisses, shoving his jacket at Elijah whenever the other started whining about it being cold out when they were in nature together and ordering food for the other whenever Elijah seemed too caught up in his last minute work.
It was something to mentally beat himself up over, because.. well, how could he be enough of a moron to fall for someone who was clearly just out to fuck him over? (In more ways than one, even.) But slowly Elijah himself started to get a little softer as well, and.. in the end he had even admitted that he loved Agreas too, that he wanted to give him anything he wanted, the same possessive touches becoming much softer, their bodies tangling up much closer and voluntarily under the sheets when they slept together at night.
Maybe it all makes a little more sense to himself if he thinks of Elijah as a cat. The guy is very cat-like, after all. He acts like he owns you from the very beginning, is completely smug and full of himself, sometimes demands a lot from you and then looks like he wants to be left alone the next, does whatever he wants in general.. but when it comes down to it, they do need someone to be there for them, and they do at least somewhat care about that person's feelings. Despite the fact that Elijah is very much human, the description still suits him a little too well. And with how naturally good with animals Agreas is, maybe a part of him couldn't help but fall for that cat-like part of Elijah.
Whatever the case is, it still doesn't change that he's here in this situation right now. Elijah had to finish some articles for his job and Agreas has grown - mostly through Elijah's actions, but still - to quite like being near the other, so instead of going off somewhere, he moved to lie down on a couch nearby where the other was working. He wasn't exactly planning on falling asleep at first though. Instead he pulled their new kitten onto his chest (the most physical proof of Elijah giving a shit about him, and the thing Agreas is the weakest for in this entire apartment- sorry, Elijah) and started gently playing with it, letting it chase his thumb across his torso.
Even Agreas can't occupy himself with that forever though, and with the stillness across the room other than the soft meowing of the kitten and Elijah typing away at his keyboard, it slowly started to lull him into sleep.
It's why he's been lying there on the couch asleep for a while now.. the kitten has even decided to make itself comfortable by curling up on top of Agreas' slowly breathing chest and purring happily. ]
no subject
Elijah can honestly say, at least to himself, that he doesn't regret any of the things he'd done to Agreas. He'd never try and defend or excuse his actions either though...he knows everything he did was entirely selfish and fucked up. There's no denying that, and there's no changing what he did. He can't even say he'd do things differently, if he'd had the chance. It'd still ended up with exactly what he wanted...Even more than just that. But...just because he doesn't regret his past actions, doesn't mean he's completely closed off to changing things now.
Besides...he'd already changed anyway, whether or not he'd wanted to. In fact, Agreas may have managed to change him even more than he'd done to the other. Not that they're changes his upset with.
Watching Agreas lay so close to him on the couch, and play with his little fuzzball of a cat...it'd made Elijah's heart feel lighter in his chest to a point where he'd felt embarrassed for himself- even if he'd shoved down any outward signs of it getting to him. It's not like he's afraid of the other knowing he cares...but showing genuine affection has never been something he's very good at, mostly because there's been so little of it in his life. So it's not something he wants to do involuntarily. If he's going to show Agreas signs that he cares...it's going to be on his own terms. When he wants it to be seen.
At least he had his article to turn his attention on, despite the other two making it harder and harder to concentrate while they'd been awake. But as much as it's easier to focus when he has space to himself, he can't deny...how much he likes seeing Agreas deciding to stay near him.
So he'd let the two of them stay there without a word- silently typing and staring at his screen the whole time.
And since Agreas has been a sleep for a while already...it'd been long enough for him to concentrate on finishing that article, at least. Now that he's finished, Elijah finally closes his laptop and sets it down on the table- turning his attention to wards the sleeping figure laying so close to him. The sight itself is one that conjures up memories- of when Agreas had pressed a hand to his face...and his lips...startling him completely. It's a memory that's always sharp in his mind, since it'd felt like such a turning point for him. Of when he'd finally, really started seeing Agreas in a different light.
Elijah slides off his seat and kneels on the ground next to Agreas- leaning over him and getting a better look at his sleeping face. Seeing him sleeping so soundly like that, and with a kitten on him...it's even easier to see the gentleness in the other's heart.
For some reason...gently touching Agreas's face had always felt like a strangely natural gesture for him, especially if he'd been trying to get the other's attention. Usually related to something more...genuine, and affectionate anyway (at least...that'd been the intent, even if it always didn't show through perfectly). Maybe because...he'd only done it after he'd started realizing his own feelings too. So that's what he does now- pressing one hand against the other's cheek to carefully tilt his head over...followed by moving closer, and pressing a soft kiss to Agreas's lips.
Once isn't enough for someone greedy like him though...and he tilts his head slightly- closing his eyes as he presses another kiss against him...and another...and another....and another...]
no subject
And.. well, maybe it's a little sad if you really think about it considering how their relationship started, but he already knows what's happening before he even has to open his eyes. There's only one person who kisses him at all, sure, but even if that wasn't the truth, there's only one person who kisses him this needily. If there was anyone else who did that, Elijah would never shut up and stop being petty about it, anyway.. if there's anything the other has been clear about, it's the fact that he doesn't want anyone else but him to do these kind of things with Agreas.
Not that he minds, though. Not anymore. Being kissed awake isn't really something that Agreas was ever particularly looking forward to having in his life, but there's something so familiar about this scenario that makes it feel nice. Mostly since he knows it's Elijah, and his heart already gave in to the other a long time ago, despite any logical reasoning. Even though a lot of it has at least evened out in the end, no matter how fucked up all of this started - the way he can feel one of Elijah's hands resting on his cheek so softly tells enough. Or the fact that Elijah was doing this to begin with while he was sleeping instead of just doing it whenever Agreas is awake.
Without bothering to open his eyes, Agreas starts kissing Elijah back. Mostly since he's too lazy to open them right now, although he'd be curious what kind of expression Elijah would be making right now.. but he thinks he'll be able to figure it out from the way the other is kissing him anyway. It's a little deeper and harder than the way Elijah was kissing him softly, but not hard enough to make it seem like he instantly wants more.. because instead of continuing the kiss or going to straight up making out, Agreas instead pulls his head back a little as he finally opens his eyes, moving one of his arms to secure the kitten in place and make sure it doesn't just fall off him. (Sorry, Elijah, but it's the one creature you aren't able to push out of Agreas' mind, no matter how hard you try.) ]
This is new.
[ There's even a small hint of a near-smile playing around his lips, mirrored a little more clearly in his tone. Agreas isn't one to be smug, or at least not as much as Elijah can be, but he can't help but feel it a little in this moment anyway. It's not very common for Elijah to display soft gestures so openly, not even now they've grown closer.. but that's exactly why he likes it. Although part of him falling for the other had been almost involuntary, part of it had also been the fact that Agreas was able to see the weaker sides of the other, the parts that made him seem like more than just someone after him no matter what Agreas himself thought about it. ]
no subject
Elijah pulls up a little too so he can see Agreas's face better a bit better.]
Is it?
[The answer to that is "yes". Yes it is.
While Elijah's kissed him plenty of times, he's never done it quite like this. The softer kisses themselves are still something that're a bit newer for the two of them anyway, and it's still a little rarer for Elijah to initiate them on his own. Especially for a situation like this. But that's just proof that they're starting to get more frequent- of Elijah's own free will too.
Still, that doesn't mean he'll be the type to turn into a complete sap over it. Hence, an answer like this-]
I wanted to kiss you. So I did.
[But even then, it's still obvious from his voice, and his expression that he's not being serious. There's not a trace of a harsh, or possessive tone to the words at all for a change, and it makes it sound like he's just being petulant in response to that hint of smugness to Agreas. And he absolutely is.
He rolls his eyes when Agreas secures his little kitten though. As annoying as it is to have to compete for attention with a tiny furball, Elijah did get that animal as a gesture to show that he does actually care about Agreas, and what Agreas cares about too. So he and the cat manage to tolerate each other, at the very least...But instead of getting onto the couch like he'd wanted to, Elijah simply leans onto him a little more- resting his face against Agreas's neck, and his hand down onto the other's shoulder.
His hand plays idly with the fabric of the other's shirt too- grabbing at it gently, and running it between his thumb and fingers. He presses a few small kisses to Agreas's neck too, but every one of his gestures are simply affectionate- there's nothing thirsty or possessive in them at all.]
no subject
But as he's staring at Elijah now, he can't feel any of those things anymore. Not even remotely. Especially with how the other guy is leaning against him like that, kissing him so.. sweetly, even if that feels like a weird word to use when it comes to describing anything Elijah does. Maybe the change in attitude is partially due to the way Elijah has been training him, sure, but Agreas can't help but consciously feel it has more to do with him just never noticing these sides to Elijah before. The sides of him that are a little more openly vulnerable, and sometimes just downright cute with how child-like that answer was to what he said.
Elijah is cute. A weird thought for sure, but Agreas can't deny that it shot through his head when looking at the other just now anyway.
Maybe it's why he feels like he should do at least a little more for the other here, now Elijah is being so good to him by his standards. (Agreas has started to respond better and better to actual rewards, even if that's not what Elijah is really doing right now.) He gently moves the kitten off his chest and on top of the back of the couch so it can keep lying there - and the moment he glances to know he's secured the animal well enough, he moves his arms to hoist Elijah up by his waist, pulling the other guy on top of him like he doesn't doubt Elijah wanted to end up. ]
Hmm-mm.
[ He can't help but let the half-teasing sound escape him though in response to what Elijah was saying.. how can he help pushing the other just a little bit when he's being this cute? It really is like watching a cat, and the thought of that only makes the other more endearing to him, considering how much Agreas loves animals most than most people.
By no means could you call him cruel though, so it's not like he's just going to mock the other for this. He wouldn't be opposed to seeing these kind of softer moments from Elijah, so why discourage it?
Letting one arm rest across the other's waist, Agreas' other hand moves into Elijah's hair - not taking any tight hold of it, more just weaving his fingers a little through the locks. ]
You can kiss me more if you still feel like it, you know.
[ Yes, he's purposefully making it sound like he's going along with Elijah's petulant antics. Look how good he's being. ]
no subject
But he at least has the decency to keep that much to himself right now- happy to settle down against Agreas and feel the other play gently with his hair.
He closes his eyes for a few moments- soaking in the warmth of the other body underneath him, and the softness of the movement against his head. For once, he hadn't actually been aiming for an end result like this...not that he's opposed to it, in any way. It feels nice too- enough to take those moments to appreciate it, before tilting his head and opening his eyes again.
There's a hint of the usual smugness on his face from that last statement. It's something that can be a little more subdued at times, but it'll never go away completely. That's just too much of an essential part of Elijah anyway.]
I do know. But I don't mind being reminded...Unless. This is your way of asking?
[It doesn't matter if it was supposed to be or not, it still ends with Elijah moving over to give the other another round of softer...and yes, sweeter kisses. Even Agreas's small hints of teasing can't veer him off from that course.
This isn't something he'd ever pictured when he'd first taken the other into his home, it's true. He'd never imagined kisses like these...ones that are simply gestures of affection. Kisses that aren't completely one-sided...that aren't full of lust. He's simply giving them to Agreas because he wants to kiss him, without any ulterior motive.
It's surprising just how content he feels with this too...and that he feels like he could get comfortable enough to fall asleep laying on the other like this. He rests his hand on Agreas's neck- his fingers gently curling around behind it, and rubbing small circles against it. But even then, there's not a trace of anything other than a surprising amount of tenderness.]
no subject
This is something he likes much more than the way things were before, anyway. Elijah lying on top of him like this with Agreas' hand idly running through the dark locks feels a little like how you would just lie around or play with a cat, and it manages to bring forth every single bit of fondness Agreas carries in himself.
It makes it a lot easier to tease Elijah too.. not because he was particularly afraid of the other before - he's never been. Even when Elijah was holding the blackmail over his head, and even when he punished Agreas for not obeying him, he was always more of an annoyance than a real frightening threat. Agreas doesn't get scared easily to begin with. No, the reason that it's easier to tease Elijah is since it's always coming from a sort of fondness when it's Agreas. He's not the type to go out of his way to interact with other people, so him teasing someone says just as much about how much he likes them as physical contact does.
He has to wait until Elijah has planted more of the kisses against his lips, but when the other finally gives them a moment to breathe, his lips are definitely curling up. It's not as smug as the other can be at times since it still seems very relaxed and laidback. Maybe since it's so comfortable to lie here like this with the other. ]
You're being so cute today.
[ He knows Elijah won't like hearing that. He isn't stupid, and he's learned to know the other well enough by now to know at least that much.. but he can't help himself in this case. Elijah really is being so cute, being so pouty and petulant and giving him these sweet kisses. Isn't he at least allowed to call out the truth of what he's seeing here right in front of him now?
At least he doesn't just leave the other to suffer the embarrassment of that statement. After running his hand a little through Elijah's hair again, he moves his head slightly this time to be the first to plant a quick kiss on Elijah's lips. Maybe just to stiffle the very first bits of a possible protest to what he said, even if he wouldn't be able to block it all. ]
no subject
But even all of those answers laid out together...it still doesn't feel right. Like it's not a complete answer, and some of the reasons are a mystery even to Elijah himself. Of course that makes sense...human emotions are always messy, and complicated...Maybe it would've been stranger if he could spell it all out easily. It sounds ridiculous, even to him, but more than anything else, Elijah simply felt drawn to him at first.
Love at first sight? ...No. He's not the type to believe in that...and he is the type that had to grow into love. If he had to guess, it's probably more to do with his own instincts. Like he knew, subconsciously, that Agreas was the one for him.
And look at just how right he ended up being. No one else could've drawn out this side of him. No one else could've even drawn out a small fraction of it.
Everything he feels for Agreas is completely fresh...a new experience he's never had before, and never would have with anyone other than him. He's very sure of that much, at least. But it still makes Elijah feel...inexperienced...and deeper down, it makes him feel a little bit helpless too. But surprisingly enough, Agreas is still the type of person he can trust enough so that it doesn't really bother him either. That's exactly why he can lay here like this- curled up on the other man's lap, kissing him so softly...acting so different from usual...and still feel comfortable with it.
Even if he might not be too happy about being called "cute" for it. A scowl starts to form on his face as soon as that word is out in the air, and then it's gone again as soon as Agreas's lips meet his own. But even a kiss won't stop him from looking a little bit sour afterwards.]
In what universe do you think I'd ever want to be called cute?
[It's clear enough that he's only mildly annoyed...exactly like he is whenever Agreas teases him like this. Still, he could never get genuinely mad over it. Elijah knows enough to acknowledge that, in a way, it's a small privilege to be teased by Agreas like this. So of course, he can't help but like that aspect of it.
He sighs a little and settles back down- pressing his face against Agreas's neck to rest there.]
I don't need to take this from the guy who falls asleep on a couch with a cat on top of him.
no subject
Maybe noticing the possibility for it is what made him fall in love with the other. It's hard to tell, honestly. But no matter what the initial reason was, it still made them turn out like this, and like this Agreas can say without a doubt that Elijah is cute. The kind of cute that makes him want to keep the other close to him like this and practically snuggle up on the couch here.
(He knows that's not the word Elijah would ever use for it, but it's the reality in Agreas' eyes, and the other will just have to suck it up. Even though he doesn't voice the thought out loud.)
Instead he settles for moving his hand back to gently move through Elijah's hair, just like it was playing with it before. ]
Is that so bad? [ Not to Agreas, anyway. Yeah, his looks might make him seem tough and all, and his usual faily disinterested attitude towards others helps it along, but Agreas knows what he is. And he isn't afraid to admit he's a guy that loves cuddling cute animals. What's the joy in life if you can't even have that much, anyway?
The amusement is still clearly audible in his tone.. but it's a content kind of amusement. Like he could really lie here like this for a fairly long time without feeling any inconvenience. ] I could stay like this for a while too, you know.
[ He doesn't necessarily mean to draw the parallel, but it's still true on some level that this is very much exactly like how Agreas was playing with the kitten lying on him until he fell asleep before. But now is he's petting the fur of a cute kitten, but instead pulling his hand lazily through Elijah's hair as the other buries his face against Agreas' neck. He might as well be an oversized cat to Agreas - he feels the same kind of fondness right now, anyway. ]
no subject
It's moments like these that really make him feel like he was the one trained by Agreas more than the other way around. But considering the way things are right now...he's content with that.
The Elijah who'd blackmailed Agreas and punished or rewarded him based on his behavior- that feels like a mindset he'd shifted out of almost completely. Not that he's an entirely different person now, but he knows he'd never be able to do anything to intentionally hurt Agreas ever again. Not ever. And while he can absolutely understand his past self...while he still thinks of Agreas as his, and wants to keep him all to himself...Elijah's still grateful for the change. He's grateful for all of this- even a small, peaceful moment like now...even if Agreas does end up bombarding him with cute words.
His head tilts into the other's hand a little bit, and he finds himself wishing again that he could be at least annoyed by it. Mostly because he's fairly certain he knows exactly what's going through the other's head after a comment like that. But he can't, and after a half-hearted groan, his voice comes out in a soft mumble right up against his lover's neck.]
No wonder that damn thing never gets off you.
[Aka...their kitten. The words sound way harsher than his tone, and it's obvious there's not actually anything malicious behind them at all. Honestly, he's mostly just phrasing it like that because there's no way he can just plainly say he's jealous of a cat.
Without waiting for a response, he presses his fingers softly against the other's neck- gently rubbing small, soothing circles against his skin. Even if he'll get made fun of a little more for it, it's fine. If Agreas is the one responsible for dragging out this side of him...then that means everything from that part of him belongs to Agreas too. Even this.]
no subject
Even if Elijah will always be Elijah, Agreas is well aware the other has grown softer in his own way. The situation they're currently in is enough proof of it. It's why he can't help but smile a little bit, even as Elijah softly complains. It's cute in its own way. Elijah is cute. Even now it's a slightly funny thought.
At least the other might be pleased to hear Agreas letting out a low hum at the way Elijah is rubbing against his neck. It feels nice, after all. He's never been particularly affectionate before, but he just enjoys being with the other like this. Just them. Just quietly, just softly.
He can't help but poke fun at the guy on top of him though. One might say it's revenge for everything that Elijah did to him before he had a - at least partial - change of heart, but it's honestly just since Agreas can't help himself. It's like when he sees a cute animal, he just has to pet it and play with it since his heart is too soft for them compared to how it is for most people. And somehow Elijah has just wormed himself straight into the cute animal category of his heart.
The man leans his head forward a little to press a soft kiss against Elijah's head - first his temple, and then trailing more to the side until he finds the other's earlobe with his lips, pressing his teeth against it just lightly before letting go, but sticking close. ]
I see someone else who isn't complaining about staying on top of me.
[ Aka the bigger black petulant cat that is lying on top of him right now. ]
no subject
Although...being compared to an animal probably wouldn't be his favorite thing in the world, by contrast. But if it can get him a moment like this, he could at least tolerate hearing it. Maybe that's because, even if it's through Agreas seeing some animal-like qualities in him, it still ends up with Agreas being able to treat him like this. Even when he normally doesn't get so close to humans.
Elijah still doesn't move his head, but he nestles a little more into the other's neck when he feels the kisses and the gentle bite on his earlobe. The hand on Agreas's neck moves to blindly run up along the side of his face, and then through his hair.]
You do have the makings of a decent pillow.
[If he's going to be teased, he can at least give some minor teasing back. And there's no denying that Agreas is very comfortable to lay on. It's exactly why he couldn't get up now, even if he tried.
Honestly, as much as Elijah likes this, he still loves the idea of Agreas laying on top of him too. The other man is taller, and it creates the sense of him being completely covered by a warm embrace...which is exactly why he won't ask for it plainly. But he's happy enough just staying exactly the way they are too.]
no subject
But like this.. he just loves all of this. Lying here with Elijah on top of him, gently touching him, teasing him just a little bit. Even though it's definitely not where he would ever have imagined himself being, he likes it. He always thought he'd just be by himself, never too interested in romance or anything of the sort and just content with fighting for the things he believed in. But by now he wouldn't give this up for the world. Living with Elijah like this is too nice to give it up for anything, for going back to the way he used to be. The kind of grumpy faces Elijah makes when the weather gets colder, the way Elijah sometimes suddenly touches him like he's either asking for attention or reaffirming that Agreas is really there with him.. it's all small things, but it's exactly the kind of stuff that makes Agreas' chest feel oddly light.
That's what it means to be in love, huh? It feels kind of ridiculous, but he likes it anyway. He feels a little ridiculous acting like this too, but it doesn't stop him from pressing a few more small kisses to the side of Elijah's head, happily humming in amusement at what the other is saying, before moving his head back down again to rest it against the couch and closing his eyes without actually falling asleep.
For a moment he just lies there silently, but then he slowly speaks up again. ]
Hey, Elijah. [ His hand moves across the other's back for a moment. ] If you could have anything right now, what would you want?
[ Not that the other hasn't made it very clear in the past what sort of stuff he expected from Agreas. But things have changed between the two of them since then - a lot - and he finds himself much more compelled to actually go the extra mile to help the other out now he isn't constantly forcing things Agreas doesn't want on him. (And part of it probably is still lingering after-effects from the training, but it's not like Agreas himself realises as much consciously.) ]
no subject
Being in love with another person...isn't something he'd ever pictured for himself either. Doing anything romantic, or going out of his way for someone, or...just anything to do with it. But now that he does have it, he wouldn't trade it for anything. He'd never go back to the way he was before...and he'd never want Agreas out of his life.
He actually laughs softly against Agreas's neck at the question. It's funny if only because he can remember how badly he would've wanted to hear that not too long ago...He still does like hearing it now, but...it feels so much lighter.]
Nothing...I have everything I want already. Really.
[Which is true, honestly, and it even sounds sincere when he says it. He's always been content living in this apartment on his own, with a freelance job...But now his life really feels fuller with Agreas in it. Agreas is all he could ever want or need....And it's made him feel even happier with the way things are too...even sharing the apartment with their little kitten.
Except he knows why Agreas would ask him something like that...and it makes him feel a little warmer just thinking of it. Enough that he's glad his face isn't in plain view right now, since it's still at least a little embarrassing. But it gives him that same feeling from when he'd noticed Agreas doing little favors for him before...even just helping him around the house, or giving him a jacket when he was cold. And if Agreas wants to do something now for him too, Elijah can't turn it down.]
But...if I had to come up with something, I guess... Maybe I'd like it if we could.....I don't know. Go somewhere together? On a trip, I mean. I don't really know where, but...It might be nice.
[For some reason it feels embarrassing as hell- almost like he's some blushing newlywed asking his partner where to go on their honeymoon. But he really doesn't need it. He'd be just as happy staying exactly where he is right now...just on the couch on top of Agreas.]
no subject
The next part makes him feel equally fond, and at least definitely not as embarrassed about it as Elijah feels right now. Ever since they've grown this close, Agreas hardly feels shame anymore at displays of affection - it's like once they broke through the barrier of him just thinking the other was an asshole and instead fell in love, all he wants to do at times like these when they're so close is display his affection for his grumpy kitten of a boyfriend. ]
Hmm. That'd be fun. [ Not that he doesn't agree with the sentiment that them staying like this is honestly just as great as them going somewhere far away or anything, but Agreas does like the idea of travelling. There's a lot of places he'd still like to see around the world, and although he always thought when he was younger that he'd just travel around the world someday by himself, by now he finds the idea of peeling himself away from Elijah for that long difficult. The other's training did have lingering effects, and feeling odd when Elijah isn't there is one of them, even though a big part of it is fuelled by love more than anything else by now.
Not that he intends to drag Elijah everywhere he wanted to go around the world.. he wouldn't do that to the other, at least. But making some trips together, just the two of them to some place where a lot of people might not even live.. he likes that thought. A lot. ]
Although we might want to avoid cold areas, huh?
[ Come on, he can't not make fun of Elijah when it comes to the other's disdain for the cold. It's not like Agreas likes the cold - although it's more like he's just indifferent to it, honestly - but the way Elijah starts grumping when the temperature starts dropping is oddly cute. And funny. It still makes him feel just as fond as anything else the other does, though, and it is true Agreas has sacrificed his jacket for Elijah plenty of times because of it. And it means he at least has enough common sense to not put the other through that kind of nightmare.
(His lips curve upward a little at the thought, though.) ]
no subject
Still, even as they're planning a trip together, and even though the thought of going somewhere cold makes his nose scrunch up in annoyance at the though, Elijah would still insist on going with him there too. The idea of Agreas going on a trip without him, even if he'd go by himself just...makes a twinge of jealousy pass through him.
Not because he's dying to go to some snow hell part of the world. It's simply that he wants to be wherever Agreas is...he doesn't want Agreas experiencing something major without him being there too. It's not like he can't ever handle being apart from him at all, but...that's more from a few hours to a couple of days at the most. When it's something that would be this much time? He'd endure the cold for it.
Elijah rolls his eyes though- knowing Agreas will never stop making fun of him for how much he hates the cold. Why wouldn't he hate it? Who likes being cold? The only thing even remotely good about it...is getting Agreas to warm him up.]
I could deal with it, if there's somewhere you really wanted to go.
[Except...maybe somewhere like the actual arctic. He'd have to legitimately bury himself in warm clothes.]
But I'd still definitely vote for someplace warmer for our first trip.
[Because there's no need to limit themselves to just one anyway, even if their second one couldn't be for a while...He likes the idea of looking forward to more of them.]
no subject
It's just way too cute. Honestly, it's almost ironic that Elijah was so intent on only showing his worst sides to Agreas at first and try to win him over with force when nothing could ever have worked as well as just having shown this from the start, just him being this cute. He's aware to a certain point though that his attitude towards Elijah isn't the only thing that's changed - Elijah himself has changed as well during their time together. He can't even imagine the Elijah who looked so smug whenever he knew he had the upper hand over Agreas being willing to cuddle with him on the couch like this.
The thought makes him pull the other a little closer against him. ]
I won't go anywhere you can't follow me without suffering. [ "Suffering" in the Elijah sort of way, anyway. Agreas rubs his nose against Elijah's head a little, like a small affectionate gesture that's way too soft for someone who looks the way Agreas does. ] Promise.
[ As funny as it would be, he's not actually going to drag his boyfriend over to the Artic. Elijah probably would never even want to get off the boat or plane. ]
I don't even want to think about how much you'd whine at me if I went off on my own.
[ Elijah is still possessive to that degree, anyway, and even though Agreas doesn't mind it, he's still aware of it. There's no way Elijah wouldn't clog up his phone's inbox with whiny messages about Agreas not being there - in a way that'd almost be kind of endearing to Agreas anyway. Elijah really acts like some sort of pet when you don't give him enough attention, maybe it's what Agreas ended up falling for with that soft spot in his heart for animals. ]