It should come as no surprise when the hours drag. Truly, they're blessed that the day started early, lest they be late for their own event. It's well after midday when a soft knocking comes from the door between their rooms.
"Are ya in, luv?" The words are just loud enough to carry through the wood.
While Vex has felt the time acutely, Vex put it to good use. By the time Sweeney returns, his wife has bathed and dressed (though in far more comfortable, less complicated clothing than the previous days), and she's had the time to sort through the herbs and delicacies that she brought with her, brewing elixirs for later use.
And setting aside wine for later.
She's seated on the floor in front of the fire rather unbecomingly when he arrives, cuddling close to Trinket, and nods to her maid to get the door.
"I'm here," she calls as the door open, and gives the bear another squish before she stands.
The bear makes a sound of protest, but doesn't stand with her.
He tips his head to the woman when she opens the door, but it's an instinctive response, more than a purposeful show of gratitude. Not that he isn't grateful. Sweeney's expression eases when he sees Vex, like he's wandered through the desert to get to the threshold, and she's got a full pitcher in her hands. His coronet has already been tossed on the bed, as he'd made his way across their room.
"I, um--" His gaze dips to Trinket, only for a moment, before it refocuses on her.
"Can I join you?" It's not hard to tell that he means both her and the bear.
Edited (Additional text) Date: 2026-01-31 06:15 am (UTC)
"Of course, darling." Vex extends her hand to him, offering him welcome. Trinket huffs, accepting as Sweeney comes close. The reception couldn't be called warm, but it's not hostile either. He allows the husband, grudgingly.
"Aelora, if you'd go for the time being. I'll send for you if we need anything."
Her tone is gentle, but Vex suspects her husband will want some privacy after his visit with his brother.
Sweeney sucks his lip as he steps over the threshold. Bowing his head respectfully to Trinket, he takes her hand, not that it's in any way required to get them to the bed. He just welcomes the connection.
Once he's seated on the edge of the bed, he waits silently for the maid to leave.
The maid bows and scurries out of the word without out another word, closing the door gently behind her. Vex holds his hand the whole while, before scooting closer to Sweeney.
"You were gone longer than I thought," she admits, concern pinching her brow. "How does it go?"
"You do not need to be formal with me. We are married now. What use is formality?" She speaks softly, encouraging. For all that this is very new, it's become clear to Vex that the pair of them are in this together.
"Tell me what happened? Or... what bothered you?"
She poses them as questions, suggestions rather than demands. Then, she gives him an alternative, in case he's not ready yet.
"I could tell you more about my cottage instead, if you rather."
By the time she's asking her questions, Sweeney already starting to twist, so his other hand can reach around to cradle her face towards him. He kisses her forehead softly, then rests his against it.
"That is quite the temptation," he whispers. But Sweeney knows there will be a good while still, before cottages can be properly indulged in. So, he wets his lip and talks of less enjoyable things.
"We spoke at length." Obviously, given how long he'd been gone.
"It's been made clear that I'll be needin' ta adjust some of the ways I do things; so I can serve properly. As Prince," he clarifies.
Free hand rising to touch his cheek, Vex leans into Sweeney's kiss. Her eyes close as she lets the affection sooth them both, even if it doesn't answer many questions.
"I don't suppose that means he is not sending you to fight again." That seems like a good change to make for a prince who's meant to be starting a new family.
His lips part, but shut again, unsure what he can say that will change the truth of things.
"Not...for a while." So yes; eventually, he will be called to serve, and he will answer it. Because of course, he fucking will. Sweeney looks to give her further clarification, on the rest.
"He would have me establish a more proper Court, now that it will have ta serve as more than an...outpost." Not that it's really that, but there is obviously little of the fancy and formal about, in the day to day.
It's clear from her tone she doesn't know exactly what that means—at least, not to Cormac. She knows what her father would consider a proper court, but the image that conjures doesn't seem at home here. She can't imagine Sweeney's friends engaging in the subtle, passive aggressive maneuvering of elves.
That makes him smile softly and nuzzle her nose with his, before he sits back to look at her more properly.
"Aye well...this ain't what it's normally like," Sweeney admits.
"All the fancy food an' garb, it's just...special occasion things." As one might have assumed, given his familiarity with his friends and 'staff'. He sucks his lip for a moment, and his eyes fall askew.
"But now that there'll be a princess in residence, that'd hardly do. I'd..." His brow crinkles as he looks for a good word.
"Be remiss?" Her brows rise and she looks utterly bewildered by the word. Not because she doesn't understand it, though perhaps the nuance isn't as clear to her as it is to him. It's the idea she'd be so delicate that startles her.
"Surely you don't think I need the pleasures of a court to occupy me."
Though his brother had seemed very put off the idea of her busying herself with herbs and mushrooms and hunting.
He presses his lips as his eyes seek hers. Sweeney gives a slight shake of his head.
"No. I don't think you need it." It's honest; he suspects she might be happier without it. A little cottage instead, perhaps. But at the end of the day, that doesn't matter.
"But you are due it, given yer station." Sweeney takes a slow breath.
"An'...that's what matters most. Appearances. That there be no doubt as ta the value my People put inta you an' yer happiness." His eyes rolls behind their lids, as if to chide himself.
"What would yer father say, you bein' left in a place so...common?"
Vex knows very well that her real happiness is no one's priority but her own and, perhaps shockingly, Sweeney's. Cormac isn't interested in her happiness. Neither is her father, though he'd deny it. Syldor is deeply invested in her being kept in a manner suited to her station, though. To do less would be an insult to her people... she's sure he would describe that as happiness, after a fashion. Cormac, she's still not sure of.
"It's true my father expected something a bit different when he first arranged the marriage." She expected another prince, one more likely to find himself on the throne one day.
That makes Sweeney's jaw flex, just a touch. It's enough of a reminder that, while what she says is true, it's not the Truth. He gives her hand a soft squeeze.
"Yer father accepted this," he corrects gently.
"You weren't meant ta be in this place." Sweeney forces a swallow, as his focus falls to the dip in her throat.
"You weren't meant ta be with me." It's just a fact, and one that he suspects her father resents, quite a bit.
"You were ta be set up in a grander estate an' with a clearer path." It makes his heart hurt to force the rest out.
"I'm simply the consolation fer yer father's efforts. I will need ta try twice as hard ta prove my worth as yer husband, as there are things I will ne'er be able ta give you." His eyes close as his voice drops to a whisper. "To our children."
Vex's expression falls. She can't very well argue with any of that. It's true that she'd been pushed aside, and while her father accepted the change as within the letter of the marriage contract, and a king's brother as still a plum enough prize, it is a different life than he imagined for her.
She's not sure how much courtly formalities would console him, though.
"Our children will have clear enough paths," Vex mutters. "Very well. Before you're sent away, we'll establish your court. With all the trappings a princess can lend it."
Since she assumes this is as much her new job as his.
He wants to believe her; that their children will safe and secure; but he can't be sure. Of course, they have to have them first, so he shouldn't be putting carts ahead of any horses.
Sweeney shifts his hand to cradle her chin, allowing him to draw his thumb over her lip.
"I'm grateful ta have you. An' yer help. Makin' me..." He's not sure of the idea, but he quirks a helpless smile, as he takes a shot in the dark.
"Darling... I do not think you need me to become honest." Her confusion shows, the idiom not quite clear. But she leans into his hand none the less. Her lips part under his thumb, her eyes fluttering faintly.
"You are not one to lie."
That much she's sure of after only a short time.
She'll have to lie for both of them, if it comes to it.
Her hands rise to frame Sweeney's face, anchoring herself as she brushes her lips against his lips again.
"This princess will do her best." She's not sure how good she'll be at it, but she does know she'll try. "Was that all that happened...? You were gone a long time to be given an edict to set up court."
Sweeney has to have faith. He feels so out of his depths, but knowing that she's there with him gives him a buoy to cling to. But her question puts a hint of darkness in his eyes, and he turns his head enough to keep her from seeing it.
"We discussed...what will change in my duties, an' what will stay the same." Sweeney presses his lips.
"We talked 'bout what generals might lead in my stead. To...buy some time fer us." His inflection suggests that it's not a clean solution.
Vex understands the implication. The time bought is time borrowed. Sweeney will be expected to return to his duties, and his duties will take him away from Vex.
She's very certain she will not be traveling with him, even if she volunteered.
"And how much time does he suspect that might be?"
"He has promised me I will have at least three months a year, unless we are under siege." That's far different than being on campaign. "Hopefully more, if things are goin' well."
"Three months in a year?" Vex's tone rises, clearly insulted by the answer. "So if you stay with me until summer, then I could expect you to be gone until after midwinter?"
That's barely time to get to know her new husband before he'll be gone for gods alone knew how long.
"But, no, answered like that I suppose I should have it in bits here and there—a month now, and a month for midsummer, then not again until Yule?"
Sweeney's lips part, wanting to clarify things early; not that the spacing makes anything ideal, but at least she won't have to go through multiple seasons without him. In the end, he doesn't need to, as she figures it out, on her own.
"Somethin' like that." Sweeney does what he can to put on a silver lining. "Though, it's the current intent that we will have at least a couple'a months now--" His eyes dip between them. "--ta see if we can get a seed ta take root." Given their vigorous efforts, he's hopeful that they'll succeed.
Vex's eyes drop too, meaningfully, as they lower to her belly. Her lips pinch into a pout, not exactly mollified by the suggestion, though the heat simmers down some. Sweeney won't have a wife who doesn't speak her mind, at least in private. (In public... she will do her best, though who's to say if she'll be able to bite her tongue all of the time)
The idea holds no less appeal for her now than before, stirring a touch of longing.
"Your brother's priorities seem to be at odds," she complains. "Especially with how he keeps calling you away to attend him when you might be tending me. And inviting himself over this evening. That doesn't leave us with all afternoon."
He wants to offer her comfort. He wants to offer her something. But she's not wrong; his brother is making the most of laying out hoops for Sweeney to jump through, in order to make him proud. To be Worthy. His eyes still find their way up to hers, and Sweeney nudges her nose with his.
"Not all afternoon," he agrees, before his brows lift with a bit of suggestion.
That nudge from his nose softens Vex's expression some, unable to resist the humor in it, or the encouragement. His willingness to make the most of their time.
She glances at Trinket, laying on the floor and watching them with judgmental, dark eyes.
"Absolutely not enough of it," she says, sure she won't be satisfied until she's had Sweeney to herself for several hours, even without the potions she brewed earlier. "But I suppose that's no reason we can't find some use for it... What did you have in mind?"
Sweeney doesn't need the reminder of their audience. He leans in to whisper against her ear.
"I was thinkin' we might retire--" From this room to the other. "--an' let ya see if you enjoy ridin'." He nuzzles her temple in brief intermission.
"Should keep me from crinklin' yer dress, while I make enough'a a mess of you that we have a secret ta share over drinks." Sweeney leans back to meet her eyes, his expression stretched in question.
"Then who am I ta deny my lady?" Sweeney twists a bit more so he can worm his hand under her knees. After, it becomes a two-part process; the first, to get her halfway onto his lap, but only so he can lift her with more confidence, when he stands.
He makes sure to tilt her back a bit to keep her against him when he crosses to the door. Opening it is a little difficult, but if she holds on to him, he can bend the needed amount to get it done.
She does hand onto him, curling close to her husband's body so he can navigate them more easily. It's... interesting, the sensation of being carried like this. Easier when there's not an audience, and she can simply let herself be cared for without worrying what others might see or think of her.
She laughs as Sweeney takes her in the next room, closing the door firmly behind them.
The bed has been laid right by servants in Sweeney's absence, making a fresh canvas for them to muss again.
In an effort to keep her dress as pristine as he's able, he carefully lays her out on one side of the bed, leaving the other half free.
With a dip for a quick kiss, Sweeney walks around to the empty side and plops down on the edge. It doesn't take long to realize that he's taking off his boots, as requested.
Such a civilized husband. Of course, it does slow things down but she's fairly sure she'll appreciate the effort. Besides, it gives her time to maneuver, hiking her skirts up and standing on her knees to crawl closer to him on the bed.
"You might have to help me a bit," she says as she drags the skirts across the bed, fanning out around her. "Figuring out how to do this."
Sweeney peeks over his shoulder at her, a quirk in his brow. He feels like it's relatively straightforward, but perhaps that's unfair of him to assume.
"Well--" He sets his second boot aside and stands, turning to face her. Sweeney takes the opportunity to move his coronet from the bed to the nightstand before shifting his hands to loosening his jerkin.
"--I figure I'll take off the rest'a my clothes, so we don't gotta worry 'bout messin' them. Then we'll get both'a us goin', then get ya straddlin' me an' properly seated." He makes a quick amendment. "Me on my back." Which he also assumed would be obvious, but who knows.
He assumes that they'll need a bit of time before getting to the actual fucking, given he's not even erect, so he can't imagine that she's slicked up enough to start taking him.
It is probably best not to assume, considering his lady's whole experience with this has been what she's had with him.
Though she wouldn't have expected him to be ready immediately. She doesn't think his appetite is so powerful, even as lusty as he's proved to be.
"I wondered about your clothes," she admits. It's clear they've been able to do this without him stripping down, but it does leave him vulnerable to getting... mussed. "Should I help you with them...?"
That's more of an offer than not knowing, her fingers reaching already.
Ah, the clothes bit makes sense. Sweeney nods slightly, as if to assure her of such, but when she reaches for him, he looks a bit surprised. Very pleasantly so.
"You don't gotta, by any means, but--" He wets his lip subconsciously.
"--I'd very much like it, if ya did."
Sweeney doesn't expect her to do all of it (unless she makes it apart that she wants to), but he also lifts his hands away, so she can have her choice of target.
"I didn't offer because I didn't want to," Vex says, her voice dropping. She goes up on her knees to claim a bit more height as she reaches for the the buttons on his jerkin, fingers flying over them deftly before she's pushing the garment back over his shoulders.
"Oh, no--" he murmurs, his brow immediately softening as he rests his hand over hers, to keep it against his chest.
"No, luv. Ya didn't do anythin' wrong." Sweeney offers the hint of a smile, meant in encouragement. "I just wanted ya ta understand why I didn't wanna assume yer question 'bout etiquette was an offer." His smile grows stronger.
"I want you ta be able ta ask 'bout things, without ya feelin' like it means yer agreein' ta anythin'."
The answer gives her a moment more of thought, turning it over. There are implications to language, always, and she wonders if perhaps her grasp of his tongue is failing her somewhat.
But her grasp of his is better than his of hers, which makes clarifying that way... potentially challenging.
In the end, she's left with another question: "Is there etiquette for the bedroom?"
OH. His lips make the silent shape as his brows lift; admittedly, this one is on him. Sweeney shakes his head tightly.
"I, um--" He isn't sure what to say to that.
"--not that I'm aware of. Though I'm guessin' that's different fer different folk." A purposeful swallow makes a brief intermission.
"I've never been one fer Rules with a capital R. I just--I try ta be..." What's a good word for it? "...courteous." Efforts are made to see a lass is primed before, and ideally, that she climaxes first. It's not a perfect system, but he does his best.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2026-01-31 04:55 am (UTC)"Are ya in, luv?" The words are just loud enough to carry through the wood.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-31 05:03 am (UTC)And setting aside wine for later.
She's seated on the floor in front of the fire rather unbecomingly when he arrives, cuddling close to Trinket, and nods to her maid to get the door.
"I'm here," she calls as the door open, and gives the bear another squish before she stands.
The bear makes a sound of protest, but doesn't stand with her.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-31 06:14 am (UTC)"I, um--" His gaze dips to Trinket, only for a moment, before it refocuses on her.
"Can I join you?" It's not hard to tell that he means both her and the bear.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-31 06:51 am (UTC)"Aelora, if you'd go for the time being. I'll send for you if we need anything."
Her tone is gentle, but Vex suspects her husband will want some privacy after his visit with his brother.
"Sit with me on the bed."
no subject
Date: 2026-01-31 07:14 am (UTC)Once he's seated on the edge of the bed, he waits silently for the maid to leave.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-31 07:26 am (UTC)"You were gone longer than I thought," she admits, concern pinching her brow. "How does it go?"
no subject
Date: 2026-01-31 07:41 am (UTC)"I dunno," Sweeney admits, letting his breath slowly escape.
"I just..." His eyes press shut, as he tries to restrain his thought into something he can get away with saying out loud.
"I think I'm just ready fer tomorrow. This...formality is wearin' on me."
Among other things.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-31 07:55 am (UTC)"Tell me what happened? Or... what bothered you?"
She poses them as questions, suggestions rather than demands. Then, she gives him an alternative, in case he's not ready yet.
"I could tell you more about my cottage instead, if you rather."
no subject
Date: 2026-01-31 08:09 am (UTC)"That is quite the temptation," he whispers. But Sweeney knows there will be a good while still, before cottages can be properly indulged in. So, he wets his lip and talks of less enjoyable things.
"We spoke at length." Obviously, given how long he'd been gone.
"It's been made clear that I'll be needin' ta adjust some of the ways I do things; so I can serve properly. As Prince," he clarifies.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-31 08:22 am (UTC)"I don't suppose that means he is not sending you to fight again." That seems like a good change to make for a prince who's meant to be starting a new family.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-31 08:28 am (UTC)"Not...for a while." So yes; eventually, he will be called to serve, and he will answer it. Because of course, he fucking will. Sweeney looks to give her further clarification, on the rest.
"He would have me establish a more proper Court, now that it will have ta serve as more than an...outpost." Not that it's really that, but there is obviously little of the fancy and formal about, in the day to day.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-31 08:43 am (UTC)It's clear from her tone she doesn't know exactly what that means—at least, not to Cormac. She knows what her father would consider a proper court, but the image that conjures doesn't seem at home here. She can't imagine Sweeney's friends engaging in the subtle, passive aggressive maneuvering of elves.
"It has not seemed so bad to me."
no subject
Date: 2026-01-31 08:49 am (UTC)"Aye well...this ain't what it's normally like," Sweeney admits.
"All the fancy food an' garb, it's just...special occasion things." As one might have assumed, given his familiarity with his friends and 'staff'. He sucks his lip for a moment, and his eyes fall askew.
"But now that there'll be a princess in residence, that'd hardly do. I'd..." His brow crinkles as he looks for a good word.
"...be remiss, leavin' you in such a situation."
no subject
Date: 2026-01-31 08:57 am (UTC)"Surely you don't think I need the pleasures of a court to occupy me."
Though his brother had seemed very put off the idea of her busying herself with herbs and mushrooms and hunting.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-31 09:06 am (UTC)"No. I don't think you need it." It's honest; he suspects she might be happier without it. A little cottage instead, perhaps. But at the end of the day, that doesn't matter.
"But you are due it, given yer station." Sweeney takes a slow breath.
"An'...that's what matters most. Appearances. That there be no doubt as ta the value my People put inta you an' yer happiness." His eyes rolls behind their lids, as if to chide himself.
"What would yer father say, you bein' left in a place so...common?"
no subject
Date: 2026-01-31 09:15 am (UTC)"It's true my father expected something a bit different when he first arranged the marriage." She expected another prince, one more likely to find himself on the throne one day.
"But they both agreed to this."
no subject
Date: 2026-01-31 09:29 am (UTC)"Yer father accepted this," he corrects gently.
"You weren't meant ta be in this place." Sweeney forces a swallow, as his focus falls to the dip in her throat.
"You weren't meant ta be with me." It's just a fact, and one that he suspects her father resents, quite a bit.
"You were ta be set up in a grander estate an' with a clearer path." It makes his heart hurt to force the rest out.
"I'm simply the consolation fer yer father's efforts. I will need ta try twice as hard ta prove my worth as yer husband, as there are things I will ne'er be able ta give you." His eyes close as his voice drops to a whisper. "To our children."
no subject
Date: 2026-01-31 07:06 pm (UTC)She's not sure how much courtly formalities would console him, though.
"Our children will have clear enough paths," Vex mutters. "Very well. Before you're sent away, we'll establish your court. With all the trappings a princess can lend it."
Since she assumes this is as much her new job as his.
no subject
Date: 2026-02-01 04:52 am (UTC)Sweeney shifts his hand to cradle her chin, allowing him to draw his thumb over her lip.
"I'm grateful ta have you. An' yer help. Makin' me..." He's not sure of the idea, but he quirks a helpless smile, as he takes a shot in the dark.
"...an honest man."
no subject
Date: 2026-02-01 05:09 am (UTC)"You are not one to lie."
That much she's sure of after only a short time.
She'll have to lie for both of them, if it comes to it.
"It will make you a good prince."
no subject
Date: 2026-02-02 05:53 am (UTC)"Havin' a good princess will make me that."
no subject
Date: 2026-02-02 06:04 am (UTC)"This princess will do her best." She's not sure how good she'll be at it, but she does know she'll try. "Was that all that happened...? You were gone a long time to be given an edict to set up court."
no subject
Date: 2026-02-02 06:33 am (UTC)"We discussed...what will change in my duties, an' what will stay the same." Sweeney presses his lips.
"We talked 'bout what generals might lead in my stead. To...buy some time fer us." His inflection suggests that it's not a clean solution.
no subject
Date: 2026-02-02 06:38 am (UTC)She's very certain she will not be traveling with him, even if she volunteered.
"And how much time does he suspect that might be?"
no subject
Date: 2026-02-02 06:48 am (UTC)"He has promised me I will have at least three months a year, unless we are under siege." That's far different than being on campaign. "Hopefully more, if things are goin' well."
Then others can stand in for him.
no subject
Date: 2026-02-02 06:52 am (UTC)That's barely time to get to know her new husband before he'll be gone for gods alone knew how long.
"But, no, answered like that I suppose I should have it in bits here and there—a month now, and a month for midsummer, then not again until Yule?"
no subject
Date: 2026-02-02 07:07 am (UTC)"Somethin' like that." Sweeney does what he can to put on a silver lining. "Though, it's the current intent that we will have at least a couple'a months now--" His eyes dip between them. "--ta see if we can get a seed ta take root." Given their vigorous efforts, he's hopeful that they'll succeed.
no subject
Date: 2026-02-02 07:14 am (UTC)The idea holds no less appeal for her now than before, stirring a touch of longing.
"Your brother's priorities seem to be at odds," she complains. "Especially with how he keeps calling you away to attend him when you might be tending me. And inviting himself over this evening. That doesn't leave us with all afternoon."
no subject
Date: 2026-02-02 07:24 am (UTC)"Not all afternoon," he agrees, before his brows lift with a bit of suggestion.
"But perhaps enough'a it?"
no subject
Date: 2026-02-02 07:32 am (UTC)She glances at Trinket, laying on the floor and watching them with judgmental, dark eyes.
"Absolutely not enough of it," she says, sure she won't be satisfied until she's had Sweeney to herself for several hours, even without the potions she brewed earlier. "But I suppose that's no reason we can't find some use for it... What did you have in mind?"
no subject
Date: 2026-02-02 07:55 am (UTC)"I was thinkin' we might retire--" From this room to the other. "--an' let ya see if you enjoy ridin'." He nuzzles her temple in brief intermission.
"Should keep me from crinklin' yer dress, while I make enough'a a mess of you that we have a secret ta share over drinks." Sweeney leans back to meet her eyes, his expression stretched in question.
no subject
Date: 2026-02-02 07:58 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-02-02 08:09 am (UTC)"Would...that please you?" Sweeney asks with mock innocence.
no subject
Date: 2026-02-02 08:11 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-02-02 08:27 am (UTC)"Then who am I ta deny my lady?" Sweeney twists a bit more so he can worm his hand under her knees. After, it becomes a two-part process; the first, to get her halfway onto his lap, but only so he can lift her with more confidence, when he stands.
He makes sure to tilt her back a bit to keep her against him when he crosses to the door. Opening it is a little difficult, but if she holds on to him, he can bend the needed amount to get it done.
no subject
Date: 2026-02-02 08:33 am (UTC)She laughs as Sweeney takes her in the next room, closing the door firmly behind them.
The bed has been laid right by servants in Sweeney's absence, making a fresh canvas for them to muss again.
no subject
Date: 2026-02-02 07:19 pm (UTC)With a dip for a quick kiss, Sweeney walks around to the empty side and plops down on the edge. It doesn't take long to realize that he's taking off his boots, as requested.
no subject
Date: 2026-02-02 07:38 pm (UTC)"You might have to help me a bit," she says as she drags the skirts across the bed, fanning out around her. "Figuring out how to do this."
no subject
Date: 2026-02-02 07:46 pm (UTC)"Well--" He sets his second boot aside and stands, turning to face her. Sweeney takes the opportunity to move his coronet from the bed to the nightstand before shifting his hands to loosening his jerkin.
"--I figure I'll take off the rest'a my clothes, so we don't gotta worry 'bout messin' them. Then we'll get both'a us goin', then get ya straddlin' me an' properly seated." He makes a quick amendment. "Me on my back." Which he also assumed would be obvious, but who knows.
He assumes that they'll need a bit of time before getting to the actual fucking, given he's not even erect, so he can't imagine that she's slicked up enough to start taking him.
no subject
Date: 2026-02-02 07:55 pm (UTC)Though she wouldn't have expected him to be ready immediately. She doesn't think his appetite is so powerful, even as lusty as he's proved to be.
"I wondered about your clothes," she admits. It's clear they've been able to do this without him stripping down, but it does leave him vulnerable to getting... mussed. "Should I help you with them...?"
That's more of an offer than not knowing, her fingers reaching already.
no subject
Date: 2026-02-02 08:22 pm (UTC)"You don't gotta, by any means, but--" He wets his lip subconsciously.
"--I'd very much like it, if ya did."
Sweeney doesn't expect her to do all of it (unless she makes it apart that she wants to), but he also lifts his hands away, so she can have her choice of target.
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Date: 2026-02-02 09:14 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-02-03 04:00 am (UTC)"If ya ask me if ya should, I'm not gonna assume that means yer offerin'," Sweeney notes gently.
"Ya asked fer some help through the process, so I'm gonna assume yer askin' ta learn." He brow lifts, silently inquiring if that makes sense.
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Date: 2026-02-03 04:48 am (UTC)"Was that wrong?"
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Date: 2026-02-03 06:07 am (UTC)"No, luv. Ya didn't do anythin' wrong." Sweeney offers the hint of a smile, meant in encouragement. "I just wanted ya ta understand why I didn't wanna assume yer question 'bout etiquette was an offer." His smile grows stronger.
"I want you ta be able ta ask 'bout things, without ya feelin' like it means yer agreein' ta anythin'."
no subject
Date: 2026-02-03 06:29 am (UTC)But her grasp of his is better than his of hers, which makes clarifying that way... potentially challenging.
In the end, she's left with another question: "Is there etiquette for the bedroom?"
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Date: 2026-02-03 07:33 am (UTC)"I, um--" He isn't sure what to say to that.
"--not that I'm aware of. Though I'm guessin' that's different fer different folk." A purposeful swallow makes a brief intermission.
"I've never been one fer Rules with a capital R. I just--I try ta be..." What's a good word for it? "...courteous." Efforts are made to see a lass is primed before, and ideally, that she climaxes first. It's not a perfect system, but he does his best.
no subject
Date: 2026-02-03 07:40 am (UTC)"Only you. So... it's only courtesy for you that I'm interested in."