[ He sighs, appreciating the contact. He never used to crave it before the monastery, before teaching and starting to care. Now it feels comforting. He never really even needed comfort much before, either.
The title does manage a soft smile from him, a little chuff of amusement. ]
Thank you. I know that's a lot to go through, even just learning about it is trying. I can't imagine living through it in real time.
You no longer have to bear the weight of this alone, though.
Huhm. Very like Hubert to be that thorough. At least he had a backup plan.
Still, I'm sorry that all of that fell on your shoulders. I hope I was- rather. I hope the Byleth you knew was supportive at least.
[ The next round of drinks comes, and he wastes no time in downing the second one. It's sweet, it tastes good. He doesn't really consider the alcohol content. How much could there really be? ]
[He very much does not expect Teach to chug the second glass but he does and Claude makes a point to drink his own a little faster. Not that... it's nearly as impressive as what Byleth has. One shot of gin and some lemonade is nothing compared to a long island iced tea.
He shifts in the booth a little, still clinging to Byleth's hand but reaching up to put a hand on his shoulder as well, worried that all that liquor is going to catch up with him abruptly.]
He was. No less supportive than I'm sure you've been for Dimitri... and he needed you more than me. I'm glad you were able to bring him back.
Things... didn't work out well for him, for any of them, without you.
[ So far, impressively, Byleth seems starkly lucid. Like he hasn't had a single drink. He does fix Claude with a rather grim look. ]
Yes I... I heard. I honestly hate the thought of any of you- [ Dying. But he's waving the waitress over and ordering another one of those "long land" drinks, as he calls it. ]
It's... Long Island Iced Tea. There's not actually any tea in it, I don't get it either.
[He actually releases Byleth's hand, shifting instead to link their arms together and trail his fingers soothingly over the back of his hand. Concern evident through the sync, worry he shouldn't have said so much, sorrow that he's caused Byleth pain, a quiet little heartache of longing and loneliness that he does his best to smother.]
And there's three shots in each glass, Teach. I know you're sort of a god but... you might want to pace yourself.
They shouldn't call it tea if it's not tea. That's misleading.
[ Good to see Claude shares his sentiments on that. The contact is appreciated, and he makes it evident, pressing into it faintly. Despite everything, he still radiates comfort, the idea that he always was, always will be, right there. ]
Three shots, huh? [ He's already working on his third now, and while he does slow down, it still doesn't last long. ]
I suppose that is a lot, but I'm sure I'll be fine.
[ He looks fine certainly, he even sounds fine.
Until he's abruptly, without warning, face down on the table. ]
[Claude shrugs a little and lets Byleth carry on. Surely Teach knows his own.... lim...its....
..........
Oh dear.
It takes a few moments, Claude has to flag down the waitress, ask for containers to take all the food home and for the bill. While he waits he makes a point of arranging Byleth so he won't be uncomfortable, shrugging out of his jacket and folding it gently beneath his head. And if he lingers a moment, watching his professor, carefully brushing mint strands out of his face, maybe even brushing his knuckles across one flushed cheek, no one needs to know.
In the end he needs the waitress' assistance, able to scoop Byleth up in his arms easily enough, keeping his head nestled on his shoulder, but carrying the food? That will be delivered back to his apartment later this evening. He has to steal Byleth's phone for a minute to check his address but it's not too far from the entrance to the Underground and Claude has the speed and agility of Amethyst to assist him. Still it takes some time to get there, unwilling to move too quickly lest he wake Byleth.]
I... probably shouldn't have told you all of that in one go, huh Teach? [Tilting his head briefly, leaning his cheek against the other man's hair, an affectionate little nuzzle.] It's not fair, putting all of that on you. I know that. You... you probably have all your own issues to deal with from the Lions...
Gods, Teach, I just... missed you so much. [A heavy sigh before he falls quiet again until they get to Byleth's apartment. It's a bit of a struggle, getting in without disrupting Byleth, but he manages without too much jostling. The door he kicks shut behind them, heading straight for the bedroom to lay his professor down.]
[ He's not completely out. Words and feelings drift through his head, Claude is speaking kindly to him. He feels himself be carried, and he feels the dip of the bed under him as he's laid down. ]
Hmmmnnn. [ The soft sound is all he can manage in response to Claude for the first moment, but as he's deposited, his hand stays on the man's wrist, intent to keep him there, at least for now. ]
Uhhhh? [ The room spins when he opens his eyes, so he just closes them again. ] Stay.
[He blinks down at the professor, startled when he actually responds. Oh shit, was he awake???
But he barely blinks, mumbles and clings and Claude sighs a little, fond exasperation this time. Gently he scoots Byleth over toward the middle of the bed, carefully extracting his wrist so he can at least pull Byleth's boots off.]
Okay, Teach... alright... Just lemme get these-
[He doesn't expect the other man to really hear the words, just does his best to keep his tone soothing and reassuring. He kicks his own shoes off and then settles on the edge of the bed, stiff and uncertain but keeping a hand on Byleth's, thumb stroking over his knuckles lightly.]
[ The contact is nice, it seems to quiet him down enough that he lays still for the next several minutes while Claude settles. He's still half-awake at least though, as he pulls Claude closer, shockingly strong actually, his arms circle around the man's waist. ]
[Claude gasps a little when Byleth drags him closer, surprised by the action, not at all by his strength. This is Teach after all. But with the other man wrapped around him there's not much he can do but lean into it so it's not too uncomfortable. To find a way to nestle against him.
And hopefully the hammering of his heart will not be too obvious or the way his insides turn to jelly at the closeness or the hopeful, painful little spike of want that echoes across the sync that Claude most certainly does not have the wherewithal to deny.
One arm drapes over Byleth in return and the fingers of the other, tucked up under them, toy with the longer strands of his hair absently, voice barely a murmur.]
[ Ahh this is nice. Cozy. Claude is soft and warm, and after the acute amount of alcohol Byleth has consumed, it's nice to have someone there. He presses into him, tucking his face against Claude's neck. ]
You'd be okay. [ He mumbles in reply, hazily rubbing his forehead against his rough beard. ]
[Would he? Was he? Didn't the very fact that he'd come here equipped with half a dozen weapons while simply basking in the desert sun on his own damn balcony say a lot about how okay he was not. Leaving Byleth had easily been the hardest thing he's ever had to do...
How would he possibly have the strength to do it again?
Worries for when he wasn't curled up in the professor's bed, wasn't holding him, didn't have to listen to him be so certain of his abilities. How could Byleth trust in him like that? Especially this Byleth...
But he burrows against him, insists and rubs against him and Claude may not have the excuse of nearly as much alcohol but he did slam three shots of his own back to back. (Like hell he was wasting the other two glasses. No he'd downed those before they left.) It's no wonder, then, that Byleth mumbles that assurance and a moment later Claude has pulled him in tight against him, lifted him up a little, tangled his fingers in Byleth's hair and captured his lips in a firm kiss.]
[ It's a surprise, and it does well to wake Byleth up a bit more thoroughly. He's still hazy, but he's certainly at least aware of what's happening. So that's how it is, then...
He wonders what kind of relationship Claude had with his own professor. Still, he melts into it, pressing back, happy to enjoy the contact and affection. He hums against Claude's lips, parting his own for the man should he so desire. He's too inebriated to care about the consequences of this- it simply feels good, and Claude is certainly attractive in more ways than one. ]
[Consequences are something of Claude's forte and yet in the moment he doesn't have the presence of mind to stop this, scold himself for being reckless, for doing precisely what he said he wasn't going to do. It wasn't fair to Byleth, not when he didn't know who he was or what he'd be getting into. He couldn't tell him and still walk away... but suddenly, here, there was nowhere left for him to run to.
And Byleth was so warm against him, even if he knew some of it was the drink.
For possibly the first time in his life, consequences be damned, Claude simply... allows himself to have something he wants. The one thing he's wanted for so long. He chases that offering, tongue eager to chase the lingering sweetness of the drink on Byleth's own. Fingers curve into pale hair to hold him close, a soft, needy sound escaping against his mouth, something that might have sounded broken if not for the way he clutches at Byleth, pressing into him enough to threaten to spill the professor onto his back with Claude above him. Threatening much, much worse ideas than a reckless and magnificent kiss.]
[ He's clumsy like this, but this feels so, so good. There's that distant voice, muffled by alcohol that warns that this is going to complicate things a great deal. Byleth has always been something of a hedonist though, in that regard. Do what feels good, but do no harm, in moderation. He's not entirely sure if Claude might regret things.. but his inhibitions are drastically lowered. He's still a mercenary at heart in some ways, not exactly a bastion of ethics in and of himself.
He mingles their tongues together and allows himself to flop back, pulling Claude with him, hands stumbling their way up to his hair, tugging at it, demanding. ]
[Oh it will certainly complicate things but that is a concern for tomorrow. For now he throws himself into the kiss as readily as Byleth does, deep and searching and so, so good. Especially when Byleth's fingers catch in his hair, urging him closer.
In a moment he's sprawled out over the professor, barely supporting himself on one elbow above him. Inexperienced in this as he is, though, he has to break the kiss after a moment to gasp in a breath against Byleth's lips. One ragged breath, another kiss, another panted breath and then he's claiming the other's mouth again. Hungry and wanting and unexpectedly impatient.
[ The urgency there is so stark, and Byleth's fingers drag down Claude's back gently, soothing. Even drunk as he is, he still tries to slow things down a little. Allow them to savor that pleasant hazy buzz and the taste of each other. ]
Easy, easy.
[ He mumbles between kisses, hooking a leg over Claude's to coax him to lay flush against him and soak in the warmth. ]
[There's a conflicted moment there where Claude's not entirely sure which way to lean. Easy, slow, something to ease back from as Byleth's words suggest... or something he should press closer and chase after more of which is very much what the leg wrapped around him seems to imply. In the end he reluctantly eases back to softer, chaste kisses, even as a hand curves around Byleth's thigh, keeping the professor close against him.]
T-Teach... [Just a little bit lost, though not so much that he can keep himself from kissing Byleth again for more than the span of a heartbeat.] I-
You... are drunk. [A reminder to himself as much as to Byleth, a faint shake of his head. He shouldn't be here. He shouldn't be doing this, especially not right now. Ah but he doesn't actually make any move to pull himself away. Not when Byleth is warm and solid beneath him.]
[ Byleth chases his mouth for a moment, dropping his head back to the pillow though when Claude starts to speak. ]
I've had worse. [ He says in regards to the drunkness. ] So are you.
[ He would later admit though, he was definitely absolutely drunk, but the alcohol plies his more practical senses and so does the hard on that Claude can probably feel pressed against his leg. ]
Mmmm. We don't have to- we can just. Like this. Sleep. You know?
[Repeated back incredulously, that familiar mischievous glint in his eye shifting to something far more wicked, something that makes his lips curl into a smirk even as his breath rushes out in stuttering pants. Because he absolutely can feel Byleth against him, in fact he rocks down, presses their bodies a little more firmly together, makes it clear that he is just as eager.
As much as he is aware that.... this is probably a bad idea it's harder to care by the moment. Especially when Byleth is trying not to push, to be conscientious when he knows damn well the slightest request would have Claude doing precisely what he wants.
He ducks his head, this time letting his lips trail along Byleth's jaw to nip and kiss at his throat, unable to help grinding against him once more.]
[ He can't really argue with that. Well. He can, but he doesn't want to. Claude feels so damn good against him like this. He leans back, letting the man's lips press to his throat, a small moan rising in his chest that bubbles into a soft chuckle. ]
I guess we can do something else then.
[ Goddess he's pretty. A hand slips up under the hem of his shirt, fingers lightly dragging over his belly teasingly. ]
[Byleth's fingers will find the lines of crystal embedded in his skin there, low on his belly, just peeking above the waistband of his pants. The amplified jolt of emotion and sensation that comes with the direct contact with his gem has him collapsing over Byleth again. His mouth works down the line of the professor's throat, one hand still holding tight to Byleth's thigh, inching down dangerously close to his ass.]
Yes.
[A muffled groan against his skin as Claude worms his other hand in under Byleth's shirt as well, broad hand splaying over the small of his back. He coaxes the other man to arch his back, to press their bodies more firmly together, to savor the grind of them, hard and wanting against one another.]
[ He moans as Claude dives back into things, arching obediently for him, letting their bodies fit together as he starts to pull Claude's shirt up. His fingers trace up the man's sides and over his chest.
The affirmation is good. Yes. Good. They both want this, then. He pulls Claude up for another hungry kiss and ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Date: 2021-03-16 02:24 am (UTC)The title does manage a soft smile from him, a little chuff of amusement. ]
Thank you. I know that's a lot to go through, even just learning about it is trying. I can't imagine living through it in real time.
You no longer have to bear the weight of this alone, though.
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Date: 2021-03-16 03:43 am (UTC)Believe it or not... most of that was all dropped on us after we took Enbarr.
[His own huff of amusement, a strange little twist of respect and affection that might surprise Byleth.]
Hubert left us the location of Shambhala in a letter... y'know, just in case we won.
It was a rough month.
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Date: 2021-03-17 02:59 am (UTC)Still, I'm sorry that all of that fell on your shoulders. I hope I was- rather. I hope the Byleth you knew was supportive at least.
[ The next round of drinks comes, and he wastes no time in downing the second one. It's sweet, it tastes good. He doesn't really consider the alcohol content. How much could there really be? ]
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Date: 2021-03-17 03:58 am (UTC)He shifts in the booth a little, still clinging to Byleth's hand but reaching up to put a hand on his shoulder as well, worried that all that liquor is going to catch up with him abruptly.]
He was. No less supportive than I'm sure you've been for Dimitri... and he needed you more than me. I'm glad you were able to bring him back.
Things... didn't work out well for him, for any of them, without you.
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Date: 2021-03-17 11:59 pm (UTC)Yes I... I heard. I honestly hate the thought of any of you- [ Dying. But he's waving the waitress over and ordering another one of those "long land" drinks, as he calls it. ]
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Date: 2021-03-18 03:51 am (UTC)[He actually releases Byleth's hand, shifting instead to link their arms together and trail his fingers soothingly over the back of his hand. Concern evident through the sync, worry he shouldn't have said so much, sorrow that he's caused Byleth pain, a quiet little heartache of longing and loneliness that he does his best to smother.]
And there's three shots in each glass, Teach. I know you're sort of a god but... you might want to pace yourself.
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Date: 2021-03-19 12:44 am (UTC)[ Good to see Claude shares his sentiments on that. The contact is appreciated, and he makes it evident, pressing into it faintly. Despite everything, he still radiates comfort, the idea that he always was, always will be, right there. ]
Three shots, huh? [ He's already working on his third now, and while he does slow down, it still doesn't last long. ]
I suppose that is a lot, but I'm sure I'll be fine.
[ He looks fine certainly, he even sounds fine.
Until he's abruptly, without warning, face down on the table. ]
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Date: 2021-03-20 03:01 pm (UTC)..........
Oh dear.
It takes a few moments, Claude has to flag down the waitress, ask for containers to take all the food home and for the bill. While he waits he makes a point of arranging Byleth so he won't be uncomfortable, shrugging out of his jacket and folding it gently beneath his head. And if he lingers a moment, watching his professor, carefully brushing mint strands out of his face, maybe even brushing his knuckles across one flushed cheek, no one needs to know.
In the end he needs the waitress' assistance, able to scoop Byleth up in his arms easily enough, keeping his head nestled on his shoulder, but carrying the food? That will be delivered back to his apartment later this evening. He has to steal Byleth's phone for a minute to check his address but it's not too far from the entrance to the Underground and Claude has the speed and agility of Amethyst to assist him. Still it takes some time to get there, unwilling to move too quickly lest he wake Byleth.]
I... probably shouldn't have told you all of that in one go, huh Teach? [Tilting his head briefly, leaning his cheek against the other man's hair, an affectionate little nuzzle.] It's not fair, putting all of that on you. I know that. You... you probably have all your own issues to deal with from the Lions...
Gods, Teach, I just... missed you so much. [A heavy sigh before he falls quiet again until they get to Byleth's apartment. It's a bit of a struggle, getting in without disrupting Byleth, but he manages without too much jostling. The door he kicks shut behind them, heading straight for the bedroom to lay his professor down.]
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Date: 2021-03-21 01:05 am (UTC)Hmmmnnn. [ The soft sound is all he can manage in response to Claude for the first moment, but as he's deposited, his hand stays on the man's wrist, intent to keep him there, at least for now. ]
Uhhhh? [ The room spins when he opens his eyes, so he just closes them again. ] Stay.
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Date: 2021-03-21 04:03 am (UTC)But he barely blinks, mumbles and clings and Claude sighs a little, fond exasperation this time. Gently he scoots Byleth over toward the middle of the bed, carefully extracting his wrist so he can at least pull Byleth's boots off.]
Okay, Teach... alright... Just lemme get these-
[He doesn't expect the other man to really hear the words, just does his best to keep his tone soothing and reassuring. He kicks his own shoes off and then settles on the edge of the bed, stiff and uncertain but keeping a hand on Byleth's, thumb stroking over his knuckles lightly.]
You just rest.
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Date: 2021-03-21 10:25 pm (UTC)Hnnhhh. Stay.
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Date: 2021-03-21 11:34 pm (UTC)And hopefully the hammering of his heart will not be too obvious or the way his insides turn to jelly at the closeness or the hopeful, painful little spike of want that echoes across the sync that Claude most certainly does not have the wherewithal to deny.
One arm drapes over Byleth in return and the fingers of the other, tucked up under them, toy with the longer strands of his hair absently, voice barely a murmur.]
What am I supposed to do without you?
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Date: 2021-03-22 05:55 pm (UTC)You'd be okay. [ He mumbles in reply, hazily rubbing his forehead against his rough beard. ]
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Date: 2021-03-23 06:21 pm (UTC)How would he possibly have the strength to do it again?
Worries for when he wasn't curled up in the professor's bed, wasn't holding him, didn't have to listen to him be so certain of his abilities. How could Byleth trust in him like that? Especially this Byleth...
But he burrows against him, insists and rubs against him and Claude may not have the excuse of nearly as much alcohol but he did slam three shots of his own back to back. (Like hell he was wasting the other two glasses. No he'd downed those before they left.) It's no wonder, then, that Byleth mumbles that assurance and a moment later Claude has pulled him in tight against him, lifted him up a little, tangled his fingers in Byleth's hair and captured his lips in a firm kiss.]
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Date: 2021-03-23 11:14 pm (UTC)He wonders what kind of relationship Claude had with his own professor. Still, he melts into it, pressing back, happy to enjoy the contact and affection. He hums against Claude's lips, parting his own for the man should he so desire. He's too inebriated to care about the consequences of this- it simply feels good, and Claude is certainly attractive in more ways than one. ]
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Date: 2021-03-24 12:29 am (UTC)And Byleth was so warm against him, even if he knew some of it was the drink.
For possibly the first time in his life, consequences be damned, Claude simply... allows himself to have something he wants. The one thing he's wanted for so long. He chases that offering, tongue eager to chase the lingering sweetness of the drink on Byleth's own. Fingers curve into pale hair to hold him close, a soft, needy sound escaping against his mouth, something that might have sounded broken if not for the way he clutches at Byleth, pressing into him enough to threaten to spill the professor onto his back with Claude above him. Threatening much, much worse ideas than a reckless and magnificent kiss.]
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Date: 2021-03-24 02:51 am (UTC)He mingles their tongues together and allows himself to flop back, pulling Claude with him, hands stumbling their way up to his hair, tugging at it, demanding. ]
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Date: 2021-03-24 05:51 pm (UTC)In a moment he's sprawled out over the professor, barely supporting himself on one elbow above him. Inexperienced in this as he is, though, he has to break the kiss after a moment to gasp in a breath against Byleth's lips. One ragged breath, another kiss, another panted breath and then he's claiming the other's mouth again. Hungry and wanting and unexpectedly impatient.
He's waited long enough.]
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Date: 2021-03-25 01:31 am (UTC)Easy, easy.
[ He mumbles between kisses, hooking a leg over Claude's to coax him to lay flush against him and soak in the warmth. ]
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Date: 2021-03-26 07:47 pm (UTC)T-Teach... [Just a little bit lost, though not so much that he can keep himself from kissing Byleth again for more than the span of a heartbeat.] I-
You... are drunk. [A reminder to himself as much as to Byleth, a faint shake of his head. He shouldn't be here. He shouldn't be doing this, especially not right now. Ah but he doesn't actually make any move to pull himself away. Not when Byleth is warm and solid beneath him.]
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Date: 2021-03-27 12:21 am (UTC)I've had worse. [ He says in regards to the drunkness. ] So are you.
[ He would later admit though, he was definitely absolutely drunk, but the alcohol plies his more practical senses and so does the hard on that Claude can probably feel pressed against his leg. ]
Mmmm. We don't have to- we can just. Like this. Sleep. You know?
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Date: 2021-03-27 01:44 am (UTC)[Repeated back incredulously, that familiar mischievous glint in his eye shifting to something far more wicked, something that makes his lips curl into a smirk even as his breath rushes out in stuttering pants. Because he absolutely can feel Byleth against him, in fact he rocks down, presses their bodies a little more firmly together, makes it clear that he is just as eager.
As much as he is aware that.... this is probably a bad idea it's harder to care by the moment. Especially when Byleth is trying not to push, to be conscientious when he knows damn well the slightest request would have Claude doing precisely what he wants.
He ducks his head, this time letting his lips trail along Byleth's jaw to nip and kiss at his throat, unable to help grinding against him once more.]
And if I don't want to sleep?
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Date: 2021-03-27 02:41 am (UTC)I guess we can do something else then.
[ Goddess he's pretty. A hand slips up under the hem of his shirt, fingers lightly dragging over his belly teasingly. ]
We can perhaps... wear each other out a little.
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Date: 2021-03-27 02:20 pm (UTC)Yes.
[A muffled groan against his skin as Claude worms his other hand in under Byleth's shirt as well, broad hand splaying over the small of his back. He coaxes the other man to arch his back, to press their bodies more firmly together, to savor the grind of them, hard and wanting against one another.]
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Date: 2021-03-27 02:33 pm (UTC)The affirmation is good. Yes. Good. They both want this, then. He pulls Claude up for another hungry kiss and ]
Tell me what you want me to do for you.
[ He wants to hear it. ]
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