There's something in Alaric's expression, but it's come and gone to quickly to pinpoint. It didn't seem bad, however, and Anders' smile returns to something gentle and warm.
"I'm glad. And, for the record, I will always be open to suggestions as to what 'comes next' it need not always be the same thing. It only needs to be what you need."
He wasn't without benefit for it himself, it wasn't meant to be an activity that saw Anders sacrificing for Alaric's happiness, it wasn't that at all. Spending his energy and focus and time, absolutely, but there was something to be gained in having someone to dedicate those things too specifically. His everything would always be for the men he loved, but having that time to simply apply them instead of holding the feeling generally would be nice. Like when he brushed Alaric's hair and nothing else mattered in the world for a little while.
He tucked the collar back into his pocket and brought his hand over to take Alaric's off his arm so that his fingers might play with and rub over his love's hand. Small presses and circles that moved from the palm to the back of his hand then down to his wrist and arm like a small massage.
"Letting you discover who you are as a person? What it feels like to be cared for and about?" He brought Alaric's hand to his lips, but continued his touches after. "I think I know what you mean, though. I didn't used to...this sort of thing wasn't something I indulged in. I healed and took care of people, but not to this level with this much intimacy. I hadn't really considered it."
He stood and pressed Alaric's hand to Anders' chest, over his heart, while Anders leaned down to kiss Alaric. Slow, lingering, then deeper before he pulled back To meet Alaric's eyes. "I very much enjoy being with you, caring for you and your needs, supporting you, holding you, touching you, having conversations with you of all sorts. I don't need you to say anything back, just know I love you and I'm grateful every day to have you near."
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"I'm glad. And, for the record, I will always be open to suggestions as to what 'comes next' it need not always be the same thing. It only needs to be what you need."
He wasn't without benefit for it himself, it wasn't meant to be an activity that saw Anders sacrificing for Alaric's happiness, it wasn't that at all. Spending his energy and focus and time, absolutely, but there was something to be gained in having someone to dedicate those things too specifically. His everything would always be for the men he loved, but having that time to simply apply them instead of holding the feeling generally would be nice. Like when he brushed Alaric's hair and nothing else mattered in the world for a little while.
He tucked the collar back into his pocket and brought his hand over to take Alaric's off his arm so that his fingers might play with and rub over his love's hand. Small presses and circles that moved from the palm to the back of his hand then down to his wrist and arm like a small massage.
"Letting you discover who you are as a person? What it feels like to be cared for and about?" He brought Alaric's hand to his lips, but continued his touches after. "I think I know what you mean, though. I didn't used to...this sort of thing wasn't something I indulged in. I healed and took care of people, but not to this level with this much intimacy. I hadn't really considered it."
He stood and pressed Alaric's hand to Anders' chest, over his heart, while Anders leaned down to kiss Alaric. Slow, lingering, then deeper before he pulled back To meet Alaric's eyes. "I very much enjoy being with you, caring for you and your needs, supporting you, holding you, touching you, having conversations with you of all sorts. I don't need you to say anything back, just know I love you and I'm grateful every day to have you near."