"Good, my star." The gentle and warm words are accompanied by Anders' hand smoothing through Alaric's hair in approval. Then he scoops out a bit more of the salve and starts again -a bit down from where he'd left off- to chase each tense line of muscle and each potential node of tension as he works the mixture deep into Alaric's skin. The line of Alaric's shoulders and the back of his neck receive even more attention until Anders' fingers move out to the shape of his love's upper arms. The last bit smooths down to Alaric's hands which receive a more brief massage and a kiss to the back of each when Anders is done.
"Wonderful, Alaric. Now...tell me how you're feeling. First physically, then mentally."
They have, he thinks, with just a touch of amusement, trapped one another into a game of communication chicken. None of them can refuse to try, without making a hypocrite of themselves for demanding others do so.
"Warm, sleepy, and as though I know why the cats enjoy your company," he says, voice soft and maybe a little slurry. It is, somehow, still carrying the faintest touch of dry humor. That isn't a good answer for the mentally though and that he just - "...Like I love you?"
Yes, he does think there is a right answer and he should find it.
It's a difficult arrangement, they're all challenged at communication in some ways, but it's useful and needed and he knows it's a press of an ask, but there's a bit of pride in him when Alaric finds the words. Although, the question at the end has him chuckling and there's a bit of warmth to his cheeks he's glad can't be seen.
He wipes his hands on his pants again and leans over Alaric, hands on the couch on either side of him to brace himself so Anders can kiss the back of his head.
"Sorry, I should be more clear: I meant if you're feeling better from earlier, but I'll take that too." His next kiss is to Alaric's temple and his voice is more of a murmur but not too low to be heard. "I adore you, Alaric Morgan."
Then he sits up to extract himself from their small tangle so he can slide down beside Alaric on the ground next to his head so Anders could pet his hair. "Would you like a nap or shall I tempt you into something more lurid and thoroughly exhaust you?"
He turns his head toward Anders and uses his forearms to push up enough to get away from the cushion and kiss Anders, warm and gentle and affectionate.
"Much better." That part is clear, but. "'m going to sleep, now."
He returns the kiss readily and reaches up to unclasp the collar before Alaric can settle in again, though he's careful to keep the metal in contact with his love until he can rest it on Alaric's back once he's settled again. The ward would wear off soon enough, but better not to jolt him with it's removal when he was ready to relax.
"My pleasure." And he was absolutely earnest in that, there was very little else he would rather do than be near Alaric and pet his hair until he slept. His fingers ran through the strands in practiced strokes and he leaned against the couch with his opposite shoulder as though guarding over him.
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"Wonderful, Alaric. Now...tell me how you're feeling. First physically, then mentally."
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"Warm, sleepy, and as though I know why the cats enjoy your company," he says, voice soft and maybe a little slurry. It is, somehow, still carrying the faintest touch of dry humor. That isn't a good answer for the mentally though and that he just - "...Like I love you?"
Yes, he does think there is a right answer and he should find it.
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He wipes his hands on his pants again and leans over Alaric, hands on the couch on either side of him to brace himself so Anders can kiss the back of his head.
"Sorry, I should be more clear: I meant if you're feeling better from earlier, but I'll take that too." His next kiss is to Alaric's temple and his voice is more of a murmur but not too low to be heard. "I adore you, Alaric Morgan."
Then he sits up to extract himself from their small tangle so he can slide down beside Alaric on the ground next to his head so Anders could pet his hair. "Would you like a nap or shall I tempt you into something more lurid and thoroughly exhaust you?"
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"Much better." That part is clear, but. "'m going to sleep, now."
Pause.
"Sit there and pet my hair for a while."
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"My pleasure." And he was absolutely earnest in that, there was very little else he would rather do than be near Alaric and pet his hair until he slept. His fingers ran through the strands in practiced strokes and he leaned against the couch with his opposite shoulder as though guarding over him.