(no subject)

[veardant]

[ it's early evening in the brothel, and things are beginning to stir. their busy time does not usually come until after the sun is setting.

tighnari prepares himself as always, dressing in soft, gauzy clothing that reveals enough skin to entice, combing his hair and brushing out his tail, applying soft-scented oils to his skin and fur to make them fragrant and alluring. he's new to this, still, only having graduated to the level of a fully fledged courtesan within the last year or so, but tighnari is nonetheless a professional. he knows what he has, and how to make his customers appreciate it, even if he's often told that his personality leaves.. a little less to be desired.

he tries to be good. really, he does. but tighnari is sharp and abrasive, a little too honest, a little too forward and direct. some of his clients appreciate it, but most prefer that he simply keep his pretty mouth shut, and more than once he has been reprimanded by his keepers for frightening off the clientele. if it weren't for his striking beauty, and the exotic draw of his foxlike features, he'd never be able to keep this profession. tighnari doesn't love feeling like a display animal, but he must admit it pays the bills, and after his parents had died while he was still young enough to barely recall their faces the brothel had taken him in, caring for him, grooming him to be what he has become. personality conflicts aside, tighnari is good at his job.

soon enough the halls are abuzz. the doors have opened, and the clients begin to filter in - there's talk of a matra among them. it's not so uncommon for matra to visit the brothel, their jobs are difficult and stressful, but it's still often an event, and the courtesans all do their best to see to it that they are the ones chosen. the higher up the status of the client, the better they will pay, and most of the courtesans here carry a debt of some kind; some people work in the sex industry because they simply enjoy it, but many more still do it simply for the money. tighnari does it because it's all he's ever known. because he's good at it.

the silver bell soon rings to signify that a client is waiting to choose from among the higher-end courtesans, which is tighnari's cue. he checks his reflection, makes sure his lips are perfectly pink and glossy before he pads from his room and through the hallways on bare feet, past gossamer curtains and beautiful paintings, toward the solar, where he is lined up with the other premium courtesans against a curtained wall. through a fan of thick lashes, his brown-green, kohl-lined eyes scan the handful of clients before them as his tail flicks behind him, tighnari's expression smooth but calculating. who will choose him tonight? ]

Comments

[punnyshment]

[ Oftentimes, Cyno would overhear the conversations between the matras about the courtesans. At first, the topic didn't pique his interest as he foolishly threw himself into work, dedicated to bringing the arrogant, careless scholars whose research could harm others to justice. This kind of life was by no means sustainable, yet Cyno had to learn it first hand. Over time, he became even more distant which made his peers perceive him as intimidating and harsh. It was the least concerning issue, however—the matra noticed that taking on another mission as he was done with the previous one had taken a toll on his body as well. At first, it was just difficult to sleep at night, but it gradually affected his efficiency more and more to the point that even his mentor suggested that he should take a break and go to the brothel.

It's not that he treated the courtesans with disdain—quite the contrary, he respected everyone's work. Still, Cyno had a hard time believing that anyone could help him relax. If anything, most of the time he became even more tense when he had to interact with someone, even a fellow matra. It was impossible to ignore what kind of reputation he had earned, especially when people weren't really subtle about their gossip. Nonetheless, he decided to give it a shot.

After donning a dark cloak, he left his room to head to the brothel. Even if this is a generally accepted practice among the matras, discrecy is still desirable. Cyno doubted that it would remain a secret for long considering that he's performing a public service as a matra, but he couldn't care less about gossip involving him.

As expected, his status is no mystery to the owner—after being welcomed, he's guided to a room on the highest floor. It's impossible to miss the enormous bed that might be even bigger than his own room. Cyno doesn't pay much attention to the expensive paintings on the walls and other decorations, though. The same goes for the other people gathered in the room, even if it's just a handful of them. Perhaps he should drop this task-oriented attitude, but it's easier said than done. After a few minutes, the courtesans start to appear one by one and the room is filled with whispers and soft chuckles on both sides. Cyno is the only person remaining silent, scanning each courtesan behind a curtained wall. The owner thought it out very well, he has to give him that—the curtain barely allows to see anything that might be enticing to some people, but not for Cyno.

Once all the courtesans are lined up, the matra gets on his feet much to everyone's surprise and walks towards the curtain. Once he's standing close enough, Cyno pushes it aside, revealing all the courtesans and making everyone in the room become silent. From this position, he can properly examine them, but once his eyes lay on Tighnari, his heart skips a beat. Before, he'd hardly paid attention to others physical appearance, but this courtesan is exceptionally beautiful, enough to make him forget about the other people in the room for a moment.

Once he gets a grip on himself, Cyno takes a few steps to stand in front of Tighnari and pose a question. ]

What's your name?

[ Due to the silence in the room, his voice might come off as much louder, even though he's speaking normally. Cyno can tell that most of the eyes in this room are on him right now, but he's used to that and doesn't pay heed to it. ]

[veardant]

[ bold.

that's tighnari's first snap judgment about the young matra before him, who draws the curtain fearlessly back. handsome is the next. a winning combination, he thinks. tighnari values demonstrative behavior; as someone who knows what he wants, he appreciates it in others as well. though his gaze darts briefly to the other clients in the room, tighnari's eyes soon settle back onto the matra as he looks the courtesans over, one by one. their looks meet, and tighnari lowers his eyelids, evocative, inviting, eager to snag cyno on a hook. his tail lashes behind him, his tall ears swiveling forward with interest. where some of his fellows might play at being demure to attract their clients, tighnari is instead all quiet confidence and strong sense of self.

the matra approaches him, and tighnari watches him almost imperiously, before a soft smile curves his mouth. his stomach tightens with anticipation. ]

Tighnari.

[ reaching forward, he draws his fingertips gently against cyno's chest, his touch light. ]

Will you stay with me tonight?

[punnyshment]

[ Cyno's conviction that no one could help him relax is dispelled with that single touch. Is it possible for Tighnari to sense that his heartbeat is much faster than usual? Possibly yes, but it doesn't change anything. It could probably be considered as pure excitement of an inexperienced matra, but there's something more to it, something Cyno will have to discover on his own. ]

I will. [ His answer is curt and straight to the point. The next second, the matra grabs Tighnari's hand unceremoniously and turns to the owner. ] Lead us to a vacant room.

[ If that enormous bed is anything to go by, this night might be quite promising. The owner is a bit flustered about the whole situation and simply asks Tighnari to guide Cyno to one of their rooms because he can't leave the other clients. ]

[veardant]

[ tighnari hardly wants to embarrass his promising new client, but he still can't help but smile. it's clear he doesn't know the first thing about all of this, and that's.. quite cute, really. has he never been to a brothel before? tighnari supposes he hasn't been. ]

Come with me.

[ he says, gently, and weaves his fingers through cyno's, tugging him along. cyno isn't tighnari's first first timer; he knows what to do.

it doesn't take long before they reach tighnari's room. it's a beautiful space, open and bright, lit by candles and lanterns, its high white walls dyed in the beautiful slanting red-orange light of sunset. there's a comfortable seating area, a small dining set, and even a soaking pool in which candles float, and nilotpala lotuses unfurl their faintly glowing petals. there are books piled neatly on the table, and plants - plants everywhere. lush pothos and philodendron festoon the walls, trailing their vines downward, a large monstera deliciosa sits in a corner by the open windows, peperomia, sumeru rose, scindapsus pictus silvery ann, padisarah, dracaena - plants of all shapes and sizes are set upon every surface, or woven into the gauzy curtains draping the walls. even a large, fragrant brugmansia tree blooms in a large pot by the door, its large bell-like trumpet flowers fragrant, its branches reaching in an arch over the doorway. a long table filled with succulents lines one wall. small cuttings sit in clear bottles on the windowsill.

there is also, of course, a large bed in the back of the room, and a white stone archway leading to an en suite washroom. but tighnari does not lead cyno to the bed - not yet. instead he stops and turns, locking the door behind him, before he takes both of cyno's hands in his own, drawing close. tighnari smells fragrant and floral and a little bit musky, like fox fur. smiling, he nudges their noses together. ]

Would you like anything to eat? Wine?

[ tighnari's job is, after all, to provide pleasure of all kinds. ]

[punnyshment]

[ The answer doesn't come right away as Cyno allows himself to soak in the atmosphere of the room, his eyes carefully scanning every nook and cranny. He might be taking a bit too long examining it, but he's genuinely curious about the place Tighnari spends most of his time at.

The plants are the most interesting, actually. As much as he'd like to ask about them, Cyno is fully aware that he left the question unanswered for far too long. ]

Are we supposed to do that? [ If Cyno left any room for speculation that he's new to this, that single question makes it obvious that he's a firstcomer. ] I want to be sober. But you can drink or eat if you'd like, I'm not against it.

[ It might give him some time to explore the room, too. ]

[veardant]

[ tighnari breathes a soft chuckle. ]

We're supposed to do whatever we want. I'm yours until morning, for whatever your heart desires.

[ the sex is, you know, implied, but tighnari does have clients, in fact, who have no interest in sleeping with him. they instead enjoy his company for other reasons - a lap to lay their head in, to be held close without expectation, or simply someone to talk to. tighnari's work varies from client to client.

but first and foremost his duty is to make this matra happy, to find what he likes, what he wants. tighnari withdraws his hands from cyno's, only to slide them up his chest and over his shoulders, where tighnari can feel that he is tense. clearly, he needs this. gently, he begins rubbing his padded fingertips into the matra's shoulders and the nape of his neck, gently working out the knots in his muscles. ]

But first of all - what would you like me to call you?

[punnyshment]

Mhm.

[ That answer isn't as helpful as he expected it might be; some pointers would have been nice since whatever his heart desires is as vague as it can only get. He wants to be efficient and rested for work, that's for sure. Ironically, Tighnari might know better than him what he needs. It proves to be true soon enough when the courtesan's hands are working on his tense muscles that gradually start to relax under the careful, attentive touch. ]

Cyno. [ It's such a struggle when he wants to examine the room, touch Tighnari himself, and keep talking to him at the same time. ] I want... to forget about everything that's bothering me.

[ It's also terribly vague, but it's his best attempt at putting it into words. ]

[veardant]

[ hmm, a tough nut to crack, isn't he? but that's all right, tighnari doesn't mind unraveling a little mystery. some people come here not knowing what they want, and it's tighnari's job to find out what that thing is, to learn his partner's tells and body language, and right now, cyno is telling him plenty in the way he begins to relax, his shoulders losing some of their tension beneath tighnari's practiced hands.

it's a good start. ]

I think we can manage that.

[ he says, with a smile, before his hands are sliding forward again, to begin carefully working open the front of cyno's heavy robes. he's not unfamiliar with akademiya clothing, and how to peel it away - both students and government workers alike enjoy their time here. when he's opened it enough to reveal some skin, tighnari slips his hands inside, coasting his touch against cyno's bare chest, his palms and fingertips soft and well cared for, though even his hands are foxlike, with thickened pads at his palms and fingertips. ]

We have all night to make that happen. Just breathe, and be with me. Let me help you.

[ pressing forward, tighnari tips up his chin to press their lips together, kissing cyno's mouth gently, but firmly, with easy confidence. ]

[punnyshment]

I assume this isn't the most helpful response.

[ He never intented to explain himself, yet there's something in Tighnari's smile that makes him want to open up, even if just a bit. It's the very first time Cyno experiences anything like this and while his expression might remain neutral, there's a lot going on in his mind. Not that his body remains ignorant to Tighnari's attention. A tingling feeling in his stomach leaves him enthusiastically anticipating the fruit of Tighnari's efforts as he goes through the layers of clothing and finally touches Cyno's bare skin. It's so little, but more than enough to make a soft purr slip past the matra's lips. The thought that these slick, beautiful fingers will be taking care of him all night makes his lips curl in a small smile. ]

Understood.

[ It's a peculiar way to answer, but Cyno can't think of anything else, not when he's already noticed that Tighnari leans in close. His mind goes blank and at first, he remains unresponsive to the kiss before finally putting a bit of pressure of his own, trying to clumsily deepen it. At least, his hands are doing better—instinctively, he rests them on Tighnari's hips, letting one of them slide between his thighs.

Efficient to a fault, this one. ]

[veardant]

[ there we are - that's much better. tighnari is on the right track now. cyno is opening up slowly, like the delicate petals of a padisarah, and he can feel that his patience is beginning to pay off. beneath the tangled boughs of the brugmansia, they kiss, tighnari's hands pressing a little further, a little deeper beneath those folds of fabric, pushing the robes over cyno's shoulders and down off of his back.

it's then that he feels the press of cyno's hand between his thighs, and tighnari's breath catches, his voice dropping to a low purr. ]

I like a man who knows what he wants.

[ he murmurs against cyno's mouth, his hips giving a gentle rock forward. tighnari's tongue traces his lower lip, one hand dropping to close over cyno's, guiding it further beneath layers of soft, gossamer fabric. beneath the drapery he wears no underclothes, and so between his legs cyno will find a patch of dark, downy fur, and lower, the deep heat of tighnari's core, where he's already dewy and slick. ]

[punnyshment]

[ Cyno can't even imagine getting to this point with anyone else, but when he's freed from the layers of his matra uniform, it feels very liberating. Undoubtedly, Tighnari contributes to it, even if Cyno isn't aware of it yet. Between the kiss and his restless hands, he has a lot on his plate already, especially when he didn't take into consideration that he'd have to get through the soft fabric wrapped around Tighnari's hips. Thankfully, the courtesan comes to his help, leaving Cyno wordlessly grateful for this guidance. ]

If this is really what you think, that's alright. I don't want empty compliments. [ After a while, Cyno reminds himself of his own position in this dynamic and murmurs against Tighnari's lips: ] Be honest with me. Always.

[ For some reason, it feels like Tighnari wouldn't just try to allure him with empty words. His fingertips brush over the patch of fur before sliding further down. The soft, warm folds are very enticing and as much as he'd like to see them with his own eyes, Cyno settles for gently rubbing and spreading them apart without slipping any of his fingers in. ]

[veardant]

[ tighnari smiles. it's not uncommon that his clients are forward, but it's a rare thing that they ask him to do the same - most of them do not want honesty, they want tighnari to mold himself into whatever type of person they want him to be. sometimes he obliges them. sometimes he doesn't. it depends on his mood. but if cyno wants his honesty, that is what he'll get. he appreciates it. ]

Don't worry. I'm good at honesty. I meant what I said.

[ though tighnari might have been attempting to flatter him, sure, that doesn't mean he was telling an untruth. he likes confidence. it's sexy, it gives him something to sink his teeth into. but more importantly, cyno's callused fingers are seeking deeper between his legs, and tighnari shivers, his pale thighs tensing, his short, sharp claws pressing into cyno's skin. being touched feels nice. tighnari has long since trained himself to enjoy sex. if he's going to be doing it for a living, he may as well like what he's doing.

dragging his mouth along cyno's jaw, tighnari presses his lips to the matra's ear, his tongue flitting along the sensitive shell. ]

Do you want to take me to bed? [ he purrs, whispering against cyno's ear. ] Or fuck me right here against the wall? Or shall I decide for you?

[punnyshment]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[ Even if he can allow himself to order Tighnari around a little, Cyno doesn't want it to be a relationship in which he only takes and doesn't give anything. There's no one here to call him foolish for doing such a thing (unless Tighnari decides to), but even if there was, it wouldn't change anything.

Feeling the courtesan shiver and dig his claws into his skin might not feel like much, but Cyno is alert to every single response. If he wants to forget about all the problems, the matra wants the same for Tighnari, even if it's another silly thing. ]

Bed. [ Until now, it didn't even occur to him that other surfaces are suited for intercourse—this is what he gets for being too focused on his duties. It makes sense, yet it doesn't seem as comfortable as what a bed has to offer. ] I want you to feel comfortable.

[ Considering how his cock is filling up and twitching with anticipation it might be high time to move forward, so he makes the first step, forcing Tighnari to push back a little. ]

[veardant]

[ cyno has been a regular client for a long while now, nearly a year, and tighnari would be lying if he said he hadn't grown an attachment to him. he's handsome and strong, of course, but he's also.. kind, gentle, and warm. he's intelligent, fun to talk to, and has an absolutely horrid sense of humor.

it's impossible not to like him. impossible not to fall for him.

dangerous. so dangerous. tighnari has been a courtesan long enough to know full well that you should not fall in love with your clients, it only causes problems, and so far, he's been quite good, he's never allowed himself to develop feelings for anyone. but cyno.. gods, cyno. it feels as if tighnari has known him all his life, and were he the sort to believe in reincarnation, he might even think that he had known him in another life, had loved him in another life.

but it's been some time since he last saw cyno, he's away on a job, and there's nothing to be done for it. tighnari's day is the same as any other - two clients tonight, one he has only just finished with, and another that is apparently waiting his turn.. cyno. and cyno always stays the full night. hopelessly, foolishly giddy, tighnari bathes himself quickly and thoroughly, he combs his long hair and fur to a lustrous shine, adorns himself in his finest silks and jewelry, and wears his favorite perfumed lotus water. he wants to be perfect for him.

when a knock comes at the door, tighnari looks up from where he's lying in bed, poring over a book on inazuman botany. he can't help his smile. ]

Come in.

[punnyshment]

[ If Cyno had to describe the past year with one word, he'd most definitely say that it was very turbulent. It applied both to his work and private life, even though the latter simply meant spending every single moment possible with the courtesan he had met. One month, Cyno found himself low on funds, but decided to cut on food rather than giving up seeing Tighnari—not that he would tell the courtesan that. Besides, sometimes it truly felt like the matra needed him more than any meal. If Cyno confided in someone, they might've called him foolish, but he didn't talk about Tighnari with anyone.

His feelings for the courtesan remain unnamed to this day. That's not because he doesn't want to act on them, though. His current situation wouldn't allow buying Tighnari out and confessing while he's still forced to offer himself to the clients just didn't seem right. Besides, Cyno somewhat understood that imposing is feelings on Tighnari might make things harder for both of them or even become an obstacle preventing him from seeing the courtesan again.

Nonetheless, it was nearly impossible to not let his jealousy show. They never talked about other clients, yet it was always in the back of Cyno's mind. Most of the time, his envy was not only reflected in his eyes, but also made him a much rougher partner in bed. The matra never allowed this subject to be a part of their conversations, though. Not talking about it wouldn't make this issue disappear, albeit it would be much easier to ignore that way.

What Cyno didn't realize was that one day, he'd have to face the consequences of ignoring his own feelings, especially these ugly ones. ]

Wait? [ Cyno's voice comes off as hoarse in response when he's informed that Tighnari is currently with a client. ] I will wait.

[ Usually, Cyno makes sure to pay for the whole night—that way Tighnari wouldn't see anyone else and be only his, even if just for a few hours. Unfortunately, he couldn't have made such arrangements this time. After having returned to the city just an hour ago after a very demanding mission, his nerves are still on edge after the battle. Tighnari's arms were supposed to bring him comfort, however...

Someone else is there and he has to sit here and wait. Nothing can drown out the whispers of the spirit indwelling him while he's sitting alone in a room, lost in his thoughts.

Devour him so no one else can have him.

Beads of sweat trail their way down the nape of his neck, his breath labored as he's trying to calm himself down. Cyno has to continuously remind himself that this isn't the battlefield and that Tighnari is going to be happy to see him. It's difficult to focus on these thoughts when his jealousy becomes so unearnable, making all the intrusive thoughts emerge when he's all alone.

After an hour, he is finally allowed to step inside Tighnari's room. ]

Nari.

[ His eyes don't meet Tighnari's, actually. Cyno keeps his head lowered which might seem like he is scared to see someone else here, even though he's been informed that the client left and he may come in. What Tighnari might notice is the purple glow enveloping Cyno's body. It's weak as if he's holding himself back, but it's definitely visible. ]

N-Nari...

[veardant]

Cyno -

[ tighnari's smile fades immediately, and instantly he snaps the book closed, rising from the bed and hurrying toward cyno, concern writ clear across his features. he's never seen cyno like this. sure, he's seen him grim before, after particularly harrowing missions, but.. this is different. this is something else.

lifting his hands, tighnari cradles cyno's face between them, lifting his chin, trying to catch his eyes. ]

Cyno, what's wrong? Do you need help?

[ something is very wrong; what is he doing here, in this state? tighnari's heart leaps up into his throat, hammering hard, though his voice remains soothing, his thumbs smoothing over the crests of cyno's cheeks. ]

It's all right. You're safe.

[punnyshment]

[ Taking a glimpse of Tighnari reading a book like he wasn't fucking someone else earlier makes a wave of anger rush through his whole body. Cyno tries to rationalize everything, making numerous attempts at explaining to himself that this is just Tighnari's job, he simply has to do it.

The courtesan's touch feels like hot coals, not soothing at all, only bringing him more pain. Cyno shuts his eyes close in his last effort to calm himself down. Tighnari is here and yet, why is it so hard to forget about everything? Isn't it what he came here for in the first place?

The images of his last battle during the most recent mission flash in front of his eyes while the courtesan calls out to him. Cyno doesn't hear his voice at all, however, losing himself in the memory of that fight. ]

Away...

[ A sparks of electricity engulf Cyno's body and this is the only word of warning he can mutter before he allows the spirit of Hermanubis to take over. He's so tired after the mission involving fighting arrogant scholars and coming back only to have to wait for Tighnari because a client was with him. Cyno doesn't want to think anymore, he wants to shut himself down and give in, even though he's aware that the consequences might be dire.

The next moment, purple ribbons that appear and wrap tightly around both arms form sharp claws. Cyno's features are no longer visible as a jackal mask covers his entire face. The ominous glow from the eye holes might make it feel like Cyno isn't even here at all. ]

Nari... [ When he calls out to the courtesan his voice is slightly distorted. ] You're all mine... for the rest of this night...

[ There's nothing delicate in how Cyno shoves Tighnari across the room, right onto the bed. ]

Tell me how much you want me.

[veardant]

[ .. away.. ?

concern and confusion twist tighnari's features, his brow furrowed and his ears laid back, his entire body leaning toward cyno. he isn't afraid, even though, perhaps, he should be. cyno has never harmed him. he's been rough, sure, but in a way that they both enjoy - and even when the power of electro begins to crackle and hiss around him, tighnari still doesn't step back. he can't leave cyno this way. he has to help him.

but once the mask closes over his face and he bears his claws, tighnari worries that perhaps there is no helping him. ]

Cyno.. please..

[ there is still no fear in his voice, only a quiet desperation - if tighnari is afraid of anything, it's that cyno is lost and hurting, though that's soon driven from his mind as he's shoved hard across the room, hurtled into his bed. with a gasp of surprise, tighnari lifts himself up onto his elbows. he considers calling on the power of dendro, as he might use - and sometimes has used - on the more.. ornery of his clients, but he doesn't want to hurt cyno, and somehow he thinks restraining him may only worsen things. ]

What's gotten into you?

[punnyshment]

[ Cyno has been already closing the distance and approaching the bed, but that question makes him stop. It would be convenient to blame the spirit possessing him for hurting Tighnari, even if it wasn't entirely true. Cyno hates himself for that thought and looks up at the courtesan. The mask still obscures his features while he's groaning, his fingers curled into fists as he's clearly going through some kind of an internal struggle. ]

I'm... I'm sorry...

[ He shouldn't have allowed Hermanubis to take over in the first place, no matter how hurt he is, Cyno knows that much. After a few moments, the mask is gone, but the transformation isn't undone completely considering that the claws are still present, continuously sparking electro energy. ]

Can I still... come closer?

[ It's irresponsible, but now all he wants is to forget about this display of his pain and jealousy and lose himself in pleasure, even if he might regret it later. ]

[veardant]

[ it breaks tighnari's heart, to see him this way. to see him so unsure. if tighnari was upset at being manhandled, it's clear that all is forgiven, because he's soon sitting up again, and opening his arms. ]

Yes. Come here. Come to me.

[ entirely unafraid of the massive electro claws, tighnari reaches forward, snagging cyno by the elbows to pull him forward. something must have happened, out there in the desert - something difficult, or painful, for cyno to be behaving this way. he's normally so controlled, so calm, even when they get rough, it's never a loss of control. it's never like this. tighnari knows precious little about the spirit inhabiting cyno, save for the fact that it exists, but he's never seen it rear its head.

but tighnari does not rebuke him. instead, he wraps cyno up in his arms - not because he's a courtesan and it's his job, but because he wants to. ]

[punnyshment]

[ Cyno doesn't resist at all when he's pulled closer, finally finding shelter in Tighnari's arms. As much as he'd like to embrace and cling to him, the matra makes sure to keep his hands close to his own body. The courtesan's body warmth is so soothing that Cyno closes his eyes and eventually relaxes against him.

It might seem that the claws will dematerialize, but it doesn't happen even after a few minutes in Tighnari's embrace. ]

I wanted to see you. [ His voice is a bit hoarse when he speaks. ] Did you want to see me? I want the truth.

[veardant]

[ tighnari feels him beginning to relax, and he breathes a soft sigh against cyno's hair, his arms around his shoulders tightening, holding him close. concern still tightens his chest like an icy fist, and tighnari has to swallow around it, but much of the tension seems to have passed. ]

Yes.

[ tighnari's answer comes instantly, confidently, and he draws back to look into cyno's face again, to cup his jaw in his hands and look into his eyes. there's pain there, pain he wishes he could erase. ]

I always want to see you. I missed you while you were gone.

[ it was a long time, that he spent away. weeks gone in the desert, tighnari never knowing when he might return - if he might return. softly, gently, he presses a kiss to cyno's mouth, then another. ]

[punnyshment]

[ Cyno chooses to believe in that answer and not let the intrusive thoughts take over again. All he wants is to forget about the mission and what happened here, even though the matra knows that he shouldn't pick the easy way and acknowledge everything instead. ]

I missed you too, Nari.

[ While he's much calmer now, it's still not enough to undo the transformation. Cyno lets out an exasperated sigh before tilting his head to the side, slightly embarrassed by what he's about to ask for. ]

Will you... let me fuck you while I'm like this?

[veardant]

[ he seems calmer, despite the fact that his claws are still very much out, very dangerous, but tighnari isn't afraid. cyno won't hurt him. not in any way that matters. perhaps that's foolish to believe, but tighnari fancies himself a very good judge of character, and cyno..

.. he's a good man. troubled, perhaps, but good. ]

Yes.

[ he murmurs, nudging his nose alongside cyno's jawline, pressing soft kisses there. tighnari's hands move over cyno's chest, sliding down over the hard planes of his abdomen as he whispers softly against his lover's ear. ]

Let me help you. Let me make you feel good.

[punnyshment]

Nari...

[ It might seem that something else will follow, but Cyno says nothing. Nonetheless, his gratitude is reflected in his eyes—Tighnari had every right to decline and tell him to come back on a later date, especially after what the matra did. His muscles relax some more and he closes his eyes, enjoying the courtesan's gentle kisses. ]

Remove your clothes, please. I... I probably shouldn't touch you too much.

[ As badly as Cyno wants to do it, but the elemental reactions might hurt Tighnari and he can't allow that. ]