Now getting to bed was almost the best part of the day – or rather the night – for Twisted Fate. For several reasons, beyond the human need to lie down and have some well deserved rest. Especially after that long trip to Piltover. They had arrived to the glorious city, looking at once for a not too expensive place to sleep. They eventually did, in the level blurred between Piltover and Zaun. Busy level but at least it felt a little more at home than going up there. Though Twisted Fate always enjoyed wandering at the rich levels.
Another reason for this warm peace once night came, it was because he could cuddle with Graves without having to justify himself. Not his fault if the bed was small. In any case, he purred into the embrace, so glad to be right there. The latter usually bickered like any day, grumbling under his breath about how they could for once take a double room and maybe not risk waking up pushed out of bed. Yes he still remembered that time. No Twisted Fate wasn't really sorry for it. In my sleep, can't control that.
Light down, room quiet except for the occasional noises while both tried to settle down in a good position. In a last resort, Twisted Fate came to full contact with his partner, from chest to their tangled limbs. Stilled for a moment, waiting for potential remark but it would seem that Graves wasn't complaining.
Well, perfect.
So it was good, he could maybe hope for sleep to be fast and swift to take him. Relishing the scent found, a rare comfort.
Only one thing made him reconsider the situation, though. Indeed, difficult to ignore a boner. He was sure, hardness pressed against him. Ohoh. So it would seem that closeness caught up with Graves. No way he would let that pass, it had been a long time.
Suddenly, Twisted Fate couldn't really think. It was strange, no ? To ignore the sexual part till a certain point. Something they already shared so much before. Why didn't they came back to fucking before ? He still craved that but put it aside, not sure they would even get back there.
So he let enough space to sneak a hand between them, feeling the latter up. At that specific move, Graves reacted, curling a little into him on reflex.
« Malcolm ? Need a hand there ? »
« ….No, fuck you. » Then next second, Graves had changed sides, his back turned to his partner.
He's angry ? Possibly the latter didn't want to, it would be a mere accident. But Twisted Fate wanted to try, interest awaken.
Rose to go on top of Graves, hoping to catch his attention even in the dark. Difficult to miss someone breathing close.
« Hey, you sure you don't want to ? I'd be ready for anything. » Light tone but he made sure not to push to hard. Who knew what Graves thought at that exact instant ?
« … I don't know. » The latter wasn't even looking at him, lying on his side.
« What's wrong ? »
So Twisted Fate got worried, because this wasn't so normal between them. Even considering how they grew closer as time went. Maybe Graves didn't want that anymore.
No answer from under but he was certain he wasn't getting asleep. More like overthinking, like he did sometimes.
« You can tell, you know. »
Twisted Fate literally lied down on top of his partner, both to keep his attention and relish contact. Probably this wouldn't be too comfortable for Graves so complaints were to be expected. But he liked it, to have his attention and hold him.
« You're heavy, idiot. » At last an answer, useless grumbling. But then the tone turned more serious, thoughtful. « I— Is it too fast ? »
Oh, that kind of thoughts. It wasn't the best time to adress this question but at the same time, talking in bed was somehow the best occasion to be honest.
« Us ? » Quiet too, before he left an open-mouth kiss to Graves's cheek. Always that tickle.
« Yeah. » A whisper, as he was uncertain about the whole thing.
« Don't know neither. I couldn't really believe I got a second chance. For us both. But for now it feels right, normal. »
« I hated you. How can it feel right to be back together ? Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with how it's going now but again, I don't know. »
« Hey, if you just don't want to fuck me anymore, that's fine. I'm not gonna die. Though it would be hard to hold on. » Came to laugh, lightening the mood because despite everything, this was an important matter.
« I want to. It was always good. »
How sweet, to hear Graves admit this openly. So this wasn't the real question.
« So why not ? »
Not that Twisted Fate was getting tired but he still yearned a proper 'reunion', after all they went through. Something he never kept hopes for but tonight it was brought up.
« No idea. I just feel like…we shouldn't. It wouldn't be right to do like nothing happened. »
« What kinda bullshit is that ? » Long sigh, for this was getting exhausting.
To be sure to make himself clear, Twisted Fate pushed him to lie on his back then straddled him properly when he complied. Leaning, just above, as trying to find his gaze in the dark.
« It happened. The heist, the Locker, the warehouse, everything happened. It won't go away but it doesn't mean we have to stay stuck on that. Nothing is holding us back. No reason to resist and say this shouldn't be so fast. »
Graves was still pretty silent but he was sure he heard it and understood. Sudden thought, crossing Twisted Fate's mind.
« A betrayal. You feel like you're betraying yourself. » Just a supposition but it could explain all this. Graves never cared a lot except for serious matters, of course he would talk genuinely.
« Yup, maybe. You must be right. » After a short pause, like trying to make sense out of this.
Slowly, Twisted Fate registered the latter's hands on him, merely keeping contact but still traveled where it could find skin.
« Don't think like this. We talked and now we both know the truth. There is no use staying in the past. »
This was as much for Graves than himself. Words that applied to him too much, unforgiving. For all these years trying to ignore past but staying in it despite everything.
« Now, tell me. What do you want ? »
« To fuck you. I thought it was clear enough. » That came so fast and blunt, enough to make Twisted fate laugh, face resting against the latter.
« Holy shit, of course. But seriously, what do you want for us ? » So he returned serious, holding him close.
That time, it took Graves a little more to find his answer : « To be together. Like before. But that time you better stay honest. »
« So you got a deal, partner. » Bright smile then he took care to add on a more quiet note : « I'll try to, I promise. »
Distance closed in a second, to whisper these words before he caught Graves into a kiss : « I love you. »