Stolas stood across from Phenex, the rapier in his hand held rather awkwardly. He had never expected to be participating in fencing before, but now here he was, facing off against his former best friend, now lover. He held the rapier in front of him, trying his best to mimic the stance that Phenex had shown him.
As they went through the motions, it was clear that Stolas was a novice learner. He missed steps, his footwork was clumsy, uncoordinated, and he struggled to keep up with the flow of the bout.
But he didn't care. For him, the main point of this exercise was to spend more time with Phenex. The closeness they had while dueling, the contact as their rapiers clanged against each other, the way they would both catch each other's gaze in between attacks... it was all worth the effort.
"You've gotten better since last week" Phenex praised as he blocked a few attacks from the prince. "But your form still needs work"
Stolas allowed a sheepish smile to grace his face. He was trying, even if he wasn't very good at it. "I'm trying my best, but it's still a lot to remember" he responded, slightly out of breath. "Form needs work, footwork isn't quite right, and my timing is still terrible..."
"Don't be so hard on yourself, your timing in impeccable!" After a few more swings and jabs Phenex gets the upper hand, the tip of his sword pointed at Stolas' throat. "I mean it, you're doing great"
As the sword came to rest inches away from his throat, Stolas let out a small sigh, knowing he was defeated once again. But even in defeat, he couldn't help but feel a waive of happiness at the praise. "I'm really not though. You always win" he replied, lowering his rapier.
Phenex sheathed his sword before moving behind Stolas. "I always win, yes. But when you first started three weeks ago, you didn't even last ten seconds. Stolas, this duel was five minutes!"
Stolas blushed slightly at the realization that the duel had gone on for that long. It had seemed so short, in the midst of focusing on not screwing up too badly. "Five minutes?" he asked, a hint of disbelief in his voice. Even he couldn't deny that he had improved somewhat. "I suppose I have gotten better, haven't I?" he mused, a small proud smile playing at the corner of his beak.
"Yes, you have" Phenex's voice had lowered in tone as he stood directly behind Stolas. His chest pressing against the prince's back, and his head resting right beside his. "Remember to keep your back straight, and your eyes up"
Stolas' heart thumped loudly in his chest as he felt the lack of space between him and Phenex, the proximity and the lowered tone sending a surge of excitement through him. He tried to focus on the advice, he really did, but having Phenex so close made it difficult to concentrate. "Eyes up... right" he muttered quietly.
"Always position yourself sideways" Phenex grabbed Stolas by his waist and slowly pressed it against his own, while his free hand held Stolas' wrist outstretched in imitation of proper posture.
He must have been teasing him on purpose, knowing the semi public setting and the chance of their rather intimate relationship being revealed would only add to it. Stolas could feel the heat of Phenex's body through their clothing, the firmness of his chest and the warmth of his hand on his wrist. He was both flustered and frustrated, knowing that they were out in the open where anyone could see them. But he couldn't help the excitement that coursed through him at the same time, his heart racing and pulse quickening.
He tried to keep his cool, to maintain some semblance of composure, but it was as if his body had a mind of its own. He allowed himself a brief moment to enjoy the feeling of Phenex's body pressed against his own, before finally speaking up. "Phenex... we are in public you know" he hissed, sounding a bit breathless. "Someone might see us like this"
"What! I'm merely tutoring a friend and showing him how to have proper form. If anyone were to assume otherwise, they would be laughed out of the room" he cooed before planting a quick kiss on the back of Stolas' neck.
A shiver ran down his spine as he felt the unexpected kiss, his feathers ruffling slightly at the sensation. He knew that Phenex was playing with him, that he was deliberately toying with his emotions. But he loved it anyway, even if it was making him extremely flustered. He took a deep breath, trying to regain some composure. "We... we can't do this here" he protested weakly, while at the same time pressing himself further against Phenex.
"I'm sorry, but I can not help how alluring you look in a uniform!" The other noble admitted softly. Stolas' face turned a brighter shade of red at the comment, a mixture of embarrassment and flattery at the praise. He looked down at his uniform, a deep blue color with golden threading. He fidgeted a little uncomfortably. "I... I'm not that attractive in it" he protested, trying to brush off the flattery but secretly relishing it.
"No, you're not attractive... You are fucking gorgeous!" Phenex whispered roughly. Stolas' heart skipped a beat at the compliment, he felt like he was on fire. "Phe-Phenex..." he muttered, trying to keep his voice steady and failing miserably. The proximity and the compliments were making his head swim, his mind clouded with a mixture of desire and hesitation. "We... I..." He couldn't find the words to respond, only managing to press back further against his lover, seeking more of his touch. Phenex really had come a long way in his comfort level with their relationship since the morning after Stolas had confessed to him. But now he was beginning to worry that he was becoming a little too comfortable.
"You know, I was thinking" Phenex started, the tone of his voice was lighter than before but it was clear he wasn't done teasing just yet. "I just got a new bed today, I was wondering if tonight you would like to 'try it out' with me?"
A shiver ran through Stolas as the invitation, a mixture of excitement and anticipation welling up inside him. The thought of being alone, with Phenex and having the luxury of privacy and time was immensely appealing. "Yes. Tonight-" he started, his voice hoarse with desire. He caught himself however, remembering where they currently were. He took a breath and tried to school his expression into something less desperate. "I'm looking forward to it" he said with a hint of a smirk.
Phenex pulled away after that, not wanting to push their luck too much. Stolas swallowed back a protest, missing the proximity and the touch almost immediately. He kept his expression neutral as best he could, not wanting to give away just how much he had enjoyed the intimate moment. He mentally cursed at himself, knowing that their relationship was a bad idea, a very bad idea.
But the heart wants what it wants.
Stolas let out a soft sigh in contentment, his body feeling pleasantly boneless and his mind blissfully empty. He lazily rested his hands on his lovers lower back, letting himself sink into the afterglow. The bed they were laying in was extremely comfortable, and the feeling of Phenex's weight on top of him felt grounding and safe. He felt more relaxed than he could ever remember being, his brain completely shutting off as he reveled in the moment. "You're amazing" Phenex breathed out while he nuzzled his face into the crook of his lovers neck.
A small, happy hum escaped Stolas at the compliment, a warm feeling spreading through his chest. He brought a hand up to rest higher on Phenex's back, his fingers idly tracing patterns on his feathers. "You're one to talk" he teased with a lazy smile, leaning his head faintly to the side to give Phenex more access to his neck. "You were incredible." he murmured.
Phenex let out a content hum at the praise and the motion across his back. "I love you." The words made Stolas feel giddy, his heart fluttering in his chest. He pulled Phenex a bit closer and let out a happy sigh. "I love you too" The words settled between them, making Stolas feel happy and loved. He closed his eyes, enjoying the sound of Phenex's breathing and the weight of him on top of him.
After a few moments of comfortably laying together, he broke the peaceful silence. "We... should probably clean up soon" he muttered, not wanting to move but knowing they needed to.
"Awwww, but I like being like this. Tangled together and covered in each other's sexual fluids." Phenex began planting soft kisses to his neck, hoping to entice him to agree. Stolas felt a flush spread across his face at the comment, as his mind immediately zeroed in on the image that painted in his head of what they must have looked like from a third person's perspective. He had to admit, that picture was very appealing. He took a shaky breath, forcing himself to remember that they couldn't stay like this forever. "I.. I like it too, trust me" he admitted, "But we should at least clean up a bit"
"Just a minute more please?" Phenex said while holding Stolas tighter.
Stolas couldn't help the fond sigh that escaped him at the request, melting into the embrace. He always struggled saying no to his boyfriend, and he was especially weak when Phenex begged so sweetly. "Alright, one more minute" he relented.
He relaxed further into the embrace, bringing his arms up to wrap around Phenex's shoulders as he enjoyed the feeling of being held by him. It was times like this that made him feel the most safe and loved, with their bodies intertwined and not a care in the world. He took a deep breath, inhaling Phenex's scent and trying to commit it to memory. He loved the way he felt like this, wrapped up in his arms and blissfully content.
The minute passed sooner than either of them wanted, but eventually he reluctantly spoke up. "Time's up" he said gently, giving Phenex a soft squeeze as a gesture for him to pull away. Reluctantly, Phenex began to pull himself off of Stolas, rolling onto his side and laying down next to him. Stolas sat up gingerly, a small shiver running through him as he glanced at the mess they had made of the new bed. He couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him, it was a rather clear sign of what they had been up to, and he found the sight of it oddly endearing.
Stolas sat up completely, wincing slightly at the feeling of the after effects of their night together on his stomach and thighs. He looked around the room, trying to remember if there were any washcloths or other options for cleaning up. Phenex got up from the bed and stretched with a satisfied groan, "We will worry about cleaning the bed later, for now let's just focus on our selves"
The suggestion immediately got a positive response from Stolas. A warm bath sounded incredibly nice right about now, especially if it meant he could relax with Phenex. "That sounds lovely" he said with a smile, swinging his legs over the side of the bed to stand up. A twinge of soreness coursed through his thighs when he stood up, but he ignored it as he began walking toward the bathroom.
Entering the washroom first, Phenex used his magic to light the candles in the room. In a waive they lit, starting with the ones closest to door and ending with the last few that rest at the far side of the room. With the room now illuminated, Stolas could clearly make out the space as a whole.
The floor and walls were comprised large blocks of smooth, black granite with streaks of white marbling, lining the walls were shelves and cabinet, housing everything from towels and bathrobes, to shampoos and soaps of various scents. In the center was what could be described as a small pool or hot tub about six feet in diameter, deep enough in the center for one or two people to float in it. On the ceiling above it, a device was mounted that would provide a rain effect to the pool if so requested.
Stolas stepped into the bathroom behind Phenex, his eyes taking in the surroundings with an appreciative gaze. He loved the warm candlelit atmosphere, and the pool in the center looked inviting enough for him to slide into it right then.
He followed Phenex to the edge of the pool and dipped a hand in, testing the water. It was exactly the right kind of warm that made him want to instantly sink into it even more. He pulled his hand back out and turned around to face Phenex. Now that they he was really looking, he realized just how messy they both were. Despite it however, Phenex still looked incredibly attractive to him.
Without a moments hesitation, Phenex stepped in and reclined in the shallow edges of the pool. Stolas allowed himself a second to admire the sight for a while. Seeing his boyfriend relax in the warm water, the candlelit casting flickering shadows across his body was a gorgeous sight. Only after a moment did he realize he was just standing there and staring instead of actually joining him. So he snapped out of it and walked over to the pool and began descending down the steps. Once he was waist deep, he sank down into a sitting position, sighing in relief as he felt the warm water soothe his sore muscles.
Phenex immediately slid over to him with a bottle of shampoo in hand. Stolas immediately understood what he was intending to do, and he had no objections to it. He sat up straight and turned slightly to give him better access, his heart already beating a bit faster in anticipation. As the soap came in contact with his body, he felt himself relax a bit involuntarily. The warm water and the feeling of Phenex's hands gently rubbing him felt incredibly nice, and he couldn't help the quiet hums of contentment escaping him.
He closed his eyes and just allowed himself to get lost in the sensations. The warmth of the water, the soft and gentle glide of hands across his body, the feeling of his muscles loosening up… it was pure bliss. He couldn't help but lean into the touch slightly, enjoying the closeness and intimacy. He felt incredibly safe and content.
Opening his eyes slightly he glanced up at Phenex, taking in his focused expression, enjoying how he was giving all of his attention to him.
"Has anyone ever told you how beautiful your plumage is?" Phenex asked him. The prince felt his cheeks heat up at the compliment. No one ever really commented on his feathers before, and he hadn't really thought about it much. "No, no one's ever told me that before" He responded, a small smile on his beak. "It's usually just called 'average' or 'adequate' if it's referred to at all"
"Well it is beautiful"
The compliment made Stolas speechless for a moment, his cheeks growing even warmer as a shy smile spread across his face. He looked away, feeling bashful at the praise but at the same time feeling touched and loved. "Thank you" he whispered, the words coming out softer than he meant them to. He quickly looked back up at Phenex, eyes meeting his.
Despite feeling a bit embarrassed at the intense attention, he couldn't deny the warm feeling it brought to his heart. He loved when Phenex showered him with positive affirmation, and he silently craved those moments. He took Phenex's wrist gently and tugged on it, pulling him a bit closer. "Come here please" he said softly, his eyes still locked on his.
Phenex obeyed without any reserve.
As soon as Phenex moved closer, Stolas brought his arms up and wrapped them around his waist, pulling the other closer until he was essentially sitting in his lap. He snuggled up close to his chest, hiding his face in the crook of his neck to hide his flushed cheeks. "You're really sweet sometimes, you know that?" He muttered against his neck, the words partially muffled by his feathers. "I don't deserve you..."
"And I don't deserve you"
Stolas shook his head slightly, the action tickling Phenex's neck. "No, you deserve so much more. You're too good to me. Kind, sweet, and so, so handsome" he said with conviction, his grip around Phenex's waist tightening slightly.
"And you're a prince. You have the choice pick of lovers, yet you chose me"
Stolas laughed quietly and ran a hand gently along Phenex's shoulder blade. "You say that but I still feel undeserving of you" he admitted quietly. "You're smart, talented, attractive, and I consider myself lucky to even have you as a friend... I don't regret picking you, not for a minute. But I still can't help feeling that I don't deserve to have you all to myself."
Phenex defaulted to rubbing soap across Stolas' back while they were entwined. "Those very same reasons you consider me too good for you are exactly what I love about you. You undersell yourself too much"
Stolas hummed in contentment as he felt the gentle rub of soapy hands across his back. He relished in the feeling of being held and pampered, it made him feel incredibly loved and cared for. "Maybe I do" he admitted, his voice a slightly lower volume now as he relaxed against Phenex, resting his head on his chest. "But it's hard not to when I'm constantly being reminded of my flaws and mistakes."
Phenex looked Stolas right in his eyes. "Who do you respect more, me, or your father?" he asked with a serious tone, almost sounding offended over the comment.
Stolas met his gaze, somewhat surprised by the sudden change in mood. He didn't hesitate before answering, his face hardening slightly when he spoke. "You" he answered without skipping a beat. "Without a doubt"
"Then what does it matter what your father thinks of you, focus on what I think of you!"
Stolas felt his chest tighten at the words, and he looked away for a moment, feeling a bit ashamed. He knew what Phenex said was true, and that he shouldn't care as much about his father's opinion as he did, but a part of him still craved his approval, even if he would probably never get it. He let out a soft exhale and looked back up at Phenex, his expression still somewhat guarded. "It's not that easy..." he protested softly, his grip on him tightening slightly.
"I've grown up being told that my father's opinion is the only one that matters... I know it's stupid, but I can't help craving his approval, even if I know I'll never get it" he muttered quietly, looking down at the water instead of at Phenex. "I know I should only care what you think, you're the only person who really matters to me... but deep down, I still feel like my father's thoughts matter as more, and I hate it"
After a moment of taking in all that was said, Phenex gave Stolas a look of understanding. "We'll work on it"
Stolas felt a small wave of gratitude for Phenex's support, and a bit of shame that he was like this. He hated the hold his father still had over him, and he wanted to break free from it desperately. "Thank you" he whispered, the words somewhat choked with emotion. He pressed his face against Phenex's chest for a moment, his grip on him still tight. He held onto the word 'we' in his head, silently vowing that he'd let Phenex help him.
They sat in comfortable silence for a few more minutes, the only noises being the water gently rippling against the edges of the pool. Stolas felt himself relaxing a bit more into the embrace, a comfortable and warm sort of weight settling across his mind. He shifted slightly and buried his face further into the crook of Phenex's shoulder, hiding his face and inhaling his scent.
"Do you remember when we first met?" he asked suddenly, the thought popping into his head out of nowhere. He smiled faintly as the memories began to come back. "I think it was just a year or two after my mother died. I was just some scrawny, gawky pre-teen with a hyper fixation on botany."
"And I was a introverted hobby obsessed idiot, who looking back now... I am pretty sure had a massive crush on you from the moment I first met you"
Stolas couldn't help the small laugh that escaped his beak at that. He shifted slightly to look up at Phenex, a soft smile on his face. "Really? You had a crush on me that early?"
"In case you didn't notice or don't remember, I couldn't keep my eyes off of you for the whole duration of my families' visit" Phenex replied while holding Stolas' gaze, a small smile gracing his face.
He felt a warm rush of affection in his chest at the words, a small laugh escaping him again. "I did notice you staring at me a lot" he admitted with a bit of a teasing tone. "I just never considered that you could have been crushing on me so heavily that early on"
"I was just too young realize that the fuzzy feeling in my chest was me falling head over heels for you, and not just me being excited to have a friend finally"
The warmness in his chest flared as he heard the words. He smiled softly and nuzzled against his shoulder again. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to hear you say that..." he mumbled quietly. Stolas hummed in contentment and held Phenex a little tighter, his mind feeling hazy and floaty from the words and the warm water surrounding them. Nuzzling his beak into the others shoulder and neck, stolas was completely content to do that for a while until a question came to mind. "So... how obsessed over me were you?"
Phenex held eye contact only for a second before breaking it in slight embarrassment. "This is a little embarrassing to admit, but after the first time we met, I begged my parents to do anything that would let me see you again"
Stolas didn't move from his place against his shoulder, letting a low, amused laugh escape his throat at Phenex's words. He was secretly relishing the thought that he had such a strong effect on him just after they met. "Please tell me you're not exaggerating right now" he mumbled, still snickering quietly against his neck, his beak brushing against his feathers.
"No, I'm not. I spent the whole rest of the night talking to my parents about everything you told me that day" Phenex's face went a little flush, still having trouble maintaining eye contact. The knowledge that he had such an effect on Phenex so early on made a small shiver of happiness run through Stolas. He gave a small hum and pressed a gentle kiss against his neck, his beak brushing over his feathers as he spoke again. "And what did you tell them about me?" he asked.
"That you were a smart, pretty, and I really wanted to see you again."
Despite trying to hold it in, another amused chuckle escaped Stolas at that. It was endearing to hear how he had described him that early on. "All of that after only having a short conversation with the shy, gawky Prince of the Goetia?" he teased lightly, his beak pressing another kiss against the side of his neck.
"Yes, you really made an impression on me. And I am far better for it"
Stolas couldn't help the feeling of pride that filled his chest at the words. He nuzzled closer and held Phenex a slight bit tighter, a small exhale leaving him. "I'm glad I did. You..." he paused, searching for the perfect words. "You've always been a light in my life" he said, voice hushed. "Even when everything else felt dark and cold, you were there to make things feel just a bit brighter."
"And you are my heart, without you I would just be an emotionless seventeen year old, too focused on my studies to have a life" Phenex said while kissing Stolas on the cheek.
The kiss against his cheek sent a warm shiver down his spine, and he hummed in contentment. He was so used to being described as weak and cowardly by everyone around him, hearing that he was a source of strength for Phenex made him feel strangely at ease. "Emotionless?" he mumbled, returning the kiss with a gentle one to his lower beak. "You? I know for a fact that isn't true."
"But it is, you are my only real friend, Stolas. If it weren't for you and your love of stories and emotions, I wouldn't be the same man I am today"
The words settled in his chest like a warm weight, making him feel strangely emotional. A brief flash of memory came unbidden to his mind, a fuzzy, half-forgotten memory of a young Phenex looking shyly at him. He pushed it away for now and gave Phenex's neck another light kiss, hiding his face against his shoulder again.
"I'm glad" he said quietly, his voice somewhat strained with unbidden emotion. "If I'm so important to you, can I ask you something?"
Phenex occupied himself with preening the feathers on Stolas' back with a brush he grabbed using his magic. "Anything, my dearest"
Stolas felt his heart flutter again, the affectionate tone and gentle pet name making the warm weight in his chest turn into a fluttery feeling. He took a moment to collect his thoughts before speaking. "Can you stay with me tonight?"
"Stolas, If you wanted me to run away with you, I would do it in a heartbeat"
The prince froze for a fraction of a second at the words, a spark of desire flashing through him. The idea of running away with him, just being alone and hiden away in a quiet apartment, not worrying about their families or responsibilities... He quickly pushed the feeling away, knowing that he could never actually do it. Instead, he let out a soft hum, his fingers running along Phenex's arms. "You really mean it?" he asked quietly.
"Yes, I do"
The earnest, certain tone of his voice made Stolas' heart flutter again, the warm weight in his chest feeling heavier. He took a slow, somewhat shaky breath, then exhaled and relaxed for a moment.
After a few seconds of quiet, Stolas spoke again. "Stay with me then... for tonight."
"As you wish"
Stolas didn't quite suppress the shiver that ran through him as he heard the familiar words. Those words always made him feel weird, in a good way. He couldn't quite explain it, or why he enjoyed hearing them so much, he just did. Without another word, he closed the distance between them, his beak pressing a soft, yet deep kiss against Phenex's beak.
The world seemed to fall away as they kissed, Stolas' heart feeling like it was racing impossibly fast. The warm press of their beaks together made him feel a little dizzy, almost making him forget how to breathe. After a few seconds, he separated for a moment, his beak brushing against his as he took a shaky, ragged breath.
"Stay with me..." he repeated, his voice coming out more like a ragged whisper, as if afraid to speak the words any louder. "Please"
"As you wish"
Despite the warm water around them, a shiver ran through him as he pressed himself closer to Phenex, needing to be as close as physically possible. "Don't let go of me..." he mumbled against his beak, his voice still coming out somewhat ragged.
They continued kissing for a few more seconds, Stolas' mind going fuzzy and blank as the sensation and the rush of emotions overwhelmed him. His arms encircled his shoulders and held him firmly, pulling him as close as he could.
When the initial kiss ended, he shifted his beak down to his neck, pressing soft, desperate kisses up and down his throat.
Phenex turned his head to allow easier access to his neck. "I would sooner throw myself into the fiery heat of war, then to let you slip from my grasp"
The words, as well as the raw, sincere intensity in Phenex's voice made the already existing feelings of desire and need flare through him. Feeling both bold and desperate for his touch, he moved quickly, shifting so he was straddling his hips and leaning over him.
He paused for a brief moment as the new position he was in fully registered, then brought one of his shaking hands to gently cup the side of Phenex's face. "While your declaration is a touching one, I should dearly hope that such a thing need not come to pass"
"As surely as I live, I will do everything in my power to prevent such a thing from passing. But if the need truly arises, and it were to your benefit or interest that I cast myself into the fray... Then pray for my enemies, for they will be up against a very ticked off man" Phenex pressed a kiss to the prince's cheek, the water rippling around them as he shifts Stolas to rest a bit more comfortably on his lap.
Stolas leaned into the touch, a small, shaky hum escaping him at the feeling of the beak against his cheek. He shifted again, the new position making it so they were practically chest to chest as he now straddled Phenex's thighs, fully ensconced in his lap..
For a moment he was completely still, simply enjoying the closeness and warmth, before he brought both hands up to gently cup the sides of his face. "You are far too devoted to me, my dear" he mumbled softly, his tone a mix of teasing and genuine affection.
"I figure I should only make it a habit now while my mind is still young and pliable, for before we know it you will be the presiding monarch in place of your father!"
Stolas laughed quietly at the comment, finding it both funny, and incredibly attractive. How he was able to speak with the exact mixture of devotion and sarcasm that made him swoon every time was a mystery, and he was too drunk on the feeling to try and figure it out.
He leaned down and nuzzled the crook of his neck, his beak brushing over the feather there as he spoke. "And then you will be my devoted advisor, at my every beck and call" he teased, his voice coming out slightly muffled against the others body.
"Your every beck and call, my lord"
A soft, almost shaky exhale escaped Stolas at those words, his beak once again pressing a soft, yet passionate kiss against his neck. "Yes... my every beck and call... You would be my right-hand man, my trusted advisor... my most loyal and devoted follower" he said quietly, each word accompanied by soft press of his beak against the other's body. He paused for a moment, a small shiver running through him, before continuing. "And I assure you, my darling, I can be very demanding"
"Believe me, I live to serve the crown"
Those words, spoken like an oath, sent a flood of heat through him and caused his heart rate to increase. It was that same strange mix of devotion and sarcasm again, and it was definitely not good for his heart.
He gave a soft hum of satisfaction, then spoke. "Such a dutiful subject you are. I am a lucky demon indeed"
"And I am lucky and honored to have the prospect of serving such a rare a prefect heir to the throne."
The sincere words made Stolas feel that fluttery feeling in his chest again, a sensation that only seemed to get more intense the longer that Phenex spoke. How does he always know how to make me feel like this so effortlessly?
Stolas wrapped one of his arms around Phenex's neck and the other under his arm as laid his head on his shoulder, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. "You are far too sweet to me, my dear"
Phenex took a moment to let the prior banter settle and to enjoy the feeling of Stolas' proximity. He chuckled as he thought back on their conversation, "Stolas, I think we might be hopeless nerds"
Stolas paused for a second as he thought about it, before letting out a soft laugh against his shoulder. "Perhaps we are..." he mumbled, nuzzling closer against his the side of his head. He shifted again, his leg moving slightly and making the water ripple around him. "What does it say about us then, that I'm still finding this extremely enjoyable?"
"That we have received far too much formal training on proper speech, and that we will inevitably fall into the habit of speaking as if we were ripped straight from a Shakespearian play"
Stolas laughed quietly again, unable to deny the truth to that statement. "You're right, I suppose years of forced etiquette lessons and a life surrounded by nobles would do that to a person."
"I blame the Goetia as a whole" he continued, his voice holding a slightly teasing tilt to it.
They stayed like that for a while, not saying anything or doing something aside from simply being close to each other. The water was still warm and pleasantly enveloped them comfortably.
Stolas was perfectly happy to spend the rest of the night like this, wrapped up in Phenex. The closeness, the warmth, the knowledge Phenex was here and wouldn't leave... it was all he wanted.